Essential listening during this election season

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If you’re an election junky with a smart phone, we’ve got you covered. Of course, KCRW is regularly talking elections on Press Play, Left Right & Center, and To the Point. (Get them all on our app). But we’ve also mined the big world of podcasting to find a few good shows to make sure you’re up on all the political gab.

Presidential

Whoever ends up in the White House next will become the subject of the Washington Post’s podcast, “Presidential.” The series, hosted by Washington Post editor Lillian Cunningham, looks at each of the U.S. presidents. It will end its current run with the yet-to-be-elected 45th commander in chief. 

FiveThirtyEight’s Elections Podcast

FiveThirtyEight’s elections podcasts feature data-driven analysis of the 2016 presidential contest. If you need more delegate math in your life, then this is the podcast for you. Podcasters and FiveThirtyEight regulars Nate Silver, Clare Malone and Harry Enten are taking their act on the road for a live taping in D.C. on May 4.  

The Pollsters

Speaking of numbers, The Pollsters podcast  is hosted by Democratic pollster Margie Omero and Republican pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson. They explore common themes in the 2016 election through interviews with other pollsters, journalists, brand experts and industry leaders.

Majority Report

Like your elections talk lightly peppered with a dash of comedy? Then Sam Seder’s Majority Report is your mixed green salad of funny, covering the latest state primary and caucus news without constantly trying (and failing) too hard to make you laugh.       

Keepin’ it 1600

Politics junkies Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer keep it real in their podcast Keepin’ it 1600, a name the pair settled on after having to change the show from its original title, “Playing Politics,” because the Minneapolis Star Tribune editorial board has a “probably riveting” podcast that goes by the same name. Favreau spent some time as President Obama’s speech writer and is a columnist for the Daily Beast. Pfeiffer was Obama’s senior advisor. The two make a good podcast pair, riffing on politicians and giving their guests the opportunity to either join in or attempt to pick up the pieces.   

What are your favorite political podcasts? Share them in the comments section below.