Sound Politics
Sound Politics
A podcast about the candidates, policies, and perspectives shaping the Pacific Northwest. Produced by KUOW in Seattle. There’s a lot to wade through when it comes to Washington State politics. The drama, the facts, the money, and the movers and shakers. In Sound Politics KUOW host Libby Denkmann and politics reporter Scott Greenstone go beyond the ballot to guide you through what’s happening in…Social links:
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Washington stares into the (budget) abyss
It’s everyone’s favorite time of the year… budget season. Washington state legislators are facing a deficit of over $10 billion dollars for the 2025-2027 budget. And, the state’s not alone: King County is looking at maybe a $150 million deficit by 2026. Seattle is about to pass a budget that fille…
26:04
The governor's gambit: Bob Ferguson's rise from chess champ to state leader
Before Bob Ferguson made a name for himself as Washington's Attorney General, he was a chess player. And not just any junior master. In Seattle and abroad, Ferguson earned a reputation as a two-time state chess champion and even won a game against three opponents at once -- while blindfolded. Sound…
20:55
In a redder America, Washington stands alone
While the rest of the country moved towards the right this election, Washington Democrats saw the first sweep of statewide offices since the 1960s. Governor-elect Bob Ferguson, who sued the Trump administration 99 times as Attorney General, announced he's making contingency plans for counteracting …
26:53
As America zigs, Washington zags
Take a break from staring at the New York Times needle and join us as we round up local election results. We're looking at the governor's race, initiatives, and a surprisingly close Supreme Court contest on this election day edition of Sound Politics. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help …
18:26
Is WA a crystal ball for who will become the next president?
How are you fighting the election scaries this Halloween? If you're like the Sound Politics team - you're looking to the future. Washington isn't known for being a decider in the presidential election, but one specificcounty and one statewide primary could be a reliable reflections of the national…
21:56
Doordash, Walmart, and Pinocchio (??) want to sway your vote
What's going on with STATE Legislative races? Today on SoundPolitics, KUOW's Olympia correspondent Jeanie Lindsay joins us to break down the finances behind one of the most expensive races on the ballot this year, as well as why this "purple" district is in play as State Democrats work towards the…
27:26
Will Washington voters pass the gas (initiative)?
Ballots are landing in Washingtonians' mailboxes, leaving voters just a few more weeks to make up their minds on some big issues, like voter initiatives. The first thing on that ballot - at the very top - is an initiative that has equally impassioned and confused voters. Washington Initiative 20…
22:26
Who are the big political donors handing out treats this spooky season?
You’vebeen hearing plenty about the big names on your ballot, but there are many people influencing what shows up on that ballot whom you may have never heard of. Unions, tech entrepreneurs, oil companies and industry associations have given millions of dollars to candidates and campaigns. On this…
22:25
Death, taxes, and horseplay
Washington has a fraught relationship with taxes. And what that relationship looks like in the future is a big part of your ballot this November. In the latest episode of Sound Politics, hosts Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann break down two relatively new taxes that voters will decide whether …
21:49
WA GOP Horoscope: Trump rising, Dan Newhouse in retrograde
Two Republicans are battling to represent Washington's 4th congressional district -- the heart of conservative Washington, a place where being labeled a "vegan" could mean death to your campaign. In one corner sits Dan Newhouse: the incumbent, and one of ten Republicans to vote to impeach Donald T…
23:11