Politicology

We live in a loud world that’s getting louder. We encounter noise all around us—from the chatter of polite conversations, to street noise in a big city, to the constant intrusion of the dings of notifications. But what is all of this noise doing to us, and what does it mean to find quiet in the midst of it? In fact, what is silence, anyway? How can it affect our minds, our bodies, and our relationships? Harvard and Oxford trained policymaker Justin Zorn and NASA consultant Leigh Marz join host Ron Steslow to discuss their new book, Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise (02:33) Leigh and Justin’s backgrounds (07:04) Why they began practicing silence in their own lives (12:50) Why silence feels scary (18:30) What is noise? (22:12) Internal silence is what people think it is (30:19) The connection between noise and rigid thinking (37:27) The historical significance of silence You should read Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise : http://bit.ly/3UIGJU2 FollowJustin, Leigh, and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/JustinZorn https://twitter.com/LeighMarz https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Anthony York (Senior Communications Advisor to Gov. Gavin Newsom) join host Ron Steslow to unpack some of the most important stories of the week and how they’re shaping the political landscape: (03:10) The lack of a Red Wave and the surprisingly good midterms for Democrats (08:50) Democrats’ Florida Problem (22:33) Republicans’ Donald Trump Problem (50:00) The potential Trump vs DeSantis showdown in the Republican Primary [Politicology+ Subscribers Only] What could (and should) the political futures of Beto O’Rourke and Stacy Abrams look like after losing the Governors races in Texas and Georgia Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To upgrade now, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/anthonyyork49 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ron Steslow calls some Politicology fan favorites to discuss the midterm elections, the surprisingly good night for Democrats, the races that are still too close to call, and what it could mean for future elections. (00:44) Susan Del Percio on the Democratic strategy to set up races against extreme MAGA candidates (05:29) Mike Madrid on the biggest surprise from last night and the early count out of Nevada (10:52) Tharon Johnson on what Sen. Warnock needs to do to win in the December runoff (23:48) Lucy Caldwell on the gap between Mark Kelly and Katie Hobbs early vote counts and why she’s cautiously optimistic that Hobbs can still win (35:31) Zack Czajkowski on the unexpected victory for Democrats in the North Carolina 13th Congressional District (49:16) David Becker on what the midterms could mean for election integrity moving forward (57:47) Lanae Erickson on why the Dobbs decision—and not the student loan forgiveness plan— drove turnout for Democrats in Pennsylvania (1:05:45) Marc Polymeropoulos on the importance of people with national security experience in politics (1:14:19) Former DCCC Chair and Former Congressman Steve Israel on how the slimmer margin for Republicans could give the extremist wing more leverage in the next congress Follow this episodes guests on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DelPercioS https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/TharonJohnson https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell https://twitter.com/ZackCz https://twitter.com/beckerdavidj https://twitter.com/RepSteveIsrael https://twitter.com/Mpolymer https://twitter.com/LanaeErickson https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock subscriber-only content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Have you made your plan to vote? Visit https://iwillvote.com/ to make sure you’re registered and find your polling location This week, Kiel Williams from Decision Desk HQ joins host Ron Steslow to set the table for what to expect in the midterm elections. Decision Desk HQ are among the most trusted experts in measuring and modeling public opinion and election outcomes. They’re the mathletes behind major outlets like The Economist, Buzzfeed News, VOX Media, Insider, and The New York Times, for election night results and final calls on races. (01:38) How the generic ballot looks (02:50) Movement in Senate forecasting (03:40) The claim that Republicans are gaming polling averages (07:40) The challenge of polling response bias (09:30) Races that could indicate a good or bad night for Democrats (15:53) Whether low turnout still favors Republicans (22:14) A race that could indicate whether the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision overturning Roe v Wade increased turnout Follow Decision Desk HQ’s live election results: https://results.decisiondeskhq.com/ Follow Kiel and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KielTWilliams https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/decisiondeskhq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Doug Jones (Fmr. Democratic U.S. Senator from Alabama), Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Lucy Caldwell (Walsh 2020 Campaign Manager) join host Ron Steslow to unpack some of the most important stories of the week and how they’re shaping the political landscape: (03:11) The Fed’s rate hikes, Biden’s push to expand the workforce, and the threats to Social Security heading into the midterms (23:03) Liz Cheney endorses her first Democratic candidate and John Fetterman drops an ad featuring two Trump-voting former Republicans—his parents. (42:33) The attack on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul, in their San Francisco home [Politicology+ Subscribers Only] The biggest misconception about money in politics and the outrage economy driving political fundraising and media coverage Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, with subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To upgrade now, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/dougjones https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Major Garrett (CBS News Chief Washington Correspondent) and David Becker (Executive Director of The Center for Election Innovation and Research) talk with Ron Steslow about their new book, The Big Truth, the lies about the 2020 election, and how we can restore trust in our electoral system. (01:55) Why they decided to write the book now (05:00) Setting the stakes for our current state of distrust in elections (08:57) How Trump supporters view the breakdown in democratic norms (14:17) Why we can’t lose sight of the January 6 riot (24:00) How election denialism has changed electoral politics (34:53) How the Federalist Papers predicted a Trump-like figure (38:42) The threat of pushing election deniers in primary elections (43:21) The “Big Truth” of the 2020 election (57:10) How geographic sorting changes trust in elections (1:13:11) Where do we go from here? Follow Major, David, and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MajorCBS https://twitter.com/beckerdavidj https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock subscriber-only content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus This week, Kiel Williams from Decision Desk HQ joins host Ron Steslow to break down the biggest movement in polling and modeling, where it’s happening, in what races, and why. Decision Desk HQ are among the most trusted experts in measuring and modeling public opinion and election outcomes. They’re the mathletes behind major outlets like The Economist, Buzzfeed News, VOX Media, Insider, and The New York Times, for election night results and final calls on races. (01:36) Changes to the election environment (05:00) How the Senate races have shifted (06:53) Republicans increased odds of taking the Senate (06:53) What’s moving the needle in Pennsylvania and Nevada (12:17) What’s going on in the House races (14:20)What we can (and can’t) learn from early voting numbers (18:37)The balance of power You should check out Decision Desk HQ: https://decisiondeskhq.com/ Follow Kiel and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KielTWilliams https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/decisiondeskhq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One thing Pete Buttigeg, Elizabeth Warren, and Michael Bennet have in common? They all wanted Rob Sand’s endorsement in their Presidential campaigns. Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand is a Democrat from a small town who likes to hunt and fish and has been able to connect with the white, non-college educated rural voters that Democrats across the country have been struggling to win. Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid talk with him about how he did it in 2018, how he’s doing it in this election cycle, and what Democratic candidates in higher profile races can learn. (02:10) Why Rob decided to run for auditor (05:25) How he can win Iowa voters as a Democrat (08:47) How he picked up endorsements from 31 conservatives (11:10) The “myth of monsters” and how it increases partisanship (18:03)Humor as an election tool (21:15) The advice he gave presidential primary candidates as they vied for the Iowa Caucuses You should visit Rob’s campaign website: https://robsand.com/ Follow Rob, Mike, and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobSandIA https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) Al Cardenas (former advisor to Presidents Regan and George H.W. Bush) and Molly McKew (Lead author of GreatPower.US) join host Ron Steslow to unpack some of the most important stories of the week and how they’re shaping the political landscape: (02:45) Putin’s war in Ukraine and Kevin McCarthy’s threat to cut aid to Ukraine if Republicans take back the House. (20:36) The Pennsylvania Senate Debate and the Nevada Senate race that can determine who controls the Senate in January (47:02) The extremist groups threatening to intimidate voters in the midterm elections [Politicology+ Subscribers Only] The effectiveness of the climate change activism food fight + Latinos naming climate change as a top issue heading into the midterms Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, where we also publish subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To upgrade now, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Support Molly McKew’s fundraiser for Ukranian AFU Stratcom’s winter gear: https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8O0wORTDJg Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/MollyMcKew https://twitter.com/AlCardenasFL_DC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the psychological forces driving that partisan animosity? What’s causing Americans to vote for anti-democracy candidates? Are there any interventions that might actually work to turn down the heat and save our democracy? Robb Willer, professor of sociology, psychology, and organizational behavior at Stanford University talks with Ron Steslow about Stanford’s Strengthening Democracy Challenge, reducing partisan animosity and support for anti-democracy candidates . (01:31) Robbs background (02:46) The growth of polarization and partisan animosity (15:08) The Strengthening Democracy Challenge (22:40) Negative partisanship and support for undemocratic candidates (29:46) How cues from leaders can reduce support for anti-democracy candidates (32:17) Working together and respectfully discussing differences reduces partisan animosity (37:47) Misperceptions about how how you’re viewed by members of another party fuels animosity (46:47) Is there hope for overcoming animosity and acceptance of undemocratic candidates? (53:16) How to implement these ideas (59:23) The role of emotions in decision making You should check out the interventions we discussed: Elite Cues: https://bit.ly/3TEeS6Z Positive Contact (Heineken Ad): https://bit.ly/3N74PEM Misperceptions: https://bit.ly/3W4iMaN Fear of Democratic Collapse: https://bit.ly/3W4awHO Follow Robb and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobbWiller https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock subscriber-only content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus This week, Kiel Williams from Decision Desk HQ joins host Ron Steslow to break down the biggest movement in polling and modeling, where it’s happening, in what races, and why. Decision Desk HQ are among the most trusted experts in measuring and modeling public opinion and election outcomes. They’re the mathletes behind major outlets like The Economist, Buzzfeed News, VOX Media, Insider, and The New York Times, for election night results and final calls on races. (01:15) Changes to the election environment (02:40) Why it the midterms might look like 2014 (04:44) How the Senate races have shifted (09:10) Republicans increased odds of taking the Senate (10:30) What’s going on in the House races (15:25)The balance of power You should check out Decision Desk HQ: https://decisiondeskhq.com/ Follow Kiel and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KielTWilliams https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/decisiondeskhq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Catherine Sanderson (Poler Family Professor of Psychology and Chair of Psychology at Amherst College) and Matt Bennett (Executive Vice President for Public Affairs at Third Way) join guest host Liz Gilbert to unpack some of the most important stories of the week and how they’re shaping the political landscape: (02:26) The latest January 6th Committee Hearing (22:28) The most watched Senate races and wild debate performances (34:34) Former president Barack Obama’s warning for Democrats not to be buzzkills [Politicology+ Subscribers Only] The antisemitism from Donald Trump and Kanye West last week and whether you can separate art from the artist. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, where we also publish subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To upgrade now, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThirdWayMattB https://twitter.com/SandersonSpeaks https://twitter.com/_lizgilbert Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CBS News Congressional Correspondent Scott MacFarlane talks with Ron Steslow about the most critical filings and pivotal moments in the Feds’ ever-growing case against the January 6 insurrectionists. (02:25) His move to CBS News (03:19) The state of the prosecutions (06:47) The types of sentences being issued (09:30) How prosecutors are sifting through the evidence (13:55) The “Public Authority Defense” (28:13) Kevin McCarthy’s plea for police officers and families not to “politicize” the attack (32:30) The threats and stories flying under the radar Follow Scott and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MacFarlaneNews https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock subscriber-only content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus This week, Kiel Williams from Decision Desk HQ joins guest host Mike Madrid to break down the biggest movement in polling and modeling, where it’s happening, in what races, and why. Decision Desk HQ are among the most trusted experts in measuring and modeling public opinion and election outcomes. They’re the mathletes behind major outlets like The Economist, Buzzfeed News, VOX Media, Insider, and The New York Times, for election night results and final calls on races. (01:21) Changes to the election environment (02:50) Overview of Senate Elections (05:40) Movement in the Pennsylvania Senate Race (08:16) The Georgia Senate Race (10:37) What’s going on in the House races (13:30) What to make of individual polls (15:40)The North Carolina Senate race (17:37)The balance of power You should check out Decision Desk HQ: https://decisiondeskhq.com/ Follow Kiel and Mike on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KielTWilliams https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/decisiondeskhq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Frank Sadler (Chief of Staff to Carly Fiorina), Lanae Erickson (Senior Vice President for the Social Policy & Politics Program at Third Way), and Molly McKew (Lead author of GreatPower.US) join host Ron Steslow to unpack some of the most important stories of the week and how they’re shaping the political landscape: (03:02) Russia’s increased aggression, Tulsi jumps ship, Elon Musk’s “Peace Plan” that may have been written by Putin (31:25) The Fed’s fight to against inflation and the danger of recession (48:35) The Supreme Court ruling blocking Pennsylvania from counting undated ballots and the challenge to Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan [Politicology+ Subscribers Only] The leaked tape of racist remarks by LA City council members, what it means for the mythology of an emerging pluralistic society that’s better than our country’s past, and how the lack of decorum diminishes our faith in government. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, where we also publish subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To upgrade now, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Support Molly McKew’s fundraiser for Ukranian AFU Stratcom’s winter gear: https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8O0wORTDJg Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LanaeErickson https://twitter.com/MollyMcKew https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project Cofounder), Ruy Teixeira (Nonresident Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute), Scott Tranter (Investor and Advisor to Decision Desk HQ) join host Ron Steslow to discuss the erosion of support for Democrats among Hispanic voters (03:01) Ruy’s background (17:00) The trend of Hispanic voters moving away from the Democratic party (34:10) Joe Biden’s low approval rating among Hispanic voters (35:40) What factors are driving the trend (38:11) The Latino vote taking on the characteristics of the American electorate (50:48) How Democrats could win back more Hispanic voters (58:02) The tension between working class voters and voters concerned about environmental issues Follow Mike, Scott and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/stranter https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock subscriber-only content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus This week, Kiel Williams from Decision Desk HQ joins Ron Steslow to break down the biggest movement in polling and modeling, where it’s happening, in what races, and why. Decision Desk HQ are among the most trusted experts in measuring and modeling public opinion and election outcomes. They’re the mathletes behind major outlets like The Economist, Buzzfeed News, VOX Media, Insider, and The New York Times, for election night results and final calls on races. (02:15) Changes to the election environment (03:10) Overview of Senate Elections (03:50) The most Senate Seat most likely to flip to Republicans (06:16) Polling averages vs win likelihood in Ohio (08:30) What’s going on in the House races (12:52) The