Today, Explained

Join Eric Levitz, a Senior correspondent at Vox, and Jeff Weaver, a longtime associate of Senator Bernie Sanders, as they dissect the Democratic Party's significant losses in the recent election. They analyze the party's disconnect with voters, particularly declining support from Black and Latino communities, and the rise of Republican influence among non-college educated demographics. Together, they explore the urgent need for economic populism and diversity in leadership to revitalize the party and reconnect with working-class Americans.

Andrew Prokop, Senior Political Correspondent at Vox.com, and Shelby Talcott, Reporter for Semafor, dive into the aftermath of Trump's recent victory. They discuss Biden's unpopularity and Kamala Harris's campaign struggles amid evolving voter sentiments. The duo explores how demographic shifts and the nostalgia for the Trump era play into the current political landscape. Prokop highlights the implications for Trump's potential return to office, while Talcott provides on-the-ground insights into the buoyant mood within Trump's campaign team.

Join historian Jeffrey Engel, the Director of the Center for Presidential History, and Julia Azari, a political science professor, as they dissect the recurring claim that each election is the most crucial yet. They explore pivotal historical elections and their influence on current voter engagement. The duo reflects on the significance of the upcoming election, contrasting the campaigns of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, while discussing the emotional toll of election anxiety and the evolving landscape of American democracy.

Khalil AlHajal, Deputy opinion editor at the Detroit Free Press and a Dearborn native, joins Matt Grossmann, Director at Michigan State's Institute for Public Policy. They discuss how Arab American voters in Michigan are feeling disillusioned with Democrats due to their handling of the Gaza conflict. The conversation delves into the concept of political homelessness, the challenges of navigating political choices during strife, and how these factors may sway the election's outcome in a state known for tight races and shifting voter loyalties.

Maggie Mertens, journalist and author of "Better, Faster, Farther," teams up with Kevin Masters, a health psychology professor, to explore the marathon boom among 20-somethings. They discuss how running helps tackle quarter-life crises and the nearly 20% increase in participants from 2022 to 2023. The conversation highlights emotional journeys, community building, and psychological benefits, revealing why more people are lacing up their shoes. From personal growth to lifelong fitness habits, marathons are reshaping lives in remarkable ways.

Richard Parks III, host of the Dodger Blue Dream podcast, takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through the Los Angeles Dodgers' cinematic season. Jared Diamond, a seasoned Wall Street Journal reporter, weighs in on the team's World Series win and its impact on declining baseball viewership. They discuss the excitement following the signing of Shohei Otani, the potential fallout from a gambling scandal, and strategies to rejuvenate interest in the sport amid fierce competition from other leagues.

Jeff Solacek, an education reporter at the Tampa Bay Times, and Liliana Mason, a political science professor at Johns Hopkins University, dive into the worrisome rise of political polarization in America. They discuss Florida's potential shift to partisan school board elections, which could reshape educational policies. Mason shares insights on how media consumption influences political attitudes, while both guests highlight the deep-seated animosity between parties and the urgent need for civil discourse to counteract this divisiveness.

Kyle Cheney, a Senior legal affairs reporter for Politico, dives into Donald Trump’s tactics for potentially overturning a loss in the upcoming election. He discusses troubling comments from Trump hinting at undermining electoral integrity and the narrative of voter fraud. Cheney unpacks the role of the Electoral Count Reform Act in safeguarding democracy and highlights the political maneuvers that could disrupt the electoral process. He emphasizes new reforms aimed at enhancing voting integrity and addressing the challenges posed by heightened political tensions.

John Ralston, CEO and editor of the Nevada Independent, shares insights on Nevada's critical role in the 2024 presidential race. Richard Rubin, a Wall Street Journal reporter, dives into the implications of tax proposals from candidates. They discuss how economic concerns, especially in Nevada, influence voter sentiment. The conversation highlights rising living costs, diverse voter demographics, and contrasts between candidates’ tax policies. With catchy slogans versus detailed plans, they analyze what really resonates with undecided voters.

Lloyd Kotler, Founder of Banter Messaging, shares insights into the world of political fundraising texts. He discusses the alarming rise of urgent texts as elections approach, revealing their strategies and targeting tactics. The conversation dives into the ethical concerns surrounding scam PACs and how data collection practices can exploit donors. Kotler emphasizes the need for transparency in campaign communications, urging listeners to navigate the complexities of political messaging in today's digital age.