Campaign Trend Podcast

Have a question, comment, idea or suggestion? Send us a text.What happens when a poker champion with $3 million in tournament winnings pivots to political texting? You get Phil Gordon, founder of Prompt.io, dropping wisdom on selective aggression, ethical influence, and why your campaign texts might be getting ignored.Whether you're managing a 50-50 race or just tired of your texts going straight to the spam folder, this episode is your permission to fold the bad hands and go all-in on what actually works.Campaigning with the Science of Influence: Shaping Mindsets and Voter Behavior with Dr. Robert CialdiniVisit our website: CampaignTrend.com

Makena Kelly, a senior writer at Wired, explores the fusion of online fandom culture and politics, highlighting how young voters are reshaping campaigns. She discusses the rise of fan cams and remixing as tools for engagement, particularly in Zohran Mamdani's NYC mayoral campaign. Kelly emphasizes the importance of authenticity and creator relationships, arguing that real connections can mobilize communities. She also advocates for leveraging social media strategically to empower young voices and convert online enthusiasm into real-world activism.

Jordan Lieberman, CEO of Powers Interactive and an expert in campaign finance data, unveils the intriguing dynamics of political consulting. He reveals that 93% of consultants fail to last a decade due to rapid turnover impacting innovation. The conversation also highlights how alumni networks from institutions like the Leadership Institute foster lasting trust. Lieberman shares why losing campaigns can be advantageous for career growth, emphasizing the importance of diverse networks in this complex industry.

Have a question, comment, idea or suggestion? Send us a text.What should smart campaigners be doing right now to prepare for 2026? In this special episode, we're sharing a recent webinar hosted by Campaigns & Elections and sponsored by Prompt.io, where host Eric Wilson sits down with Farz Sokhansanj, President of Prompt.io, to unpack the tech trends and strategic shifts that will define the next election cycle.Visit our website: CampaignTrend.com

Billy McBeath, a veteran Republican media strategist from the Senate Leadership Fund, discusses how campaigns are behind the curve in connected TV advertising. He highlights a groundbreaking YouTube study revealing that just 14 impressions can significantly sway polling outcomes. Billy breaks down the importance of aligning modeling, polling, and reporting to avoid wasted ad spend. He also unveils four essential rules for smarter CTV buying and warns against the pitfalls of fragmentation that lead to duplicate ads. This conversation offers a roadmap for optimizing campaign strategies in the digital age.

Have a question, comment, idea or suggestion? Send us a text.Security expert Bruce Schneier joins Campaign Trend host Eric Wilson to discuss his upcoming book "Rewiring Democracy" and how AI is already transforming politics behind the scenes. From AI-written laws in Brazil to chatbots helping local candidates engage voters, Schneier explores AI's potential as both a democratizing force and power concentrator. He introduces his "four S's" framework for understanding when AI replaces humans and addresses why deepfakes aren't the biggest concern. The conversation covers AI polling, regulation challenges, and the concept of AI-enhanced citizenship while rejecting both utopian and dystopian extremes. Visit our website: CampaignTrend.com

Have a question, comment, idea or suggestion? Send us a text.WinRed CEO Ryan Lyk joins Eric Wilson for a revealing conversation about how GOP fundraising has transformed since 2018. The "WinRed Effect" report reveals stunning shifts in donor behavior, from smaller gifts given more frequently to massive growth in down-ballot digital programs. Lyk discusses battling Big Tech suppression, innovative solutions for SMS deliverability, and exclusive details on upcoming "recurring retention" features that will revolutionize how campaigns manage donor subscriptions and reduce churn rates. Visit our website: CampaignTrend.com

Have a question, comment, idea or suggestion? Send us a text.As campaigns gear up for the 2026 midterms, new tech changes threaten online fundraising. Apple's iOS 26 will filter texts from unknown numbers, potentially blocking campaign messages from reaching 65% of donors who use iPhones. Meanwhile, Gmail has been flagging Republican fundraising emails with WinRed links as dangerous while ActBlue links pass through unfiltered. TAG Strategies' Dave Purkert breaks down these challenges and shares strategies campaigns can use to protect their donor outreach and fundraising operations. Visit our website: CampaignTrend.com

Explore the fascinating intersection of AI and campaign analysis. Discover how artificial intelligence can transform open-ended survey responses into actionable insights. The discussion highlights four groundbreaking AI models tested on voter feedback. Delve into the intricacies of question framing and the challenges of engaging participants. Learn how large language models unlock hidden themes, enhancing understanding of voter priorities. The conversation emphasizes the importance of integrating AI with human judgment to craft more effective campaign strategies.

Have a question, comment, idea or suggestion? Send us a text.Political strategist and novelist Robert Moran joins Eric Wilson to discuss his new book "Lincoln 2.0," a political thriller exploring AI candidates in future elections. They dive into whether voters would accept a digitally resurrected Abraham Lincoln running for president, the technological requirements for AI candidates, and regulatory challenges facing this emerging reality. The conversation covers real-world examples like Modi's digital avatar in India, AI debate prep possibilities, and the potential for campaigns to create digital clones of candidates. Moran predicts presidential libraries will soon create AI versions of past presidents, making this speculative fiction feel surprisingly close to reality. Visit our website: CampaignTrend.com