The Focus Group Podcast

Voters reflect on Joe Biden's presidency amidst growing concerns about his mental acuity. Discussions highlight the implications of his health on leadership and electability, with support for his decision to step away from the 2024 race. The podcast critiques the delicate balance between political transparency and personal privacy, particularly regarding health disclosures. Conversations emphasize the need for accountability and the impact of undisclosed conditions on public trust, signaling a call for better communication within the Democratic Party.

Donald Trump is looking to pass his Big, Not-So-Beautiful Bill through Congress. To do it, he needs to get it past congressional Republicans. So what do Republican voters think of congressional leaders, and whether this bill is as big and beautiful as it seems? New York Times congressional reporter Annie Karni joins Sarah. By Annie Karni: Mad House: How Donald Trump, MAGA Mean Girls, a Former Used Car Salesman, a Florida Nepo Baby, and a Man with Rats in His Walls Broke Congress Go to https://surfshark.com/thefocusgroup or use code thefocusgroup at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!

Ian Ward, a reporter at Politico, dives into the shifting landscape of the Republican Party with a focus on J.D. Vance's rising influence. They discuss Vance's controversial stances, including his advice to bypass court orders and the authoritarian implications of his views. Ward explores how Vance embodies a new wave of conservative thought shaped by thinkers like Curtis Yarvin. The conversation highlights Vance's ability to resonate with voters and the intricate interplay of cultural relevance in shaping political identities today.

In this discussion, Dave Weigel, author of Semaphore's Americana newsletter, brings his keen insights on the shifting political landscape as Trump’s approval ratings dip. They explore the rocky relationship between discontented voters and the current administration, revealing that many don’t regret their choice. Weigel analyzes the Democratic Party's struggles to communicate effectively while addressing voter economic concerns and how the dynamics of party loyalty are adapting in response to Trump's policies.

Sarah didn't think she'd be looking to Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as examples of good Democratic communicators. But all of a sudden, they're some of the only people in the Democratic Party showing how to get the Trump opposition engaged. Faiz Shakir, Sanders' adviser and 2020 presidential campaign manager, joins the show to talk about Sanders' and Ocasio-Cortez's rallies around the country, why he thinks they'll advance the Democratic Party going forward, and what even moderates can learn from their approach.

Donald Trump's first 100 days in office have been marked by a lot of aspiring autocratic behavior...like deporting a legal resident without due process, targeting his political enemies, to walking right up to the line of ignoring the Supreme Court. Unfortunately, it's not a given that voters will care...or even clock that what they're seeing is bad. Atlantic staff writer Anne Applebaum joins Sarah to discuss how voters are seeing Trump, and how he's comparing to autocratic regimes around the world. show notes Anne on Substack By Anne Applebaum: Twilight of Democracy: The Seductive Lure of Authoritarianism Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World America’s Future Is Hungary

Trump has plunged the markets into chaos over the last couple of weeks with his tariffing, and un-tariffing, and possible re-tariffing. The Biden-to-Trump voters we've talked to were a mixed bag on this. Scott Lincicome, author of The Dispatch's economics newsletter Capitolism and Vice President of general economics at the Cato Institute, joins Sarah to listen to how the trade war is trickling down to voters and where it all might go from here. show notes By Scott Lincicome: Capitolism Newsletter This show is #sponsored by OneSkin. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THEFOCUSGROUP at https://www.oneskin.co #oneskinpod

We've heard from a lot of Democrats who want the party to be more moderate, and many who want the party to be more progressive. But they all agree that the party needs to fight harder in this moment. Lauren Egan, author of The Bulwark's newsletter, The Opposition, joins Sarah to listen to some Democrats talk about the threats they see from the Trump administration, and how they think elected Democrats should respond. By Lauren Egan: Chuck Schumer Is Facing a Biden Moment Where Have All the Pussyhats Gone? Some Weird Alliances Are Breaking Out Among Democrats This show is #sponsored by OneSkin. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THEFOCUSGROUP at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod

Donald Trump is facing some headwinds. His staff accidentally leaked war plans to a reporter, and the promised price cuts are nowhere to be found. We check in with Biden-Trump voters on Signal-gate, and talk to Trump's base about whether they want him running for a third term, how they feel about the economy (which may surprise you), and the state of the MAGA media ecosystem. The Bulwark's MAGA-knower Will Sommer joins Sarah to sift through it all. show notes By Will Sommer:  When ‘Owning The Libs’ > The Constitution A Crack in Ben Shapiro’s Daily Wire

We're checking in with 2024's non-voters, and Sarah has a (friendly) fight with our guest over whether Kamala Harris should have closed the 2024 campaign with Liz Cheney. They also talk to some of 2024's non-voters, who have some thoughts on how Democrats should be fighting back right now. Jen Psaki, host of MSNBC's Inside with Jen Psaki and the podcast The Blueprint with Jen Psaki, joins the show.