The Focus Group Podcast

Ruy Teixeira, co-author of 'Where Have All the Democrats Gone', joins Sarah to discuss how Democrats can win back Hispanic voters. They explore the decline of support from working-class Hispanics, the role of identity politics, and the challenge of immigration. The significance of immigration and the influence of Fox News on Democratic Hispanics are also examined. They emphasize the importance of winning and attracting working-class voters.

Amy Walter, political analyst and journalist, joins the podcast to discuss swing voters' opinions on the Biden administration, challenges facing the Biden campaign, messaging strategies used by Trump and Biden, the significance of new and young voters, and the legal troubles faced by Trump and Biden.

Matt Bennett, political commentator and critic of the No Labels effort, joins the podcast to discuss the strategy and concerns surrounding No Labels' plan for a third-party bid in 2024. The speakers analyze the perception of centrist swing voters and the impact of third-party candidates on elections. They also explore the possibility of a fantasy ticket and discuss the importance of serious governance in a dangerous world. Concerns about low enthusiasm Democrats splitting the vote and aiding Trump's reelection are also discussed.

Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki joins Sarah to discuss critiques from voters regarding the Democratic Party's lack of fight. They explore challenges faced by Biden administration, frustration with economy, messaging around Vice President Harris, and complexities surrounding immigration.

Political commentator Tim Miller joins to discuss the sorry state of non-Trump candidates in the Republican primary. They analyze the recent debate performances, assess Trump's electability, and discuss the decline of DeSantis and the rise of a new politician. They explore the implications for the Republican Party and highlight the positive reception of Tim Scott. They also discuss the strong criticism of Mike Pence and tease an upcoming episode on Democrats.

CNN journalist Jake Tapper joins the podcast to discuss Trump's legal troubles and voters' indifference towards his indictments. They also explore media coverage of a presidential nominee on trial and talk about Tapper's new book, All the Demons Are Here.

The Focus Group Podcast is on hiatus for a few more weeks, but we've been doing focus groups this whole time. We've got a preview of what you're going to hear when we come back, and we're re-upping our conversation from March with Jane Coaston of The New York Times about our never-ending culture wars. Enjoy, and we'll see you soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A year ago, Republican voters thought Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine were badasses. Now...Zelenskyy is just as bad as Putin. Tom Nichols, Professor Emeritus at the Naval War College and staff writer at The Atlantic, joins Sarah to listen to the voters' foreign policy takes. Tom is not impressed with the voters.  show notes: Tom Nichols Atlantic piece: I Supported the Invasion of Iraq Tom Nichols book: Our Own Worst Enemy: The Assault from within on Modern Democracy Pew Research Poll: Poll on Ukraine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You've heard the terms "woke" and "cancel culture" for years now. No one seems to agree on what they mean, though — which is why our guest says the culture wars will keep morphing, and they'll go on forever. New York Times opinion writer Jane Coaston joins Sarah to hear how the focus groups respond to "wokeness," "cancel culture," and...schools and drag show bans. We promise, this is NOT the episode to miss. show notes Jane Coaston: The Debate Hugh Hefner Won and William Buckley Lost Survivor: Host Jeff Probst Refuses to Say "Come On In, Guys" Teen who refuses to cite the Pledge of Allegiance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Pence seems to think that he's destined to be president. The evangelical Christians in our focus groups did NOT get the memo. McKay Coppins, staff writer at The Atlantic joins Sarah to talk about the future of social conservatism in the Republican Party and Mike Pence's 2024 prospects. show notes: "God's Plan for Mike Pence" by McKay Coppins https://www.littlebrown.com/titles/mckay-coppins/the-wilderness/9780316327466/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices