GD POLITICS We Answer Your Questions On Independents, Never Trumpers, And Zohran Mamdani
Jan 19, 2026
Lenny Bronner, a senior data scientist at The Washington Post, joins to tackle unique listener questions. They dive into the record rise of independents and what it means for future elections. The discussion highlights how Republicans who disapprove of Trump tend to be former supporters rather than lifelong Never Trumpers. They also analyze the recent polling shifts after the 2025 elections, share insights on politicians' rebranding efforts, and offer career advice for recent grads. It's a thought-provoking dive into the current political landscape!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Pick Trusted Professions For Electability
- Choose professions voters trust when recruiting candidates, like nurses or veterans, not just lawyers.
- Emphasize honesty and ethics for Congress and executive experience or business leadership for governors.
Independents Rise As Party Brands Weaken
- Rising independent identification reflects weak party brands even as partisan views harden underneath.
- Young generations stick with independent IDs, suggesting the shift may persist across cohorts.
Poll Changes Came From Likely-Voter Models
- Poll shifts after the 2025 elections reflected changes in likely-voter models, not necessarily sudden opinion swings.
- Pollsters updated models to mirror the 2026 electorate, producing results that favored Democrats.
