

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 8, 2024 • 1h 26min
My Conversation With A Trump Voter
Bridget Phetasy, a comedian and podcaster known for her candid takes, joins to discuss the impact of Trump's win on today's political climate. They delve into the emotional toll of political divides, especially within families, and the challenges of maintaining relationships despite differing beliefs. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in a polarized world, while also critiquing the strategies of both parties. They explore how themes like crime and abortion shape voter perspectives, urging a more nuanced dialogue across the spectrum.

Nov 6, 2024 • 35min
How We Got Here
The discussion highlights ten critical factors fueling Donald Trump's potential comeback, shedding light on the implications for American politics. It critiques the stagnant approach in campaign strategies, emphasizing the need for innovative messaging to captivate undecided voters. The analysis also addresses the Democratic Party's failures in connecting with diverse demographics, particularly young men and Latinos. Furthermore, the conversation underscores the importance of authentic political communication and a compelling narrative to regain voter trust.

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.


