Beyond the Polls with Henry Olsen

In this engaging discussion, Jeff Roe, the founder of Axiom Strategies and a prominent Republican consultant, shares insights from his journey in political consulting. He humorously contrasts the dirtiness of politics with his farming roots. Jeff delves into the evolution of political conventions, emphasizing their diminishing influence. He highlights the critical need for candidates to embrace authenticity and personal agency in crafting compelling narratives. The impact of AI on campaigning and voter communication also emerges as a key topic.

In Alaska's 2022 special election, candidates as varied as Sarah Palin and Mary Peltola to Santa Claus were on the ballot. That year was also unique for offering ranked-choice voting, allowing conflicted residents to cast as many as four picks with descending weight. In November, both the incumbent Peltola and the ranked-choice repeal initiative are on the ballot, so Henry recruits the Alaska Beacon's James Brooks to give us a tour of the vast electoral wilderness. Plus, Henry wonders about the staying power of Kamala-mania; and unpacks an Arizona attack ad that highlights the firebrand Kari Lake's baggage. 

Michael Podhorzer, former political director of the AFL-CIO, joins Sherrod Brown, the Democratic Senator from Ohio, to dissect the high-stakes political landscape. They tackle the polarizing campaign narratives and the significance of running mate selections, particularly for Kamala Harris. The discussion reveals how current events and strategic advertising—like Brown's unexpected Republican-themed border ad—are crucial to swaying undecided voters. Key insights on the evolving Democratic campaign strategies add depth to the conversation.

With Joe Biden's decision to drop out from the presidential race, the Democratic Party has been forced to improvise. But there's a method to what looks like madness! Joining Henry today is the Brookings Institution's Elaine Kamarck — author of Primary Politics: Everything You Need to Know about How America Nominates Its Presidential Candidates. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on the process that will straighten out the party's predicament.Plus, Henry considers how Kamala Harris's placement on the ticket affects the "double haters" that have simultaneously fascinated and flummoxed pollsters; and he takes us through Wesley Bell's latest ad to get the attention of Cori Bush's base. 

Daniel Scarpinato, a political analyst specializing in Arizona's primaries, joins to discuss the shifting dynamics in the state's political landscape. They cover the fierce Democratic battle against David Schweikert in AZ 1 and the Republican fight to replace Debbie Lesko in AZ 8. Scarpinato dives into how key issues like abortion rights are shaping campaigns, especially with impactful advertising strategies aimed at mobilizing voters. Their insights reveal just how critical Arizona's votes will be in the upcoming elections.

It’s been a wicked googly of a week in American politics! To start, Henry appraises how the polls might be affected by both the attempt on Trump’s life and the announcement of an all-outsider ticket, with J.D. Vance in the VP slot. Next, he and Michael Dimock (president of the Pew Research Center) delve into the process of crafting public opinion polls that pin down the perplexing array of citizen sentiments. Lastly, he takes a look at another ad of the week — this time from a problem-solving newcomer running in Wisconsin’s 8th.

Former White House Press Secretary Dana Perino discusses Joe Biden's decline, Democratic concerns, and speculation on a potential candidacy exit. They also analyze political ads, NATO summit expectations, swing state dynamics, and historical parallels, including a focus on Maggie Goodlander's congressional campaign in New Hampshire.

After 14 years at the helm, the polls tell us the British Tories are facing a slaughter on Thursday. To get at the party’s collapse, Henry hops across the pond to discuss British politics with a couple of swell chaps. First up is The Times’ Tim Montgomerie, who covers the post-Brexit smashing victory and the subsequent failure to deliver to the new coalition. Then Matthew Goodwin joins to dig into the rise of Nigel Farage, UKIP, and the Reform Party’s challenge to the status quo.And if you're new to the British parliamentary system, fret not! Henry's got a rant to get you up to speed. - Music from this week's show: "Rule, Britannia" performed by the Prince's Military Band and "The Star Spangled Banner" performed by Frank C. Stanley (via the Library of Congress)

If you want to win an election, you gotta campaign. And to campaign, you gotta get a lotta dough! This week Henry chats with R. Rebecca Donatelli, founder of Campaign Solutions, for a deep dive into the world of online political fundraising. Plus, Henry rants ahead of a debate that (we're told) won't change anybody's mind. And he breaks down a big introduction ad for a newcomer candidate who hopes to take Kansas 2.

Chuck Warren of the Breaking Battlegrounds Podcast joins Henry for a close inspection of the ever-interesting state of Utah. They get into the characteristics that make it a red state like no other as they dig into the primaries for Mitt Romney's Senate seat and congressional districts 2 and 3.  Plus, Henry takes a look at Trump's sustained lead in the polls; later he compares the ad strategies of South Carolina CD 3 primary candidates Mark Burns and Sheri Biggs.