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The Administration and congressional republicans continued to wreak havoc with the federal workforce, international relations, limited executive power, and the constitution, not necessarily in that order. Tara Setmayer, Bob Shrum, and Jacob Weisberg join Harry to analyze the party-line House budget that seems DOA in the Senate; tension within the Executive Branch over Elon Musk; growing popular opposition to the Administration and especially to Musk's untethered and unaccounted role; and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy welcome the Spring 2025 CPF Fellows to USC for a virtual discussion of Donald Trump's inauguration and what a second Trump term may look like. The conversation features: Bob Shrum (moderator) - Director, USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future Ed Goeas – Republican Pollster and Strategist Betsy Fischer Martin – Executive Director, Women & Politics Institute at American University; Former "Meet the Press" Executive Producer Jonathan Martin - Senior Political Columnist and Politics Bureau Chief at POLITICO Anthony Rendon – Former Speaker of the California State Assembly Cameron Trimble – Former White House Director of Digital Engagement; Founder of Hip-PoliticsAdditional InformationThe Bully Pulpit PodcastMore shows from The Democracy Group
Donald J. Trump is president again, sworn in today for a second term, capping perhaps the greatest political comeback in American history. President Trump gave a subdued 30-minute inaugural address and then immediately signed a flurry of executive orders to make good on many of his campaign pledges, including to crack down on illegal immigration, increase domestic energy production and reverse many of the policies of the Biden administration. He also made proclamations that have no teeth, such as declaring that he is restoring free speech, reversing the betrayals of the last four years and that from now on, the United States will only have two genders, male and female. He also decreed that Mt. Denali give up its Native American name and return to the name Mt. McKinley, and that the Gulf of Mexico will be rechristened the Gulf of America. For more, KCBS Radio news anchor Bret Burkhart and KCBS political reporter Doug Sovern spoke with Bob Shrum, longtime Democratic political consultant and director of the Center for the Political Future at USC.
Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy welcome the Spring 2025 CPF Fellows to USC for a virtual discussion of Donald Trump's inauguration and what a second Trump term may look like. The conversation features: Bob Shrum (moderator) - Director, USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future Ed Goeas – Republican Pollster and Strategist Betsy Fischer Martin – Executive Director, Women & Politics Institute at American University; Former "Meet the Press" Executive Producer Jonathan Martin - Senior Political Columnist and Politics Bureau Chief at POLITICO Anthony Rendon – Former Speaker of the California State Assembly Cameron Trimble – Former White House Director of Digital Engagement; Founder of Hip-Politics
Legendary Democratic strategist and USC professor Bob Shrum gives Tavis his take on this historic election year and the final day in this unpredictable presidential race.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Legendary Democratic strategist and USC professor Bob Shrum gives Tavis his take on this historic election year and the final day in this unpredictable presidential race.
T minus 22 and the two campaigns are a study in contrasts. Harris is prospecting for new voters w/ a broad media strategy, inc niche podcasts, while Trump digs deeper into the dark recesses of MAGA voters searching for supporters who sat the last two elections out. The hurricane is a vivid reminder of all that can't be predicted, & an illustration of the damage wrought by Trump's lies. A great trio of political experts—Jon Alter, Mara Liasson, & Bob Shrum—joins Harry to piece it all together.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
BOB SHRUM AND MICHAEL MURPHY are arguably amongst the mostrespected and experienced political analysts and pundits of our time.Both have extensive experience working on numerous presidentialcampaigns over the past many decades. In conversation with PattMorrison of the LA Times, who has won the Pulitzer, six Emmys and adozen Golden Mike awards, Bob and Mike will share their honest andalways insightful thoughts and predictions about the upcomingelections.Bob, a Democratic consultant, consulted to the George McGovern,Bill Clinton, Ted Kennedy, to the Gore-Lieberman and Kerry-Edwardscampaigns. He strategized 30 winning Senate campaigns, 8 winninggubernatorial campaigns, and for scores of winning mayoralcampaigns in every major city in America. Currently, Bob is theDirector of the Center for the Political Future and the Carmen H. andLouis Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics at the University ofSouthern California (USC).Mike, a Republican consultant, consulted to John McCain, MittRomney, Jeb Bush, Tommy Thompson, Arnold Schwarzenegger,Christie Whitman, and many more at all levels of government. Mike, avocal critic of MAGA and Donald Trump, is Co-Director of the USCCenter for the Political Future.
