Politics in America is transforming. We’re embarking on a new series to deepen our understanding of who we are, how we got here, and how we rebuild without repeating the mistakes of the past. Ron Steslow hosts academics, behavioral economists, social psychologists, politicos, philosophers, anthropologists, journalists, poets, and storytellers—and more—to discuss America’s political present and future and dive into the deeper problems we face as a nation. Email us questions or comments: podca ...
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To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss the Democratic National Convention, the effort to appeal to more moderate voters, and Kamala Harris’s masterful acceptance speech. Next, we talk about Harris’s “price gouging” plan and economic policy proposals and the consequences of using Congress’s dysfunction as a backsto…
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ENCORE: Misunderstanding Misinformation
1:22:32
1:22:32
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Claire Wardle (co-founder and co-director of the Information Futures Lab, and Professor of the Practice at the Brown School of Public Health) joins Ron Steslow to discuss the challenges( and failures) in improving our information landscape (02:12) Claire’s background and how it led to her research (05:52) Why terms like “misinformation,” “disinform…
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A Dangerous Proposition—Red County, Blue County, Orange County (Episode 3)
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In this special six-part narrative series, Mike Madrid, in partnership with the UC Irvine School of Social Ecology, takes a deep dive into Orange County, California to explore the transformations that have redefined politics there, and what it means for the rest of the country. In this episode, Mike talks to Jean Pasco who covered local politics in…
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The Populist Pivot—The Weekly Roundup
1:07:37
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This week, we discuss Donald Trump’s interview with Elon Musk, content moderation, and broader hostility to free speech . Next, we highlight Kamala Harris’s pivot away from some progressive policies, and how rising populism is pushing both Harris and Trump to change their positions. We also discuss the potential consequences of the Trump campaign h…
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Election Anxiety with Dr. Catherine Sanderson
1:16:55
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Host Ron Steslow welcomes Poler Family Professor of Psychology at Amherst College Dr. Catherine Sanderson back to Politicology to talk about how to curb election anxiety. Then they discuss the psychological factors that contributed to January 6th, how they might impact this election cycle, the climate on college campuses, and the blacklisting of “Z…
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Reagan Country—Red County, Blue County, Orange County (Episode 2)
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In this special six-part narrative series, Mike Madrid, in partnership with the UC Irvine School of Social Ecology, takes a deep dive into Orange County, California to explore the transformations that have redefined politics there, and what it means for the rest of the country. In this episode, Mike talks to legendary political strategist Stu Spenc…
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Walzing In A Storm—The Weekly Roundup
1:45:14
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To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss Kamala Harris and Tim Walz being the most progressive presidential ticket in American history. Next, we break down the storm of major news stories about escalating wars and conflict across the globe—in the Middle East, in Venezuela, and Ukraine, what they mean for Americans h…
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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 Cu…
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Orange is the New Purple—Red County, Blue County, Orange County (Episode 1)
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In this special six-part narrative series, Mike Madrid, in partnership with the UC Irvine School of Social Ecology, takes a deep dive into Orange County, California to explore the transformations that have redefined politics there, and what it means for the rest of the country. In this first episode, Mike talks to Jon Gould (Dean of the UC Irvine S…
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The Race to Define Kamala Harris—The Weekly Roundup
1:15:59
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To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss the Trump and Harris campaigns battling to define Kamala Harris for voters. Next, we talk about the Democratic messaging shifting to focus on MAGA being “weird” and reporting that Trump is regretting choosing Vance as his running mate . Then, we talk about Donald Trump’s appe…
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ENCORE: The Real Cost of Cheap Food
1:12:33
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Over the last 100 years, we have streamlined the process of food production. A hundred years ago, 99% of people were engaged in the agricultural process in some way. Today, that number is 1%. As a result, our relationship with food has become desperately impersonal. But what are the consequences of all that efficiency? Embark on a transformative jo…
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To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week: Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the presidential race, Kamala Harris clears the field as she rides a tidal wave of support to the top of the Democratic ticket , Republicans switch gears to campaign against her, and the dizzying narrative change about Joe Biden’s capacities that have…
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Power To The People: Decentralizing Technology
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Host Ron Steslow welcomes Mike Brock, CEO of TBD, a subsidiary of Block Inc. (formerly Square), the financial technology firm led by Twitter founder Jack Dorsey. The Internet is dominated by massive, corporate walled gardens like Google, Facebook, and Twitter (now X), where centralized control makes their users (us!) vulnerable to censorship and ma…
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TAPPED: Mike Madrid on Biden Leaving the Race
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To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus After three of the most chaotic weeks in American political history, Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid (Cofounders of the Lincoln Project) discuss: - Joe Biden leaving the Presidential race after the pressure campaign from Democrats - Kamala Harris consolidating support and whether it changes the electo…
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“We Can’t Go On Like This” —The Weekly Roundup
1:16:11
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To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the Republican National Convention, the state of the Republican Party, and the state of the Democrats’ effort to oust Joe Biden. Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Matt Bennett (Founder & Executive Vice President for Public Af…
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ENCORE: Democracy Interventions with Prof. Robb Willer
1:28:21
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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 Stesl…
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Yes, Biden Can Win—The Weekly Roundup
1:20:51
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To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, we discuss the spectacle of the continuing Democratic attacks on Joe Biden’s candidacy that ignore or misunderstand his path to victory. We also show the contrast of Trump’s own top advisors seeming more concerned about the dark consequences of reelecting him than many Democrats. Then, …
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ENCORE: Your Face Belongs To Us — Part 2
1:02:56
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Have you ever thought about what it means to be anonymous? Have you considered what it means that you can walk down the street or go to the grocery store or out to dinner without someone you’ve never met knowing your name, everything you’ve posted online, or your political leanings? Or when you go on a first date with someone, they’d walk in knowin…
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To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week we discuss the fallout from Joe Biden’s debate performance, the calls for him to end his campaign, and the electability argument for him to stay in. Then we talk about the rising stakes of the election and how emboldened Trump will be in a second term. Finally, we head to Politicology+ w…
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Have you ever thought about what it means to be anonymous? Have you considered what it means that you can walk down the street or go to the grocery store or out to dinner without someone you’ve never met knowing your name, everything you’ve posted online, or your political leanings? Or when you go on a first date with someone, they’d walk in knowin…
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An Unmitigated Disaster—The Weekly Roundup
1:13:39
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To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week we discuss the first presidential debate between Biden and Trump. We also discuss the expectations game and the impact of the debate on undecided voters. Then we talk about the plausibility of a different Democratic nominee. We also get real about our frustration and embarrassment with t…
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ENCORE: Democracy’s Christian Enemies — Part 2
59:28
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Are there tendencies within Christian tradition that put some versions of the faith in tension with core principles of democracy? What is “Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity?” How can a pluralistic society guard against the rise of political figures—including Donald Trump—aiming to weaponize this phenomenon? In this two-part conversation, we di…
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Depends On Your Lens—The Weekly Roundup
1:25:58
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To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week we discuss the recent viral videos of President Biden, deceptive editing, and spin. Then we talk about the report from Columbia University on antisemitism on its campus and the implications of GenZ’s struggle with conflict resolution. Then, we look at President Biden's executive order to…
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ENCORE: Democracy’s Christian Enemies — Part 1
59:07
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Are there tendencies within Christian tradition that put some versions of the faith in tension with core principles of democracy? What is “Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity?” How can a pluralistic society guard against the rise of political figures—including Donald Trump—aiming to weaponize this phenomenon? In this two-part conversation, Ron S…
