Amy Gardner, a dedicated political reporter for The Washington Post’s democracy team, joins the discussion on early voting trends as the 2024 campaign unfolds. She shares insights on the final polling data, particularly in key battleground states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The conversation dives into ballot security issues, including recent incidents of damaged ballots and the factors impacting public trust. They also reflect on the contrasting campaigns of Trump and Harris and how early voting strategies are adjusting to match changing voter behaviors.

Emma Talkoff and Elana Gordon, producers for the show, provide on-the-ground insights from Kamala Harris's rally in D.C. and Donald Trump's rally in Allentown, Pennsylvania. They capture the charged atmosphere, revealing how supporters from both camps are feeling as the election approaches. Themes of community engagement, personal anecdotes, and contrasting perspectives on voting rights emerge. Plus, a quirky tip on eco-friendly pumpkin disposal is thrown in for good measure, blending politics with seasonal fun!

Sabrina Rodriguez, a voting reporter for The Washington Post, delves into the shifting dynamics of Latino voters in San Luis, Arizona. She reveals how a significant drop in Democratic support indicates a growing Republican foothold, particularly among young, non-college-educated men. The podcast highlights family divisions over politics and the misinformation impacting voter sentiment. Rodriguez emphasizes the need for tailored political messaging to engage diverse Latino communities effectively during this pivotal election cycle.

Caroline Kitchener, a Washington Post reporter, delves into the haunting story of Patience Frazier, who faced manslaughter charges under a century-old abortion law after a miscarriage. Frazier's plight reveals the daunting legal complexities surrounding reproductive rights. Jacqueline Mitchum, a sheriff's deputy, shares her emotional conflicts during the investigation. The discussion highlights the broader implications of prosecuting women in a post-Roe landscape, illuminating the intersection of personal tragedy and systemic injustice.

Former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have made vastly different proposals to address the housing shortage. Harris says that her administration will provide incentives to get millions of homes built while helping first-time homebuyers with their down payments. Trump says that deporting large numbers of undocumented immigrants will free up more housing for Americans, an idea that has been widely debunked by economists.Host Elahe Izadi speaks with housing reporter Rachel Siegel about why housing has become such a hot topic this election season, and whether either candidate's plans are feasible. Today’s show was produced by Sabby Robinson, with help from Bishop Sand. It was mixed by Sam Bair and edited by Peter Bresnan, with help from Lucy Perkins. Thanks to Sam Fortier and Mike Madden.Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Michelle Krowl, a Civil War and Reconstruction Specialist at the Library of Congress, dives into the intriguing history of former presidents seeking to reclaim the White House. She unpacks the comeback attempts of figures like Grover Cleveland, highlighting the unique challenges they faced. The discussion draws compelling parallels between past and present, particularly regarding Donald Trump's current quest for reelection. Krowl also explores themes of political ambition, honesty in leadership, and the evolving landscape as we approach the 2024 election.

Trisha Thadani, a technology reporter at The Washington Post covering Elon Musk, and Michael Schur, a national political reporter, dive into Musk's significant role in Trump's campaign. They discuss Musk's million-dollar voter incentive and the legal implications behind it. The duo explores the dynamics of super PACs and grassroots campaigning while unraveling how Musk’s social media influence is shaping political messaging. They also analyze the intertwining of wealth and politics, raising questions about accountability in a billionaire-driven campaign landscape.

In this discussion, Patrick Marley, a voting and democracy reporter for The Washington Post, dives into Trump's strategies for the 2024 election. He highlights how Trump's tactics mirror those from 2020, raising concerns of misinformation and legal battles. Marley reflects on the chaos of January 6th and the crucial certification process that could be threatened again. With Trump claiming potential election fraud, the conversation underscores the importance of voter awareness and the implications for the democratic process.

Lauren Kaori Gurley, a labor reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the intriguing shift in union politics at a Ford plant in Michigan. She highlights how union members are increasingly torn between supporting candidates like Trump and Harris, reflecting a broader political realignment since 2016. Gurley reveals the diverse media consumption of workers and their mixed feelings about endorsements. With unions traditionally backing Democrats, she discusses the implications of this newfound independence on upcoming elections and voter behavior.

Geoffrey Fowler, a technology columnist for The Washington Post, dives into the rapid evolution of AI audio technology. He discusses the ethical dilemmas posed by voice cloning, particularly in journalism where accuracy is essential. The conversation touches on the potential for AI to create misinformation, especially through deepfakes involving public figures. Fowler also considers what makes a voice relatable and how AI falls short of human nuances, highlighting the urgent need for vigilance in this new digital era.