
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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