The Focus Group Podcast

Tim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota and a key figure in the Democratic ticket, shares insights on his political journey. He discusses his centrist approach and the mixed reactions from voters, especially regarding his leadership during recent crises. The conversation touches on the need for relatable leaders in today's polarized landscape and highlights voter sentiments about key issues like education and diversity. The reactions from both Minnesota voters and swing voters shed light on Walz's public image amidst growing concerns about political narratives.

Kamala Harris is closing in on a vice presidential pick, and her shortlist looks...a LOT different than Joe Biden's shortlist did in 2020. New Bulwark managing editor Sam Stein joins Sarah to break down Harris's options and walk through his new reporting on scammy Democratic PACs. show notes By Sam Stein: Harris Camp Warns Supporters: Don’t Get Duped by ‘Scam PACs’ They Begged Dems for Money—Then Spent Lavishly on Hotels and Entertainment

At the 11th hour, Kamala Harris is now the presumptive Democratic nominee. Longtime listeners will know that swing voters have had a negative impression of her--but luckily, it's just an impression! David Axelrod, former senior advisor to President Obama, joins Sarah to walk through where Harris goes from here. show notes The Bulwark in Dallas on September 5 The Axe Files with David Axelrod Hacks on Tap

Political analyst Marc Caputo discusses the Republican National Convention aftermath and an assassination attempt on Trump. Topics include J.D. Vance as Trump's running mate, swing voters' reactions, and Vance's appeal to white male voters in Rust Belt states.

Democrats' spin holds that the calls for Joe Biden to drop out are driven by the media, while base Democratic voters beyond Washington are committed to seeing Biden as the nominee, and there will be a backlash if he isn't. In a series of focus groups with black Democratic voters this week, we found the truth to be more complicated. Audie Cornish, host of the CNN podcast The Assignment with Audie Cornish, joins Sarah to evaluate how Democratic voters (especially black voters) are grappling with whether Joe Biden should stay in the race...and how perceptions of Kamala Harris are driving the discussion.

Joe Biden's debate performance was a disaster...and voters noticed. Sarah Longwell and Tim Miller bring you the voters' reactions and a frank discussion about the risks and rewards of Biden stepping aside as the nominee...because something in this race has to change. show notes Puck News: Biden Plunges in Swing States in Leaked Post-Debate Poll

We taped this show before Joe Biden's disastrous first debate, but its thesis still holds true: he's losing this race. To better understand why, we fielded a group of Hispanic voters who voted for Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, and are now leaning towards Trump. Amy Walter of The Cook Political Report joins Sarah to break down why these voters are giving Donald Trump a fresh look. From Amy Walter: Biden’s Slumping Poll Numbers Not Only Limited to Swing States Defectors and Double-Haters: Who Are They, and Who Can Win Them?

Utah has been something of a bulwark (pun intended) against Trumpism, but even they haven't been immune to sliding into MAGA. And now, with Sen. Mitt Romney retiring, Republican voters are poised to pick a new U.S. senator there. The Atlantic's McKay Coppins joins Sarah to break down how Utah Republicans are different, and where they might go from here. They also discuss voters' assessments of Romney as he prepares to leave office.

One of the Republican Party's biggest long-term problems is that their base is demanding behavior that swing voters won't tolerate, and few things have brought out this gap better than Donald Trump's recent conviction. The Washington Post's Isaac Arnsdorf joins Sarah to discuss what the MAGA base expects out of politicians these days, and how swing voters are reacting. show notes: Isaac Arnsdorf's Book: Finish What We Started: The MAGA Movement’s Ground War to End Democracy

PBS Newshour journalist Laura Barrón-López joins to discuss former Trump voters' reactions to his conviction, including feeling validated and unsuitable for office. The conversation explores the impact on election dynamics, bipartisan efforts of the Biden administration, and policy feedback from former Trump voters.