In a high-stakes episode Susan Estrich is joined by legendary political strategist Bob Shrum for a deep dive into the Democratic Convention's fallout—and its explosive impact on Kamala Harris's campaign. With the convention spotlight now dimmed, Harris faces mounting challenges that could reshape the race. Is her campaign in danger, or can she turn the tide in her favor? But that's not all. The duo also takes a hard look at Donald Trump's relentless use of cheap insults and smear tactics. Are they a sign of desperation, or do they still pack a punch that could swing voters in the final stretch? With the 2024 election looming, every move counts. Don't miss this episode packed with insider analysis, behind-the-scenes stories, and predictions that could determine the future of American politics. Tune in for the insights the pundits don't want you to hear!All this and more on No Holding Back with Susan Estrich.Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.noholdingback.fm/Produced by 1985 Productions
Kamala Harris and Tim Walz breeze into the Windy City for the Democratic convention with a strong tailwind from 3-plus weeks of a pitch perfect campaign, abetted by a lackluster at best performance from Donald Trump and JD Vance. Bill Kristol, Bob Shrum, and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill join Harry to analyze what the ticket and party need to accomplish this week. The roundtable then broadens focus to the current state of the race, Trump's apparent loss of mojo, and Vance's foot-in-mouth problems.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
A Journalist Who Faced Jail Under the Espionage Act on Assange's Plea Deal | Presidential Debate Prep and How to Fact-Check Trump From a Former Democratic Strategist | War Between Israel and Hezbollah Appears Increasingly Likely backgroundbriefing.org/donate twitter.com/ianmastersmedia facebook.com/ianmastersmedia
James and Al call out the Republican congressional caucus, review the political situation in Israel, mark Juneteenth, remember Willie Mays, and welcome veteran political strategist Bob Shrum. They discuss the format of the upcoming presidential debate, Biden's prospects, how he should handle the age issue, Trump's weaknesses, the importance of debate prep, the power of a well-made point, and look back on famous debate moments from Nixon v. Kennedy, to Romney v. Obama. Will a strong performance by Joe be enough to blow the race wide open? Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city– we love to hear where you're from! Mentioned On The Show: Class With Carville: Debate Advice Watch James Carville Explains on YouTube Playlist James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Get More From Bob Shrum: Twitter | USC | AAPC | Author of “No Excuses” Please Support Our Sponsors: Washington Post: Get the best journalism in the business when you go to washingtonpost.com/warroom to subscribe for just 50 cents per week during your first year.
This week, "The Issue Is" previews the upcoming debate in California's 2024 Senate race.
A week in which important pitched battles commenced, as explained and analyzed by a super-knowledgeable panel of Al Franken, Alexi McCammond, & Bob Shrum. The House Rs voted to undertake an impeachment inquiry based on meager or nonexistent proof of any wrongdoing by Pres. Biden. And there were harbingers of Supreme Court intervention in the 2024 election, with the Court's initial consideration of Trump immunity & of availability of Mifepristone, which is used in over ½ the abortions in the US.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
We continue our Best of 2023 episodes with an episode from the The Bully Pulpit podcast, hosted by Bob Shrum and Mike MurphyCPF Director Bob Shrum joins former U.S. Representatives Val Demings and Adam Kinzinger for a conversation on the politics of climate with the goal of finding common ground. They discuss political barriers to enacting climate action, climate legislation passed by Congress, and how environmental legislation can help achieve climate justice. Featuring:Val Demings: Former U.S. Representative (D-FL)Adam Kinzinger: Former U.S. Representative (R-IL)Bob Shrum: Director, Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC DornsifeBruce Bond: Co-Founder, CEO, & Board Chair of Common Ground CommitteeAdditional InformationThe Bully Pulpit PodcastMore shows from The Democracy Group
Mark Barabak, the veteran political reporter and columnist for the L.A. Times, has just helmed a six-part series analyzing the political evolutions across the New West - Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oregon. In this conversation, Mark talks his recent series, touches on the politics in all six of these states, and breaks down what it says about the trajectory of the region and the impact on the national landscape. He also mines his reporter's notebook to talk some of his favorite stories and personalities from 35+ years covering politics.IN THIS EPISODEMark talks how he was drawn to working in political journalism...The one state Mark hasn't covered yet...What led Mark to helm his recent series on the New West...The biggest surprise in the recent political evolution of the West...How much remains of the historical, libertarian political character of the West...How Cindy McCain has recently played an important symbolic role in Arizona politics...Mark on Governor Jared Polis and political trajectory of Colorado...Why emigration from California is not helping Republicans in the rest of the region...Mark talks the importance of Latino voters in the West...Mark's take on what it would take for Republicans to finally break through in Oregon...What Bend, OR reveals about politics in the state...How resilient is Democratic strength in the West if the party moves more to the left...How Bill Clinton muscled California into becoming a safe Democratic state...The anecdote Mark has waited 30 years to use...Mark recalls the importance of the Berman/Waxman So Cal "machine" and Northern CA's Burton "machine"...Mark's memories covering Nancy Pelosi's political career from her very first race in the 80s...Mark weighs in on the '24 California open Senate seat...The most charismatic politicians Mark has seen over the years...AND 801 Chophouse, accelerants, Joe Biden, Barbara Boxer, Harry Britt, broad libertarian streaks, Pat Brown, Ron Brown, Willie Brown, bundling, Sala Burton, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, California tattoos, criminal malpractice, Gray Davis, Michael Dukakis, election deniers, John Emerson, extractive industries, fingertip sensitivity, Diane Feinstein, Greek Lit, Kamala Harris, Peter Hart, John Hickenlooper, the hoi polloi, Mark Kelly, Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, Kari Lake, Adam Laxalt, Barbara Lee, Mel Levine, Bill Lunch, Maricopa County, Blake Masters, Leo McCarthy, Narragansett, Grover Norquist, Tip O'Neill, Mike Ovitz, Leon Panetta, Pablo Picasso, Katie Porter, RINOs, Ronald Reagan, Dick Riordan, Brian Sanderoff, Adam Schiff, John Seymour, Derek Shearer, Bob Shrum, sourdough bread, unhelpful quotes, Pete Wilson...& more!