importance of turnout and how the mathletes predict it You should check out Decision Desk HQ: https://decisiondeskhq.com/ Follow Kiel and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/KielTWilliams https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/decisiondeskhq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project Cofounder), Susan Del Percio (MSNBC political analyst and crisis communications expert), and Andy Kroll (Investigative Reporter at ProPublica) join host Ron Steslow to unpack some of the most important stories of the week and how they’re shaping the political landscape: (03:02) OPECs move to slash oil production, the UN calling for the Fed to stop raising interest rates and what this is doing to the political environment (25:32) President Joe Biden’s visit to Florida after Hurricane Ian and how the Biden/DeSantis meeting could impact politics (40:43) The Georgia Senate race and Herschel Walker’s insanity defense for paying for a former girlfriend’s abortion [Politicology+ Subscribers Only] The power of traditional journalism in the choose-your-own-adventure news landscape. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, where we also publish subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To upgrade now, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndyKroll https://twitter.com/DelPercioS https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Some of the most vexing political controversies, policy questions, and cultural crises of our current moment trace their orbit around the singular legal and cultural gravity of our 1st Amendment—and the radical, enlightenment wisdom enshrined in it. What has really been going across college campuses—and what’s at stake for wider society outside the confines of higher education? Is the colloquial public square, practically speaking, now privately held by a handful of tech titans? How has the idea of “free speech” become so shockingly misunderstood that one of our major political parties can persuade a large swath of the country that a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol is “legitimate political discourse?” Greg Lukianoff (President and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE)) joins host Ron Steslow to discuss FIRE’s fight to protect free speech on—and, now, off—campus. (02:15) Greg’s background and FIRE’s role in protecting the First Amendment (5:15) The Coddling of the American Mind (10:30) The state of free speech on college campuses (30:20) What’s driving the complaints on college campuses (39:55) FIRE moving off campus to create a culture of free speech (41:05) Why they decided to take on off campus speech issues (50:31) Limits to protected speech (59:10) Free speech and Big Tech (1:04:25) Creating a culture of free speech Visit FIRE’s Website: thefire.org Follow Greg and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/glukianoff https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock subscriber-only content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus This week, Scott Tranter and Kiel Williams from Decision Desk HQ join Ron Steslow to break down the biggest movement in polling and modeling, where it’s happening, in what races, and why. Decision Desk HQ are among the most trusted experts in measuring and modeling public opinion and election outcomes. They’re the mathletes behind major outlets like The Economist, Buzzfeed News, VOX Media, Insider, and The New York Times, for election night results and final calls on races. (01:50) Changes to the election environment (05:17) Overview of Senate Elections (06:30) The movement in the Pennsylvania Senate Race (10:50) What’s going on in the House races (12:40) Democrats getting burned in the Michigan 3rd after playing with fire (18:04) If youth voters can impact elections (21:40) Are pollsters getting it wrong (again) in 2022? You should check out Decision Desk HQ: https://decisiondeskhq.com/ Follow Scott, Kiel and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stranter https://twitter.com/KielTWilliams https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/decisiondeskhq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project Cofounder) and Lucy Caldwell (Walsh 2020 Campaign Manager) join host Ron Steslow to unpack some of the most important stories of the week and how they’re shaping the political landscape: (03:14) Republicans “Commitment to America” Plan (19:47) The Senate’s Electoral Count Act reform bill and the voter challenges around the country (45:55) Russia’s new draft, the sham referendums in Ukraine, and the Nord Stream explosions [Politicology+ Subscribers Only] Ron DeSantis’s leadership test and what it could mean for the 2024 election. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, where we also publish subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To upgrade now, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock subscriber-only content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Géraldine Blanche (Intellectual Property Lawyer and PhD candidate in Intellectual Property Law at the Sciences Po Law School in Paris) joins Ron Steslow to discuss the politics of fashion and intellectual property law (01:26) Fashion in Politics (05:36) Iteration, interpretation, and inspiration (09:47) The need for time in fashion and democracy (14:24) Environmental impact of fashion (26:42) The impact of AI on fashion Follow Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Follow Géraldine on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/designedbylaw/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock subscriber-only content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus State of the Vote is back! In our first episode of 2022, Scott Tranter and Kiel Williams from Decision Desk HQ join Ron Steslow to break down the biggest movement in polling and modeling, where it’s happening, in what races, and why. Decision Desk HQ are among the most trusted experts in measuring and modeling public opinion and election outcomes. They’re the mathletes behind major outlets like The Economist, Buzzfeed News, VOX Media, Insider, and The New York Times, for election night results and final calls on races. (02:00) The election environment (03:54) The historical trend in midterms (05:36) Overview of Senate Elections (08:00) Why Ron Jonson has a 90 percent chance of winning his Senate race (11:43) What’s moving the needle in Nevada (14:00) Why Republicans are gaining ground in the Iowa 3rd congressional district You should check out Decision Desk HQ: https://decisiondeskhq.com/ Follow Scott, Kiel and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stranter https://twitter.com/KielTWilliams https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/decisiondeskhq Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lanae Erickson (Senior Vice President for the Social Policy & Politics Program at Third Way) and James Lynch (Senior Director at Purple Strategies) join guest host Lucy Caldwell to unpack some of the most important stories of the week and how they’re shaping the political landscape: (02:32) Pending legislation that could impact the midterms (22:00) Trump’s QAnon Rally and Glenn Youngin stumping for Kari Lake (39:00) Ron DeSantis’s Martha’s Vineyard Stunt and the very real immigration problems underneath [Politicology+ Subscribers Only] The January 6th Committee returns next week for their last scheduled public hearing. We’ll break down what we expect to see happen, what the committee needs to demonstrate, and the news that Ginni Thomas has agreed to meet with the committee. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, where we also publish subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To upgrade now, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell https://twitter.com/JamesGLynch https://twitter.com/LanaeErickson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock subscriber-only content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Géraldine Blanche (Intellectual Property Lawyer and PhD candidate in Intellectual Property Law at the Sciences Po Law School in Paris) joins Ron Steslow to discuss the politics of fashion and intellectual property law (01:25) History of laws protecting creativity (09:20) What IP lawyers do (12:50) What led Géraldine to fashion IP (20:50) Fashion as political (35:50) How politicians send messages through fashion choices (41:41) Fashion as a signifier of political groups Follow Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Follow Géraldine on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/designedbylaw/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lucy Caldwell (Walsh 2020 Campaign Manager), Eric Koch (Founder of Downfield Strategies) and Molly McKew (Lead author of GreatPower.US) join host Ron Steslow to unpack some of the most important stories of the week and how they’re shaping the political landscape: (02:26) Are we ready for a Ukrainian victory? (26:53) The midterms seem to be tightening. Why is it happening and what will it mean? (50:45) The New York Times’ expose on Hasidic schools in New York and the politics that allows these problems to exist [Politicology+ Subscribers Only] In the days following the 2020 election, Donald Trump vowed not to leave the White House. We talk about this new revelation in Maggie Haberman’s new book and whether journalists should be holding on to news stories for their book deals. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, where we also publish subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To upgrade now, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell https://twitter.com/EricDKoch https://twitter.com/MollyMcKew Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock subscriber-only content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus How does murder during a robbery-gone-wrong become an international conspiracy theory? What even is a true crime story in the post-truth era? Andy Kroll (Investigative Reporter at ProPublica, former DC Bureau Chief for Rolling Stone) joins host Ron Steslow to discuss his new book, A Death on W Street: The Murder of Seth Rich and the Age of Conspiracy. (01:34) What drew Andy to the Seth Rich story (08:48) The facts of the Seth Rich case (12:44) How conspiracy theories have changed in the 21st Century (21:08) Russia, the DNC leak, and the need for a scapegoat (24:22) The intersection of conspiracy theories (29:06) The conspiracy theory economy You should read A Death on W Street: https://andy-kroll.com/ Follow Andy and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndyKroll https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Bennett (Executive Vice President for Public Affairs at Third Way) and Scott Tranter (Investor and Advisor to Decision Desk HQ) join host Ron Steslow to unpack some of the most important stories of the week and how they’re shaping the political landscape: (02:17) President Biden’s speech at Independence Hall (20:40) The federal judge granting a special master to review documents seized from Mar-a-Lago (33:45) The post-Labor Day sprint toward the Midterm Elections [Politicology+ Subscribers Only] Mary Peltola’s win in Alaska's special (ranked-choice) election, how this new voting method could slow down extremist candidates, and how it changes campaigns and strategy. Politicology+ is our private, ad-free version of this podcast, where we also publish subscriber-only episodes, strategy, and analysis. To upgrade now, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/stranter https://twitter.com/ThirdWayMattB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock subscriber-only content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Michael Masters (National Director and CEO of the Secure Community Network) joins host Ron Steslow to discuss the rise in mass shootings, antisemitism, and hate crime reports—and what individuals and communities can do to prepare themselves. (08:14) What the Secure Community Network is and where it sits in the national security space (14:03) The rise in active shooter incidents (19:46) Has there been a spike in hate crimes? (28:31) Hate crimes and the First Amendment (32:00) How the rise in hate crimes has impacted the Jewish community (51:01) What people can do to prepare for an emergency situation (01:03:06) The importance of trainings for emergency preparedness You can check out the Secure Community Network here: https://securecommunitynetworks.org/ Follow Michael and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichaelGMasters https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project Cofounder) and Tharon Johnson (Founder/CEO of Paramount Consulting Group) join host Ron Steslow to unpack some of the most important stories of the week: (02:12) Negative partisanship, escalating expectations of violence, and our “Us vs. Them” problem (18:00) Will Biden’s student debt cancellation impact midterm voters? (34:54) The Republican fundraising gap and the GOP grassroots donor base as a power vector [Politicology+ Members Only] A top GA strategist’s on-the-ground perspective on the Georgia Senate and Gubernatorial races // To get your private, ad-free Politicology+ podcast feed with extra episodes, go to politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/TharonJohnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Lanae Erickson (Senior Vice President for Social Policy, Education & Politics at Third Way) joins host Ron Steslow to discuss President Biden’s executive order canceling student loans (02:07) Biden’s student loan cancellation plan (12:29) How canceling student loans could impact inflation (17:20) What this could mean for future tuition hikes (26:10) How it could impact non-college educated voters (30:23) The legal problems with canceling student loans (39:55) The Major Questions Doctrine (43:58) The use of emergency powers in non-emergent situations (48:53) The underlying problems in higher education and what lawmakers can do to solve these problems You should read Lanae’s Medium Piece: https://bit.ly/3cp6jg0 Follow Lanae and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LanaeErickson https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Susan Del Percio (MSNBC political analyst and crisis communications expert) and Liz Gilbert (President of the 2020 Democratic National Convention) join host Ron Steslow to unpack some of the most important stories of the week: (02:21) New revelations in the Mar-a-Lago search saga (25:15) Are America’s best days behind us? Recent polling and what it could mean for the midterms (41:15) How Republicans got steamrolled on the Inflation Reduction Act [Politicology+ Members Only] Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin and what parts of the private lives of political power holders should matter. // To get your private, ad-free Politicology+ podcast feed with extra episodes, go to politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/_lizgilbert https://twitter.com/DelPercioS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus What does it take for a mid-west mayor to become a viable presidential candidate? What’s it like to be a crisis communications expert in the eye of New York City Tabloids? What does it take to go from a field organizer to one of the most well respected communications strategists in American politics? Lis Smith (former senior advisor to presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg) joins host Ron Steslow to discuss her career working on twenty-something political campaigns, and her new memoir, Any Given Tuesday: A Political Love Story (01:25) Why “Any Given Tuesday?” (02:56) What drew her to politics? (07:48) Candidates as people, not two-dimensional characters (10:57) What can losing campaigns teach you? (14:45) Being in the eye of a tabloid news story (29:32) How not to use Twitter (and how you can use it well) (37:50) Tailoring comments on cable news (45:11) Candidate Pete’s communications strategy (56:21) The Gay Talk Express You should read Any Given Tuesday: https://bit.ly/3AimMu7 Follow Lis and Ron on Twitter: https://bit.ly/3AimMu7 https://twitter.com/Lis_Smith https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lucy Caldwell (Walsh 2020 Campaign Manager) and Molly McKew (Lead author of GreatPower.US) join host Ron Steslow to unpack some of the most important stories of the week: (02:46) The Mar-a-Lago search saga and the developing politics (24:09) Tuesday’s elections, Senate Republicans pulling down their ad buys, and Liz Cheney’s second act begins (41:09) The Big Lie candidates trying to run state elections are now advancing to general elections [Politicology+ Members Only] “Looking up” at the world and the U.S. role in it. // To get your private, ad-free Politicology+ podcast feed with extra episodes, go to politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell https://twitter.com/MollyMcKew Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 1 of this wide-ranging conversation between Mike Madrid and Ron Steslow, co-founders of The Lincolns Project, the two political strategists discuss hidden Latino voting trends and how Democrats must better understand this part of the electorate in order to win pivotal electoral fights. To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus (02:05) How we’re getting hispanic voting patterns wrong (06:13) How Latino voter trends in California are different from the rest of the country (19:35) How the California Latino population influences national polls (30:13) Some lessons Democrats can learn to win more Latino votes Are you learning from Politicology? Contribute now at https://politicology.com/donate! Follow Mike and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Part 2 of this wide-ranging conversation between Mike Madrid and Ron Steslow, co-founders of The Lincoln Project, the two political strategists discuss what Latino voter trends can tell us about future elections and the erosion of democracy around the globe To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus (01:49) Mike’s advice to Democrats and Republicans (03:53) What the trend lines of Latino voters can tell us about 2024 (07:12) The new Reagan Democrats (21:17) The erosion of institutions (42:43) The tension between technology and democracy Are you learning from Politicology? Contribute now at https://politicology.com/donate! Follow Mike and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

