Politicology

For the full and ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plusHow do you win campaigns in a world awash with lies? And why do candidates and campaigns struggle to “use their normal brains” when those lies happen to start online? In the second episode of this two-part conversation, join host Ron Steslow, Mike Madrid, and Sasha Issemberg to discuss the way Democratic political campaigns are adjusting to the challenges of the new information landscape, as Sasha’s reveals in his new book The Lie Detectives: In Search of a Playbook for Winning Elections in the Disinformation Age.In part 2:(01:53) What strategists learned about combating disinformation from foreign campaigns (06:30) How a Brazilian candidate turned a lie about him into a branding opportunity (17:50)How the Supreme Court in Brazil tried to fight disinformation (30:00) Who gets to decide what’s a lie online? (38:17) The use of AI in campaigns and disinformationRead The Lie Detectives: https://www.sashaissenberg.com/the-lie-detectivesRead The Victory Lab: https://www.sashaissenberg.com/the-victory-labFollow Ron, Sasha, and Mike on X (formerly Twitter):https://twitter.com/RonSteslowhttps://twitter.com/sissenberghttps://twitter.com/madrid_mikeEmail your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the full and ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plusHow do you win campaigns in a world awash with lies? And why do candidates and campaigns struggle to “use their normal brains” when those lies happen start online? In this two-part conversation, join host Ron Steslow, Mike Madrid, and Sasha Issemberg to discuss the way Democratic political campaigns are adjusting to the challenges of the new information landscape, as Sasha’s reveals in his new book The Lie Detectives: In Search of a Playbook for Winning Elections in the Disinformation Age.In part 1:(02:01) Why Sasha wrote The Lie Detectives(03:33) The evolution of campaign tactics in the early 2000s(04:43) The focus on “disinformation” after the 2016 election (7:10) The Trump campaign’s strategy to depress turnout in 2016, and the difference between “suppression” and “depression.”(10:36) Strategies for discouraging turnout in 2020 (14:30) How campaigns should decide what wrong information to respond to online(20:31) The generational shift in campaign decision makers(30:18) The shift to calling opponents “liars”Read The Lie Detectives: https://www.sashaissenberg.com/the-lie-detectivesRead The Victory Lab: https://www.sashaissenberg.com/the-victory-labFollow Ron, Sasha, and Mike on X (formerly Twitter):https://twitter.com/RonSteslowhttps://twitter.com/sissenberghttps://twitter.com/madrid_mikeEmail your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plusThis week, we discuss election integrity, how our elections are more secure than they’ve ever been, and the opportunities bad actors are going to use to cast doubt on the election.Then, we’ll discuss Vice President Harris’s “media blitz” and who she’s trying to reach.Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we talk about the U.S. government using its power to take out banks when it doesn’t like their customers—and shed some light on why crypto created the biggest Super PAC in the 2024 campaign.Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: David Becker (CBS News’ election law expert; Executive Director of The Center for Election Innovation and Research)Lucy Caldwell  (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and advisor to the Forward Party)Susan Del Percio  (MSNBC political analyst and crisis communications expert) Segments this week:(03:27) Election Integrity (26:41) Harris’s media blitzNot yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss all the extra episodes on the private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus.Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter):https://twitter.com/RonSteslowhttps://x.com/beckerdavidjhttps://x.com/lucymcaldwellhttps://x.com/DelPercioSRelated reading:Segment 1: WP - On private call, Arizona’s top Democrats debated a ‘dire’ ballot dilemma - The Washington PostNPR - Arizona's high court rules that thousands can vote a full ballot after records flawCNN - Republicans are suing more election officials over voter rolls in several battleground states | CNN PoliticsPBS - GBH’s New Special DEADLOCK Encourages Civil Discourse about Ethical DilemmasSegment 2: ABC News -In media blitz, Harris broadens reach but struggles to differentiate herself from Biden - ABC NewsWP - How Kamala Harris’s media blitz went - The Washington PostAxios - Harris: "Not a thing" she'd have done differently than BidenAxios - Behind the Curtain: America's shocking agreementNYT -Poll Finds Harris Rising as She Challenges Trump on Change - The New York Times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Political strategist Mike Madrid and author Sasha Issemberg discuss the challenges of disinformation in campaigns, strategies for voter suppression, response to wrong information online, and the generational shift in campaign decision makers.

For ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plusIt’s been one year since the horrific terrorist attack in Israel on October 7th. Hamas terrorists entered Israel and brutally raped and murdered over 1,200 people and gleefully live streamed some of the most horrific scenes we've ever seen. Over 200 people were abducted into Gaza by Hamas and a lot has changed over the last year. Tensions are continuing to rise and war is continuing to spread in the region.In this episode, visual poet Nitzan Mintz and street artist  Dede Bandaid join Ron Steslow to discuss the impact of their guerrilla art poster campaign aimed at raising awareness for hostages kidnapped by Hamas. They reflect on the emotional toll of the ongoing situation, the importance of community support, and the role of art in advocating for humanity. They share personal experiences of trauma, resilience, and hope, emphasizing the need for continued awareness and action to bring the hostages home.Then Ron talks to Jodi Rudoren, editor-in-chief of The Forward about the unprecedented attack on October 7th, its impact on Israeli and American Jewish communities, and The Forward’s new podcast series Make Art Not WarSegments to look forward to:(03:09) The Impact of the Campaign(06:22) Focusing on the Humanity of Hostages(09:21) The Emotional Toll of the Hostage Crisis(16:50) Community Support and Resilience(23:27) The Role of Art in Advocacy(26:59) Hope and Responsibility(29:54) The Power of Community(32:42) How unprecedented the October 7th attack was (35:00) Impact on Israeli and American Jewish Communities(41:17) Differentiating Coverage in a Polarized Media Landscape(54:52) Art as a Response to ConflictFollow Ron on Twitter:https://twitter.com/RonSteslowFollow Dede, Nitzan, and the campaign on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/kidnappedfromisrael/https://www.instagram.com/nitzanmintz/https://www.instagram.com/dedebandaid/Check out The Forward and Make Art Not War: The Forward: https://forward.com/Make Art Not War: https://forward.com/podcasts/make-art-not-war/Email your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plusThis week, we have a special crossover episode with The Latino Vote Podcast.We talk about Kamala Harris’s trip to the southern border and shift in messaging on border security.Then, we discuss Donald Trump leaning into Christian “spiritual warfare” and how it could shape challenges to the election.Later, we dive into the Wall Street Journal’s analysis of the increase in reliance on government spending and how it is shaping both parties’ push for populist economic policies.Finally, Ron, Mike, and Chuck answer questions from the live audience.Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder)Chuck Rocha (Founder of Solidarity Strategies) Segments this week:(03:51) Harris goes to the southern border (16:05) Trump leans into spiritual warfare (26:45) Increasing reliance on government spending (36:28) Audience questions Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss all the extra episodes on the private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus.Send your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬Watch Deadlock: An Election Story—https://bit.ly/3zJvsNQFollow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter):https://twitter.com/RonSteslowhttps://x.com/madrid_mikehttps://x.com/ChuckRochaRelated readingsSegment 1: CNN - Harris tries to turn the tables on Trump by embracing the border as a key issue | CNN PoliticsSegment 2: Twitter - Response to Trump tweetThe Bulwark - How ‘Left Behind’ Got Left Behind - by Matthew D. TaylorPew - In Tight U.S. Presidential Race, Latino Voters' Preferences Mirror 2020Salt Lake Tribune - LDS Republican Jeff Flake, former U.S. senator, endorses Kamala Harris for presidentSegment 3: WSJ - Americans Are More Reliant Than Ever on Government Aid - WSJQ&A: Watch Deadlock: An Election Story—https://bit.ly/3zJvsNQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the full and ad-free version of this episode, subscribe to Politicology+ at https://politicology.com/plusIn this conversation, John Spencer, an urban warfare expert,  discusses the escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly focusing on the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. He explains the differences between Hezbollah and Hamas, the implications of Iran's involvement, and the evolving nature of warfare, including precision strikes and tactical innovations. Spencer emphasizes the importance of understanding the global stakes and America's role in maintaining the international order amidst these conflicts.Segments to look forward to:(01:24) The Current Situation in the Middle East(04:16) Understanding Hezbollah vs. Hamas(12:22) Iran's Role, Imminent Missile Attacks, and Escalation RisksFollow Ron and John on X (formerly Twitter):https://twitter.com/RonSteslowhttps://x.com/SpencerGuardEmail your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s discussion features Donald Trump, the former President known for his controversial approach, alongside Vice President Kamala Harris and North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson. The panel dives into the potential chaos if Trump contests the election results and the implications of Harris's support for eliminating the filibuster to protect abortion rights. They weigh in on Robinson's inflammatory remarks and the broader impact on the Republican party amid mounting scandals.

Marcus Collins, an award-winning marketer and former digital strategist for Beyoncé, dives deep into the interplay of culture, consumer choices, and social media. He asserts that social media represents people, not just platforms, and stresses the importance of authenticity in marketing. Collins illuminates how cultural influences drive purchasing decisions and connects these dynamics to the hyperpolarization of society. He also showcases Patagonia's purpose-driven branding as a prime example of aligning values with effective marketing strategies.

This week dives into the alarming rise of political violence, spurred by reckless rhetoric. Discussions unfold on a second assassination attempt against Donald Trump and the implications for security. The panel tackles absurd rumors about migrants eating pets and how Trump's campaign is navigating the chaotic online landscape. They wrap up by highlighting the manipulation of Wikipedia articles, warning listeners about the reliability of information online. A thoughtful exploration of modern political dynamics awaits!