Download our free guide on 5 ways to take action!CPF's inaugural discussion of our Combating Antisemitism and Hatred Series features CPF Director Bob Shrum, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bret Stephens, and former Los Angeles elected official Zev Yaroslavksy. The series explores the struggle against antisemitism in the context of countering hate, reducing violence, promoting empathy, and nurturing civil dialogue. Featuring: William Deverell: Divisional Dean for the Social Sciences, USC DornsifeBret Stephens: Opinion Columnist for The New York Times; Editor-in-Chief of SapirZev Yaroslavsky: Former Los Angeles County Supervisor, District 3Bob Shrum: Director, Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC DornsifeAdditional InformationThe Democracy Group listener surveyThe Bully Pulpit PodcastMore shows from The Democracy Group
In this thought-provoking episode, Susan is joined by a distinguished guest, Bob Shrum, to delve deep into the complex and pressing issue of anti-Semitism and its impact on the Democratic Party in the United States.As the Democratic Party faces numerous challenges and strives to represent the diverse tapestry of America, discussions about anti-Semitism, its manifestations, and its influence on party politics have become more crucial than ever. Susan leads an engaging conversation with Bob Shrum, a renowned political strategist and commentator, as they explore the multifaceted dimensions of this complex issue.They also discuss how Joe Biden is currently handling his time in office as well looking into how Robert F. Kennedy JR is conducting himself.Don't miss this insightful and timely conversation, and Subscribe now to stay informed and engaged in the vital discussions shaping the future of American democracy.All this and more on No Holding Back with Susan Estrich.Sign up to receive updates by email when a new episode drops at: www.noholdingback.fm/Produced by 1985 Productions
CPF's inaugural discussion of our Combating Antisemitism and Hatred Series features CPF Director Bob Shrum, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bret Stephens, and former Los Angeles elected official Zev Yaroslavksy. The series explores the struggle against antisemitism in the context of countering hate, reducing violence, promoting empathy, and nurturing civil dialogue. Featuring: William Deverell: Divisional Dean for the Social Sciences, USC Dornsife Bret Stephens: Opinion Columnist for The New York Times; Editor-in-Chief of Sapir Zev Yaroslavsky: Former Los Angeles County Supervisor, District 3 Bob Shrum: Director, Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife
CPF's inaugural discussion of our Combating Antisemitism and Hatred Series features CPF Director Bob Shrum, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bret Stephens, and former Los Angeles elected official Zev Yaroslavksy. The series explores the struggle against antisemitism in the context of countering hate, reducing violence, promoting empathy, and nurturing civil dialogue. Featuring: William Deverell: Divisional Dean for the Social Sciences, USC Dornsife Bret Stephens: Opinion Columnist for The New York Times; Editor-in-Chief of Sapir Zev Yaroslavsky: Former Los Angeles County Supervisor, District 3 Bob Shrum: Director, Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife
For the 2023 USC Trojan Family Weekend, CPF Co-Directors and veteran political strategists Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy participate in an insightful and entertaining discussion on the latest political news. Featuring: Bob Shrum: Director, Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife Mike Murphy: Co-Director, Center for the Political Future; NBC Political Analyst
For the 2023 USC Trojan Family Weekend, CPF Co-Directors and veteran political strategists Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy participate in an insightful and entertaining discussion on the latest political news. Featuring: Bob Shrum: Director, Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife Mike Murphy: Co-Director, Center for the Political Future; NBC Political Analyst
California Republican Kevin McCarthy, the Speaker of the House, is proceeding with an impeachment investigation of President Biden. McCarthy is clearly giving in to pressure from the most conservative members of his House caucus, who threatened to try to strip him of power if he doesn't go along with their demand for an impeachment proceeding against President Biden. For more, KCBS Radio's Patti Reising, Bret Burkhart, and Doug Sovern spoke with Bob Shrum, longtime Democratic political consultant for several presidential campaigns, now a professor of political science and Director of the Center for the Political Future at USC.
This week on "The Issue Is," Elex Michelson is joined by the all-start political panel of legendary Democratic strategist Bob Shrum and Politico writer Melanie Mason. Next, Michaelson is joined by California Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins.
