Andy Kim, the newly elected Democratic Senator from New Jersey, discusses the fallout from Trump’s controversial cabinet picks, including alleged sex offender Matt Gaetz and vaccine skeptic RFK Jr. He highlights the importance of listening to voters and embracing uncomfortable conversations for Democrats. Kim also emphasizes the need for humility and inclusivity to bridge political divides, while addressing the implications of appointing unqualified individuals to key positions. His thoughtful insights offer hope for a more engaged and responsive political landscape.

Ezra Klein, a New York Times columnist and host of The Ezra Klein Show, discusses the Democratic Party's struggles to connect with working-class voters. He analyzes the shift of blue states toward the right and the impact of social media on these changes. Klein highlights the pressing affordability crisis and the necessity for progressives to adjust their messaging. He also delves into how understanding voter sentiments can help rebuild trust, especially concerning economic policies and living conditions.

Pat Ryan, a New York Congressman who recently won re-election in a challenging district, shares valuable lessons for the Democratic Party. He discusses the importance of relatable narratives to connect with disenchanted voters and highlights the need for the party to address economic concerns effectively. The conversation also dives into Trump's potential second term, exploring his staffing choices and the chilling implications for political accountability. Overall, they stress the importance of understanding voter sentiment to regain support.

The best way to understand what happened on Tuesday is to listen to what the actual voters have been saying. Dan checks back in with two strategists who run focus groups with key parts of the electorate: Sarah Longwell of The Bulwark, who's been talking to Trump-curious swing voters for months, and Carlos Odio of Equis Research, an expert on the Latino vote. Sarah and Carlos discuss some of the warning signs that were blinking red long before last week, and how we can recognize them—and act on them—in the future. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. 

As Kamala Harris concedes after a tough election, Democrats grapple with the fallout and point fingers. The hosts unpack conflicting theories behind her loss while highlighting emotional responses from young voters. They discuss Biden's campaign struggles, the disconnect with working-class sentiments, and the challenges of identity politics. There's a focus on the need for relatable messaging and grassroots outreach amidst changing voter priorities, while also hinting at potential wins for some Democratic candidates.

The aftermath of Trump's electoral win leads to a deep dive into voter motivations and demographic shifts. There's surprising support for him among diverse groups like Latino voters. Economic concerns and trust issues pose significant challenges for the Democrats. The speakers stress the need for effective grassroots organizing and a relatable narrative. They also highlight the role of political discourse in personal struggles. Humor and irony provide a lens to critique the absurdities of today's political landscape, encouraging resilience and community engagement.

The podcast dives into Kamala Harris's rising optimism after a surprising SNL appearance, contrasting it with Trump's bizarre remarks about reporters. With a shocking Iowa poll showing Harris ahead in a deep-red state, the hosts dissect the chaotic dynamics of recent political rallies. They reflect on grassroots campaigning in Nevada, emphasizing emotional voter connections and the necessity of engaging undecided voters. As the election nears, the urgency of mobilizing support amid economic challenges becomes a critical theme.

Dan speaks with Steve Kornacki, a renowned NBC News political correspondent known for his lively election night coverage. They dive into the crucial battleground states like Georgia and North Carolina, discussing shifting voter demographics and early voting trends. Steve shares insights on key Senate and House races, highlighting quirks in ballot counting that could delay results. The conversation also covers the growing influence of Hispanic voters in Arizona and the significance of celebrity endorsements in enhancing voter turnout.

Donald Trump dresses up like a sanitation worker as a message stunt and says he'll "protect" women "whether the women like it or not." Kamala Harris seizes on those remarks in events in the swing states, sharpening her argument against Trump on abortion and health care. In the final Friday episode before Election Day, Jon and Dan discuss all the latest and what they're watching for in each of the battleground states on Tuesday. Then, Nebraska's independent Senate candidate, Dan Osborn, talks with Dan about how he's pulled even with the Republican incumbent in one of the reddest states in the country, and how he plans to win. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

In this discussion, Tim Miller, a former Republican strategist and co-host of The Bulwark podcast, shares insights on Kamala Harris's rallying speech aimed at undecided voters. He analyzes Donald Trump's public image woes and the alarming prospect of healthcare cuts under his administration. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joins to highlight strategies for engaging disillusioned progressives and shares her ground-level experiences in Pennsylvania. Together, they explore the urgent need for voter mobilization and accountability in a contentious political landscape.