Press Advance with Johanna Maska

On this episode, host Johanna Maska, and Press Advance's lead producer Christine Baratta look back on the impact of former President Barack Obama's iconic 2004 convention speech 20 years ago, which inspired Johanna to join his 2008 presidential campaign in Iowa. They also discuss the significance of political discourse in shaping our democracy and provide a preview into the podcast's transition to Substack featuring exclusive content and live interviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, host Johanna Maska talks with Press Advance's lead producer Christine Baratta to discuss Vice President Kamala Harris's announcement of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. They dive into why Walz was an unexpected pick, what he means to rural voters, and why he and JD Vance are more alike than expected.  Walz passed the vibe check—but does this mean he can win over the American public? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, host Johanna Maska breaks down this week's biggest political news with former acting Chief of Staff in the Trump White House, Mick Mulvaney, and Democratic strategist Michael Hardaway, who most recently worked with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. They discuss President Biden's push for Supreme Court reforms, backlash over JD Vance's resurfaced comments that "childless cat ladies" have ruined American values, and whether Donald Trump could or would drop Vance from the Republican ticket. Plus, extreme political divisions are driving up divorce rates in the nation's capital—will the next 90 days make things worse? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, Johanna Maska speaks with national security experts Olivia Troye and Dr. Evelyn Farkas from the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington. They discuss the potential direction of foreign policy in a new presidential administration and who from Donald Trump's circle might be involved if he wins a second term. Since their conversation, there has been a whirlwind of political news. President Biden exited the presidential race, and Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt and unified the party at the Republican National Convention. So we caught up with Olivia Troye for an update. She shared her thoughts on the GOP convention, Donald Trump's treatment of military families, and the upcoming generation of political leaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee takes up oxygen this week, Democrats are having tough conversations, including whether President Joe Biden could have another troubling debate. On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska talks with 21-year-old TikTok influencer Harry Sisson who is one of Biden's fiercest supporters online. Sisson believes that the 81-year-old President—who was born less than a year after the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II—is the most qualified candidate to win over Gen Z voters and argues his generation is the most politically involved and politically intelligent generation in American history. They also discuss the appetite for political discourse among young people and the winning message from Democrats that might resonate with Gen Z voters this fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode host Johanna Maska and producer Christine Baratta talk from the sidelines of NATO in Washington about the President's current situation. Anticipating what the White House is calling a "big boy press conference," so dubbed by a reporter, Republicans are planning their convention and Democrats are wondering about theirs. Which is why Maska also speaks to Democratic Strategist Danielle Cendejas who managed Obama campaign delegate plans (important should there be any issues with the nominee) and Ashley Davis who managed a Republican National Convention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska speaks with Will and Chris, two undecided voters from the key battleground state of Wisconsin. These voters are also known as double haters—dissatisfied with both candidates—but are crucial for the Biden and Trump campaigns as they try to win over independent voters in November. They discuss the issues driving their vote, how they engage in political conversations with friends and family in the Midwest, and whether they were persuaded by either candidate after watching last week's debate. Calling all persuadable voters in swing states! If you are still weighing your options for the November elections, Press Advance wants to talk to you. Reach out to us. Find us on X: @johannamaska Instagram: @johannamaska Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this bonus episode of Press Advance, host Johanna Maska, and producer Christine Baratta break down the truth about last night's shocking presidential debate with the two oldest presidential candidates in United States history—Joe Biden and Donald Trump. They discuss President Biden's disastrous performance, Democrats' secret discussions about replacing him on the ballot, and which other candidates could beat Donald Trump in November. Plus, a flash-back from Johanna's interview with former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, where she predicted Biden's age could become a problem. Calling all persuadable voters in swing states! If you are still weighing your options for the November elections, Press Advance wants to talk to you. Reach out to us. Find us on X: @johannamaska Instagram: @johannamaska Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska speaks with a political panel featuring presidential campaign veterans Democrat Joan Kato, who worked for Bernie Sanders and President Barack Obama, and Republican Lauren Zelt, who worked for Mitt Romney and Chirs Christie, to talk about what's at stake in this week's upcoming presidential debate between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump. They discuss what messaging could win over undecided voters on economic issues like inflation and increasingly restrictive reproductive rights in the aftermath of the US Supreme Court's ruling that overturned Roe vs. Wade. Plus, the panel reacts to which administration added more to the national debt and claims by Donald Trump and other Republicans that Joe Biden will be taking performance-enhancing drugs at the debate. Calling all persuadable voters in swing states! If you are still weighing your options for the November elections, Press Advance wants to talk to you. Reach out to us. Find us on X: @johannamaska Instagram: @johannamaska Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska speaks with a political panel featuring Democrat Ameshia Cross, who worked in the Obama White House, and Republican Tomi Lahren, the host of "Tomi Lahren is Fearless." They discuss this week's political news, including Donald Trump's visit to a Black church in Michigan—in front of a mostly white audience and his proposal for tax-free tips for service workers. Democrats are talking more about the politicization of the Supreme Court and what voters should think when they cast their ballots this November. Plus, the panel reacts to the internet's debate over whether President Biden froze up at a Juneteenth event at the White House while others were dancing and if that was the most important part of the event. Calling all persuadable voters in swing states! If you are still weighing your options for the November elections, Press Advance wants to talk to you. Reach out to us. Find us on X: @johannamaska Instagram: @johannamaska | Press Advance is produced by Situation Room Studios: www.sitroomstudios.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska breaks down cable news' coverage and political disconnect between the Hunter Biden and Donald Trump guilty verdicts with a political panel featuring Republican strategist Denise Gitsham, who worked in the Bush administration and Democratic strategist Michael Hardaway, who most recently worked with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. They also discuss other political news this week — the US Senate refused to protect contraception access, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was caught on tape talking about how one side has to win. Plus the panel reacts to admitted puppy killer Kristi Noem's stance on neo-nazis marching on the Capitol in South Dakota.  Find us on X: @johannamaska Instagram: @johannamaska | Press Advance is produced by Situation Room Studios: www.sitroomstudios.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska breaks down the fallout from Donald Trump's guilty verdict with a political panel featuring Desiree Barnes, who worked in President Obama's Press Office, Danielle Cendejas, a Partner for the Strategy Group and former Obama campaign organizer, and Brittany Martinez, a former aide to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. They discuss what it means for America to potentially have a convicted felon reelected to the White House. They also discuss other political news this week — members of Congress treating Dr. Anthony Fauci like a criminal at a hearing on the pandemic, and President Biden's crackdown on migrants on the southern border with a new executive order. Plus, what did White House staffers think about the controversy over President Obama's tan suit compared to current presidential scandals. Find us on X: @johannamaska  @Instagram @johannamaska Press Advance is produced by Situation Room Studios: www.sitroomstudios.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska speaks with a political panel featuring Samantha Dravis, who worked in the Bush and Trump administrations, Tim Miller, host of The Bulwark podcast and former Communications Director for Jeb Bush's 2016 presidential campaign, and Joan Kato who worked with President Obama and Senator Bernie Sanders. They discuss frustration with the two-party system and how Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s candidacy could impact the election, politics in our judicial system, the behavior of political leaders, and which ones are doing a good job staying high when the other side goes so low. Plus, the panel debates the high cost of living and whether the average voter is not "feeling" the economy despite record-low unemployment and positive economic data. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode host Johanna Maska talks leads a political panel with Democratic strategist Michael Starr Hopkins and Republican strategist Mehek Cooke and they talk — sports. Specifically they get into Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butler's widely criticized comments regarding women's careers, LGBTQ+ rights and President Joe Biden's faith. After they kick that off, Maska, Hopkins, and Cooke talk about the House Oversight Committee that erupted into personal attacks and the upcoming Presidential Debates between Biden and former President Donald Trump. They wrap it up by talking about the romantic comings and goings in the House of Representatives - including a high profile divorce. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska speaks with a political panel featuring Morgan Ortagus, who served as the State Department Spokesperson under President Donald Trump, and Lindsay Scola, a veteran of the Obama White House who also worked at the US Mission to the UN with Ambassador Susan Rice. The panel discusses the state of speech on college campuses and the divisions over the Biden administration's nuanced stance on Israel, whether expletive language by our elected leaders has been normalized, and the dangers to women's health from state abortion bans. The panel also reacts to New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez's outrageous defense for having gold bars at home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After Pro-Palestinian campus protests have shut down commencements and sent students home, Johanna Maska takes a step back in Press Advance to speak to an expert who spent his life trying to negotiate peace in the Middle East. In this wide-ranging discussion, Ambassador Dennis Ross discusses the history of tensions, US policy towards the Middle East, and how student protesters could use their energy for peace in the region. Ross also discusses the changes to women's rights in Saudi Arabia under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and describes what he's seen in the over 400 miles of tunnels Hamas built underground in Gaza. Ultimately, Ross says even though right now it feels like we're back to 1948— the existential nature of the conflict—he has reason to believe it is still possible to restore a two-state solution with reforms and institutions for a Palestinian state.