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Hi there, it's Tamara Keith. Before we get to the show, a quick message. So we've already shouted out an NPR donor earlier this week for giving Tuesday. But it's never too late for one more. Thank you, Politics Pod listener, Kristen from Connecticut. Kristen calls the pod informative and trustworthy and writes, I have learned so much from your

amazing reporters over the years. Your work is critically important now. Kristen, thank you for

the self-esteem boost and the support. This year it means a lot because as of October 1st,

NPR is now operating without federal funding for the first time in our history.

We know you value the NPR Politics Pod. Maybe like Kristen, it's because of our reporters in Washington and around the country.

Or it's our election coverage that keeps you informed or how we help you make sense of the big political stories.

Whatever the reason, you can help us keep going. Please make a gift now by signing up for NPR Plus.

It's a simple recurring donation that gets you perks to over 25 of NPR's podcasts and bonus

episodes to some shows, including this one. If you've already joined,

thank you so much. If not, head to plus.npr.org. Now, on to the show.

Hi, this is Eric from Houston, Texas, where I just received a lovely video message from Miles Parks, my Spotify rap summary, thanking me for being an avid listener.

This message was recorded at 12.7 p.m. on Thursday, December 4th.

Things may have changed by the time you hear it, but I'll still be thinking, huh, so that's what Miles looks like.

Okay, there's the show.

As I was taping it, I had that thought I was like a lot of people are going to be surprised slash maybe even disappointed.

I don't know what that, I don't know what was behind the, huh?

I mean, I guess I'm a unique looking guy.

You know, in the Spotify wrapped, nobody can tell how tall we are. But Miles is quite tall. I am.

Hey there, it's the NPR Politics Podcast. I'm Tamara Keith. I cover the White House. I am Miles Parks and I cover voting.

And I'm Domenico Montanaro, senior political editor and correspondent. And today on the pod,

state and local elections officials used to whisper about their concerns. Now they are

...