The Briefing with Jen Psaki Decision 2025 election preview special edition of The Blueprint with Jen Psaki
10 snips
Nov 3, 2025 
Jen Palmieri, former communications director for Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, provides keen insights into the dynamics of the upcoming elections. They discuss key battlegrounds like Virginia and New Jersey, emphasizing the importance of voter turnout and candidate quality. Palmieri highlights how federal shutdowns may affect Democratic wins in Virginia. The conversation also explores the national implications of judicial races in Pennsylvania and the rising star of New York City’s mayoral frontrunner, Zohran Mamdani, showcasing an energized Democratic movement.
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Trump As A Democratic Turnout Engine
- Donald Trump's behavior and tone are energizing Democratic turnout even when he is not on the ballot.
- That dynamic can turn local races into national referendums on his presidency.
Recruit Exciting Candidates And Watch Turnout
- Recruit candidates who excite voters and can drive turnout in their states or districts.
- Track early and primary turnout as an indicator of general election enthusiasm.
Virginia Shutdown Could Shift The Map
- The federal shutdown disproportionately hurts Virginia because of its large federal workforce and could boost turnout among angry voters.
- Large margins in Virginia would signal durable momentum for Democrats into 2026.