Where is Mitch McConnell?

Summary

NPR Politics Podcast — “Where is Mitch McConnell?”

Date: July 10, 2026
Hosts: Tamara Keith (B), Sam Greenglass (A), Mara Liasson (C)
Guest: Barbara Sprunt (D)

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Episode Overview

This episode centers on the prolonged and unexplained absence of Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, exploring its political implications and the broader issue of transparency around lawmakers’ health. The team also breaks down high-stakes Senate races, shifting norms in handling political scandal, the fate of a major housing bill, and, in lighter moments, shares personal stories and amusing political characters.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mitch McConnell’s Disappearance and Lawmaker Health Transparency

• Status Unknown: Senator Mitch McConnell has been hospitalized for four weeks; official statements claim gradual improvement but lack specifics ([01:13]).
  • “We've had some statements occasionally from his office saying things along the lines of the senator continues to improve...But beyond that, we really don't know why he's in the hospital or how long he's expected to be there.”—Sam Greenglass [01:13]
• Comparative Context: Other recent absences (e.g., Rep. Tom Kean for depression) have also left the public and colleagues frustrated due to a lack of communication ([02:11]).
• Public Cynicism: These episodes stoke voter skepticism about the transparency and fitness of public officials:
  • “That is not a system. It worked out because there was a doctor who was willing to be candid and a patient willing to receive the advice. But that is not going to happen in most of these cases. And that is a problem.”—Sam Greenglass [04:05]
• Poll Results: Most voters demand more transparency and seek age caps in Congress ([03:25]).
  • “We know that a recent NPR PBS Marist poll showed that an overwhelming majority of voters wanted an age cap from members of Congress.”—Mara Liasson [03:25]
• Incentives to Stay: Congress offers perks that make it hard for aging lawmakers to step aside voluntarily ([05:02]):
  • “It mimics aspects of a senior living facility. You've got attending physician right down the hallway, and lots of people just, you know, catering to your every need.”—Sam Greenglass, paraphrasing Adam Gentleson [05:36]

2. Conspiracies and Transparency (McConnell’s Case)

• Conspiracy Theories: The lack of updates has fueled “wild” conspiracy theories about McConnell’s status, exacerbated by pre-existing doubts about leadership wellness ([01:49], [07:03]).
  • "A lack of transparency can really give fuel to conspiracy theories." —Tamara Keith [06:54]
  • Adam Enders, political scientist, notes that public skepticism has some basis:
    • “There's already this public perception that lawmakers are not maybe being fully transparent about their health.”—Sam Greenglass, paraphrasing Adam Enders [07:03]

3. Transparency Obligations and Political Longevity

• No Legal Requirement: No legal or procedural demand exists for health transparency for the President or Congress ([06:09]).
  • "It's not mandatory for members of Congress to be honest with their constituents about their health."—Tamara Keith [06:09]
• Public Demands: The public expects more; lack of honesty breeds deeper mistrust and conspiracy ([06:41], [06:54]).

4. Michigan Senate Race Dynamics

• Gary Peters Retiring: His departure opens a pivotal Senate seat in a swing state ([07:52]).
• Democratic Primary:
  • Abdul El-Sayed (progressive, Bernie Sanders–backed) vs. Haley Stevens (centrist, supported by Chuck Schumer)
  • Mallory McMorrow drops out due to low name recognition, creating a two-candidate primary ([08:21]–[09:46])
    • “She simply could not get her name ID up to where it needed to be.”—Tamara Keith [09:46]
  • Debate over whether McMorrow’s supporters will shift left or center
• National Implications: The race is seen as a litmus test of progressive vs. moderate Democrats in competitive states ([10:57]).
  • “…in the past, a candidate that's as far to the left as he is would have a hard time winning a general election in Michigan.”—Mara Liasson [11:33]

5. Housing Bill Drama and Trump’s Response

• Popular Legislation: A bipartisan housing bill passes Congress overwhelmingly ([11:33]).
• Trump’s Threat: President Trump posts on Truth Social that he won’t sign the bill, protesting the Senate’s failure to pass his preferred “Save America Act” ([11:33]–[12:07]).
  • “That's one way to shoot yourself in the foot. According to many Republicans who wish he could have just taken the win, this is an extremely popular bill.”—Mara Liasson [12:07]
• Political Play: Democrats now have a potent talking point heading into midterms: that Trump and Republicans are stalling affordability efforts ([12:50]).

6. Scandals, Red Lines, and Changing Norms

• Graham Platner Scandal: The Maine Senate candidate resigns amid allegations of rape, despite surviving prior scandals ([14:41]–[16:50]).
  • “...what we have seen this year...is that there is sort of a red line that's forming and that is credible allegations of assault. And that is...different than say, stuff that the public is more willing to accept these days, like infidelity, like sending shirtless photos...”—Barbara Sprunt [15:11]
• Differing Standards:
  • “For the most part, more Republicans admired in scandal, have survived politically than Democrats have...”—Mara Liasson [17:35]
  • Trump era has moved boundaries for both parties; Democrats are slower to resign for personal or social transgressions, but sexual assault allegations remain a hard line.
• Hypocrisy and Polarization: Voters and parties often excuse “their guy” but not opponents, exacerbating tribalism and cynicism ([20:33]).
  • “It is an example of the sort of, like, Rorschach test that pervades every part of our politics. Like, you know, it's fine for my guy, but when your guy does it, I don't like it.”—Barbara Sprunt [20:33]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Congressional Longevity:
  • "It mimics aspects of a senior living facility...You've got attending physician right down the hallway, and lots of people just, you know, catering to your every need. It is hard to walk away from."
    —Sam Greenglass, quoting Adam Gentleson [05:36]
• On Party Red Lines:
  • “…in the modern post Clinton Democratic Party, an allegation of rape is still beyond the pale. It's a red line for Democrats.”
    —Mara Liasson [16:24]
• On Trump-Era Scandal Response:
  • "In the age of Trump, all the rules are out the window."
    —Mara Liasson and Barbara Sprunt [17:46]
• On Scandal Tolerance:
  • "That needle has really moved for Democrats as well, because there used to be more...litmus test for Democrats, where things like personal scandals, they would usher you out the door more quickly. And Graham Platner is a perfect example of how that standard has eroded."
    —Barbara Sprunt [17:46]

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Political Satire and Cultural Tidbits — “Can’t Let It Go!”

(22:11–27:32)

• Count Bin Face: Mara Liasson cannot stop laughing about the satirical British parliamentary candidate.
  • “Politics is so grim these days that a little ridiculousness seems very appropriate.”—Mara Liasson [23:36]
• Lizzo with the National Symphony Orchestra: Tamara Keith shares her joy at seeing Lizzo perform, underscoring the power of music and surprises like the DC Flute Ensemble ([24:01]–[25:33]).
• Airplane Pet Peeves: Barbara Sprunt vents about the “immediate unbuckling” and crowding on flights post-landing—relatable air traveler gripes ([25:37]–[27:18]).

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Segment Timestamps

• Mitch McConnell Update & Lawmaker Health: 00:45–07:52
• Michigan Senate Race Dynamics: 07:52–11:33
• Housing Bill & Trump’s Response: 11:33–13:06
• Political Scandal—Platner Case & Changing Norms: 14:41–21:02
• Can’t Let It Go: 22:11–27:32

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Takeaways

• Voter demand for transparency around lawmaker health is at odds with entrenched congressional culture and perks.
• Senate races in swing states (Michigan) remain pivotal, reflecting broader intra-party struggles.
• Scandal response bifurcates sharply between parties in the post-Trump era, with shifting “red lines.”
• Public perception and media narratives are highly susceptible to gaps in information, fueling conspiracies.
• Moments of political absurdity and personal joy provide much-needed levity amid constant political turbulence.

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For a deeper dive into any of these topics, listen to the NPR Politics Podcast episode from July 10, 2026.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

It's time for our weekly politics roundup, and there is a lot to round up. Senator Mitch McConnell is MIA, and we'll try to answer the question of what is too far when it comes to political scandals. This is gonna be good. It's the NPR Politics Podcast. I'm Tamara Keith. I cover politics.

[A]

I'm Sam Greenglass. I cover Congress.

[C]

And I'm Mara Liasson, senior national political correspondent.

[B]

And we are recording this at 12:37pm Eastern Time on Friday, July 10, 2026. Sam I want to start with Mitch McConnell, the Republican senator from Kentucky, longtime GOP leader, already planning to retire at the end. He's been in the hospital for about four weeks now, and the rumors and conspiracy theories just really got wild this week. What do you know about his situation?

[A]

TAM we know really, really little about what's going on with Senator Mitch McConnell right now. We've had some statements occasionally from his office saying things along the lines of the senator continues to improve, he's working closely with his staff, he's keeping tabs on what's happening in the Senate. But beyond that, we really don't know why he's in the hospital or how long he's expanding. Expected to be there. There were a couple calls supposedly earlier this week between top Republicans in Congress with Senator McConnell, but we haven't seen video of him, we haven't heard tape of him. And so that has sparked a lot of questions about what is going on with the senator.

[B]

Yes. And even the governor of Kentucky has sent a letter asking for the senator's status. You've been reporting on both McConnell, but not just McConnell, this issue of taking prolonged medical absences in some cases without much explanation.

[A]

Right. That's why this McConnell episode has really stood out, because it comes just a couple of weeks after a Republican member of the House, Congressman Tom Kaine of New Jersey, he'd been absent for almost four months with no explanation. He came back and in a speech on the House floor said that he had been hospitalized for for depression. But many people were still really critical, not of the fact that he was dealing with depression, but the fact that his office didn't say really anything about where he was for such a long period of time. And you can point to all kinds of examples where you've had people in high public office kind of obfuscating about their health, from former Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein of California to questions that were raised both about President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump in terms of their acuity for office. And so this all kind of plays into pre existing notions that a lot of voters have about whether lawmakers, presidents, justices are being fully transparent about their ability to do the job when it comes to their health.

[B]

So, Mara, how much transparency do lawmakers owe the public?

[C]

A heck of a lot more than they're giving them right now. We know that a recent NPR PBS Marist poll showed that an overwhelming majority of voters wanted an age cap from members of Congress. And what's interesting about that is you've got two giant issues colliding. One is this idea of generational change. People really want younger representatives. We've got a real gerontocracy in Congress and in the White House. But also there's tremendous cynicism about politicians. And when there's no transparency, it's one thing if you're old, it's one thing if you're infirm. But if you're not going to tell voters about it, they get angry and cynical, and they're already cynical to start with.

[A]

Yeah. There's a former attending physician to Congress named Dr. Robert Krasner who has told this story about two former Supreme Court justices who were under his care in this position, William Brennan and Thurgood Marshall. And he said that they asked him to to tell them when it was time to step aside, when they could no longer do the job. And he says that when that time came, he did tell them that and helped them write their retirement letters. But what his point is here is that that is not a system. It worked out because there was a doctor who was willing to be candid and a patient willing to receive the advice. But that is not going to happen in most of these cases. And that is a problem. And there's really no good way of dealing with this except for elections.

[C]

Sam, I have a question. There are some people who leave before they're infirm. I mean, Nancy Pelosi is an example. Why do you think that members of Congress hang on by their fingernails for so long?

[A]

Yeah, I was talking about this earlier this week with Adam Gentleson. He's a former Democratic Hill staffer who worked for Senator Harry Reid, for Senator John Fetterman. And he says that one of the problems is that lawmakers need to make these decisions while they still can, while they're still in their prime, well before they need to step aside and can no longer do the job. And they often do not do that. And one of the reasons for that is because there are a lot of perks to being a member of Congress. Not just the ones you would expect, but perks that are very particular to being helpful as you're getting older. Here's what he told me. It mimics aspects of a senior living facility. You've got attending physician right down the hallway, and lots of people just, you know, catering to your every need. It is hard to walk away from. Yeah, you've got drivers, you've got catered lunches once a week. Gentlinson told me you have interesting tantalizing topics on intellectual issues, the kinds of events you might see in a senior center. Except this case, it is, you know, a hearing or a confirmation for an important issue that you're voting on in Congress.

[B]

I think it's also just really important to say that it is not mandatory that the President of the United States reveal everything that's in his physical that he gets. It's not mandatory for members of Congress to. To be honest with their constituents about their health. These are public figures who are elected by the people who are there to represent all of us. And yet there's no legal obligation. And I, and I think some of them would question whether there's a moral obligation.

[C]

But maybe in this case, the members of Congress need to look to the public because the public is pretty clear about what obligation members have. They want them to serve only until they are no longer able, and they want them to be transparent.

[B]

And as we've seen with that Mitch McConnell situation, a lack of transparency can really give fuel to conspiracy theories.

[A]

You know, I talked to a political science professor at the University of Louisville, Adam Enders, who studies conspiracy theories. And one of the things he told me is that the reason so many of these have been sparked online around McConnell and around Cain is because there's an element of truthiness to them, as Colbert used to say, that there's already this public perception that lawmakers are not maybe being fully transparent about their health. And it is not the worst thing in the world for constituents to be monitoring this and asking questions and having a level of skepticism about whether their elected officials are fit to serve. And especially in a really narrowly divided Congress, that can matter when these votes are often decided on the flip of one or two members.

[C]

Yeah. And that's why sometimes you even see members being wheeled in, in a, in a wheelchair or from a hospital room

[B]

to cast a vote, which is wild, but has definitely happened. Um, so speaking of members of Congress, retiring or not retiring, Michigan Democratic Senator Gary Peters actually is retiring at the end of his term. That has created an open seat in a swing state, Michigan. And this week, one of the three Democrats running to replace him dropped out. That's Mallory McMurrow. Sam, give us the lay of the land there.

[A]

Yeah, this is a key state, as you said, in part because it is a state that President Trump won in 2024, but the incumbent is a Democrat. And so this will be key to Democrats goals of trying to retake the Senate this fall. And it's also kind of become so closely watched because it's a window into some of the bigger conversations that Democrats are grappling with now about the future of the party, not only headed into this election, but beyond. So, yeah, as you mentioned, not only is this a key swing state, it is key because President Donald Trump won there in 2024. And so Democrats are defending this seat and it's seen as absolutely critical for their goal of retaking the Senate this year. Now, brief lay of the land, there were three candidates in this race. Abdul Al Sayed, he's a public health official, he's running to the left end of the spectrum, has been endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders. And then there's Congresswoman Haley Stevens. She's running more as a centrist, has the backing of Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. And then there was this third kind of middle candidate trying to be the Goldilocks of this race, State Senator Mallory McMorrow. And the news this week is that she dropped out of that race on Sunday, making this from a three way, kind of chaotic race into a head to head matchup with just a couple of weeks left to go.

[B]

Yeah. And I talked to a consultant who's worked with McMurraw, who said that she simply could not get her name ID up to where it needed to be. She spoke at the Democratic National Convention. She was seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party. But Congresswoman Haley Stevens has a huge amount of money behind her and from outside groups. And El Sayed has a lot of grassroots energy, and McMurray just wasn't able to get any traction in that environment, and so she dropped out. What this person said, though, which I think is really interesting, is don't assume that her votes are necessarily going to one person or the other, that, yes, she is maybe more towards being an establishment candidate, but she also sort of channeled the desire for change that a lot of Democrats had. So it's possible her voters go to Al Said. It's possible they go to Stevens. It's not clear. This race, Mara, though, is a really big test of that sort of progressive versus moderate. And who can win not just in New York City and Denver, Colorado, but in a really purple state?

[C]

Yeah, that's a really big question. You know, Al Said definitely has the same kind of progressive energy that you saw behind Graham Platner, the candidate for Senate in Maine who imploded and dropped out. And there are a lot of Democrats that worry about his ability to win in a general election against Mike Rogers. I'll say it does not fit the mold of Democrats who have won previously in the Midwest. We might be in a whole new era, but there's no doubt that in the past, a candidate that's as far to the left as he is would have a hard time winning a general election in Michigan.

[B]

And one last thing before we take a break. That housing bill that Congress overwhelmingly passed a couple of weeks ago that is set to become law tonight unless President Trump vetoes it, which he has not indicated he will do, but he did post on Truth Social this morning saying, quote, I will not sign the housing bill. Uh, and then he goes on to say he's doing that in protest over the fact that the United States Senate is not capable of passing the Save America Act. Mara, what do you make of this?

[C]

That's one way to shoot yourself in the foot. According to many Republicans who wish he could have just taken the win, this is an extremely popular bill. It was bipartisan, passed by big majorities, the parties worked across the aisle to get the housing bill passed, exactly what voters want them to do. And instead of taking the win, this is an issue housing that many voters consider to be extremely important. Housing is just too darn expensive. And instead of taking the win, he decided to hold up the bill and say he wouldn't sign it, even though it's going to become law anyway. He missed a big opportunity to take credit for something that was very popular.

[B]

Sam, how about that Save America Act? Does this protest from the president change anything?

[A]

No, it doesn't. At least in terms of the prospects of the Save America act being passed. What it does change is that it gives Democrats a talking point headed into this midterm election where they can say that President Trump and Republicans are standing in the way of efforts to make life more affordable.

[B]

All right, we are going to let you get back to your reporting. Sam, thanks so much for joining us today.

[A]

No problem.

[B]

And we are going to take a quick break and we will have more in a moment.

[C]

Support for this podcast and the following

[D]

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[A]

NPR President Trump says the ceasefire with Iran is over. This week on Consider this, a former high ranking US Diplomat shares his thoughts on what could happen next.

[B]

The rulers in Tehran clearly believe they have a stronger will than the United States.

[A]

I don't think there are any good options. That's this week on Consider this. You can get the full story behind the headlines every afternoon. Listen on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[B]

This is Tonya Moseley, co host of Fresh air. From mail in ballots to racial gerrymandering, a lot is at stake for America's free and fair elections. I spoke with journalist Ari Berman about what he calls a final blow to the Voting Rights Act.

[A]

My fear is that we are returning to a politics of Jim Crow in the South.

[B]

Listen to Fresh AIR on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome back. And congressional correspondent Barbara Sprunt is here now. Hey, Barbara.

[D]

Well, hello.

[C]

Hello.

[B]

So we talked yesterday on the pod about Democrat Graham Platner's announcement that he is dropping out of the race to represent Maine in the US Senate after allegations which he has denied that he raped a woman who he once dated. Check out that episode if you missed it. But Barbara Platner has had so many controversies, so many. Oh my goodness. So why was it this last one that just went too far for Democratic Party leaders and everyone else and they forced him out?

[D]

Yeah. Well, I mean, I think that like when we talk about political scandal, there's like a tendency to sometimes sort of like loop everything under that one big umbrella. And I think that what we have seen this year in this campaign and in other instances in Congress where members have resigned because of sexual misconduct alleg allegations that we're seeing that there is sort of a red line that's forming and that is credible allegations of assault. And that is, you know, that's different than say, stuff that the public is more willing to accept these days, like infidelity, like sending shirtless photos of yourselves. You know, like I Keep coming back to, like, I think it was 2011, when a congressman, there was a report that he had, like, shared a shirtless photo of himself with someone, and he resigned the day it came out. And I'm like, you look at that now, and you're like, oh, how quaint. How many shirtless photos have I seen of politicians that I didn't wanna see? Yes.

[B]

How many shirtless photos have I been forced to look at?

[D]

Yes. And to say, like, you know, so I think it's good to fight against this, like, inclination to group all of these things together. Assault, allegations of assault is different. And that is what we see bear out in the party and in the voters.

[C]

Yeah. And despite the fact that Platner used a pretty Trumpian approach to his farewell address, saying that he wasn't confessing to anything and it was the powers that be that that were forcing him out, it's also true, as Barbara says, that not all scandals are created equal. And at least in the modern post Clinton Democratic Party, an allegation of rape is still beyond the pale. It's a red line for Democrats.

[B]

Is it a red line for Republicans?

[C]

Well, that's the big question, because Trump has created a whole new era of political scandal where he has gotten away with things that would have ended the careers of many, many merely mortal politicians. You know, he famously said he could stand on Fifth Avenue and shoot someone and not lose any voters. He bragged about grabbing women by the genitals, and he was still elected. So I think it is true that Republican voters, especially in the age of Trump, are more tolerant of scandals than Democratic voters are now. You can always find exceptions. Bill Clinton gutted it out and survived. There are Republicans who've had to resign, but for the most part, more Republicans admired in scandal, have survived politically than

[B]

Democrats have, which is fascinating because the Republican Party brand is the family values party.

[C]

Right. But in the age of Trump, all the rules are out the window.

[D]

All the rules are out the window. And I think Democrats are also taking notice of this. And, I mean, I talked to some Democratic strategists, people who've been on the Hill in decades past, and, like, one thing that really stood out to me is that they will say, well, that in just 10 years, you know, in just a decade, that needle has really moved for Democrats as well, because there used to be more of sort of like a moral absolutism, some sort of, like, litmus test for Democrats, where things like personal scandals, they would usher you out the door more quickly. And Graham Platner is a perfect example of how that standard has eroded. And the fact that so many Democrats stood by him for so long over allegations of the Nazi tattoo and infidelity and bad Reddit posts, like, they stood by him for a long time. And I think that tells you a lot about the lessons that they are taking from this Trump era as well.

[B]

There were not just allegations. There was confirmation from his campaign and his wife that he had been sexting outside of his marriage. Early in that marriage, there then was the New York Times article where a former girlfriend described a toxic relationship and also said that he had known that the tattoo was Nazi imagery. And very high profile Democratic politicians stuck through him through all of that.

[C]

Well, you know, this is. This is a real example of a couple big forces that are at work in politics today. And don't forget, on the same day Graham Platner dropped out, a judge ordered President Trump to pay e. Jean Carroll $5 million after a jury found that he sexually abused and defamed her. That was a civil suit. But first of all, in an era of hyperpolarization and partisanship and tribalism, people see incentives to stick with their gu no matter what he did. And that leads to even more voter cynicism than we have already.

[B]

Well, and Mara, you mentioned President Trump. There was this remarkable thing that happened on Air Force One. It was the day that Graham Platner ultimately ended up announcing that he was going to withdraw from the race. But it was before he had done it. President Trump was on Air Force One, and he was asked about Platner's travails.

[A]

And it's really a question of whether

[C]

or not you believe the woman. A lot of people say big falsehoods. Yeah. If you could hear him, he said, it depends on whether or not you believe the woman. A lot of people say big falsehoods. It sounded as if he was questioning the woman's account. He sounded like he was pretty sympathetic to Graham Platner.

[B]

And it came in stark contrast with a statement from the Republican National Committee saying, all Democrats stood by Graham Platner and they should be punished for standing by someone like him.

[D]

It is an example of the sort of, like, Rorschach test that pervades every part of our politics. Like, you know, it's fine for my guy, but when your guy does it, I don't like it. You know, it's just like. It's a sort of, like, disappointing element that we find ourselves in when it comes to politics.

[B]

Okay, let's take a quick break. And when we get back. It's time for Can't Let It Go. This week on Sources and Methods, fresh

[D]

strikes between Iran and the United States.

[A]

Is the war back on? What Iran wants is to basically charge

[C]

a toll or insurance fees to go

[A]

through the Strait of Hormuz.

[C]

That may be the way out of this. Plus President Trump's surprise promise to Ukraine.

[D]

Listen now on sources and Methods on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

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The last phase of the World cup is underway and the NPR Network has been there since the first whistle. Cape Verde is a small African island

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nation that surprised everyone by making it

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Ronaldo did something no man or woman has done before.

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Before he scored goals in six different

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As we enter the final matches of

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[D]

So you've decided you want to be more active? Exercise scientist Keith Diaz says put away the smartwatch.

[C]

Start by noticing your body's natural cues.

[A]

For us to build a habit to check back in with our bodies, that behavior is much more likely to tracking

[D]

what the body needs. That's on the TED Radio Hour podcast. Listen on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[B]

And we're back. And it's time for Can't Let It Go, the part of the pod where we talk about the things from the week that we cannot stop thinking about politics or otherwise. Mara Liasson what can't you let go of?

[C]

I can't let go of Count Bin Face as a character in England. And the story is that Nigel Farage, who's a right wing populist leader, he was one of the big proponents of Brexit. He triggered a special election because of a financial scandal. He failed to disclose a giant donation from a billionaire. So he resigned his seat in Parliament, triggering a special election. His opponents called that a stunt and all of the other parties, Labor, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Republicans, refused to field a candidate against him. So his only opponent right now is Count Benface. Count Benface is a person, a guy dressed up as a garbage can or a bin in British English. And Count Benface is a comedian. His name is John Harvey. He has dressed up as Count Benface before. He's actually run wearing his garbage can headdress and uniform against three British prime ministers in the last and the reason why I can't let this go is that politics is so grim these days that a little ridiculousness seems very appropriate.

[B]

Mara this reminds me of Vermin supreme, the man who wears a boot on his head and runs for president every cycle in New Hampshire.

[C]

I forgot about him.

[D]

These pictures, Mara, I just googled them and, like, wow, what a. What a bin.

[C]

It's a beautiful bin.

[D]

It is very shiny, very clean.

[B]

Is he friends with Bode McBoatface?

[C]

I don't know the answer to that.

[B]

All right, I will go next. What I can't let go of is an experience. So this week, I went to Wolf Trap, which is this great national park performing arts space, an outdoor concert venue, and I saw Lizzo perform with the National Symphony Orchestra. And as you may know, that sounds cool. It was very cool. She was so delighted to be playing with the orchestra. The orchestra seemed so delighted to be performing with her. It was just very heartwarming.

[D]

She's a flautist, right?

[B]

And she's a flautist. And so she played flute.

[D]

Oh, that's cool.

[B]

In multiple different times. One song was, like a symphony piece that featured the flute. And the other just totally awesome thing about this is that there was an opening band that was the DC Flute Ensemble. DC Flutes. Who knew? It's an entire orchestra of flutes. Oh, my gosh. And I learned that there are different types of flutes, including the contrabass flute, which is taller than a person.

[D]

What?

[B]

And gives you those. Bass flute.

[D]

I gotta Google that, too.

[B]

You do need to Google that.

[D]

The contra bass flute.

[B]

Look it up.

[D]

Feels like contraband flute. Oh, but it is, but it's not. It's just a really big flute.

[B]

It is a gigantic standing flute.

[D]

Kind of thought that, like, a really big flute was just a different instrument, you know? But no, no.

[B]

Nope. This is all in the flute family.

[D]

Wow. Keeping it in the family. That sounds so cool. Go, Lizzo.

[B]

It was. It was really a lot of fun. Barbara, what can't you let go of?

[D]

I have kind of like a kvetchy. Can't let it go. Which is like. So when you're flying and the plane lands, and I know people have different feelings about clapping or not clapping. Okay, we'll move past that. But the. The, like, immediate unbuckling of the seatbelt and getting up, and I'm like, bro, there is nowhere for us to go. Like, let's wait until, like, people advance out of the aisle before we get up. Otherwise, everyone is just, like, jockeying to stand up. And I'm kind of like, why? There's nowhere for us to go. Let's just remain seated and then ex in an orderly fashion so that your backpack isn't bumping up all over everybody.

[C]

You're gonna have a second career as a flight attendant.

[D]

Yeah, I would be, but I'd have like a little taser and I would be like, sit back down.

[B]

I find that behavior slightly annoying. What I find more annoying is everybody lining up to get on the plane way too early and then forming these long lines. And then you're like, oh, no, should I be in this line? Oh, am I doing something wrong by not standing in this line? And it's like, oh, my gosh, why are we so eager to sit down in a tin can that we're going to be stuck in for a very long time?

[D]

Yeah. And you know, I'll say, perhaps shocking no one, I've never been in first class, but if I had, I don't get why, like, they want to board first and then everyone, again with the bump and backpack. Like, you board first, your fancy self boards first in first class, and then all the plebeians walk through and bump all over you as you go through. Like, wouldn't you prefer to board last and have no one bother you? But again, a problem, I'll never know.

[B]

So maybe someday you'll be on a flight and you'll have so many miles that they'll be like, Barbara Sprunt, would you like to sit in first class?

[D]

We've got this exercise only if I can board last.

[B]

All right, that is a wrap for today. Our executive producer is Mathani Muturi. Our editor is Rachel Bay. Our producers are Kate Suggs. Thanks to Dana Farrington and Jason Breslow. I'm Tamara Keith. I cover politics.

[D]

I'm Barbara Sprunt. I cover Congress.

[C]

And I'm Mara Liasson, senior national political correspondent.

[B]

And thank you for listening to the NPR Politics podcast. I think you were hoping to get more argument out of us in meeting our colleagues.

[D]

I mean, it's quite possible that I just have a lot of annoyances, you

[C]

know, the knockout phase of the World cup is underway. At every stage, the excitement level goes

[A]

up and up and up, creating core

[C]

memories with strangers in a foreign land.

[A]

This is what it's really about.

[B]

Coverage of the highs and lows from the NPR Network continues. Find the World cup tab in the

[A]

NPR app for more.

[B]

On NPR's Wildcard. Podcast writer Terry Tempest Williams on what it means to be a woman with a big voice and big eyes ideas in our culture.

[D]

I don't know if we have to

[B]

prove we're not crazy, but we're always being asked if we are watch or listen to that wildcard conversation on the NPR app or on YouTube @NPRWildcard.