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The Part-Time Boom—The Weekly Roundup
1:24:01
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To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week we discuss the discrepancy between the positive headlines and the reality of people struggling with part-time jobs and rising prices, Israel rescuing hostages, and new Russian sanctions. Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincol…
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Amid the sea of Trump flags outside the Capitol on January 6th, there were signs that read “Jesus is my Savior, Trump is my President.” A group of protestors carried a giant cross as they marched around the Capitol. Why were these Christian images on prominent display? What role did Charismatic Christianity play in the buildup to the riot at the ca…
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Amid the sea of Trump flags outside the Capitol on January 6th, there were signs that read “Jesus is my Savior, Trump is my President.” A group of protestors carried a giant cross as they marched around the Capitol. Why were these Christian images on prominent display? What role did Charismatic Christianity play in the buildup to the riot at the ca…
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To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) joins host Ron Steslow this week to discuss Donald Trump’s conviction in the New York hush money case, Joe Biden's executive order on border security, and the Wall Street…
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LIVE: The Latino Century with Mike Madrid
1:18:28
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Preorder The Latino Century: How America's Largest Minority Is Transforming Democracy—https://bit.ly/4a7ZCqg Host Ron Steslow sits down with Mike Madrid in front of a live audience in Sacramento, CA to discuss Mike’s upcoming book The Latino Century: How America's Largest Minority Is Transforming Democracy. Special thanks to everyone who made a don…
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Full Blown Freakout—The Weekly Roundup
1:14:30
1:14:30
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To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we discuss the “Dems in full blown ‘freakout’ over Biden.” Then, we talk about the high-level NIH officials who tried to undermine government transparency—including about the coronavirus. After that, we look at rising debt interest payments and why high in…
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Bitcoin is Changing the Fight for Freedom
1:39:03
1:39:03
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Host Ron Steslow welcomes Alex Gladstein (Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation) to discuss the significant and often misunderstood role of Bitcoin in protecting human rights and fighting against authoritarians around the world. Segments to look forward to: (02:07) Alex’s background in human rights work and why he became interested …
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To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. ** Get your ticket to our LIVE pop-up recording with Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid in Sacramento, CA on Wednesday, May 29th: politicology.com/events ** This week, we discuss the crypto bills getting democratic support in Congress despite Biden’s opposition, why housing…
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** Get your ticket to our special LIVE pop-up recording with Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid in Sacramento, CA on May 29th: politicology.com/events ** In the wake of the emotional and highly charged conversations surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, information pollution has only added to the confusion. This week, we bring in an urban warfare expert …
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A Parade of Red Ties—The Weekly Roundup
1:30:55
1:30:55
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To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. ** Get your ticket to our special LIVE recording with Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid in Sacramento, CA on May 29th: politicology.com/events ** This week, we discuss Russia’s latest offensive in Ukraine, stubborn inflation, Biden and Trump’s plans to debate, and the para…
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Politicology Mailbag with Mike Madrid and Lucy Caldwell
1:11:17
1:11:17
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To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder), Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party) and Ron Steslow respond to your feedback and answer your questions on our latest mailbag episode. (06:50) How you can maximize the impact of polit…
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Affordability Voters—The Weekly Roundup
1:30:10
1:30:10
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To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. ** Want to come to a live taping? Let us know here: https://tpolls.typeform.com/to/Gxjndbgf This week, we look at how the affordability crisis is hurting Biden’s chances with Latino voters, how more people are getting good jobs without a college degree, and another c…
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Nick Troiano (Executive Director of Unite America) joins host Ron Steslow to discuss how our process for primary elections fuels the partisan doom loop and leaves more and more Americans disappointed about their choices, and Nick’s new book The Primary Solution: Rescuing our Democracy from the Fringes Segments to look forward to: (01:52) The Need f…
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The ‘Imperial Presidency’—The Weekly Roundup
1:25:58
1:25:58
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To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at the growing pessimism people are feeling about their money, their plans to spend less, and the monetary policy that’s driving that. Then we’ll discuss the dystopian preview of a second Trump term in the Time Magazine cover story, and Arizona’s m…
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Alua Arthur (Death Doula) joins host Ron Steslow to discuss the importance of embracing mortality, talking about death, and her new book, Briefly Perfectly Human: Making an Authentic Life and Getting Real About the End. Segments to look forward to: (02:31) What is a death doula? (05:39) Alua’s journey and embracing mortality (07:28) The impact of a…
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“Safe Spaces” Campaign —The Weekly Roundup
1:18:44
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To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at the Ukraine and Israel aid package and whether Mike Johnson might actually be a capable speaker. Then we’ll discuss the anti-Israel encampments at college campuses across the country. Finally, we’ll talk about the “safe space” election and how J…
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In this two part series, Journalist and author Byron Tau joins host Ron Steslow to discuss his new book Means of Control: How the Hidden Alliance Of Tech And Government Is creating a New American Surveillance State Part 2: (02:17) The extensive government data collection Edward Snowden revealed (09:40) How data vendors bypass privacy reviews within…
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Missiles & Money — The Weekly Roundup
1:35:46
1:35:46
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To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel, what it means for the Middle East, and the response at home. Then we discuss how people living above the poverty line are feeling the financial crunch, Donald Trump’s plan to boost inflation, and the IMF’s …
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In this two part series, Journalist and author Byron Tau joins host Ron Steslow to discuss his new book Means of Control: How the Hidden Alliance Of Tech And Government Is creating a New American Surveillance State Part 1: (02:36) Byron’s background and why he decided to write this book (05:15) The Evolution of data brokering (09:00) Understanding …
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“Get Caught Trying” — The Weekly Roundup
1:20:03
1:20:03
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To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at No Labels announcing they won’t field a ticket and the impact RFK Jr. could have, how Trump’s abortion announcement and the Arizona Supreme Court case could impact the election, and Joe Biden tries to cancel student debt…again. Joining Ron Stesl…
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Molly McKew (writer and lecturer on Russian influence and information warfare) and Chris Zappone (Digital Foreign Editor at The Age and the writer and narrator of the Dark Shining Moment podcast) join host Ron Steslow to discuss the evolution of Russian tactics since 2016 and the vulnerability of American democracy Segments to look forward to: (02:…
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Democracy Doomsday Prepping — The Weekly Roundup
1:11:00
1:11:00
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To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at one way Republicans could try to legally throw out votes to ensure Trump’s victory, the latest Wall Street Journal polling, and the backlash against DEI Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincoln Project Political Di…
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Politicology Mailbag with Mike Madrid
1:24:15
1:24:15
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To unlock exclusive content, visit: https://politicology.com/plus Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder) and Ron Steslow respond to your feedback and answer your questions on our latest mailbag episode. (01:05) The Bannon Line and how the dynamics of this cycle are different from 2020 (09:00) Why the traditional political spectrum isn’t a useful f…
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Trump Is Now A Meme Stock — The Weekly Roundup
1:17:48
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To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at Trump taking Truth Social public, the ISIS terrorist attack in Moscow, and why you weren’t crazy about how bad inflation was Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Al Cárdenas (Advisor to Presidents Regan and George H.W. Bush) Hagar Chemali (…
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How do you win campaigns in a world awash with lies? And why do candidates and campaigns struggle to “use their normal brains” when those lies happen to start online? In the second episode of this two-part conversation, join host Ron Steslow, Mike Madrid, and Sasha Issemberg to discuss the way Democratic political campaigns are adjusting to the cha…
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Trouble In The Base — The Weekly Roundup
1:14:52
1:14:52
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To join Politicology+, visit politicology.com/plus or subscribe in Apple Podcasts. This week, we look at Tuesday’s election results and the warning signs for Trump, whether the impeachment inquiry is backfiring on Republicans, and how to talk about “Christian Nationalism” Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Zack Czajkowski (Fmr. Lincoln Proje…
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