The Focus Group Podcast

Adrian Carrasquillo, Bulwark immigration correspondent and Huddled Masses newsletter author, shares on-the-ground Minneapolis reporting and coverage of ICE enforcement. He discusses the spread of fear beyond undocumented communities. Listeners hear reactions to recent killings, debates over accountability and reform, and how images of children reshape public outrage.

Will Sommer, right-wing media reporter and author of the False Flag newsletter, sheds light on a fracturing conservative movement. He discusses the MAGA establishment vs America First split. He explores influencer power after Charlie Kirk, Rubio’s surprising rehabilitation, Vance’s appeal problems, Gen Z shifts on Israel, and the rise of gryper-style provocateurs.

Bill Kristol, Editor-at-large at The Bulwark and renowned conservative political commentator, joins Sarah Longwell for an insightful discussion about the current political landscape. They delve into how Republican views on race and nativism have evolved, the moral outrage surrounding the recent ICE killing, and the significance of the Epstein files in public discourse. Kristol also critiques the GOP's future without Trump and the implications of the Jerome Powell investigation, shedding light on the complexities of today's political climate.

The United States just captured Venezuela's dictator, and we needed to get some quick voter reactions. Is this REALLY what the newest members of Trump's coalition voted for? We're also sensing growing discontent from them with the state of the country, and with the Trump administration governing more for its friends than for them. Atlantic staff writer Jonathan Chait joins the show to break down voter sentiment nearly a year into Trump's term.Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at https://RocketMoney.com/THEFOCUSGROUP.

In this insightful discussion, Conor Kilgore, a talented producer and interviewer, joins Sarah Longwell, who began conducting focus groups to challenge Trump’s dominance in the Republican Party. Sarah shares her journey from attempting to find a primary challenger to uncovering surprising voter loyalty to Trump in both Ohio and New Hampshire. They delve into the dynamics of voter perceptions, the evolution of loyalty, and the impact of social identity on political beliefs. Sarah also highlights future races to watch in 2026, offering a strategic perspective for Democrats.

A year in review from The Focus Group Podcast: the revealing moments, toughest conversations, and warnings that hit a little harder with hindsight—from swing voters to Democrats to cracks inside MAGA. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THEFOCUSGROUP at https://www.oneskin.co/THEFOCUSGROUP #oneskinpod Original episodes: Nothing is True, Everything is Possible (with Anne Applebaum):  https://audioboom.com/posts/8711563-nothing-is-true-everything-is-possible-with-anne-applebaum Do the Next Right Thing, Change the World (with Heather Cox Richardson): https://audioboom.com/posts/8741588-do-the-next-right-thing-change-the-world-with-heather-cox-richardson The GOP's Life After Trump (with Robert Draper): https://audioboom.com/posts/8806639-the-gop-s-life-after-trump-with-robert-draper

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s 'Make America Healthy Again' movement and its adherents have done some of the most harm of anyone in Donald Trump's second term. The voters who are motivated by 'MAHA' are also some of the most interesting. The Bulwark's resident healthcare expert, Jonathan Cohn joins the show to break down the policy consequences of RFK's healthcare regime, and what motivates the everyday 'MAHA' voter.By Jonathan Cohn:This Is What It Looks Like When RFK Jr. Wins

The American military used to be one of the more trusted institutions in America. In 2025, it's a major political football. But how much do voters know about the military and its proper use? Bulwark military expert, Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) joins the show.This holiday, give your loved ones the only gift that keeps on giving — health. Go to Superpower.com/gift to get a free $49 gift box with your gifted membership.Show notes: Get free shipping and 365 day returns with Quince at https://Quince.com/THEFOCUSGROUP.

Astead Herndon, a journalist and former host at The New York Times podcast, dives into the frustrations of swing voters who feel disenchanted by both political parties. He discusses the importance of listening to these voters and profiles Zohran Mamdani, revealing how his approach won even Trump's attention. The conversation explores voter desires for reforms like term limits and better representation, emphasizing that authenticity and a fighting spirit resonate more than ideological purity in today's political landscape.

Catherine Rampell, an economics editor at The Bulwark, breaks down the current state of the economy and the complex dynamics between political promises and real-world inflation. She delves into the challenges Trump faces in delivering on economic relief and explains why outright promises of lower prices are a perilous trap for politicians. The discussion includes insights from focus-group voters who voice their frustrations about high prices and altered holiday spending habits. Rampell emphasizes that while politicians can impact certain economic areas, expectations often exceed reality.