Scott Shafer

Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos from KQED's politics team discuss the tensions between California and the Trump administration. They dive into how Democratic leaders are strategizing against federal policies and the adjustments California Republicans are making. The duo highlights concerns about civil liberties amid an authoritarian shift and the political frustrations within the Democratic Party. They also explore the future of California's political landscape, including potential candidacies and the impact of federal constraints on state governance.

In this enlightening discussion, Guy Marzorati, Marisa Lagos, and Scott Shafer, all KQED politics correspondents, dissect California's political maneuvering under Trump’s administration. They explore Attorney General Rob Bonta's lawsuits and Governor Gavin Newsom's balancing act for federal aid. The trio speculates on potential gubernatorial candidates, including the intriguing possibility of Kamala Harris running. They also delve into the challenges Dems face amid shifting voter sentiments and discuss strategies for effective messaging in these turbulent times.

Scott Shafer, a senior editor at KQED, discusses the inauguration of San Francisco's new mayor, Daniel Lurie, and the challenges he faces. Alex Hall updates listeners on Oakland's interim mayor, Kevin Jenkins, and Congresswoman Barbara Lee's mayoral candidacy following a recall. Guy Marzorati highlights the urgent issues of public safety, homelessness, and the fentanyl crisis that new leaders must tackle. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for collaboration amidst a complex political landscape, shaping the future of the Bay Area.

Scott Shafer, a senior editor at KQED specializing in California politics, and Marisa Lagos, a seasoned politics correspondent, team up with Andrew Prokop from Vox to dissect the latest election outcomes. They dive into Adam Schiff's Senate victory and the adoption of same-sex marriage rights, while also contrasting national voter sentiments as Trump secures wins amid economic turmoil. The discussion highlights growing voter dissatisfaction with the Biden administration and explores the implications of a potential second Trump term on California's policies and societal dynamics.

Kim Alexander, president of the California Voter Foundation, brings her voting expertise, while Scott Shafer, KQED's senior editor and co-host of Political Breakdown, shares political insights. They tackle critical last-minute voting queries, including ballot mistakes and ranked choice voting. Listeners learn about same-day registration, ballot tracking, and the significance of understanding the voting process, especially in close elections. The duo also emphasizes available resources to empower voters, ensuring everyone feels prepared ahead of Election Day.