The Focus Group Podcast

The New Jersey governor's race is a little too close for comfort, after New Jersey had one of the largest swings toward Donald Trump of any state in the country, and the Democratic candidate, Mikie Sherrill is on track for a sub-optimal performance on Election Day against a sometimes-MAGA Republican, Jack Ciattarelli. Sarah doesn't let JVL on The Focus Group very often, but made an exception because he's one of The Bulwark's resident New Jerseyans. You don't want to miss this one.

Harry Siegel, a senior editor at The City and co-host of the FAQ NYC podcast, dives into the buzz surrounding Zohran Mamdani, the youthful democratic socialist poised to become New York City's next mayor. He discusses the peculiarities of the current mayoral race, including how recent events might shift voter sentiments. Siegel highlights Mamdani's appeal, particularly among young voters attracted to his affordability messaging, and examines the implications of a Mamdani victory for NYC's political landscape. With insights into voter motivations and campaign adjustments, it's a fascinating look at a transformative moment in city politics.

Andrew Egger, a newsletter writer for The Bulwark and author of the Morning Shots newsletter, joins to dissect the current political landscape. He analyzes how swing voters are reacting to the Trump administration's increasingly authoritarian actions, revealing a mix of mild unease and surprising support. The conversation explores the challenges Trumpism poses to traditional conservatism, conflicts within the electorate about military interventions, and the complexities journalists face in covering these rapid developments.

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.