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska speaks with Kristen Hawn, who served as the chief political advisor to the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of more than 50 moderate Democrats in the House of Representatives. They discuss the defense of indefensible actions by politicians in a post-Trump era, the continued criticism of Kristi Noem and whether she lied about meeting North Korean leader Kim Jung Un, and the indictment of Democratic Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar on bribery charges. Johanna also previews a bonus episode that will drop later this week with Middle East peace negotiator and former United States Ambassador to Israel, Dennis Ross, for a conversation about the history of tensions in the region.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska speaks with a political panel featuring Democratic strategist Michael Starr Hopkins and veteran Republican campaign operative Matt Gorman. They discuss the state of the free and fair press, and President Biden's fight with The New York Times. The panel also shares thoughts on underreported races, including Congressman Colin Allred's bid to unseat Senator Ted Cruz in Texas and North Carolina Gubernatorial Candidate Mark Robinson's wife is facing scrutiny after closing a non-profit that she says was targeted by her political rivals. Plus, Johanna polls the group on who has what it takes to win the Trump Veepstakes and if South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is out of the running after admitting to killing her 14-month-old puppy Cricket.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska speaks with a political panel featuring Democratic strategist Michael Starr Hopkins and Boyd Matheson, former Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Mike Lee of Utah (R). They discuss pushback from Democrats and Republicans over threats to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson, politics in the office and whether it should be off limits, and heightened tensions on college campuses after pro-Palestinian student protests have spread across the country. Plus, we talked to Hagar Chemali, an adjunct assistant Professor at Columbia University, for her first-hand account of what she saw at student protests on campus and the challenges the school faces in balancing freedom of speech with a safe environment for students. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska speaks with a political panel featuring Adam Hodge, former Spokesperson for the National Security Council in the Biden administration, and Amy Tarkanian, former Chairwoman of the Nevada State Republican Party. They discuss the White House response to Iran's drone and missile strikes against Israel and pushback from the progressive wing of the Democratic party on U.S support for Israel, former President Donald Trump's legal troubles and if voters are paying attention, and abortion access in Arizona after the state's Supreme Court ruled a Civil war-era abortion ban can be enforced. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode features "A Fair and Free Press? A Debate on the Role of Media in 2024 Politics," which was held Tuesday April 9 with Press Advance host Johanna Maska and Sean Spicer, a former White House Press Secretary in the Trump administration. The discussion was moderated by six-time Emmy award-winning journalist and former NBC 6 Miami news anchor Willard Shepard. Maska and Spicer discussed the media landscape from their first hand perspective before a sold-out audience of students at Florida International University. They spoke about network news coverage of the 2024 election cycle, how social media algorithms drive political polarization, and interacted and answered questions from students in the audience. Disclaimer: This event was held at Florida International University as part of the OFFICE OF PUBLIC POLICY EVENTS. Johanna Maska and Sean Spicer's views expressed on this podcast are their own and do not represent FIU. To learn more about FIU's statement of free expression, visit fiu.edu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's Press Advance episode is dropping a little later this week. It will feature host Johanna Maska and Sean Spicer, former White House Press Secretary in the Trump administration, debating the role of network news and social media in this election cycle and how they drive political polarization. You won't want to miss it. Check back here on Thursday to hear the full discussion.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's Press Advance, Johanna Maska welcomes Obama administration colleague and friend Deesha Dyer, who served as the White House Social Secretary, to discuss her new book, "Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble." Deesha discusses her unexpected journey—from being a skeptical political observer to serving in a senior role in the Obama administration. She talks about rebelling against forced structure to find confidence, struggling with imposter syndrome, and what lessons she learned to help us in this era of political toxicity. The book is out on April 23 and is available for preorder on Amazon.