[Note: we recorded this episode before Attorney General Merrick Garland gave a statement about the warrant the FBI received to search Donald Trump’s residence at Mar-a-Lago. In the statement, Garland said the Department of Justice has filed a motion to unseal that warrant and the property receipt. As of right now, we don’t know if Trump will support or oppose that motion, but it will be up to a federal judge to decide either way.] Lanae Erickson (Senior Vice President for the Social Policy & Politics Program at Third Way) and Catherine Sanderson (Poler Family Professor of Psychology and Chair of Psychology at Amherst College) join host Ron Steslow to unpack some of the most important stories of the week: (03:00) The FBI’s search of Mar-a-Lago (21:20) Republicans’ reaction to the search (39:39) Lessons from John Fetterman’s campaign to win over rural voters in Pennsylvania [Politicology+ Members Only] Liz Cheney’s primary election is next week. Her latest ad attacking Donald Trump features her father, Dick Cheney. // To get your private, ad-free Politicology+ podcast feed with extra episodes, go to politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/LanaeErickson https://twitter.com/SandersonSpeaks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Michele Gelfand (Professor of Organizational Behavior at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a Professor of Psychology by Courtesy at Stanford University) joins host Ron Steslow to discuss culture, social norms, and her book Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World (01:46) Why she decided to study culture (04:34) What are tight and loose cultures (06:12) Why tight and loose cultures evolve (10:38) The tradeoffs between tight and loose and how different cultures responded to the Covid pandemic (16:19) Tightness-looseness and willingness to change (19:57) Red and Blue vs Tight and Loose (30:36) Tightening around core values, even in loose cultures (34:56) Real and manufactured threats (44:15) How we we can put this framework into action You should read Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: https://amzn.to/3Qy8DQc Follow Michele and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MicheleJGelfand https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Al Cardenas (former advisor to Presidents Regan and George H.W. Bush) and Susan Del Percio (MSNBC political analyst and crisis communications expert) join host Ron Steslow to unpack some of the most important stories of the week: (02:11) The Manchin-Schumer deal on the Inflation Reduction Act (18:00) The U.S. kills the leader of al-Qaeda and Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan (37:25) This week’s primary elections in Arizona and Michigan and the abortion rights ballot measure in Kansas [Politicology+ Members Only] The success of moderate Democrats in primary elections // To get your private, ad-free Politicology+ podcast feed with extra episodes, go to politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/AlCardenasFL_DC https://twitter.com/DelPercioS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Anne Applebaum (Pulitzer-prize winning historian and staff writer for The Atlantic)joins host Ron Steslow to discuss her book Twilight of Democracy, why America isn’t immune to the lure of authoritarianism, and the warning signs that we’re in danger of losing our republic. (02:12) Why she wrote Twilight of Democracy (06:30) The allure of authoritarianism (10:40) What led to an authoritarian shift in the US (19:29) The willingness to give up democracy for policy wins (28:28) Rationalizing the descent to authoritarianism (35:36) The importance of of state media in authoritarian regimes (41:58) Breaking out of the media filter bubbles (50:11) The paths forward for democracy You should read Twilight of Democracy: https://bit.ly/3oGBdCV Politicology is supported by listeners like you. Can you pitch in right now at https://politicology.com/donate? Follow Anne and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/anneapplebaum https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project Cofounder) and Lucy Caldwell (Walsh 2020 Campaign Manager) join host Ron Steslow to unpack some of the most important stories of the week: (02:10) The likelihood that we’re in a recession and why the Biden administration won’t say so (29:27) The shift in Ted Cruz’s messaging on immigration and what the pivot could mean (42:47) The January 6th prime time hearing, right-wing media going sour on Trump, and the continued Republican shift away from democracy [Politicology+ Members Only] The intra-party posturing ahead of the presidential primary season and the quiet moves happening right now. // To get your private, ad-free Politicology+ podcast feed with extra episodes, go to politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Are you learning from Politicology? Help us expand by pitching in now: https://politicology.com/donate Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/madrid_mike https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Former presidential candidate and Former HP CEO Carly Fiorina joins Ron Steslow to discuss how short-term gains have gotten preferential treatment over long-term planning and success. (04:39) The differences between short-term vs. long-term (07:02) Expecting quick fixes to long-term problems (15:30) The shift in corporate responsibility from just shareholders to stakeholders (30:32) How the short-term goal of winning elections short-circuits governing Politicology is supported by listeners like you. Can you pitch in right now at https://politicology.com/donate? Follow Carly and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarlyFiorina https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Murphy (Senior Strategist for John McCain and Arnold Schwarzenegger) and Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project Cofounder) join host Ron Steslow to unpack some of the most important stories of the week: (02:54) Biden’s approval rating continues to fall and the Democrat’s priority gap (18:40) The epidemic of Spanish-language misinformation (29:07) The Democrats keep playing with fire pushing anti-democracy candidates in GOP primaries [Politicology+ Members Only] The investigations (and investigations of investigations) Republicans will conduct if they take back congress and how Democrats can use them to their advantage // To get your private, ad-free Politicology+ podcast feed with extra episodes, go to politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Are you learning from Politicology? Help us expand by pitching in now: https://politicology.com/donate Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/murphymike https://twitter.com/madrid_mike Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus John Sipher (Fmr. member of the CIA’s Senior Intelligence Service) joins host Ron Steslow to discuss the changes in the war in Ukraine and