The DFL Debrief: A Minnesota Politics Podcast

We're almost there, folks. We're just a few weeks away before Kamala Harris and Tim Walz win the 2024 election. But it's not time to sit back, this is going to be a tight election. The gang makes their final appearance before election day and so obviously they had to spend much of the show discussing weird animal stuff. But also, they discuss the importance of remaining active until election day and not taking anything for granted. See you on the other side! 

Welcome to the third part of our breakdown of the wild last month of the presidential race. This week, we're celebrating Tim Wal, of course! We discuss Governor Tim Walz being tabbed as Kamala Harris' running-mate from the perspective of people who have had an up close look at Tim Walz the governor, and Tim Walz the person. Thanks for tuning in!

Welcome to Part 2 of our series on the huge shakeup in the Presidential race that has occurred over the past month. This week, we discuss the fallout of the Harris move from the prospective of Donald Trump and his regrettable running mate, JD Vance. Link to the Allen family GoFundMe as mentioned in the show: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-Allen-family-healing-journey

Hi Debriefers, our sincerest apologies for being behind on publishing episodes, as you can imagine we've been slightly busy as of late. But, we have a 3-part series for you today that we're calling Everything Is Different Now.In Part 1 we reacted to the announcement that Vice President Kamala Harris would be replacing President Biden at the top of the Democratic Party's presidential ticket.  Stay tuned for Part's 2 & 3 coming today! You're commute this week will thank you. 

This week, we discuss a GOP candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner going to jail for throwing spiders, among other things, as well as Clarence Thomas and his galaxy brain. 

This week, the gang, minus Darwin, discuss the state of the campaign five months from Election Day, a reporter's look at the sorry state of the MN GOP, and tails from the campaign trail. 

This week, the show discusses the ongoing saga of Tom Emmer's shameful kowtowing to Donald Trump and how he's even been given a sad nickname by his GOP colleagues. Also, the CD 2 GOP prepares for a messy primary season as Angie Craig continues to get things done for her constituents. 

This week, we kick off the show with a Montana Senate candidate, Tim Sheehy. While Sheehy claims to have grown up in a rural Minnesota town, turns out that rural area is Shoreview, MN, which is minutes from Minneapolis and St. Paul. Also, what do you get when you combine Tax Day, Darwin's birthday, and the DFL's 80th birthday? A very average podcast episode! 

By every metric, Minnesota's investment in our future has fueled our economy to far greater heights than Wisconsin, who...went a different,, Scott Walker-ian route. 

Have you heard of Democrats Abroad? Then this is the episode for you. This week, Ken joined Dems Abroad on their podcast, Democrats Abroad: The Blue Vote Café, to discuss their importance in getting Democrats elected. Check out the rest of their podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/democrats-abroad-the-blue-vote-caf%C3%A9/id1521503554https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/demsabroadca

This week, we are lucky to be joined by Minnesota State Representative Emma Greenman (63B) to discuss her bill on corporate tax disclosure, which is a shockingly simple yet effective concept. Darwin has the sadz, and Ken is called out for ruining text threads with his Android phone. 

On this week's much-delayed episode of the DFL Debrief, the gang discusses Primary Day in Minnesota, Trump spreads some lies with a man who calls himself the Ox, and more pop culture from Madison...natch. 

Happy DFL Caucus Day, everyone! In this episode, the Debrief celebrates Caucus Day by discussing our bird preferences and jamming out to some great(?) GOP presidential campaign tunes.Finally, Darwin & Madison start a blood feud with Ken over who can misinterpret vague constitutional amendments the least. As always, send in your pre-recorded YouBetcha's and Oh Geez's and trivia answers to podcast@dfl.org. And please remember to rate the show on Apple and Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts!Participate in your precinct caucus:https://dfl.org/caucus/Link to Nikki Haley jam: https://www.timothydraper.com/nikki/Nikki_Haley_Anthem_Larry_Dvoskin_rap.mp3Link to Sarah Palin jam:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhMepzqJvIw

Sorry for the delay, Debriefers! Our episode today was taped last week, but here it is nonetheless. Our hosts reveal some breaking news regarding DFL staffers, our Humphrey Mondale guest speaker, as well as a trip through Groundhog's Day. 

Happy New Year, DFLers (and GOP operatives)! On this week's episode, we tune into "Hot Talk w/ the Ox" and get his semi-graphic take on Tom Emmer bending the knee to Donald Trump. The gang also discusses Darwin's rumored Ivermectin ingestion, and Madison is officially declared "Maven of the Manatee."We are also encouraging all of our wonderful listeners to send in their own "You Betcha-Oh Geez" that we will read in the next episode. You can send them to podcast@dfl.org, looking forward to hearing them!

This week, it's become clear that our cover is blown. Former GOP State Senator Dave (@BigDFromMN on Twitter) Osmek hops on a radio show and reveals that DFL Chairmen Ken Martin is surely the man responsible for the MN GOP's disfunction! Also, we do some holiday shopping to help you find a gift for that loved one who has everything, and we find out if Madison has ever found that Manatee. Also some serious stuff trickles in, I mean, it is our job and all...

Weeee'reeeee baaaaaaack! The DFL Debrief makes its triumphant(?) return to the airwaves, sans Brian Evans, to preview (sorry folks) Tuesday's elections, the new Speaker of the House, and introduces two new co-hosts. The rest of the show is pretty much what you'd expect. 

This week's podcast is part one of a conversation between DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin and Minnesota GOP Chairman David Hann, hosted jointly by the DFL Debrief podcast and the Breakdown with Brodkorb and Becky podcast. The Chairman debate the 2023 legislative session, discuss the 2024 campaign season, and a whole lot more!Part two of their conversation will be released on Tuesday, 9/12, exclusively on the Breakdown's podcast feed. You can find the Breakdown on all major podcast platforms or online at https://bbbreakpod.com! Be sure to tune in to part two when it releases in just a few days!

This week, Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic joined the DFL Debrief crew out at the DFL State Fair booth to talk legislative session, state fair food, and so much more!

This week, Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives Melissa Hortman joined the podcast to discuss how DFLers actually went about passing so much amazing legislation, why Republicans completely dropped the ball this session, and so much more! 

This week, we sat down with former Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper to  talk about his new book: Saving Democracy: A User's Guide. David shares some great and actionable information about how listeners can get involved in fighting for our democracy in your own backyards.You can find out where to buy David's book at https://savedemocracy.us/where-to-buy/To read more of David's political analysis, check out his Substack: https://davidpepper.substack.com/

Ron DeSantis is many things: an authoritarian, an extremist, a bigot. But he's also a deeply weird dude. We get into all of that and more with special guest Nikki Fried, Chair of the Florida Democratic Party, on this week's episode of the DFL Debrief!

This week, the show takes a look at a highly-publicized focus group story that showcased the popularity of the Trifecta's legislation among these thirteen average Minnesotans (and many more?) We also laugh at Ron DeSantis' poor name ID as well as review a singing telegram Ken received for his 50th birthday that is still keeping us up at night. 

Dr. Senator Alice Mann joins the DFL Debrief this week to walk us through the newly-passed Paid Family Leave legislation and the overwhelmingly positive effects it will have on Minnesotans, no matter where you work. She also discusses her journey from doctor to the MN House to the MN Senate. We have a Mike Lindell bathtub sighting during YouBetcha & OhGeez, and Vlad's fact highlights how Nebraska's legislature became so unique. Finally, Brian and Will make a very natural-sounding pitch for DFLers everywhere to attend the "Crow Wing County DFL: More Variety-Better Society" variety show on August 19th! 

This week, we sat down with and former (and likely future) 8th congressional district candidate Jen Schultz to discuss her campaign for congress. Schultz is an economist and served for four terms in the Minnesota State House of Representatives and had a lot of interesting insights into the process of running for Congress, the disappointing tenure of Republican Congressman Pete Stauber, and so much more!The Star Tribune flag submission story from Will's Oh Geez: https://www.startribune.com/readers-sent-us-their-designs-for-a-new-state-flag/600287530/#14

This week, we were joined by State Rep. Cedrick Frazier to discuss the red flag and universal background check bills that were signed into law this year to help reduce gun violence in Minnesota.If you found this episode informative, please be sure to share the DFL Debrief with your friends and family and review us on your podcast platform of choice! Sarah McBride's website, which Ken referenced in his You Betcha: https://www.sarahmcbride.com

This week, we are joined by Senator Erin Maye Quade to discuss where things stand at the state and federal level almost exactly one year after the Supreme Court ended federal protections for abortion.If you found this episode informative, please be sure to share the DFL Debrief with your friends and family and review us on your podcast platform of choice! 

The Debrief is joined this week by the Attorney General of Minnesota, Keith Ellison, who talks about his prosecution in the Derek Chauvin case and how it led him to write a book titled "Break the Wheel: Ending the Cycle of Police Violence".AG Ellison also describes his feelings in the final moments before the guilty verdict and the need for continued efforts toward meaningful change.

Rep. Zack Stephenson breaks down the cannabis legalization bill that he helped write and that was just signed into law this week! We also discuss the legislative session generally and a whole lot more. This was a terrific conversation, so be sure to check it out and share it around!

The Minnesota legislative session is officially wrapped and the DFL Debrief crew discusses some of their biggest takeaways from the historic work DFL lawmakers got done in the past 6 months.

This week, the Debrief crew discusses a new poll covering all things Minnesota politics, the fantastic education bill that just passed the legislature, and a ton more!If you like the pod, be sure to rate and review us wherever you listen! 

This week, Melisa López Franzen joined the DFL Debrief crew to discuss the paid family and medical leave program that just passed the Minnesota House and Senate! We also discuss the tuition-free college program for low-income families that just passed and a lot more!

