GD POLITICS

Michael Lang, a savvy elections analyst in New York City, unpacks the stunning rise of Zohran Mamdani in the Democratic mayoral primary. He offers insights into Mamdani's strategies that resonate with younger, diverse voters. Lang critiques Andrew Cuomo's tarnished reputation amidst scandals, exploring how this shifted public perception. They discuss the complexities of voter dynamics in NYC and the significance of community engagement in shaping the political landscape. Get ready for a deep dive into modern electoral challenges!

Lisa Murkowski, the Republican Senator from Alaska since 2002 and author of "Far From Home," shares her unique insights on political survival. She discusses her openness to leaving the GOP and her strong opposition to bombing Iran, emphasizing careful decision-making in foreign policy. Murkowski also reflects on Justice Brett Kavanaugh's performance and explores Alaska's nonpartisan electoral reforms that promote collaboration. With concerns about political violence and future generations, she highlights the importance of authentic governance and community engagement.

Nathaniel Rakich, a political analyst and friend of Galen Druk, dives into the lessons Democrats can learn from Donald Trump’s unconventional campaign. They discuss the need for the Democratic Party to rethink voter engagement and immigration strategies. The conversation highlights how appealing to popular issues, like affordable housing, can bridge divides. Rakich critiques the pitfalls of establishment politics while urging a more innovative and introspective approach to regain voter trust in a polarized environment.

Nathaniel Rakich, a political analyst with a decade of newsroom experience alongside Galen Druk, dives into the shifting dynamics of cancel culture and politics. They discuss recent military actions, the chilling effects of political violence on public safety, and the implications of a military parade hosted by Trump. The conversation touches on voter behavior influenced by social environments and perceptions of political figures like Trump and Biden. With a mix of serious analysis and light-hearted moments, this discussion unpacks the complexities of today's political landscape.

Guest Nate Silver, statistician and founder of FiveThirtyEight, dives into the heart of today’s political turmoil. He analyzes immigration raids and protests in Los Angeles, linking them to the Trump administration's response. The discussion shifts to the competitive Democratic primary for New York City mayor, including potential third-party candidates. Silver also touches on how economic conditions influence political approval ratings and the Democrats' struggle for a unifying leader amidst growing concerns.

Jacob Rubashkin, Deputy Editor at Inside Elections, dives into the pivotal 2026 midterm elections, spotlighting five critical house districts across Colorado, Maine, New York, Washington, and Iowa. He discusses the Democrats' strategy to flip three seats and challenges in Republican territory. The conversation shifts to the intriguing dynamics between Trump and Musk, questioning Musk's influence on the GOP. Rubashkin also analyzes election trends and the impact of demographics, emphasizing grassroots movements and emerging candidates.

Mary Radcliffe is a frequent guest known for her insights on voter behavior, while Lenny Bronner serves as a Senior Data Scientist at The Washington Post. They dive deep into the 2024 electoral data, exploring how demographics are shifting, particularly among Hispanic, Black, and younger voters leaning Republican. The conversation highlights the impact of Trump's influence on party identities and the evolving political landscape. Additionally, they analyze how events like the Great Recession have shaped millennial voting trends, reshaping strategies for future elections.

Carl Bialik, US politics editor and VP of data science at YouGov, along with Taylor Orth, Director of Survey Data Journalism at YouGov, dive into public responses to the controversial One Big Beautiful Bill Act. They discuss how Americans feel about Trump’s broader agenda and examine intriguing data on self-perception across genders. The duo also tackles the nuances of polling on defense spending and Medicaid, revealing how knowledge impacts opinions and the complexities behind citizens’ views on social programs.

Joan C. Williams, a distinguished law professor and author of 'Outclassed', dives into the widening chasm between Democrats and the working class. She explores how class dynamics complicate political affiliations, revealing that educational achievement oversimplifies real issues. The conversation tackles why many non-college-educated voters lean Republican and critiques Democratic messaging that fails to resonate with middle-status voters. Williams emphasizes the necessity for Democrats to refine their economic messages and reconnect emotionally with the struggles of the working class.

Ruth Igelnik, a polling editor at The New York Times renowned for her expertise in public opinion research, joins Nathaniel Rakich, a polling analyst recognized for his keen insights on election trends. They dive into the latest polling techniques and the surprising dynamics behind Trump's approval ratings, particularly among disengaged voters. Discussion shifts to recent conference highlights, emphasizing the importance of adjusting methodologies to reflect diverse demographics. The conversation wraps up with a fun game centered on public perceptions of well-known companies.