The Focus Group Podcast

Donald Trump has a huge lead in the Republican primaries...but Nikki Haley has managed to distinguish herself from the other afterthoughts in the field. GOP pollster Whit Ayres joins Sarah for the last episode of 2023 to recap the Republican presidential primary and chart out Nikki Haley's narrow path to the nomination. Hat-tip to Peter Hamby of Puck for the term ‘Haley Mary.’ https://puck.news/haley-mary/

Guest Jonathan V. Last argues that voters are catastrophizing the state of the economy. The podcast explores the misperception of the economy, rising costs of living, impact of the pandemic, and rising food prices. Communication and the impending recession are also discussed, along with the state of the economy and its impact on voters.

Democrats need young voters on-side to win in 2024...so how is Gen Z feeling about the future of the country, and their leaders? What do young progressives and conservatives think about each other? Peter Hamby of Puck News joins Sarah to check in with a cross-section of young voters. show notes Peter's: https://puck.news/biden-gen-z-and-the-illiberal-left/ https://puck.news/bidens-youth-serum-shortage/ The Nineties by Chuck Klosterman

PBS NewsHour's Judy Woodruff joins Sarah for a special Thanksgiving episode to discuss how Americans are thinking of their political differences, and how we might move beyond them going into another contentious election year. They explore the increasing political divide in America, the impact of divisive language in presidential elections, navigating political divisions within personal relationships, the perception of media and politics, the influence of politics on relationships, the divide between Democrats and Republicans, and the importance of leadership in addressing polarization.

Political commentator and writer Bill Kristol joins Sarah to discuss the worries of American Jews, including concerns about Israel, anti-Semitism, safety, and expressing their Jewish identity. They also analyze Trump's foreign policy, Hamas propaganda, and concerns over aid to Ukraine. The discussion touches on the frustrations with certain members of Congress and the Democratic Party's response, as well as concerns about the potential consequences of a Trump presidency.

Elaine Godfrey, a writer and journalist at The Atlantic, joins the show to discuss the future of the abortion issue in the 2024 election. Topics include the challenges facing potential GOP candidate Nikki Haley, the role of abortion in mobilizing younger voters, the complexity of abortion and the importance of individual circumstances, opinions on a proposed 22-week abortion limit, and Donald Trump's strategic position on abortion.

Rep. Tim Ryan, former Ohio Congressman and U.S. Senate candidate, joins the hosts to discuss red state Democrats and their chances of winning big races. They also explore innovative solutions like using psychedelics for healing, implementing mindfulness in schools, and utilizing food as medicine. The conversation touches on the Kentucky gubernatorial race, Joe Manchin's relationship with the Biden administration, and a call for self-care in these challenging political times.

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.