Mary Radcliffe, a senior researcher, and Jeffrey Skelly, a senior elections analyst, dive into President Biden's unexpected pardon of his son, Hunter. They analyze the historical context and public reaction to this controversial move. The conversation shifts to the 2026 midterm elections, where challenges await both Democrats and Republicans. They discuss key state dynamics, the significance of incumbents, and the perpetual cycle of political engagement as the nation gears up for the next electoral showdown.

Dive into a discussion about how partisanship is reshaping economic sentiment, revealing grimmer realities for Democrats. Explore the wild world of political betting markets, speculating on cabinet appointments and Trump’s potential pardons. Discover a trend of increasing voter dissatisfaction that could signal the end of the incumbent advantage in 2024, paralleling historical political shifts. It's a blend of intriguing insights wrapped in a Thanksgiving spirit, reflecting on accountability and the evolving political landscape.

In this conversation, Ruth Agelnik, polling editor at the New York Times, and Elliot Morris, director of Data Analytics, dissect the 2024 election polling landscape. They reveal how polls improved accuracy with only a 2.7 percentage point miss this year, contrasting with previous elections. They tackle challenges like underestimating Trump's support and the evolving methodologies in polling. The duo also discusses innovative techniques such as river sampling and the impact of demographic shifts on voter behavior.

In this discussion, Jeffrey Skelly, a senior elections analyst, and Mary Radcliffe, a senior researcher, delve into expectations for a potential second Trump term. They analyze the implications of cabinet picks, like the controversial nomination of Matt Gaetz, and discuss how sexual assault allegations impact market perceptions. The duo also explores American consumer sentiment shifts post-election and questions surrounding the likelihood of electing a female president, adding a thought-provoking layer to the political landscape.

Carlos Odio, co-founder of Equis Research, sheds light on the surprising shift of Latino voters to the right in recent elections. He dives into key issues like the economy and immigration that are driving this change. Odio discusses Trump’s appeal and how Latino voters have become a powerful swing group. The conversation highlights the complexities of their voting behavior and the impact of both political parties’ actions, particularly regarding immigration and border security.

Nathaniel Rakich and Mary Radcliffe from FiveThirtyEight dive into a whirlwind of post-election hot takes. They dissect claims about Democrats losing the working class and analyze the accuracy of recent polls. Surprising trends emerge, such as Republican voters supporting liberal measures, and they explore down-ballot voting behaviors, especially regarding abortion initiatives. The duo also reviews the shifting dynamics in the House and Senate, revealing challenges a slim Republican majority faces amidst internal discord.

The guests, Mary Radcliffe, a Senior Researcher, Elliot Morris, Director of Data Analytics, and Nathaniel Rakich, Senior Elections Analyst, delve into Donald Trump's surprising second presidential victory. They dissect voter shifts among demographics, emphasizing changing attitudes among Hispanic and white voters. The discussion highlights the economic challenges during Biden's presidency and the aggravating political consequences. Finally, they analyze immigration's role in voter turnout and the complexities of Trump’s enduring appeal in a polarized landscape.

Nathaniel Rakich and Jeffrey Skelly, both senior elections analysts, dive into the intricacies of Election Night. They provide a detailed hour-by-hour guide on what to expect as polls close across the country. The duo discusses the significance of state benchmarks and the challenges of early exit polls. They explore key battlegrounds, highlighting critical voter demographics and the impact of early voting. With a focus on local dynamics in crucial areas like Wayne County, they emphasize the need for patience and careful analysis as results unfold.

Mary Radcliffe, a Senior researcher at FiveThirtyEight, and Ruth Igielnik, a New York Times polling editor, dive into the frenzied world of last-minute polling. They discuss the surprising Iowa Poll that paints a hopeful picture for Kamala Harris and reveal key findings from New York Times battleground surveys that challenge common trends. The conversation highlights the unpredictability of voter sentiment, the challenges of poll accuracy, and the implications of late deciders as Election Day approaches.

Mary Radcliffe, a senior researcher, and Nathaniel Rakich, a senior elections analyst, dive into intriguing election dynamics amid Halloween vibes. They address whether favorability impacts voter choices and the surprising ways bad weather might affect turnout. The duo also examines how economic conditions and incumbency influence voter sentiment, particularly among Latino communities. Notably, they discuss the rise in young voter registrations and what that means for upcoming elections, all while sharing their quirky election night traditions.