This week on the DFL Debrief, we appreciate comedy stylings of Joe Biden, discuss cannabis legalization and paid family leave, and so much more.Be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you listen and tell your friends and family!

This week, Joe Biden announced he's running for re-election, DFLers work to legalize cannabis, and Brian saves the Debrief.

Governor Walz delivers his State of the State, Senate Republicans take on necromancy, demonology, and the occult (yes, really), and Representative Mary Franson shares some interesting thoughts on one of the DFL Debrief's hosts!Trump NFTs: https://collecttrumpcards.com

This week, the DFL Debrief crew discusses what got done in the first 100 days of the DFL Trifecta! Spoiler alert: it's a lot. They also preview what DFLers will be working on for the rest of the legislative session.Here's the story Will referenced on Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic: https://minnesotareformer.com/2023/04/11/senate-majority-leader-dziedzic-looks-to-build-bridges-from-home

On Monday, April 3rd, President Biden visited Cummins' Power Generation Facility in Fridley to discuss his Made in America agenda. Take a listen to his full remarks here.

A huge judicial win in Wisconsin, President Biden visits Friendly Fridley, and Sam the Intern has had enough of us. 

This week, we were thrilled to be joined by the one and only Sheletta Brundidge! Sheletta spoke with us about building power in the Black Community, organizing Black Entrepreneurs Day, and she shared an incredibly heart-warming story about her son. We won't spoil it, but it ends with him getting a letter from President Biden himself.It was a fantastic interview and we hope you have as much fun listening to it as we had recording it! To hear more from Sheletta and the other fantastic hosts on her podcast network, head to www.shelettamakesmelaugh.com! 

The DFL Debrief was live in Eagan Minnesota with Rep. Angie Craig, Rep. Liz Reyer, Senator Jim Carlson, and more fantastic guests! Be sure to tune in! 

In just over a week, Wisconsin will hold an election that will have a profound impact on the state and quite possibly the entire country. We discuss that election with Wisconsin Dems Chair Ben Wikler on this special episode of the DFL Debrief!To get involved and help save Wisconsin, head to wisdems.org/volunteer today!

This week, we were joined by Betty Folliard and Melisa López Franzen to discuss the Equal Rights Amendment, the DFL Senate bill to provide breakfast and lunch to all students (which was signed into law after we recorded this episode) and so much more.Be sure to rate and review us wherever you listen and tell your friends about the show!

This week, we break down some of the bills that DFLers have gotten signed into law, discuss a particularly fiery outburst from a Republican Representative, explain some cannabis math, and debut a new segment. Be sure to tune in! 

The Minnesota GOP got slapped with a massive fine for breaking campaign finance law, gun safety reform is debated at the Minnesota Capitol, and the surplus is even surplusier. All that and more on this week's episode of the DFL Debrief!

This week, we are joined by Alyse Maye Quade and Trista Schwind, co-directors of the forthcoming Wellstone Academy, a new program from the DFL where we will be training the next generation of political operatives to continue our long record of success. All of your Who, What, When, Where, and Why's will be answered as well as your "How do I apply for this?" questions! Check it out! 

House DFLers passed a bill that provides school meals for all Minnesota students. We think this is good because feeding kids, especially hungry kids, is good. Republicans have a slightly different perspective that we discuss.We also discuss DFL Chairman and Debrief Co-Host Ken Martin's re-election to lead the Minnesota DFL Party, and we talk about jobs for dogs.Be sure to tune in and share this excellent podcast with your friends, family, loved ones, coworkers, visitors, well-wishers, and distant relations.

Walter Hudson claims we worship some obscure Demon that we had to Google. Joe Biden gives a great SOTU speech while Republicans in attendance embarrass themselves. Rep. Andy Smith joins the DFL Hotseat and is very funny, even if he makes fun of the show.  The Facts of Vlad , is informative, as always. 

Abortion protections are law in Minnesota! On this week's show, we discuss the House and Senate passing the Protect Reproductive Options Act, or PRO Act. Shortly after we recorded the podcast, Governor Walz signed it into law!

This week, the Debrief, minus Brian Evans, welcomes former DFL Senate Leader Melisa Franzen. They discuss her game-plan after taking over leadership, and how she identified the right people to help right the ship and, ultimately, win the majority. Sen. Judy Seeberger then joins the show for our first ever installment of the DFL Legislative Hot Seat (cue intense music.) She survives the intense scrutiny and reviews her first few weeks as an elected legislator.

This week, we take a look at the historic $6 billion funding proposal for E-12 schools proposed by Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flannagan. The proposal also includes expanding the state's child and dependent care tax credit to help many Minnesotans with child-care costs.We also discuss the GOP's dangerous rhetoric playing out in New Mexico, where a former republican legislative candidate was arrested for shooting at the houses of Democrats he blames for his election loss.