The Focus Group Podcast

There's one thing Republican and Democratic strategists all agree on right now: no state is more likely to decide this election than Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania-based POLITICO reporter Holly Otterbein joins Sarah to break down Pennsylvania's shift to the right in recent years, and why Democratic Sen. Bob Casey is finding himself in a surprisingly close race. Show Notes: Spotlight PA: Democrats in Pa. approach 2024 election with slimmest voter registration advantage in decades By Holly Otterbein:  Harris ramps up her appeals to Republican voters in the Philly suburbs ‘Pennsylvania is such a mess’: Inside Team Harris’ unusual levels of finger-pointing Dems see warning signs for Harris with Latino men in Pennsylvania

Jon Ralston, Editor and CEO of the Nevada Independent, and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, Democracy reporter for The Washington Post, dive into the intense political climate in Nevada and Arizona. They discuss the struggles of Republican Senate candidates despite Trump's potential popularity. Ralston sheds light on changing voter demographics and economic challenges, while Sanchez highlights critical issues like abortion rights and Kari Lake's Senate aspirations. Together, they explore how these factors are shaping the upcoming elections.

Michigan and Wisconsin aren't just presidential battlegrounds; their Senate races are getting more competitive down the stretch. So how are swing voters thinking about their options? Craig Gilbert, former DC bureau chief for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and Craig Mauger, political reporter for the Detroit News, join Sarah to break down the electoral landscape in the upper midwest. Show notes: By Craig Gilbert: What polling tells us about Wisconsin's undecided voters The Bulwark's Swing State Swing

The pundit class thought JD Vance performed better than Tim Walz in the vice presidential debate. Voters thought Vance was a good performer, but they couldn't quite shake their skepticism. Puck News's John Heilemann joins Sarah to review voters' reactions to the VP debate and the history of VP picks more broadly.

Peter Hamby, a political commentator and expert on youth voting trends, dives into the unique perspectives of first-time voters shaped by Donald Trump's influence. He discusses the intriguing divide among young conservatives and progressives, particularly in their support for figures like Kamala Harris and Trump. Hamby highlights the evolving political landscape, the anxieties young adults face regarding future planning, and how patriotism is being redefined in today's society. A compelling exploration of the intersection between youth culture and politics!

In this conversation, political strategist Sarah Longwell shares insights from her extensive work with focus groups. She discusses how voter sentiments are shifting as elections approach, particularly concerning Biden's age and Harris's image. Longwell explores the evolving role of AI in political analysis and the importance of authentic messaging. The discussion touches on the challenges of identity within politics, particularly for LGBTQ+ Republicans, and emphasizes the need for unity amid today's polarization. Her reflections offer a hopeful perspective on political engagement.

We're taking a break from the presidential race this week. The battle for control of the Senate is running through red states, with former Trump voters. Some of them are more persuadable than others. Jessica Taylor of the Cook Political Report joins Sarah to discuss the Senate races in Ohio, Montana, and Texas, and the role of abortion politics in this year's Senate races.

 Kamala Harris crushed Donald Trump in this week's debate...and swing voters noticed. CNN's Dana Bash joins Sarah to discuss her new book, this week's debate, her experience as the co-moderator of the June 27 debate, and the role of moderator fact-checking in both debates. show notes By Dana Bash and David Fisher: America's Deadliest Election: The Cautionary Tale of the Most Violent Election in American History

Kamala Harris's campaign has created a month of immaculate vibes, but plenty of voters are still skeptical. Semafor Washington bureau chief Benjy Sarlin joins Sarah to discuss the state of the race going into the second debate, and Harris's standing with skeptical former Biden voters. show notes Adam Carlson's Crosstab Aggregator Relevant past episodes: With black voters: March 2024, with Ashley Allison July 2024, with Audie Cornish With hispanic voters: October 2023, with Ruy Teixeira June 2024, with Amy Walter

John Anzalone, a Democratic pollster known for his expertise in swing voter sentiment, joins the conversation to dissect the aftermath of the Democratic National Convention. He highlights how the upbeat atmosphere is resonating with swing voters, including some former Trump supporters curious about Kamala Harris. They explore critical strategies for engaging diverse voter demographics and the importance of positive messaging versus fear-driven narratives. Anzalone also analyzes the evolving perceptions of Harris and how relatable political figures can bridge divides.