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Press Advance producer Christine Baratta joins Johanna Maska to discuss the rollout of former RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel as an NBC contributor amid an outcry from network staffers questioning her credibility and past support for Donald Trump. Plus, we talk with Gina McCarthy, who served as the first White House National Climate Advisor and was instrumental in shaping the administration's landmark climate law—The Inflation Reduction Act— the country's most significant legislation designed to achieve energy independence and reduce pollution for America's communities. Johanna asks McCarthy about how the Inflation Reduction Act could tackle the costs of the clean transition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Earl Anthony Wayne, who served as United States Ambassador to Mexico during the Obama administration, joins Johanna Maska on this week's episode of Press Advance to discuss immigration policy reform and what's behind the mass migration on the southern border. Ambassador Wayne says that both Presidents Trump and Biden have used executive action to stem the flow of migrants, but it's up to Congress to pass new laws despite the rising polarization stalling the effort. They also discuss what the Obama White House got right, whether the Remain in Mexico policy was effective, and the two women competing to become Mexico's next president.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congress had a big week as President Biden delivered his State of the Union Address in front of the chamber, but most of the talk surrounded Alabama Republican Senator Katie Britt's rebuttal. We break down Britt's response with former Hill staffer Naysa Woomer, plus a panel discussion with Punchbowl congressional reporters Andrew Desiderio and Max Cohen on predictions for the Senate and House races coming up in November.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Super Tuesday, and voters head to the polls in multiple states, including Colorado, North Carolina, California, Texas, Virginia, Minnesota, Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, and American Samoa. On this week's episode, Johanna Maska talks to Hill veteran staffers Naysa Woomer and Nandini Narayan on which races are key to watch, predictions for who will succeed Mitch McConnell as the Senate's Republican leader, and reaction to Alabama Senator Katie Britt delivering the GOP's response to President Biden's State of the Union Address. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Republicans gathered this weekend for the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where President Trump told supporters there would be "a judgment day" if he returned to power. On this episode of Press Advance, Johanna Maska talks with Dmitri Mehlhorn, the founder of Investing in US, an investment fund he founded with Democratic donor and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman. Mehlhorn discusses the stakes if Trump comes back to power, how President Biden should address the nation's growing income disparity, whether there is too much money in politics, and shares his predictions if Donald Trump wins back the White House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Republican-led House of Representatives voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over his handling of the crisis on the southern border just weeks after Speaker Mike Johnson rejected a bipartisan Senate border security package. Janet Napolitano, who served as the nation's third Homeland Security Secretary, had joined her Republican predecessor Michael Chertoff to warn the historic charges against Secretary Mayorkas are a misuse of Congressional impeachment authority and a dangerous precedent. On this week's episode, Johanna Maska speaks with Napolitano, the former governor of Arizona, about the impeachment precedent, why we are seeing a significant increase of migrants on the border and if the Biden administration is doing enough. They also discuss the high cost of a college education and political polarization on campuses.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Longtime Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel plans to step down from her role leading the RNC as Donald Trump, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, pushes for new leadership. One of the top candidates to replace her is North Carolina Republican Party chairman Michael Whatley. But who is Michael Whatley, and how would he shape the national party? On this week's episode, Johanna Maska talks with Rob Burgess, a veteran GOP operative who has worked with Whatley. They discuss how Whatley shaped the Republican Party in North Carolina, the state of the national party, and why he sees Republicans moving away from Ronald Reagan's 'shining city on the hill' vision. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Tewes, the architect of President Barack Obama's first Presidential victory in Iowa and ultimate victory for the White House, joins Johanna Maska to discuss lessons from the 2008 campaign's winning strategy. They talk about why Democratic support has eroded in rural America, what the Biden campaign could be doing better to drive voter enthusiasm, and rumors that Michelle Obama is considering a run for the White House. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Republicans are rallying around presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump after his victory over challenger Nikki Haley in the New Hampshire primary. Regardless of who ultimately makes it to the general election, many organizations like America First Policy Institute are already planning policy strategies for a Republican president. Marc Lotter, a key advisor in the Trump administration, serves as Chief Communications Officer at the organization and says securing the southern border is a top priority on day one. Maska asks Lotter what he hopes to see from the next Republican presidential administration and why he thinks Republicans have handled abortion wrong.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Voters in New Hampshire are casting their ballots today for the state's first-in-the-nation presidential primary. The contest has come down to two candidates: former President Donald Trump and the last woman standing—Nikki Haley. Johanna convenes a panel of three White House alums—fellow Obama White House veteran Ameshia Cross, former Trump White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham, and former advisor to Vice President Mike Pence, Olivia Troye. They discuss why Trump's former competitors are falling in line to support him, whether Haley has a chance against him, who he might tap for his Vice President if he gets the bid, and why Joe Biden isn't on the ballot in New Hampshire.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Press Advance is back for the 2024 election season. And while the Republicans start their process for nominating a presidential candidate, the Democrats are following precedent giving the incumbent the advantage. Congressman Dean Phillips, a Democrat from Minnesota, says that's dangerous. Phillips tells Maska that Democrats need a next-generation leader and that he wants a robust primary. That's exactly why he launched a long-shot last-minute bid for President. He talks to Maska about why he's running, how he would govern, and about navigating the complex global challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first presidential contest of 2024 kicks off with the Iowa Caucuses on Jan 15, 2024. GOP candidates are busy making their final case to voters. In this episode, Congressman Bob Good, the freshly elected House Freedom Caucus Chairman, talks about the state of the race, including his choice to endorse Gov. Ron DeSantis, and addresses recent Politico reporting on a recording of him saying why Ron DeSantis is a better candidate than Donald Trump, which he says was taken out of context. He also explains why he believes compromise will not work for Republicans. Plus, Johanna Maska and producer Christine Baratta discuss last week's Republican debate in Tuscaloosa — and what might play out in the new year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Republican presidential candidates will take the stage at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa for the 4th primary debate hosted by NewsNation. The front runner in the race, Donald Trump is expected to skip the debate to host a fundraiser in Florida. For a preview of what to expect, Johanna Maska speaks with fellow NewsNation contributor Mick Mulvaney, former South Carolina Congressman and acting White House Chief of Staff in the Trump administration. They discuss Nikki Haley's rise in the polls, the party's factions she'll have to win over to beat Donald Trump, and whether Trump owes it to the voters to show up. They also share highlights from the recent debate between Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Gallagher, a Wisconsin Republican who serves as Chairman of the House Select Committee on China, joins Johanna Maska to discuss his work on the committee and what he's doing to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable. They discuss disinformation on TikTok and its national security threat, failures in the Trump administration's trade policy, and the biggest threat from the CCP he worries about. Gallagher also tells us who among the Republican presidential candidates has the most credibility with their message to voters about China. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NewsNation's Elizabeth Vargas, who will serve as a moderator at the next Republican presidential debate in Alabama on December 6, leads a Concordia summit panel featuring host Johanna Maska and Republican Morgan Ortagus. The discussion focuses on this trying political time and how one might build trust and make progress, especially important ahead of the holidays.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ohio Republican strategist Mehek Cooke was mentored by former South Carolina governor and presidential candidate Nikki Haley when Cooke ran for office in the Buckeye State. Mehek had started the podcast saying don't underestimate Nikki Haley. Mehek returns to the podcast to analyze Haley's continued strong debate performance, what she'll need to do to win the nomination, the economic argument Republicans are making to voters, and her thoughts on the recent Ohio vote to enshrine abortion access in the state's constitution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The third Republican Presidential Debate will be held Wednesday in Miami, but the frontrunner, Donald Trump, has yet to appear on the stage. For insight on concerns within the party about Trump winning the nomination, Johanna Maska spoke to Sarah Matthews, who resigned from the administration after the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. They discuss Trump's still strong support with the base and what topics candidates should address at the debate to win the voters they'll need, including divisions over Israel and Ukraine aid, abortion, and gun violence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We now have a Speaker of the House of Representatives—Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson— who most of America doesn't know, but finally got the entire Republican caucus to vote for him. For some insight into how Johnson might govern, Johanna Maska spoke with Denver Riggleman, a Former Congressman from Virginia's 5th congressional district, who served with him and knows him well. They talk about the divisions in America, some within our families, what to expect from Speaker Mike Johnson, and what to expect in Virginia's upcoming elections.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Republicans struggle to find a Speaker of the House, bipartisan budget conversations have paused. With another government funding deadline fast approaching, the crazy thing is if there's a shutdown, congressional officeholders, not military members, continue to receive their pay. Johanna Maska talks to Congressman Wiley Nickel from a swing district in North Carolina about what he's seen since he got to Washington, whether there can be a bipartisan solution to fill the speaker vacancy, and his new legislation, with bipartisan support to stop the pay of Congress when they don't do their job. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

