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Political Breakdown

Latest episodes

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Nov 12, 2024 • 27min

After Voter Backlash, What’s Next For The Criminal Justice Reform Movement?

California voters sent a clear message on criminal justice reform in last week’s election, striking down progressive policy and candidates. In addition to overwhelmingly passing Proposition 36, which toughens penalties on some retail theft and drug-related crimes, voters ousted two liberal district attorneys in Los Angeles and Alameda counties. Scott and Marisa talk about California's rightward shift on crime with Emily Bazelon, a fellow at Yale Law School and author of the book “Charged: The New Movement to Transform American Prosecution and End Mass Incarceration.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Nov 9, 2024 • 23min

This Was Not a Good Election to Be an Incumbent

America's national and local election results are reflecting a global anti-incumbent sentiment. San Francisco voters chose a new mayor, seeking a fresh start with an untested newcomer. In the East Bay, Oakland's mayor and Alameda County's district attorney are on track to be recalled. And the crushing defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris — the de facto incumbent — leaves Democrats wondering how to recover. Scott, Marisa and Guy get together for a post-election analysis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Nov 8, 2024 • 32min

California Prepares Lawsuits To Slow Or Block Trump Policies

During former President Donald Trump's first term, California took on the role of the resistance state. Now, state leaders are gearing up for round two. Governor Gavin Newsom announced a special session will convene next month aimed at strengthening the state's legal resources to fight back and protect civil rights, reproductive freedom, the environment and immigrants.Marisa and Scott discuss those plans with the person who will be leading the legal fights: Attorney General Rob Bonta. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Nov 7, 2024 • 31min

What Another Trump Term Could Mean For California

Vice President Kamala Harris conceded the presidential election today, encouraging a peaceful transfer of power to President-elect Donald Trump. From national to local races, yesterday's election results show that voters seem to be in the mood for change. Scott, Marisa and Guy sort through the stunning results, what they mean for California and what's next for the Democratic party.Track all the latest election results at KQED.org/elections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Nov 5, 2024 • 27min

When It Comes to Turnout, 2024 and 2020 Are Nothing Alike

Tens of millions of Americans have already cast their ballots in early voting, including more than 8 million here in California. Scott is joined by Paul Mitchell, vice president at Political Data Inc, which collects political data to help Democratic campaigns. They discuss voter behavior and how redistricting, race and gender affect how people vote. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Nov 5, 2024 • 23min

The Path to a House Majority

With one day before the election, Scott is joined by Erin Covey, the editor of the non-partisan Cook Political Report’s coverage of the U.S. House of Representatives. They discuss the toss-up House contests that could decide which party controls the lower chamber. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Nov 2, 2024 • 38min

Close All Tabs: Influencer Endorsements Gone Wild

In this final episode of the Close All Tabs miniseries, host Morgan Sung examines the increasing power of social media influencers in politics. Joined by WIRED senior tech and politics writer Makena Kelly, Morgan dives into the growing tensions between influencers and traditional journalists and explores how “shadow money” is quietly flowing to influencers for political endorsements, keeping the public in the dark about who’s funding content.Read the transcript of this episode here.Want to give us feedback on the series? Shoot us an email at podcasts@KQED.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Nov 1, 2024 • 24min

Last Minute Election Questions and Key Below the Radar Races

On their final Friday roundtable before election day, Marisa, Scott and Guy share their top under-the-radar races they're following and discuss the biggest burning questions they have ahead of Tuesday's vote. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Nov 1, 2024 • 29min

What Do LA Times, Washington Post Non-Endorsements Mean for Journalism?

Two of the nation’s largest newspapers have seen upheaval following their billionaire owners' decisions to block endorsements of Vice President Kamala Harris and keep the editorial boards silent. NPR media correspondent David Folkenflik joins Marisa and Scott to fill us in on the drama at the LA Times and Washington Post and examine what these non-endorsements could tell us about the media under a potential second Trump presidency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Oct 31, 2024 • 30min

The Republicans Voting Against Trump

Waves of Republicans, including former advisors, have been speaking out against former President Donald Trump, saying he meets the “definition of a fascist” and lacks fitness for office. Scott and Marisa are joined by "Never-Trumper" Republican strategist Sarah Longwell to get her take on the election. Longwell is the executive director of Republican Voters Against Trump, publisher of The Bulwark and host of "The Focus Group" podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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