Somebody's Gotta Win with Tara Palmeri Why the Dirt on Trump's Cabinet Picks Won't Stick With Pat Dennis
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Jan 16, 2025 Tara Palmeri sits down with Pat Dennis, the President of American Bridge 21st Century and an authority in political opposition research. They delve into the tangled web of Donald Trump’s cabinet picks, exploring which nominees face real scrutiny and why. Pat shares insights on the evolution of opposition research and the media's crucial role in shaping public perception. The duo discusses challenges in verifying nominees' backgrounds and the impacts of declining trust in mainstream journalism on voter engagement.
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Early Career
- Pat Dennis began his oppo research career tracking Chris Christie in New Jersey.
- He dropped out of college for this opportunity and never returned.
Opposition Research Methods
- American Bridge, a large Super PAC, conducts extensive opposition research, even on politicians not up for reelection for years.
- They analyze public records, news stories, and even yearbooks, aiming to uncover information that might resonate with voters.
Reaching Voters
- Democrats excel at disseminating negative information through mainstream news, reaching those who already follow such sources.
- However, they struggle to connect with Republicans and less engaged voters, who often rely on more sensational content.