The World Cup Is Getting Outplayed By Politics
The World Cup Is Getting Outplayed By Politics  
Podcast: Left, Right & Center
Published On: Fri Jun 12 2026
Description: Politics cast a big shadow over several big sporting events this week. The President’s immigration policies are affecting players’ and fans’ plans to travel to World Cup events in the U.S., the Administration hosts a UFC event on the White House lawn, and Trump caused disruption and was met with boos when he visited Madison Square Garden for an NBA Finals game.We dig into the all-important senate race in Maine where Democrat Graham Platner won his party’s nomination despite a series of damaging revelations about his past.Also, could counting votes a little faster in California and elsewhere help head off conspiracy theories about voter fraud in the future?Producer: Leo DuranHost: David Greene Guests:  Mo Elleithee, executive director at Georgetown University's Institute of Politics and Public Service - @MoElleithee Sarah Isgur, senior editor at The Dispatch - @whignewtons