Bob Shrum, Steve Vladeck, and David Kramer join the show this week to discuss momentous Supreme Court cases and the tremors out of Russia. Plus, in our highlights/lowlights segment, Damon shares details about how a bloc of right-wing influencers and DeSantis supporters are rallying behind an antisemite. highlights/lowlights Damon's: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/desantis-influencers-defend-unmasked-antisemite-pedro-gonzalez-1234780062/amp/ Bob's: https://apnews.com/article/recession-economy-inflation-jobs-unemployment-2ad91e65f4c0c79ebd2518e351934605 Mona's: https://www.antonybeevor.com/book/russia-revolution-and-civil-war-1917-1921/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bob Shrum, Steve Vladeck, and David Kramer join the show this week to discuss momentous Supreme Court cases and the tremors out of Russia. Plus, in our highlights/lowlights segment, Damon shares details about how a bloc of right-wing influencers and DeSantis supporters are rallying behind an antisemite. highlights/lowlights Damon's: https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/desantis-influencers-defend-unmasked-antisemite-pedro-gonzalez-1234780062/amp/ Bob's: https://apnews.com/article/recession-economy-inflation-jobs-unemployment-2ad91e65f4c0c79ebd2518e351934605 Mona's: https://www.antonybeevor.com/book/russia-revolution-and-civil-war-1917-1921/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bob Shrum is a platonic ideal of a guest for this podcast…someone who, as a teenager, met JFK at the 1960 Democratic Convention and decades later worked as a strategist for several presidential candidates, big city mayors, Governors, and Senators. In this conversation, we talk his early passion for politics, the fortuitous chance to get his foot in the door as a speechwriter for a NYC mayor, how he connected with Senator Ted Kennedy and helped write his famous '80 Convention Speech, and Bob's 3 decades as a leading Democratic admaker and strategist – plus his current role as Director of the USC Center for the Political Future. IN THIS EPISODEBob's early interest and passion for politics…Memories of meeting JFK as a teenage volunteer at the 1960 Democratic Convention…Bob gets a foot in the door as a speechwriter for NYC Mayor John Lindsay…Bob's take on what makes for a good speechwriter…How taking the wrong job diverted Bob from politics from several years…How Bob entered the political orbit of Senator Ted Kennedy…Bob talks his role helping write Senator Kennedy's most famous political speech from the 1980 Democratic convention…Bob on what a Reagan vs Kennedy race might have looked like…Bob talks some of his early consulting clients including Senators John Glenn and Barbara Mikulski…Bob's longtime relationship with British Prime Ministers Gordon Brown and Tony Blair…Memories of presidential campaigns from Gephardt '88 to Gore '00 and Kerry '04…Bob talks hanging up his political spurs after the '04 campaign and his current role at the Center for the Political Future at the University of Southern California…Bob games out how he'd approach the 2024 election were he a Biden strategist… AND Bertie Ahern, Dick Aurelio, banging pots and pans, Ehud Barak, Don Beyer, Barbara Boxer, Brandeis University, Pat Buchanan, George W. Bush, butterfly ballots, Pat Caddell, Camden Yards, carousing and hijinx, Jimmy Carter, Bob Casey Sr, Bill Clinton, Alan Cranston, Culver City, Ron DeSantis, Tad Devine, David Doak, Mike Donilon, East Los Angeles Junior College, Esquire Magazine, feedback loops, Diane Feinstein, Tom Foley, Orville Freeman, Jim Gilmore, giving up the ghost, Richard Goodwin, Jeff Greenfield, Averill Harriman, Kamala Harris, Hubert Humphrey, the Lexington Market, Joe Lieberman, Abraham Lincoln, John Lindsay, Douglas MacArthur, Mac Mathias, Kevin McCarthy, George McGovern, mind's ear, Amber Miller, Walter Mondale, Tom Morgan, Adam Nagourney, New Times, Tip O'Neil, Carey Parker, Reince Priebus, robot rules, Chuck Robb, Pierre Salinger, John Sexton, Jeff Shesol, Sargent Shriver, Shrumalot, John Smith, Steve Smith, Adlai Stevenson, Bob Squier, Suite 9300, Laurence Tribe, Harry Truman, Tommy Tuberville, Mark Warner, Cornel West…& more!
We continue our Best of 2021 episodes with an episode from the The Bully Pulpit podcast, hosted by Bob Shrum and Mike MurphyFor the 2022 Trojan Family Weekend, CPF Co-Directors and veteran political strategists Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy have a balanced and witty conversation about the latest political headlines. They discuss Joe Biden's administration, the state of the Democratic and Republican parties, and the midterm election and what it means for the 2024 general election.Additional InformationThe Bully Pulpit PodcastMore shows from The Democracy Group
Plenty of changes are in store for Congress in the coming months; Republicans taking control of the house, a new speaker, and a generational shift in Democratic leadership all lay the groundwork for what could be a very chaotic term. To discuss further, KCBS Radio news anchors Patti Reising and Bret Burkhart spoke with Bob Shrum, director of the Center for the Political Future, a professor of political science and and the Carmen H. and Louis Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics at USC Dornsife.
Democrats feared and Republicans expected a "red wave" election, but it didn't happen. Why was the outcome such a surprise? Who gets the credit and blame? How do results impact the near-term future?What are the prospects for finding common ground in Congress where both the Senate and House will have razor-thin majorities? We discuss these questions with two of America's most experienced political thinkers: Democratic consultant Bob Shrum and Republican strategists Mike Murphy. Both men serve as co-directors of The Center for the Political Future at the Dornsife for the Political Future at the University of Southern California. Mike Murphy is one of the Republican Party's most successful political media consultants, having handled strategy and advertising for more than two dozen successful gubernatorial and senatorial campaigns. Bob Shrum was once described as "the most sought-after consultant in the Democratic Party," by The Atlantic Monthly. He was the strategist in over 25 winning U.S. Senate campaigns, eight successful races for governor, and numerous campaigns for Congress and statewide offices.Additional InformationLet's Find Common Ground PodcastMore shows from The Democracy Group
Democrats feared and Republicans expected a "red wave" election, but it didn't happen. Why was the outcome such a surprise? Who gets the credit and blame? How do results impact the near-term future? What are the prospects for finding common ground in Congress where both the Senate and House will have razor-thin majorities? We discuss these questions with two of America's most experienced political thinkers: Democratic consultant Bob Shrum and Republican strategist Mike Murphy. Both men serve as co-directors of The Center for the Political Future at the University of Southern California. Mike Murphy is one of the Republican Party's most successful political media consultants, having handled strategy and advertising for more than two dozen successful gubernatorial and senatorial campaigns. Bob Shrum was once described as "the most sought-after consultant in the Democratic Party," by The Atlantic Monthly. He was the strategist in over 25 winning U.S. Senate campaigns, eight successful races for governor, and numerous campaigns for Congress and statewide offices.
For the 2022 Trojan Family Weekend, CPF Co-Directors and veteran political strategists Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy have a balanced and witty conversation about the latest political headlines. They discuss Joe Biden's administration, the state of the Democratic and Republican parties, and the midterm election and what it means for the 2024 general election.
For the 2022 Trojan Family Weekend, CPF Co-Directors and veteran political strategists Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy have a balanced and witty conversation about the latest political headlines. They discuss Joe Biden's administration, the state of the Democratic and Republican parties, and the midterm election and what it means for the 2024 general election.
Bob Shrum, Director of the USC Center for the Political Future and CNN senior political anaylist Ron Brownstein breakdown the 2022 midterm elections and what they could mean for the future of American democracy.
Veteran Democratic media consultant Neil Oxman is one of the most interesting people working in politics. In addition to his years helping elect Democrats at all levels, he caddies on the PGA tour for golfing legends including Tom Watson. In this discussion, Neil talks the history of political ad-making from the 1950s to today and goes deep inside several of his own high-profile races including PA Governor Ed Rendell, Philadelphia's first Black mayor Wilson Goode, Al Gore's 1988 presidential campaign, and more throughout his career that show the ways TV can help win (and lose) political campaigns. Neil's full presentation on the history of campaign ads was recorded by C-Span in 2016 and can be found here. IN THIS EPISODE…Neil's Philly roots and unusual law school experience at Villanova…Neil gets his foot in the door in politics in the summer of 1976…What leads to Neil opening his own media firm in 1980…Neil talks the roots of television advertising in political campaigns…The 1969 television ad that Neil believes kicked off the rise of political ads in non-presidential campaigns…Neil compares ads from the 70s/80s to political ads of today…The races on which Neil starts to come into his own as a media consultant…Neil helps Wilson Goode beat Frank Rizzo to become Philadelphia's first Black mayor…Neil's role on the Kentucky Senate race in 1984 and the strategic mistake that led to Mitch McConnell's first win…Neil's role as ad-maker on the Al Gore 1988 presidential campaign…Neil's connection to then-mayor of Cincinnati Jerry Springer…Neil helps Ed Rendell become Philly Mayor and Governor of Pennsylvania…The last ad that Neil thinks actually mattered in a presidential race…Neil talks his habit of watching 100s of movies a year…Neil talks moonlighting as a caddy on the PGA tour for greats like Tom Watson…Who's the best golfer in politics?Neil's advice for those who want to get into political media…Neil's recommendation for the best political movies…AND 215 media markets, Roger Ailes, Altoona, Doug Bailey, Birch Bayh, Abe Beame, Homero Blancas, Ed Brooke, Pat Caddell, Frank Capra, Hugh Carey, Bob Casey Jr, Bob Casey Sr, Frank Church, Citizens United, cocktail parties, the Columbus Dispatch, Bob Colville, the Daisy ad, John Dierdorf, David Doak, Mike Dukakis, Dwight Eisenhower, Mike Ford, David Garth, gerontocracy, gigantic piles of polls, Wilson Goode, Bob Goodman, Bill Green, Michael Harrington, Anita Hill, Richard Holbrooke, Dee Huddleston, HUT levels, Andi Johnson, Lyndon Johnson, Julian Kanter, Robert Kennedy, Ed Koch, John Lindsay, the Louisville Courier Journal, Willie Maples, McDonalds, George McGovern, Jack McGregor, Mark Moskowitz, Ralph Nader, Jack Nicklaus, Dan Quayle, process questions, Mark Putnam, Robert Redford, regional agoraphobia, Rosser Reeves, Jim Rhodes, Frank Rizzo, Nelson Rockefeller, Buddy Roemer, Nolan Ryan, Rick Santorum, Mike Schmidt, Allyson Schwartz, Joe Sestak, Bob Shrum, Mark Singel, Arlen Specter, Bob Squier, Clarence Thomas, Danny Thomas, Lee Trevino, troglodytes, Harry Truman, Paul Tsongas, Paul Tully, WASPy establishments, Doug Wilder, Tiger Woods, Tom Wolf, Lynn Yeakel & more!
This bonus episode is part of a series of interviews available for monthly supporters of Democracy Paradox at Patreon. Other interviews feature guests like Julia Azari, Mila Atmos, and Bob Shrum. But more importantly you'll help the podcast cover important expenses and continue to grow. Please consider becoming a monthly supporter by clicking on the link here.If you want to help the podcast in other ways, please email the host, Justin Kempf, at jkempf@democracyparadox.com. Dan Banik is a professor of political science at the University of Oslo and Director of the Oslo SDG Initiative. He also hosts the podcast In Pursuit of Development. His podcast is among the most insightful on topics of democracy, modernization, and sustainability. Past guests have included Francis Fukuyama and Daron Acemoglu. But it's Dan's ability to help listeners understand complex ideas and subjects that sets his podcast apart. In Pursuit of Development Follow on Twitter @GlobalDevPod Follow Dan on Twitter @danbanik Support the show
John Anzalone has been a Democratic pollster winning tough races for 30+ years, most recently as Chief Pollster for Biden 2020 helping navigate a crowded primary and grueling general election en route to ousting Donald Trump. John talks his working class roots growing up in Michigan, cutting his teeth in the Biden '88 ('87) presidential, his path to polling, and ultimately starting and growing his own firm to become on the handful of top-tier Democratic pollsters in the country. IN THIS EPISODEJohn grows up a “free lunch kid” and the son of a Teamster in Michigan…John learns an unfortunate lesson from his childhood nickname…Practicing dirty tricks in his first campaign involvement…John talks about his mentor David Wilhelm…John's first big campaign working for Biden for President in 1987…John's memories from his early 20s of being around then Senator Biden…John talks the All-Star team he was part of with James Carville and Paul Begala in a 1988 Senate race…John's FOMO from missing the 1992 Clinton Presidential…The John Anzalone best practices for campaign managers…John's decision to go into polling…John opens up his own polling firm after apprenticing at Frederick Schneiders…John talks the value of “coming in second” in client pitches…The challenge of starting a new Democratic firm in the South in the mid 90s…The firm's success in 04/06 sets the stage to be brought on board with Obama 2008…John talks lessons learned from working at high levels in four straight presidential races…John talks the fabled slide deck that informed some of the early Biden 2020 conversations…John on early challenges for Biden 2020 and what is underappreciated about the winning campaign against Trump…John's advice to the next generation pollsters…John's travel tips…John talks the rebrand of Impact Research…AND…$50,000, Pete Aguilar, Kevin Akins, Jason Altmire, David Axelrod, Barcaloungers, Anna Bennett, big damn deals, Chris Bollwage, Bobby Bright, Joe Burrow, Pete Buttigieg, Don Cazayoux, the Chicago Sun-Times, Travis Childers, Citizens for Tax Justice, Sam Coppersmith, Country Club Republicans, the DC vortex, Rich Daley, Buddy Darden, Pete Dawkins, dead-bang losers, Nathan Deal, Delta Comfort, David Dixon, David Doak, Mike Donilon, Mike Doyle, Anita Dunn, Rahm Emanuel, Rob Engel, Paul Finebaum, the Florida House Caucus, Pete Giangreco, Gwen Graham, Larry Grisolano, Kay Hagan, Debbie Halvorson, Tom Harkin, Gary Hart, Paul Hodes, Jimmy Hoffa, Matt Hogan, Paul Johnson, Larry Kissell, Ron Klein, Amy Klobuchar, Bruce Koeppel, Leading Edge Computers, Jeff Link, Jeff Liszt, Local 7, Jon Macks, Frank Mascara, Paul Maslin, Steve McMahon, Charlie Melancon, Walter Mondale, the Monkey Business, Molly Murphy, Karen Olick, Jen O'Malley Dixon, Bob Packwood, Steve Paikowsky, David Plouffe, prayer warriors, Mark Pryor, Ronald Reagan, Jay Rhodes, Karl Rove, Mitch Rubin, Dan Rostenkowski, John Salazar, Bernie Sanders, Rick Santorum, Greg Schneiders, Heath Shuler, Sicilian enclaves, Clay Shaw, Bob Shrum, Mark Siljander, Steve Sisolak, David Stockman, stray dogs, Brian Stryker, Survey Monkey, Charles Taylor, Dina Titus, Trenton labor people, Uncle Izzy, Fred Upton, Chris Van Hollen, Jon Vogel, Terry Walsh, Whirlpool HQ, Sheldon Whitehouse, whiz-bang kids, Howard Wolpe, & more!
CPF Director Bob Shrum is joined by Lawrence H. Summers, President Obama's National Economic Council Director, to reflect on the parallels between the current COVID-19 economic fallout and the 2009 recession, and explore solutions for rising inflation. Featuring: Bob Shrum - Director, Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife Lawrence H. Summers - Director of the National Economic Council for President Obama; 71st Secretary of the Treasury for President Clinton; Charles W. Eliot University Professor and President Emeritus, Harvard University
Gloria Molina, former LA County Supervisor, CA Assemblymember, and Fall 2021 Fellow at the Center for the Political Future, joins co-directors Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy to discuss the future of Los Angeles. LA County made history last year with an all-women Board of Supervisors elected to lead the largest local legislative body in the nation. Molina was the first Latina elected to the Board of Supervisors (1991) and the first Chicana elected to the California State Assembly (1982). In 1987, she was elected to the Los Angeles City Council. She shares her experiences from her storied career in politics and looks ahead to the future of LA, from the nearly $35 billion budget, mayoral candidates, homeless crisis, and pandemic fallout. Featuring: Bob Shrum - Director, Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife Mike Murphy - Co-Director, Center for the Political Future; MSNBC Political Analyst Gloria Molina - Former LA County Supervisor and CA Assemblymember; Fall 2021 Fellow, Center for the Political Future
Nichol Whiteman, CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation and Fall 2021 Fellow at the Center for the Political Future, joins co-directors Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy to discuss the intersection of sports, politics, and community engagement. Whiteman also highlights the power of diversity in advocating for resources and opportunities for marginalized populations. Featuring: Bob Shrum - Director, Center for the Political Future; Warschaw Chair in Practical Politics, USC Dornsife Mike Murphy - Co-Director, Center for the Political Future; MSNBC Political Analyst Nichol Whiteman - CEO, LA Dodgers Foundation; Fall '21 Fellow, Center for the Political Future This event is part of the National Week of Conversation #ListenFirst.
You won't find a better 59 minutes of political stories and advice than this conversation with longtime GOP media consultant / strategist Mike Murphy. Mike has worked with some of the iconic Republican political names of his generation...McCain, Schwarzenegger, Bush, Romney, Alexander, Engler...and so many more. And there is no better and more enthusiastic political storyteller than Mike Murphy. IN THIS EPISODEMike's family connection to a “thank you” letter sent from FDR's campaign manager…Mike talks about how the Cold War defined politics in his early days…A young Mike learns under Arthur Finkelstein…Mike finds himself in Moscow during a momentous moment…How Darth Vader focused Mike on a career in politics…Which iconic GOP House member just needed a 6-pack of Heineken to be the life of the party…Mike's very specific advice about how to quickly learn the political ropes…Roger Ailes gives Mike an important early break…Mike tells the story of the fabled negative ad against Jesus Christ…Mike talks about the “mentor” model vs the Google model of learning the political craft…Mike talks about the importance of running an incumbent like a challenger…Mike's great story of the advice he got from crusty old media consultant Bobby Goodman…Mike's big breakthrough in the Governor's race in his home state…Mike gets an important call from Bob Dole (with a great Bob Dole impression)…Mike talks the Minnesota race that was “the craziest race he's ever been in”…Mike doesn't make any friends at his first (and only) George H.W. Bush White House strategy meeting…Mike's killer story of how his aborted “man on the street” TV shoot for Bush in '92 led to getting his access to the top floor of HQ revoked…Mike's love-letter to the '96 Lamar! For President race in 1996…Pat Buchanan's '96 Iowa stump speech makes Mike fear for his life…Mike talks the McCain magic in the 2000 primaries…John McCain can't resist needling Steve Forbes…Mike helps engineer the rise of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger…Mike's advice to any budding media consultant…Mike's recommendation for a deep cut political movie…ALSO…Roger Ailes, atomic dirigibles, Doug Bailey, James Baker, Jim Blanchard, Rudy Boschwitz, Warren Buffett, Murphy Brown, Pat Buchanan, Jeb Bush, Harry Byrd, Jimmy Cagney, James Carville, Jimmy Carter, Arne Carlson, Alex Castellanos, Bill Clinton, Paul Coverdell, Phil Crane, John Deardorff, Jeremiah Denton, Terry Dolan, Dick Dresner, John Engler, Arthur Finkelstein, Steve Forbes, Wyche Fowler, John Gautier, Barry Goldwater, Jon Grunseth, Adam Goodman, Bobby Goodman, Chuck Grassley, Judd Gregg, Pat Griffin, ham-and-egger debates, Hogan's Heroes, John Hiler, Mick Jagger, Lyndon Johnson, Ron Kaufman, Dirk Kempthorne, Bill Kristol, Christopher Lasch, Mike's madras blazer, Mack Mattingly, Larry McCarthy, George McGovern, Joel McCrea, HL Mencken, Dennis Miller, Chris Mottola, NCPAC, Ogilvy on Advertising, Rudy Perpich, Pontius Pilate, Larry Pressler, Dan Quayle, Ronald Reagan, Steve Ricchetti, Mitt Romney, Karl Rove, John Rousselot, Tim Russert, Bernie Sanders, schnitzel at Spago's, Bob Shrum, Don Sipple, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, Greg Stevens, Preston Sturges, Steve Symms, Bob Teeter, Hunter S. Thompson, Donald Trump, the USC Center for the Political Future, John Weaver, Vin Weber, Paul Wellstone, and MORE!
I'm so fortunate to be joined by Paul Begala as my first guest – we had a great conversation. Paul is a great storyteller, with tremendous insights he's learned over the years that remain incredibly relevant today.Podcast WebsiteTwitter: @ProPoliticsPodTwitter: @ZacMcCraryFacebook: The Pro Politics PodcastIN THIS EPISODE…Paul breaks out his spot-on impressions of Bill Clinton, James Carville, and a deep cut of Phil Graham…Why was Paul's nickname “Huntley-Brinkley”?Which Senator did a 12-year old Paul see, from the Senate Gallery, skillfully working the room during the 1973 Alaska pipeline vote?How does high-school Paul cross paths with both Tom Delay and Ron Paul in the 1970s? Why the concept of “taxation and representation” was incredibly influential in Paul's time at the University of Texas?The lasting impact Diane Begala, Paul's wife, has had on the UT campus…The story of Paul's (temporary) defeat for Student Body President by a fictional character…The two-word slogan that has defined Paul's outlook on politics, government, and life…What wager do Paul and his wife make before they see their friend Mark McKinnon on TV?How Paul learned more from losing a race in Texas than he did on any of the races he won?How Paul helped revive the political career of the man known as “The Three Time Loss from Holy Cross”…How one candidate's embrace of Transcendental Meditation changed a race…Which candidate Paul worked for had “the greatest collection of talent on one staff” that Paul's ever seen (and it's not the 1992 Clinton Team)…The story of how a pollster and an eye doctor found the right health care messaging to overcome a 47-point deficit in the 1991 upset win of PA Senator Harris Wofford…How the lesson of “be like Bobby Kennedy” made Paul a better campaign manager…Who is the potential Democratic candidate that Paul thought posed the greatest threat to Clinton's prospects…The “one thing that hasn't changed in the Democratic Party” since 1992…What was the “gold watch” strategy in the 1992 presidential race…Why Ross Perot actually hurt Bill Clinton in 1992 more than George HW Bush…What did Hillary Clinton say when Ross Perot (temporarily) pulled out of the '92 race…Why Bill Clinton wanted Paul Begala to work in the White House even though Paul felt “unqualified”…Paul in the middle of the Clinton impeachment fight during a strained personal relationship with the President…Paul's tips on how to be good on television…The advice Paul gives to anyone considering a career in politics…Which recent political movie does Paul “highly, highly recommend”?What spot on the map does Paul call “the greatest place in the world”?What Paul has learned from each of his four sons… Also mentioned...John Anzalone, Howard Baker, Billy Begala, Charlie Begala, Diane Begala, John Begala Patrick Begala, Anna Bennett, Lloyd Bentsen, Joe Biden, David Bowie, Bill Bradley, George W Bush, James Carville, Bob Casey, Bill Clements, Hillary Clinton, Mario Cuomo, Mike Donilon, Lloyd Doggett, Sarah Eckhardt, Bob Gammage, Bryan Garner, Dick Gephardt, Al Gore, Florence Scroggins Graham, Larry Grisolano, Kent Hance, John Heinz, David Humphreville, Vernon Jordan, Ted Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Bob Kreuger, Frank Lautenberg, Lyle Lovett, Neil MacBride, Mary Matalin, Linda Moore, Karen Olick, Jay Rockefeller, Ronald Reagan, Ann Richards, John Schwartz, Bill Scranton, Bob Shrum, Russ Tidwell, Dick Thornburgh, John Tower, Doug Wilder, David Wilhelm, Harris Wofford, and more!
The Last Best Hope?: Understanding America from the Outside In
As a once-in-a-lifetime election campaign nears its end, still so many questions remain unanswered. The largest question, of course, is who will win. But beyond that, other questions – such as projected turnout, the impact of mail-in voting, and the importance of ‘Never Trump' Republican groups, remain outstanding. To answer these questions and more, Professor Adam Smith chaired a discussion with FiveThirtyEight senior political writer Clare Malone as well as two well-renowned political consultants from different sides of the aisle, Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy. The event was held on 30 October, 2020.
Robert Costa, moderator of PBS's "Washington Week" and political analyst at NBC News and MSNBC, joins USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future co-directors Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy to share his insights on the 2020 presidential election, including where this race stands.
John Chiang, former California State Treasurer and Fall 2020 Fellow at the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, joins co-directors Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy to discuss his career in politics, the pandemic's lasting economic impact on California, and its implications for the November election and beyond. Chiang served as California's 33rd State Treasurer until 2019. As the state's banker, he oversaw trillions of dollars in annual transactions, managed a $75 billion investment portfolio, and was the nation's largest issuer of municipal bonds. As State Controller during the Great Recession, his cash management decisions were instrumental in keeping California's credit rating from plunging into junk status, and his actions saved taxpayers millions of dollars. Chiang aggressively used his audit programs to identify more than $9.5 billion of fraud, waste and abuse in government programs, the most by any Controller in California's history. He serves on several boards and will be teaching a course in the fall titled, “From Financial Crisis to COVID-19: California Policy Responses to the Financial Fallout” with the USC Center for the Political Future.
Mimi Walters, former Congresswoman (R-CA) and Fall 2020 Fellow at the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, joins co-directors Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy to share some thoughts on the 2020 election and her decades-long career in public office. From investment executive to elected official, Walters most recently served as U.S. Representative for District 45 in Orange County, until 2018. She also served in both the California State Senate and Assembly and got her start in politics as a city Councilmember and Mayor of Laguna Niguel. In Congress, Walters sponsored legislation for wildfire disaster tax relief and the Survivor's Bill of Rights that established key protections for survivors of sexual assault. She served on the influential House Energy and Commerce Committee where she was a member of the Communications and Technology, Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection, and Oversight and Investigations subcommittees. She is the co-founder of the California Women's Leadership Association, sits on several boards, and will be teaching a course in the Fall titled “So You Want to Run For Office?” with the USC Center for the Political Future.
Barbara Boxer, former U.S. Senator (D-CA) and Fall 2020 Fellow at the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, joins co-directors Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy to reflect on her career and look ahead to the November election. Boxer was elected to the United States Senate in 1992 during the “Year of the Woman." She served four terms and retired in 2017, having also served five terms as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and six years on the Marin County Board of Supervisors. Known as a “liberal firebrand,” Boxer has advocated for families and the environment for decades. She has consistently addressed the threat of climate change and attacks on women's health and the right to privacy. She also authored landmark legislation for federally funded after-school programs. Boxer is chairwoman for a global strategy firm, runs a political action committee, and in the Fall, she will be teaching a course called "Demystifying Governance and Politics" at the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future.
Co-Directors of the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the presidential election. Bob Shrum, the former senior strategist for Al Gore, John Kerry, and a host of Democratic senators and governors, and Mike Murphy, the former senior strategist for John McCain and Mitt Romney and a political analyst for NBC News, discuss the latest on changing voter attitudes toward the Trump administration, voting while sheltering in place and the dilemmas and opportunities of the Biden and Sanders campaigns.
At the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, veteran strategists Bob Shrum and Mike Murphy regularly talk with top operatives on both sides of the 2020 contest and the journalists who are covering it. The conversations get behind the curtain -- because what seems to be happening in the campaign is often different than what really is. What are the calculations in the war rooms of 2020? How is the media covering the race, and how is the coverage shaping the outcome? Hear from those who've known success and setbacks in presidential races. And laugh, too, at their stories of the inside maneuvers and blunders that shape the outcome. Every exchange is guided by standards central to the Center's mission: Respect each other and respect the truth. Opponents are adversaries, not enemies. And if you lose, don't burn down the stadium. Election R&D will be there from the primary debates to election day, and then to a post-election, in depth analysis of the driving forces that led to victory and defeat.