The Focus Group Podcast

Dan Pfeiffer, co-host of Pod Save America and political strategist, joins to delve into the pulse of Democratic voters. He highlights their mixed feelings about government shutdowns and the necessity for a unified message against Trump. Pfeiffer discusses the significance of media savvy leaders like Gavin Newsom and the risks of over-relying on message testing. The conversation also tackles electability myths and whether Democrats should adopt tougher tactics, making the case for strategic aggressiveness while maintaining core values.

Charlie Kirk was one of the most important figures in conservative media for over a decade, especially for Gen Z. We asked a couple of focus groups of young conservatives what Kirk meant to them, how they're grappling with his passing, and who else they think will take up his mantle on the right. Will Sommer, author of The Bulwark's False Flag newsletter, joins Sarah to discuss the state of young conservatives and his reporting on Kirk's legacy. Get your first three months with Mint Mobile for $15/month at https://MintMobile.com/THEFOCUSGROUP.  Get 30% off your first order with Soul at https://GetSoul.com with promo code THEFOCUSGROUP.

Donald Trump is bleeding support from Hispanic voters, including from some who voted for him. So, we found some former Trump voters who are souring on him, and asked them why. Adrian Carrasquillo, author of The Bulwark's Huddled Masses newsletter, joins the show to discuss voter sentiments on immigration, the future of the immigration debate (especially among Democrats), and his on-the-ground reporting in cities around the country. By Adrian Carrasquillo: Trump Hasn’t Invaded Chicago, But the City Is Still Rattled Get free shipping and 365 day returns from Quince at https://Quince.com/THEFOCUSGROUP. For our friends in Canada, we added a second live show with Sarah, Tim and Sam to the schedule. Tickets are on sale now for our bonus Bulwark Live Q&A Matinee show on Saturday, September 27, here.

The murder of Charlie Kirk was the culmination of Americans' long-brewing fear of political violence. First, political violence expert Rachel Kleinfeld joins Sarah to discuss the ramifications of Kirk's death on the American body politic, and then Sarah discusses voters' fears of political violence that we've heard through the years.

Donald Trump has run into some summer doldrums...from the uncertainty in the economy, to his Big Beautiful Bill, to his refusal to come clean about Jeffrey Epstein. We're wondering how voters are processing the last couple of months. Atlantic staff writer Ashley Parker, who's covered Trump for over a decade, joins Sarah for our season premiere. By Ashley Parker: 'I Run the Country and the World' Flattery, Firmness, and Flourishes Why Is the National Guard in D.C.? Even They Don’t Know. Inside the White House’s Epstein Strategy

The Focus Group Podcast will be back for real in a couple of weeks, but by popular demand, Sarah and her producer, Conor Kilgore, take on some of our listeners' frequently asked questions about how and why they do all these focus groups.

In this captivating discussion, Will Sommer, a writer for The Bulwark, delves into the changing sentiments of former Trump voters. He explores their disillusionment over recent Epstein revelations and unmet promises from the Trump administration. Sommer sheds light on the intertwining of conspiracy theories with political beliefs, revealing how these narratives shape voter perceptions. He also analyzes the implications for both parties, emphasizing the urgency for honesty and accountability in politics amidst growing distrust.

Our season finale is a bit of a pep talk. America is in a precarious place, but Americans everywhere are speaking up against the authoritarian threat. Historian extraordinaire Heather Cox Richardson joins Sarah to discuss the lessons history leaves for this moment, and Americans' role in fighting back. By Heather Cox Richardson: Letters from an American Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America

Harry Siegel, a senior editor at The City and a columnist at the New York Daily News, dives into the chaotic NYC mayoral primary. He critiques the 'dumb choices' voters face, spotlighting candidates like disgraced former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and socialist Zohran Mamdani. The conversation also touches on the challenges of ranked choice voting, voter disengagement, and the complexities of navigating endorsements. With insights on crime, safety, and political responsibility, Siegel captures the tension in New York City's evolving political landscape.

Jonathan Cohn, healthcare policy expert and author of The Bulwark's newsletter, dives into the turbulent waters of Trump’s latest Congressional bill. He reveals how some former Trump voters are voicing unexpected frustrations and why healthcare remains a political minefield for Republicans. The discussion touches on rising insurance costs, Medicaid's vital role, and the challenges of passing substantial legislation that truly benefits the working class. Cohn also critiques proposed Medicaid work requirements and the political intricacies surrounding budget cuts and taxation.