House Republicans have failed to nominate a Speaker of the House who can get the needed support from their caucus. The stakes couldn't be higher—war has broken out in the Middle East—war continues in Europe—yet Republicans have been unable to work through their differences to come to a consensus. To discuss the problems in Washington, Johanna Maska talks with Conor Lamb who won a congressional seat in a swing district in Pennsylvania and faced pressure from Democrats for voting against Nancy Pelosi's speakership. They discuss the chances moving forward for bipartisan governance in Congress.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, a small band of Republicans led by Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz voted to oust Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, bringing legislative business in Washington to a screeching halt in the middle of a government funding battle and pushing important issues that should have our attention to the sidelines. Johanna Maska talks to two people who might have a path forward—Andrew Yang, an entrepreneur and former 2020 presidential candidate who founded the Forward Party to tackle political and partisan polarization, and former Lt. Governor of Massachusetts Kerry Healy, who joined the organization's board of directors. They discuss what the Forward party is trying to accomplish, how to address the partisan divide in Congress and give us their political predictions, including whether the U.S. will see a recession before the next election. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we flipped the script on host Johanna Maska with Press Advance producer Christine Baratta, asking her questions posed by listeners about the second Republican debate in Simi Valley, California. Maska shares insights on Nikki Haley's performance, whether Ron DeSantis and Tim Scott stepped up their debate game, what issues the candidates should have discussed to connect better with GOP voters, and what she heard from top Trump campaign insiders at the bar post-debate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Johanna Maska looks at the Republican presidential nomination process in Nevada, an early nominating state. Under the new rules, campaigns must pay 55K to participate in the GOP-run caucus where delegates are apportioned, but they would effectively be prohibited from participating in the state-run primary. Now, candidates face a dilemma—organize supporters to caucus in a process seen as designed by Donald Trump supporters, or focus on the primary to maintain early momentum. Maska speaks to Nevada politics insider and long-time journalist Jon Ralston, the CEO of The Nevada Independent, for his take on the GOP proposal and what issues will drive voters to the polls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Press Advance, we're talking about political relationships—not the kind you think—politician's personal relationships. A Washington Post article posed the question of Senator Tim Scott's relationship status—now with the inside scoop that he has a girlfriend—to a lot of people, campaign staff, Republican operatives, and Iowa voters - to get an idea of whether it mattered. Maska talks to her friend and former guest on this podcast, Denise Gitsham, a Republican who worked for the Bush administration and longtime friend to Senator Scott for details on his girlfriend and if his bachelorhood matters to voters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Johanna Maska talks to Tomi Lahren, a Fox News contributor and host of "Tomi Lahren is Fearless" on Outkick. Lahren is known for telling the truth regardless of what others think and shares her thoughts with Maska on hot-button issues like abortion and solving the border crisis. Lahren also talks about why she supports Ron DeSantis over every other Republican presidential candidate, her beef with North Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, and what issues she wants the GOP presidential candidates to address at the next debate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Johanna Maska speaks with Naysa Woomer, the former Communications Director for New York Republican Congressman George Santos. Woomer, a Capitol Hill veteran who worked for multiple congressional leaders and former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, found herself caught up in a media storm after a New York Times investigative story detailed that Santos lied about his employment, college education and family background. Naysa tells her story for the first time on a podcast—what she experienced and how we prevent someone like George Santos from fooling people again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Johanna Maska talks to Jennifer Horn, former Chairwoman of the New Hampshire Republican Party. Now a registered independent, Horn left the GOP believing the party under President Trump took a turn she could not support and actively worked to defeat him. So, after a debate without Donald Trump on the GOP stage, Maska asks Horn what she thought of the debate and whether any of the candidates could bring her back to the party.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ahead of the first Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Johanna Maska talks to Kathie Obradovich, a longtime Iowa political columnist and Editor-in-chief for the Iowa Capital Dispatch. Obradovich shares highlights from this year's Iowa State Fair, from Ron DeSantis getting heckled by the crowd and trolled in the skies—to Vivek Ramaswamy's spontaneous Eminem rap performance. Maska asks how potential GOP caucus-goers are reacting to the candidates campaigning in the Hawkeye state and if one of Trump's opponents could emerge in this debate and chip away at his lead in the polls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices