

Lost Debate
The Branch
Lost Debate is a weekly podcast from The Branch that brings you news, ideas, and arguments from around the political spectrum. We engage in the good-faith discussions that too much of our society and media miss. It's hosted by Ravi Gupta, a former Obama staffer turned school principal.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 4, 2024 • 29min
Final Reflections + Is Iowa in Play?
J.D. Scholten, Iowa State Representative and former professional baseball player, joins the discussion to unveil surprising poll insights from Iowa. He highlights the growing influence of independent and senior women voters, emphasizing their motivations as Election Day nears. Economic struggles in rural areas are reshaping voter sentiments, raising questions about the political landscape in Iowa. Scholten shares his journey from sports to politics, underscoring the importance of community engagement and empathy as the nation grapples with deep divisions.

Oct 31, 2024 • 50min
Final Predictions
Isaac Saul, a political analyst and contributor to Tangle News, joins to discuss final predictions as Election Day looms. They analyze early voting trends, noting heightened enthusiasm among Democratic women. The conversation touches on Trump’s rally and Biden’s media slip, exploring their potential impacts on voter perception. They also highlight the battle over narratives surrounding election integrity and the rising influence of social media misinformation. Closing predictions from both are offered, capturing the high stakes leading to November 5.

Oct 28, 2024 • 1h 12min
Is Trump Blowing It? Plus Tom Bonier on Early Vote
Tom Bonier, CEO of TargetSmart and an expert in data analytics for Democratic campaigns, discusses early voting trends and their impact on battleground states like North Carolina and Nevada. He highlights how voter enthusiasm reflects shifting dynamics this election season. The conversation also delves into Trump's campaign strategy, analyzing how his podcast appearance and controversial rallies could sway undecided voters. Additionally, they examine the implications of early voting patterns and demographic changes in the electoral landscape.

Oct 24, 2024 • 1h 5min
Closing Messages, Tucker's Odd Pitch, Early Vote Tea Leaves, Open AI
Reed Albergotti, a Semafor journalist specializing in AI and tech, joins to discuss the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. He dives into OpenAI's controversial shift from nonprofit to for-profit, revealing internal tensions and leadership challenges. The conversation also covers OpenAI's complex partnership with Microsoft and the broader competitive dynamics in the AI industry, including the implications of international developments and new market entrants. A fascinating look at the current state of technology and its future!

Oct 22, 2024 • 38min
Nevada Warning Signs, Latino Vote, and Immigration
Paola Ramos, an MSNBC contributor and author of 'Defectors: The Rise of the Latino Far Right,' shares her insights on the shifting Latino vote and its implications for the upcoming election. She discusses how demographic shifts and complex identities influence voting behaviors, especially among younger Latinos. The conversation also highlights the evolving strategies of both major parties to engage this diverse electorate and the surprising gains Republicans are making in battleground states, complicating the political landscape.

Oct 21, 2024 • 48min
Is Donald Trump Winning the Election?
In this discussion, Russell Shaw, head of Georgetown Day School and expert in lighthouse parenting, dives into guiding children's growth while granting them independence. He sheds light on the importance of fostering student voices and highlights the transformative role of technology in education. They also tackle challenges in middle school parenting and the essential skills needed for success beyond prestigious colleges. Shaw advocates for experiential education to cultivate resilience and teamwork, making a compelling case for preparing kids for real-world challenges.

Oct 17, 2024 • 46min
How to Motivate Young People
Ravi welcomes Dr. David Yeager, an experimental developmental psychologist at the University of Texas at Austin and author of "10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People." They delve into how motivations tied to status and identity shape adolescent behavior. Dr. Yeager shares insights on bridging communication gaps between adults and youth, the impact of clever advertising on teen choices, and the significance of understanding young identities in fostering genuine motivation. It’s a fascinating exploration of connecting with the next generation!

Oct 16, 2024 • 46min
Censorship, Crime, and Trust in America
Jacob Sullum, a journalist at Reason magazine, discusses the complex landscape of censorship and social media bias, examining how political narratives shape crime perceptions. He highlights disparities in moderation based on ideological lines. Kristen Bellstrom, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist, uncovers the long-term decline of trust in American institutions since the 1970s and the underlying factors contributing to this erosion. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency and grassroots efforts to rebuild confidence in government and media.

Oct 15, 2024 • 1h 18min
America's Economy v. the World, Trump v. Harris on Education Policy
Beth Hawkins, an educational reporter at The 74, shares her insights on the K-12 education landscape and the upcoming presidential race. She delves into the stark contrasts between candidates' education policies and discusses the long-term impact of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans' school system. Hawkins highlights the successes and challenges of the city's charter school reform, emphasizing community involvement and lessons learned. The conversation also touches on broader educational reforms and innovation, painting a complex picture of America's educational future.

Oct 14, 2024 • 1h 11min
Polls, Persuasion, and Precincts: Breaking Down the Final Stretch
Kim Wehle, a tenured law professor and legal contributor, joins to dissect pressing electoral issues. They explore the implications of recent election laws in states like Georgia and Pennsylvania, particularly around voter access and integrity. Wehle also dives into notorious election fraud claims and their ramifications, while discussing her book, Pardon Power, which examines the complexities of presidential pardons, including Trump's promises regarding January 6th participants. A thought-provoking conversation on law and politics in a pivotal election year!


