Beyond the Polls with Henry Olsen

One can’t help but wonder if Iowans are really going to go out in droves on a night with expected -35 degree wind chill to cast their votes for Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley or Vivek Ramaswamy? President of the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition Steve Scheffler joins to remind us that the Hawkeye State is made up of hardy people. He and Henry cover the remaining candidates and what they might reasonably hope for on Monday’s Caucus. Henry also breaks down the keys to Trump’s successful campaign and Haley’s recent ad that highlights her talent for maximizing appeal to a broad base of voters.

The election year has arrived and the quest to defeat Donald Trump continues, but there's a growing suspicion that this journey's heroes are living in a fantasy land. Henry sits down with Spectator Editor-in-Chief Ben Domenech to discuss these interesting times the country finds itself in—and be sure to stick around for Ben's placement of the candidates in the realm of Dungeons and Dragons and popular memes.And even after last episode's Festivus rant, Henry still has a bone to pick with DeSantis; plus the Ad of the Week is back with Bernie Moreno's short but sweet Trump endorsement spot.

In this holiday-themed episode, Henry Olsen airs his grievances with various politicians, including Joe Biden's performance and Ron DeSantis' campaign. He also discusses voter dissatisfaction with Patrick Murray and the race between Donald Trump and Nikki Haley with Dante Scala.

While it would probably be unwise to bet on Ron DeSantis or Nikki Haley winning the Republican nomination, Henry's back to remind you that it ain't impossible. This week's rant will get you up to speed on what to look out for. David Wasserman joins to break down a number of key tossups in the House and Senate, and to discuss whether last midterm’s resurgence of emphasis on regional candidate quality will hold up in congressional races during this presidential cycle.

This podcast discusses the scenarios in the Iowa Caucus that could benefit Donald Trump's Republican challengers. It also examines Joe Biden's ability to overcome his poor numbers and win in November. The podcast includes analysis of a recent debate, potential successors to Trump, and the importance of being on the ballot. It concludes with a discussion on Trump's potential vice presidential candidates and a risky campaign ad.

You’ve had your fill on turkey, now it’s time to get back to the races! In fact, we’re so eager to get back in that Beyond the Polls will be coming out weekly going forward. This week Henry sits down with John Hood of the Pope Foundation for a tour of North Carolina, a state set for competetive elections for both GOP contenders and in the general. Then James Johnson, cofounder of JL Partners, takes us through his findings on an electorate which largely disapproves of the presidential rematch that’s likely to come in ’24.And stay tuned for a jaunt around the Atlantic as Henry rants about the victorious Javier Milei and Geert Wilders, and what these smashing overseas elections mean for the USA.

We're hearing that voters prefer a "generic candidate." Today Henry and his polling buddies consider this ideal alongside the less popular incarnate candidates before us. Kristen Soltis Anderson covers interesting shifts in Trump voter demographics and the weak challenges by his primary opponents; Spencer Kimball joins to discuss Biden's waning support with key Democratic blocs and his trailing Republicans in swing states; and Craig Gilbert dives into one of the essential swing states, clueing us in on what to look for in the race for Wisconsin.And stay tuned to the end for the first ever “Olsen Rants!” This time he freestyles on the GOP’s rough night on Tuesday. He'll set you straight on what happened in Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and more. The good news? It ain't as bad as you think!

It's a triple state of play kind of day! Henry brings us along on a tour of key southern states. Rudy Bush of Texas breaks down Ted Cruz's fight with Colin Allred and Lone Star State's demographic changes. Then we move to pressing matters further East, where off year elections are underway. Al Cross takes us through the must-watch governor's race between Andy Beshear and Daniel Cameron in the Commonwealth of Kentucky; and J. Miles Coleman joins to pick apart campaigns in the political bellwether that is the Virginia General Assembly.Plus Henry's Washington Post colleague Dan Balz assesses the fight between Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis to be Donald Trump's final Republican challenger. And "Ad of the Week" returns with an introductory bio ad for prosecutor Bill Graham who hopes to be North Carolina's next governor.

Charles Franklin from Marquette Law School Poll profiles reluctant and 'double doubter' voters; Matt Lewis discusses the Republican Party's transformation and consequences of McCarthy's ouster; Dennis Lennox explains the dynamics of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Republican nomination; potential future of ranked choice voting is explored.

"Beyond the Polls" welcomes Scott Rasmussen to discuss 2024 hopefuls, Steve Kornacki to analyze the race between Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump, and Jon Ralston to explore Nevada politics. They discuss overcoming Trump's lead, reaching swing voters, and the difference between a caucus and primary in Nevada.