The Campaign Moment

Democratic Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, known for his straightforward approach, faced off against Republican Senator JD Vance of Ohio, who is working to reshape his image. The discussion highlights Walz's nervous debate performance and struggles with Republican criticisms. Vance attempts to soften his stance on contentious issues like abortion, navigating the complex landscape of political identity. Co-hosts Elahe Izadi and Aaron Blake provide insights into how these dynamics could influence the upcoming race and voter trust.

Liz Goodwin, a Senate reporter, shares insights on Senate Democrats' anxiety as November approaches, focusing on vulnerable incumbents and the crucial need for personal appeal over policy. New York City Mayor Eric Adams discusses the implications of his historic indictment and its impact on his political future. The conversation also previews the upcoming vice presidential debate, examining contrasting strategies and styles of the candidates, while considering how unscripted moments could sway the electoral race.

Join senior political reporter Aaron Blake as he chats with Yvonne Wingett Sanchez, a voting issues expert in Arizona. They explore the mood of Arizona voters heading into the election and the measures officials are taking against fraud claims. The discussion also delves into the implications of Trump's failed Nebraska campaign strategy and how it affects the electoral landscape. Insights on demographic shifts and grassroots movements highlight the evolving political battleground, showcasing the vital connection between electoral integrity and leadership.

In an engaging discussion, national political reporter Michael Scherer dives into the heated aftermath of the recent debate featuring Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. He highlights the rising concerns over security threats reshaping Trump's campaign strategies. The conversation also touches on shifting voter dynamics, with Harris gaining traction while Trump’s appeal wanes. Additionally, listeners learn about surprising support for Trump among blue-collar workers amid evolving labor politics.

In this engaging discussion, senior political reporter Aaron Blake teams up with Amy Gardner, a national reporter focusing on democracy and voting. They dive into the alarming rise in political violence, sparked by recent assassination attempts against Donald Trump. The conversation highlights the dangerous rhetoric, misinformation fueling tensions in communities, and the growing acceptance of political violence. They also touch on voter intimidation tactics and their implications for civil rights as we approach the crucial 2024 election.

Aaron Blake, a senior political reporter, teams up with Isaac Arnsdorf, a political reporter focused on Trump and the MAGA movement. They dissect Trump’s post-debate strategies and the fallout from misleading statements about Haitian migrants. The duo examines how misinformation can shape political narratives and influences voter behavior. They also discuss the significance of celebrity endorsements, like Taylor Swift's, and how they impact Trump’s outreach, especially among younger male voters.

Post Reports co-host Martine Powers talks with senior political reporter Aaron Blake about what each candidate needed to do in this debate to win over voters in an incredibly tight race. They also talk about whether a new endorsement from Taylor Swift could give Harris an edge.Note: An initial version of this episode had an incorrect reference to Springfield, Illinois rather than Springfield, Ohio. The error has been fixed.Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon and Laura Benshoff. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and Mary Jo Murphy. Subscribe to Aaron’s newsletter, The Campaign Moment, here. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

“Post Reports” co-host Martine Powers and senior political reporter Aaron Blake talk with White House reporter and Kamala Harris expert Cleve Wootson about what Harris and Donald Trump need to do at next week’s debate. They also dig into Harris’s record fundraising numbers and how Harris hopes to help down ballot Democrats in key House and Senate races. Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and Mary Jo Murphy. Subscribe to Aaron’s newsletter, The Campaign Moment, here. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.Recommended reading: How Democrats made Project 2025 one of their top anti-GOP attacksA louder voice in fighting abortion bans: Men in red statesBiden is suddenly seeing his best polls in years

Senior political reporter Aaron Blake talks with Marianne LeVine, a national political reporter for The Post, about the state of the electoral map for Harris and Trump. They also dig into the potential strategy behind the Trump campaign’s spending push in Pennsylvania and Georgia, and whether Democrats have a chance of winning their white whale – North Carolina.Today’s show was produced and mixed by Ted Muldoon. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and Mary Jo Murphy. Subscribe to Aaron’s newsletter, The Campaign Moment, here. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

“Post Reports” co-host Elahe Izadi and senior political reporter Aaron Blake talk with White House reporter Yasmeen Abutaleb about Harris and Walz’s interview on CNN, new polling that shows continued Democratic enthusiasm, and an altercation between the Trump campaign and an employee at Arlington National Cemetery. Today’s show was produced by Laura Benshoff. It was edited by Lucy Perkins and Ariel Plotnick. It was mixed by Sean Carter. Subscribe to Aaron’s newsletter, The Campaign Moment, here. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.