Subscribe

PODCAST

Democrats sweep to victory after shutdown becomes longest ever

Tue 11 Nov 2025 08.00

International Affairs
Democrats sweep to victory after shutdown becomes longest ever

The White House/Flickr

BlueskyFacebookLinkednxThread
Listen on appleListen on spotify

In New York City, California, New Jersey and Virginia, American voters sent Trump and Republicans a clear message.

On this episode of After America, Dr Emma Shortis joins Angus Blackman to discuss the results of last week’s sweeping election victories. They discuss what it all means for the Democratic Party, how the MAGA-verse is responding, and the impact of the longest federal government shutdown in American history.

This discussion was recorded on Monday 10 November.

Follow Emma’s work at The Point, where she publishes a column on the week in American politics every Monday.

Join Emma and Don Watson in conversation in Carlton on Saturday 15 November.

Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis

Host: Angus Blackman, Executive Producer, the Australia Institute // @AngusRB

Show notes:

Democrats’ 2025 election wins go beyond big races to places like Georgia, Pennsylvania by Stephen Fowler, NPR (November 2025)

Dems Won. Cue the Far-Right Crash-Out by Kiera Butler, Mother Jones (November 2025)

Photo: The White House/Flickr (U.S. Government work)

Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions

We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au.

Related Articles

WHAT'S NEW

'Anti-achievement' Democrats let pressure off Trump

The Democrats have been criticised for “caving” to Donald Trump to end the longest government shutdown in US history, but political pundits believe the move may be part of a deliberate long-game strategy.

International Affairs
'Anti-achievement' Democrats let pressure off Trump

EXPLAINER

Today’s China in Seven Life Stories

As China shapes the world, who are the people shaping China?

International Affairs
Today’s China in Seven Life Stories

WHAT'S NEW

Democrats sweep to victory after shutdown becomes longest ever

Soaring costs of living and the nation’s longest government shutdown have fueled fierce voter backlash against US President Donald Trump with the Democrats being handed sweeping victories in multiple state elections.

International Affairs
Democrats sweep to victory after shutdown becomes longest ever

WHAT'S NEW

Shorter America this week: Opposing Trump, Trouble in paradise, The American elite

It isn’t always easy to keep up with what’s happening in the US. “Shorter America” is a series where Dr Emma Shortis loops you in on what’s going on in America and shares news and analysis that you can trust.

International Affairs
Shorter America this week: Opposing Trump, Trouble in paradise, The American elite