The Conversation with Dasha Burns

Jared Huffman, California's 2nd district representative and former attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council, discusses the urgent need for generational change within the Democratic Party. He explores the shifting leadership dynamics in Congress, emphasizing the balance between experience and new perspectives. Huffman shares insights on his transition from environmental advocacy to seeking a leadership role in the Natural Resources Committee, and highlights the importance of addressing pressing issues like public lands and bipartisan cooperation.

Senator Kevin Cramer from North Dakota, a key early supporter of Trump, shares insights on the challenges Senate Republicans face as they navigate Trump’s cabinet choices. He discusses the implications of Matt Gaetz's withdrawal from the attorney general nomination and the evolving dynamics between Trump and the Senate. Topics include military sexual assault reform, the debate over women in combat roles, and the necessity for thorough vetting in confirmations. Cramer emphasizes the importance of party unity amid rising tensions.

Sherrod Brown, former Democratic Senator from Ohio, discusses the lessons from his defeat and the broader implications for the party's identity. He highlights the urgent need for Democrats to reconnect with their working-class base, emphasizing labor rights and inclusivity. Brown critiques the party's messaging challenges and the disconnect between its priorities and voters' needs. He argues for a renewed focus on union support and a historical link between labor rights and civil rights, suggesting that a thoughtful rebranding is essential for future success.

Meridith McGraw, a national political correspondent for POLITICO and author of "Trump in Exile," teams up with Mike DeBonis, Playbook editor at POLITICO, to dissect the nuances of a potential second Trump term. They discuss who might fill Trump's cabinet, the evolving GOP leadership, and how Democrats will strategize after their recent losses. The conversation touches on the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party, the rise of the America First Policy Institute, and how Trump's policy priorities may clash with a new political landscape.

Lakshya Jain, CEO of Split Ticket, and Logan Phillips, founder of Race to the White House, delve into the world of election forecasting. They dissect early voting trends and the dynamics of swing voters, emphasizing how polls can be more revealing than often credited. The duo shares insights on the evolving voter landscape, noting how demographics and candidate experience influence decisions. They conclude with intriguing predictions about which races could signal the next president on Election Night.

Jason Miller, a senior adviser to Donald Trump with extensive experience in his campaigns, discusses the former president's unconventional strategy as Election Day approaches. They delve into how Trump is using podcasts and relatable storytelling to connect with voters, despite the controversies surrounding him. Miller defends Trump's approach to engage with middle America and emphasizes the importance of authenticity in political messaging. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by other candidates like Kamala Harris in the current political landscape.

Isaiah Thomas, a Philadelphia City Councilmember and basketball coach, joins Charlie Gerow, a Republican consultant and Trump surrogate, to dissect Pennsylvania's political landscape. They discuss the staggering $1 billion campaign investment and the tight race dynamics. Key topics include the outreach strategies to Latino voters by Republicans and waning support among Black men for the Democrats. The speakers highlight the importance of grassroots efforts and the shifting allegiances that could reshape the electoral map as the election approaches.

Sarah Longwell, Executive Director of Republican Voters Against Trump and political analyst, discusses the significant gender gap shaping the 2024 election. She highlights how political sentiments are diverging sharply between men and women, influenced by issues like reproductive rights and cultural perceptions of masculinity. Longwell emphasizes the pivotal role of abortion rights in galvanizing female voters, and how this growing divide could dramatically reshape electoral outcomes as women increasingly rally behind Kamala Harris.

Join seasoned pollsters John Anzalone, who has advised Biden and Obama, and Greg Strimple, known for his work with McCain and Christie, as they untangle the complexities of the 2024 election polling. They discuss the close race amidst chaotic headlines and who the pivotal swing voters are that both Trump and Harris are targeting. The duo also delves into the resurgence of ticket-splitting and the dynamic shifts in voting behavior among Latino communities. Discover the crucial factors shaping this election and the importance of credible polling.

James Carville, a renowned political strategist, shares his insights on the upcoming elections and his thoughts on Kamala Harris. He discusses the unpredictable dynamics of swing states and the significance of Trump’s style as a learning opportunity for Democrats. Carville expresses his unapologetic stance on the Democratic Party's cultural issues, particularly regarding identity politics. The conversation also touches on the importance of relatable messaging and the intricate landscape of Louisiana's political scene.