the global impact of Russia’s six-month invasion. (02:03) The shift in fighting to the Donbas Region (11:41) How the fighting now compares to the early days of the war (17:25) Accusations European countries are slow-walking military aid (29:42) The Holodomor and the use of food as a weapon (34:14) Food trade and global security (38:40) Should we think about Russia’s actions as terrorism? (45:00) The prospect of Finland and Sweden joining NATO (54:54) What the U.S. can do to support Ukraine Politicology is supported by listeners like you. Can you pitch in right now at https://politicology.com/donate? Follow John and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/john_sipher https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lucy Caldwell (Walsh 2020 Campaign Manager) and Scott Tranter (Investor and Advisor to Decision Desk HQ) join host Ron Steslow to unpack some of the most important stories of the week: (02:42) The January 6th committee’s hearing recounting the West Wing meeting about stealing the 2020 election (27:33) The top 3 issues driving voters heading toward the midterms this fall (47:58) The Democrats’ gamble to support election denier Kari Lake in the Arizona Republican primary race for Governor [Politicology+ Members Only] A Politico piece calling for Jon Stewart to run for President if Joe Biden doesn’t run in 2024 and the rise of the entertainer/politician // To get your private, ad-free Politicology+ podcast feed with extra episodes, go to politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Are you learning from Politicology? Help us expand by pitching in now: https://politicology.com/donate Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/lucymcaldwell https://twitter.com/stranter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Renowned constitutional scholar Akhil Reed Amar (Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University) joins Ron Steslow to discuss the recent Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade and why (as a liberal law professor) he agrees with the decision. (01:40) What’s going on in the concurring opinions in Dobbs? (06:24) How compelling was the liberal dissent in Dobbs? (09:01) Is “substantive due process” an oxymoron? (17:15) What are the alternative approaches to Originalism? (22:27) The Federalist Society’s principles and their selection of Supreme Court Justices (26:01) Is the Supreme Court “illegitimate?” Read Akhil’s op-ed in the Wall Street Journal about the leaked Dobbs decision: https://on.wsj.com/3z6d6DH Read Akhil’s piece in Time Magazine about how liberal justices should use Originalism: https://bit.ly/3AK3Vdo Follow Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Renowned constitutional scholar Akhil Reed Amar (Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University) joins Ron Steslow to discuss the recent Supreme Court decision, including overturning Roe v. Wade, and why (as a liberal law professor) he agrees with that decision as well as their approach. (01:50) What is Originalism? (04:33) Changes in case law over time (17:11) Why Griswold v. Connecticut (contraception) is different from Roe v. Wade (abortion) (18:56) The outlier analysis (34:10) How the Supreme Court treats precedent (39:20) Women’s equality: the argument for abortion rights liberal justices should have made Read Akhil’s op-ed in the Wall Street Journal about the leaked Dobbs decision: https://on.wsj.com/3z6d6DH Read Akhil’s piece in Time Magazine about how liberal justices should use Originalism: https://bit.ly/3AK3Vdo Follow Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Susan Del Percio (MSNBC political analyst and crisis communications expert) and Lanae Erickson (Senior Vice President for the Social Policy & Politics Program at Third Way) join host Ron Steslow to unpack some of the most important stories of the week: (02:10) The recent reports of a White House in disarray, and the Democrats doubting if President Biden can meet the moment (23:42) The “New Right” building infrastructure and capacity at think tanks and advocacy organizations ahead of the midterms (39:00) What to make of the Trump administration officials who are speaking out in support of the January 6th Committee. [Politicology+ Members Only] Can bipartisanship survive the midterms? // To get your private, ad-free Politicology+ podcast feed with extra episodes, go to politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Are you learning from Politicology? Help us expand by pitching in now: https://politicology.com/donate Follow this week’s panel on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://twitter.com/DelPercioS https://twitter.com/LanaeErickson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus In this two-episode conversation, Professor of National Security Affairs Tom Nichols joins Ron Steslow to discuss who is really to blame for the crisis in American democracy—and what we can do about it. (00:50) The “horseshoe theory” (06:56) Why globalization isn’t the boogeyman we think it is (18:42) Civic duty and the pro democracy changes we need to make (38:08) Figures who we can model Purchase Our Own Worst Enemy: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/our-own-worst-enemy-9780197518878 Politicology is supported by listeners like you. Can you pitch in right now at https://politicology.com/donate? Follow Tom and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RadioFreeTom https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus In this two-episode conversation, Professor of National Security Affairs Tom Nichols joins Ron Steslow to discuss who is really to blame for the crisis in American democracy—and what we can do about it. (01:43) Why it was difficult to write this book (06:38) The feeling that we’re living in the “worst of times” (15:32) Hedonistic adaptation (18:22) Village Mentality and Banfield’s “Montegrano” (29:03) The importance of public and private virtue (37:18) The danger of nostalgia in the rise of illiberalism Purchase Our Own Worst Enemy: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/our-own-worst-enemy-9780197518878 Politicology is supported by listeners like you. Can you pitch in right now at https://politicology.com/donate? Follow Tom and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RadioFreeTom https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices