Episodes
Election night has come and gone, but when we went to the mics, there was still one race too close to call. Hosts Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim talk about what happened there, plus what the results in Lauren Boebert's districts -- old and new -- say about the future of Republican representation in the state.  Plus, editor Megan Verlee joins to go through all the ballot measures (she couldn't stay away!) and news fellow Kiara DeMare takes us to the 'bittersweet and boozy' Democratic Party's...
Published 11/08/24
Published 11/08/24
On the eve of the election, hosts Bente Birkeland and Caitlyn Kim discuss what they've heard from voters, volunteers and campaigns about the top races on Coloradans' ballots. From Pueblo County to Mesa and Weld, we look at how voters' feelings about the presidential race mirror, and diverge from some of the state's most consequential congressional contests. This episode was edited and produced by Jo Erickson, Shane Rumsey and Megan Verlee.
Published 11/01/24
Once again, conspiracy theories about voting fraud are front and center ahead of a presidential election. Led by their nominee, Republican voters in particular are worried about things like non-citizens voting en masse and bad actors rigging voting machines. Hosts Caitlyn Kim and Bente Birkeland -- with special guest, news fellow Kiara DeMare -- walk through the safeguards in place that keep those things from happening. The tools are as simple as database searches and double-checking...
Published 10/25/24
Grab your ballot and follow along as hosts Bente Birkeland and Megan Verlee introduce you to the dozen-plus questions on the state ballot this fall. From protecting abortion and school choice to banning big cat hunting and taxing guns, they'll provide essential context on all the measures, big and small. If you're left with any questions, more information awaits you at our voter guide: www.cpr.org/voterguide2024 This episode was produced by Shane Rumsey and Jo Erickson.
Published 10/18/24
For this episode, we're doing something we never have before: recording the show in front of a live studio audience. Hosts Caitlyn Kim, Bente Birkeland and Megan Verlee discuss what's at stake for congress in the upcoming congressional races. Which party controls the U.S. House could have a lot to do with how voters in Colorado's newest district are feeling about their first term congresswoman, and her law-and-order challenger. Plus, Rep. Lauren Boebert's district-hopping gamble has...
Published 10/11/24
Voters this fall will decide whether to change how Colorado selects its leaders in the future, by doing away with partisan primaries and ranking candidates in general elections. These reforms are part of a national effort backers say could help push politics back toward the center, and that opponents warn could further erode trust in elections. Hosts Andrew Kenney and Bente Birkeland explain how Prop. 131 would work, introduce you to the multi-millionaire behind it, and break down how these...
Published 10/04/24
Purplish is coming back to help you prepare for Colorado's 2024 election, including contentious congressional races and 14 statewide ballot measures. Tune in for the stories behind those initiatives, and to hear arguments for and against them. Also, why Coloradans will choose new representatives in all the congressional seats Republicans hold. Episodes start October 4. Plus, you can participate in the first Purplish live taping on October 8 in Denver. Get tickets here: cpr.org/purplishlive.
Published 09/27/24
Our hosts discuss the big themes that emerged from Republican primary results and what they mean for the future of the party, and for the general election.
Published 06/28/24
How a pair of two-man races in El Paso County and along the northern Front Range are illustrating the increasingly bitter divisions in Colorado's Republican Party.
Published 06/21/24
With Rep. Lauren Boebert out of the running, which of the half dozen Republicans trying for the seat is likely to win the primary and take on Democrat Adam Frisch?
Published 06/14/24
What to make of the nine major party candidates -- including Rep. Lauren Boebert -- all running in Colorado's fourth congressional district? And how does the vacancy race to fill out Ken Buck's term factor into it all?
Published 06/07/24
From the future of our democracy to the state of their bank accounts, Colorado voters have been telling us about their top concerns for the upcoming election.
Published 05/31/24
Lawmakers were in an usually good mood as they wrapped up their session this week, a marked change from recent years.
Published 05/11/24
Lawmakers say sharing an occasional drink can build camaraderie and release stress during long days under the golden dome, but the legislature’s long tradition of social drinking comes with risks […]
Published 05/03/24
Battles over air quality and the future of drilling are threatening to spill out of the state capitol and onto your ballot.
Published 04/19/24
The state has a “train guy” for governor, and the federal government is offering billions in funding.
Published 04/05/24
Spending limits make it hard for the legislature to put new priorities in the budget. But the tax code is another matter altogether.
Published 03/22/24
Each year, hundreds of Coloradans with terminal illnesses use medication to aid their deaths. But guardrails put in to prevent abuse can turn into major roadblocks for patients. Now lawmakers are considering some changes to the policy.
Published 03/08/24
Denver is cutting its budget to keep up with the cost of sheltering the steady flow of arrivals from the southern border, and that's leading to strain between cities, and questions about what role the state should play.
Published 02/23/24
The session started with a protest over the war in Gaza and the issue has continued to reverberate.
Published 02/08/24
From fateful tarmac conversations to contentious committee hearings, Colorado leaders tell the inside of story of their years'-long fight to ensure the high tech command stays in the state permanently. And why it may not be over yet.
Published 01/29/24
The Mesa County clerk is accused of breaching the security of her office's election computers in order to hunt for evidence of massive fraud. How did Peters, a political novice who ran on lowering DMV wait times, become such a pivotal figure in the ongoing campaign to prove false claims that American elections are rigged?
Published 01/23/24
Lawmakers start their annual session Wednesday, after an off-season that contained more than the usual number of bumps and bruises.
Published 01/10/24
We break down the electoral courtroom drama playing out in Denver right now.
Published 11/16/23