The World Cup Is Getting Outplayed By Politics

The World Cup Is Getting Outplayed By Politics

From Left, Right & Center by KCRW

June 12, 2026 · 50 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the intersection of politics and major sporting events, including the World Cup and recent political developments in Maine.

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 Duran Host: 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

People in this episode

Host: David Greene

Guests: Mo Elleithee, Sarah Isgur

Topics covered

  • politics
  • sports
  • immigration
  • elections
  • voter fraud
  • public events

Keywords

  • World Cup
  • politics
  • immigration
  • NBA Finals
  • UFC
  • Graham Platner
  • voter fraud

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Georgetown University's Institute of Politics and Public Service

Places: U.S., Maine

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