The Grill Room Axelrod on the Art of the Pod
Dec 24, 2024
David Axelrod, a renowned Democratic strategist and CNN commentator, shares his insights on the evolution of podcasting and its impact on politics and culture. He humorously recounts the early days of his podcasting journey and emphasizes the power of authentic conversations in a digital age. Axelrod also discusses the challenges of navigating political discourse during the Trump era and highlights the importance of genuine engagement over traditional media formats. With a nod to jazz improvisation, he connects spontaneity to the art of crafting compelling dialogues.
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Sanders' RV Ride
- David Axelrod recalls Bernie Sanders refusing to ride in a Mercedes RV for a podcast recording.
- They negotiated to drop Sanders off two blocks from the event to avoid being seen.
Podcasting's Power
- Axelrod believes podcasting fosters nuanced conversations, making it harder to hate people when you know them.
- He emphasizes the importance of genuine conversation and limited "bullshit" in successful podcasts.
Warnock's Talking Points
- Axelrod recounts his frustration interviewing Senator Warnock, who relied on talking points.
- He pushed Warnock to answer authentically, but the senator couldn't move past the prepared lines.