Political Breakdown

Scott and Marisa are joined by John Cox, Republican candidate for governor in the recall election. Cox shares stories about his single mother's career as a teacher and discusses his ideas to boost construction of housing in California. He also talks about his opposition to mask mandates in schools and his initial reaction to the idea of campaigning with a live bear: "I didn't want to do it," he said. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Larry Elder, the leading candidate to potentially replace Governor Gavin Newsom in the recall election, cancels his appearance on Political Breakdown for the second straight week. Marisa and Scott call up Politico California senior writer Carla Marinucci and KQED politics reporter Katie Orr to discuss Carla's story about Elder brandishing a gun at his ex-fiancée. They also discuss Elder's attitude toward women, the latest GOP candidate debate and preview the biggest themes in the recall election now that voting is underway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Marisa discuss Governor Gavin Newsom's vaccine mandate for teachers and the sharp contrast it draws with his Republican challengers in the recall election. Then, Ludovic Blain, Executive Director of the California Donor Table joins to discuss the organization's work, the California law that is shrinking the electorate in local races and what's missing in the message and strategy of Newsom's campaign to defeat the recall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marisa and Guy Marzorati recap the first recall candidate debate and discuss how the Newsom campaign is responding to the emergence of Larry Elder as the leading replacement candidate. Then, Teri Holoman, Associate Executive Director of Governmental Relations at the California Teachers Association joins to discuss her early mentors in politics, the importance of creating space for Black women in policymaking, how her role is like a "political firefighter," last year's negotiations around returning to in-person education and where the union stands on a vaccination mandate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With weeks until ballots are mailed out in California's September 14th gubernatorial recall election, Guy Marzorati and Katie Orr talk with Republican Assemblyman Kevin Kiley, one of the candidates vying to potentially replace Governor Gavin Newsom. Kiley shares how he would respond to the latest rise in COVID-19 cases, whether California should change its recall laws, his experience in Teach for America and his proposal for a school voucher program in California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The field of candidates hoping to replace Governor Gavin Newsom in the September 14 recall election is set at 46 contenders. Scott and Katie Orr discuss court rulings this week that reshaped the ballot. Then, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria joins to discuss his early interest in politics and coming out, the changing politics of his city, how to create a "bigger city vision" for San Diego and his favorite animals at the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before the Friday deadline for candidates to enter the recall election, Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss the state of the race and the challenge of turning out voters for a summer election. Then, Suzette Martinez Valladares, Republican Assemblywoman from Santa Clarita, joins to discuss her family's history in California and how it has shaped her views on issues like criminal justice, her recent resolution to honor Nancy Reagan, her work in the legislature's Problem Solvers Caucus, and why "we need more moms" in the state legislature. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As President Joe Biden pitches a bipartisan infrastructure plan, Scott and Marisa revisit their May interview with Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, who discusses the rational for clean energy investments, and reflects on her time governing a purple state and how she has balanced career and political aspirations in her marriage. This interview first aired on May 27, 2021. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Governor Gavin Newsom will face voters on September 14, as Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis announces the date of the recall election. Marisa and Scott discuss the latest in the recall campaign and Thursday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling on voting rights. Then, author Mark Arax joins to discuss whether California's latest drought could reshape the state's water politics, his reporting on the Resnick family in his latest book, "The Dreamt Land," and grower politics in the Central Valley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Marisa talk to Kim Foxx, the State's Attorney for Cook County, Illinois about President Joe Biden's plan to push back against a national surge in violent crime. Foxx also discusses what's causing the increase in crime and reacts to criticism of progressive prosecutors, before sharing stories of her childhood and 8th grade election victory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marisa and Scott talk with WLRN's Caitie Switalski Muñoz to compare the pandemic response and recovery in California and Florida. Then, Jessica Post, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, joins to discuss what went wrong for Democrats in statehouse campaigns in 2020, her ten-year vision to flip state legislatures and the most important statehouse battlegrounds in 2022. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California Democrats vow to fight a federal ruling overturning the state's assault weapons ban. Scott and Marisa reunite in-studio to analyze the political fallout from the ruling and discuss Vice President Kamala Harris' trip to Guatemala and Mexico. Then, Honey Mahogany, chair of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee joins to discuss her childhood in the city, her career as a drag performer, her vision for the Democratic party in San Francisco and the nexus of politics and performance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could Californians vote on the recall of Governor Gavin Newsom as soon as this summer? Scott and Marisa discuss the potential and politics of an expedited recall timeline with KQED's Guy Marzorati. Then, Washington Post columnist Karen Tumulty joins to discuss her book "The Triumph of Nancy Reagan," sharing stories of the first lady's time in Sacramento and Washington, the Reagans as parents, and Nancy's role in the administration's handling of the AIDS epidemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Marisa and Guy Marzorati are joined by Republican consultant Liz Mair to discuss Governor Gavin Newsom's vulnerabilities in the recall election. Mair also shares her experience on the 2012 campaign to defeat the recall of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker, why California Rep. Devin Nunes is suing her and why she has remained in the Republican Party as a critic of former President Donald Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marisa and Scott discuss Governor Gavin Newsom's plans for a projected $75.7 billion surplus, and new polling that finds flatlining support for recalling the governor. Then, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon joins to discuss the state budget, investments in transitional kindergarten, when the governor's emergency powers should end and his pandemic reading list. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Marisa discuss the growing spectacle of the recall campaign, including John Cox stumping with a live bear and Caitlyn Jenner's interview on Fox News. Then, former California Air Resources Board chair Mary Nichols joins to discuss how she arrived in California, working for Jerry Brown and Arnold Schwarzenegger, how Joe Biden has followed California's lead on climate policy and the potential for ongoing collaboration with China on lowering emissions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marisa and Scott recap the historic Bay Area presence at President Joe Biden's address to Congress on Wednesday night and KQED's Guy Marzorati joins to discuss the major milestone in the recall campaign against Governor Gavin Newsom. Then, new Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley discusses her special election victory, coronavirus politics in the county, how the recall campaign is playing in OC and why she touts her graduation from Head Start. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How will the conviction of Derek Chauvin impact the debate over police reforms in California? Scott and Marisa discuss how police groups responded to the verdict and whether newly-confirmed Attorney General Rob Bonta can deliver on a progressive agenda. Then, Susan Page, Washington Bureau Chief for USA Today, joins to discuss stories from her new book "Madam Speaker: Nancy Pelosi and the Lessons of Power," including the influence of Pelosi's mother, Nancy D'Alesandro, her first run for Congress in 1987 and who might run succeed her in Congress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Marisa discuss the crucial decision facing Governor Gavin Newsom and the state legislature on whether to mandate classroom instruction in the fall. Then, retired police lieutenant Diane Goldstein, executive director of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, joins to talk about the role of decisions made by state legislatures in police killings like the shooting of Daunte Wright, the lobbying power of law enforcement groups, Senate Bill 2 to decertify officers engaged in misconduct and how her brother's death from an overdose inspired her reform work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marisa and Scott discuss Vice President Kamala Harris' return to the Bay Area and Governor Gavin Newsom's announcement on the full reopening of California businesses, plus what a potential Caitlyn Jenner candidacy would mean for the likely gubernatorial recall election. Then, Chinese Hospital CEO Jian Zhang joins to discuss her journey to San Francisco, how Chinatown avoided a COVID-19 outbreak, the affects of anti-Asian violence on her staff, the challenges facing community hospitals and whether she ever tried to convince the late Rose Pak to quit smoking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new survey from the Public Policy Institute of California finds just 40% of likely voters in favor of recalling Governor Gavin Newsom from office. Scott and Katie Orr discuss the governor's political prospects and Thursday vaccination against COVID-19. Then, Democratic consultant Rose Kapolczynski joins to discuss why Democrats should not recruit a 'plan B' candidate to run in the recall, managing Barbara Boxer's 1992 campaign for Senate and why she enjoys working with underdog candidates. Plus, an April Fools Joke that Rose doesn't fall for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oakland Assemblyman Rob Bonta is Governor Gavin Newsom's pick to be California's next Attorney General. Scott and Marisa discuss the nomination and Vice President Kamala Harris' assignment to lead the Biden administration's handling of border issues. Then, Randy Economy, senior advisor on the campaign to recall Newsom shares the story behind his name, how he got into politics, and the path forward for the recall effort. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The campaign to recall Governor Gavin Newsom is heating up as proponents hand in the signatures they hope will force an election, while the governor lays out his strategy to defeat the recall. Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss the political path ahead for Newsom and how the rise in anti-Asian violence could affect his choice for Attorney General. Then, State Senator María Elena Durazo, D-Los Angeles, joins to discuss growing up in a farmworker family, how she built political power for organized labor in Los Angeles, and why she decided to run for elected office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Marisa discuss Governor Gavin Newsom's unique State of the State address, the potential recall election and Newsom's upcoming pick for attorney general. Then, Alicia Garza, Principal at Black to the Future Action Fund and co-creator of #BlackLivesMatter, joins to discuss the passage of the American Rescue Plan, the trial of Derek Chauvin and growing up in Marin County. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The state legislature approves a $6.6 billion plan to incentivize a return to in-person instruction, but will it move the needle on reopenings? Marisa and Scott discuss the plan with KQED's Katie Orr and Guy Marzorati. Then, Wendy Weiser, Vice President for Democracy at the Brennan Center for Justice, joins to discuss the voting restrictions moving through state legislatures around the country, as well as potential changes to voting rights from Congress and the Supreme Court. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Marisa analyze California Attorney General Xavier Becerra's confirmation hearing for Health and Human Services Secretary and the heightened political tensions in the school reopening debate. Then, Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton joins to discuss her transition from a judge to prosecutor, the divide between progressive district attorneys and unelected line prosecutors and her reaction to speculation that she's on Governor Gavin Newsom's shortlist to replace Becerra as Attorney General. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the eve of the 79th anniversary of the executive order that authorized the internment of Japanese-Americans, Congressman Mark Takano shares the story of his family's internment with Marisa and Scott. They also discuss how Takano was outed as gay during an early run for Congress, his legislative agenda to assist U.S. military veterans as chair of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs and his thoughts on the recent attacks on Asian-Americans in California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New polling shows California Senator Dianne Feinstein's approval rating underwater for the first time. Scott and Marisa discuss the survey and their takeaways from former President Donald Trump's second impeachment trial. Then, San Jose Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren joins to share stories from her participation in all four impeachment proceedings in modern history, why she was drawn to working on immigration and what happened when she tried to list "Mother" as her ballot designation during her first run for Congress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marisa and Scott discuss two new statewide polls on Governor Gavin Newsom's performance and the state's response to the pandemic. Then, Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia joins to discuss his city's success in distributing vaccines, its "hero pay" legislation, why his family idolized Ronald Reagan, overcoming self-hate after coming out as gay and losing his mother and step-father to COVID-19 last year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With criticism mounting over California's reopening guidelines, unemployment insurance system and the stalemate in reopening public schools, Scott and Marisa analyze the political fallout for Governor Gavin Newsom. Then, Orange County Congresswoman Michelle Steel joins to discuss her journey from South Korea to America, how her mother's small business inspired her to run for political office, Orange County's resistance to COVID-19 orders and her vote against the second impeachment of President Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dee Dee Myers, Director of Governor Gavin Newsom's Office of Business and Economic Development and the former White House Press Secretary for President Bill Clinton, talks to Marisa and Scott about the importance of the White House daily briefing, California's slow distribution of vaccines and the state's economic outlook -- before revisiting her showdown with Scott in San Francisco's 1991 mayoral election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the second part of Political Breakdown's inauguration preview, Scott and Marisa discuss how the Biden Administration will impact policy and politics in the Golden State, with U.S. Senator-designate Alex Padilla, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, former state GOP chair Duf Sundheim and Rep. Anna Eshoo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first part of Political Breakdown's inauguration preview, Marisa and Scott discuss the latest safety precautions at the U.S. and California State Capitol buildings, the threat of extremist groups during Joe Biden's first term and how domestic extremism could affect Republican Party politics, with KQED's Katie Orr, USA Today national correspondent Will Carless and The Bulwark writer-at-large Tim Miller. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former California Senator Barbara Boxer joins Scott and Marisa to share her reaction to the insurrection at the Capitol last week, the harrowing experiences she's heard from former colleagues and her memories of being in the Senate on September 11th, 2001. Boxer also discusses the House impeachment of President Trump, what to expect from the Biden administration on climate change, the controversy over her registration to advise a Chinese surveillance firm and how she spends her days in the Coachella Valley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marisa and Scott discuss the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and the response of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and California Republicans in Congress. Then, political organizer Steve Phillips, founder of Democracy in Color, joins to talk about the connection between the coup attempt and the Democrats' Senate wins in Georgia and his upcoming book on how the Civil War continued beyond Appomattox. Phillips also discusses his first meeting with Stacey Abrams in 2011 and the reluctance of some national organizations to invest in candidates of color. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As 2020 comes to a close, Marisa, Katie Orr and Guy Marzorati preview the year ahead in California politics, including the recall campaign against Governor Gavin Newsom and the role that Californians will have in shaping the agenda of the Biden administration. Plus, a look at the policy debates ahead in education, child care, criminal justice and voting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the NBA season tipping off in empty arenas around the country, Scott and Marisa revisit one of their favorite interviews of the year: a conversation with Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors. Kerr discussed the league's response to the Black Lives Matter movement, the deadly August explosion in his birthplace of Beirut, his family's long history in the Middle East and how he continues to learn from his players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Secretary of State Alex Padilla is tapped by Governor Gavin Newsom to fill California's soon-to-be-vacant U.S. Senate seat. Scott and Marisa discuss the pick with KPCC Senior Politics Reporter Libby Denkmann. Then, we revisit Padilla's appearance on Political Breakdown earlier this year, when he discussed his childhood in Pacoima, his early pursuit of a career in rocket science, and how he ended up as mayor of Los Angeles on September 11th, 2001. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former State Assemblyman and San Francisco supervisor Tom Ammiano joins Scott and Marisa to discuss his memoir Kiss My Gay Ass and reflect on the homophobia he faced growing up in New Jersey, his arrival in San Francisco, fighting the 1978 Briggs Initiative, his write-in campaign for mayor in 1999, using humor in politics and corruption in San Francisco city government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Changes inside the Newsom administration come as the Governor faces a nascent recall campaign and criticism over COVID-19 restrictions. Scott and Marisa discuss Newsom's chief of staff pick, his upcoming appointments for Senate and Attorney General, and new questions around Senator Dianne Feinstein's fitness for office. Then, Sam Oh, Vice President of Targeted Victory, joins to discuss lessons from leading the campaigns of Republicans Young Kim and Michelle Steel, who knocked off Democratic incumbents in Orange County congressional races. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, joins Marisa and Scott to discuss California's new regional stay-at-home order, the politicization of vaccines and the 'spectacular' advances in their development, and lessons he learned from fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Then, San Francisco Chronicle health reporter Erin Allday joins to discuss the new statewide order and how public health guidance has evolved since the spring. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The calls for police reform after the killing of George Floyd moved from the streets to the ballot box in California this year, as voters approved changes to oversight and funding from San Diego and Los Angeles to Oakland and San Francisco. Scott and Marisa revisit two interviews from earlier this year with BART Director and activist Lateefah Simon and former police chief Ron Davis, who are serving as policing advisors to Governor Gavin Newsom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With cases of COVID-19 spiking across the state, the Newsom administration announces a curfew for counties with the highest rates of transmission. Dr. Bob Wachter, chair of the UCSF Department of Medicine, joins Marisa and Guy Marzorati to react to the announcement, and shares his thoughts on Governor Newsom's leadership, coronavirus response during the presidential transition, vaccine development and weighing joy and risk during the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orange County maintains its status as a purple county, as Republicans appear likely to flip two Congressional seats while Democrats are poised to knock off two Republican state legislators. Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss the latest Congressional results and how California's successful election could set the stage for future voting changes. Then, Congresswoman-elect Nikema Williams joins to discuss her relationship with the late Rep. John Lewis and how it feels to succeed him in the House, how Democrats built political power in Georgia and the effect of the national spotlight on the state's two U.S. Senate runoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As vote counting continues in California and across the country, Scott and Marisa talk with KQED's Katie Orr and Politico's Carla Marinucci about the results of Calfornia's propositions, Congressional and state legislative races, early U.S. Senate speculation and some down-ballot surprises. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With less than a week until Election Day, Marisa and Scott take a (virtual) trip to the bordering battleground state of Arizona. First, Arizona Republic editor Wyatt Buchanan joins to talk about the changing politics of the Grand Canyon State and how transplanted Californians are playing a role. Then, former Arizona governor and University of California president Janet Napolitano shares how she won statewide office as a Democrat, how Arizona has become a swing state and her thoughts on Proposition 16, the California ballot measure to end the ban on affirmative action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With less than two weeks until Election Day, Scott and Marisa discuss the latest on the record-breaking Proposition 22 with KQED's Sam Harnett. Then, Oakland Congresswoman Barbara Lee joins to share her thoughts on Prop 22, her recent campaign trip to Arizona, Gov. Gavin Newsom's potential Senate pick and what she hopes to hear from Joe Biden in Thursday night's debate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

California's Republican Party defends its operation of unofficial vote-by-mail ballot drop boxes across the state in the face of potential legal action. Marisa and Scott are joined by KQED's Guy Marzorati to discuss the dispute and the politics of vote-by-mail in California. Then, UC Berkeley and USC professor Dan Schnur joins to talk about voting and whether California's Secretary of State should be nonpartisan. Finally, Scott and Marisa end the show with their thoughts on the performances of California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris during the Supreme Court confirmation hearings of Judge Amy Coney Barrett. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott and Marisa analyze California Senator Kamala Harris' performance in Wednesday night's vice presidential debate, and KUER politics and government reporter Sonja Hutson joins from Salt Lake City to share her experience at the debate and discuss politics in the Beehive State. Then, María Teresa Kumar, President and CEO of Voto Latino shares what was missing from the debate, her journey into civic work, Latinx enthusiasm for Harris' addition to the Democratic ticket, and Voto Latino's voter registration campaign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices