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In this mailbag episode of The Weekly, Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid sit down to answer listener questions, on Latino dealignment, whether states should call a second constitutional convention, whether a hot war with China is coming, and whether a future administration could prosecute its predecessor without sliding into retribution. In Politicology+, they dig into Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas and use the Pope's choice between "constructing Babel" and "rebuilding Jerusalem" to confront what happens when we hand life-and-death decisions to machines that can't be held accountable. POLITICOLOGY+ Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don't miss all the extra episodes on the private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. SPONSORS & PROMO CODES: https://bit.ly/44uAGZ8 Send your questions and ideas to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at (703) 239-3068 Follow this week's panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/RonSteslow https://x.com/madrid_mike Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid break down the seismic California Governor's race, where Xavier Becerra is surging despite being outspent 150-to-1 by billionaire Tom Steyer, who has already burned through $200 million, roughly $166 per vote. They unpack Steyer's undisclosed influencer campaign flooding Latino social media, what it means for the integrity of political messaging, and why Latino voters in California are rallying behind Xavier Becerra anyway.Plus:Trump's cognitive decline - Can Democrats raise the age issue after defending Biden?California primaries to watch - Linda Sanchez, Hilda Solis, and the LA Mayor's race (Karen Bass vs. Spencer Pratt)Post-Supreme Court redistricting fallout - How states like Tennessee and Florida are already redrawing lines to dilute Latino and Black voting powerNew Jersey's newest Congresswoman - A heartfelt moment with Rep. Anna Lilia MejiaLIVE at NALEO - The podcast is recording LIVE on July 15 at the NALEO Annual Conference in Los Angeles Latino Vote Summit - June 23 in D.C., featuring Sen. Ruben Gallego-Recorded May 15, 2026-Referenced in the episode:The Washington Post - California gubernatorial candidate under investigation over payments to influencers: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2026/05/15/tom-steyers-influencer-campaign-triggers-california-investigation-over-undisclosed-posts/Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFind us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid break down the Supreme Court's landmark ruling on Section 2 of the 1964 Voting Rights Act... and what it means for Latino political power across America.Mike tried to sound the alarms on this ruling back in October. Now the bomb has gone off. With 56 Latino members of Congress and dozens of race-based districts in jeopardy, both Republicans and Democrats are about to learn a hard lesson about taking the Latino vote for granted.In this episode:Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act & racial redistricting explainedWhat this means for Latino and Black congressional seats across the countryTexas, Florida, & California redistrictingAre Latinos a partisan voting bloc?The Florida Senate race to watch: Alex Veneman vs. a Trump-backed RepublicanRecap of the White House Correspondents' Dinner & the scary security incidentCheck your emails: Latino Vote Summit — June 23rd in Washington, D.C.-Recorded April 29, 2026-Referenced in the episode:SCOTUSblog - In major Voting Rights Act case, Supreme Court strikes down redistricting map challenged as racially discriminatory: https://www.scotusblog.com/2026/04/in-major-voting-rights-act-case-supreme-court-strikes-down-redistricting-map-challenged-as-racia/Advocate - Inside Grindr's WHCD party, which was so packed it ran low on alcohol: https://www.advocate.com/politics/national/inside-grindr-whcd-party-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFind us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don't miss all the extra episodes on the private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid discuss the redistricting wars, the Supreme Court case that could upend a central part of the Voting Rights Act, how Latinos becoming the largest minority group will make us rethink what being a “minority” even means, and how partisanship is becoming our primary identity. Contribute to Politicology at politicology.com/donate Find our sponsor links and promo codes here: https://bit.ly/44uAGZ8 Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RON at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Send your questions and ideas to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at (703) 239-3068 Related Reading: Axios - Virginia judge lets Democrats' redistricting plan move forward - Axios Richmond Politico - The Republicans thwarting the White House's redistricting hopes - POLITICO Sac Bee - Prop. 50 in California is trivial compared to this U.S. Supreme Court case | Opinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Former LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa joins Mike Madrid and Chuck for a raw, unfiltered conversation about the California Governor's race, the Democratic Party's broken relationship with Latino working-class voters, and what it will take to win them back.Villaraigosa doesn't just take on Trump, he challenges his own party. From ICE raids tearing families apart, to gas prices crushing Latino workers, to Democrats protecting sacred cows instead of their own constituents — this candidate for California Governor pulls no punches.Topics covered:Why Villaraigosa is running for California Governor in 2026How the Democratic Party is losing Latino and working-class voteHis plan to push back on ICE raids and protect immigrant communitiesGrowing up in Boyle Heights and the birth of the Chicano civil rights movementMarching with César Chávez and Dolores Huerta — and his thoughts on the controversy Why being pro-worker AND pro-business is the only path forwardCalifornia's affordability crisis and how it affects Latinos.-Referenced in the episode:Bay Area Council Economic Institute - THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF MASS DEPORTATION IN CALIFORNIA: https://www.bayareaeconomy.org/files/pdf/Economic%20Impact%20of%20Mass%20Deportation_June%202025.pdfPublic Policy Institute of California - Business Regulation and Business Starts in California: https://www.ppic.org/publication/business-regulation-and-business-starts-in-california/UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute - Gasoline Costs and Affordability Pressures in California: Impacts on Latino Households: https://latino.ucla.edu/research/gas-costs-affordability-impacts-on-latino-households-ca/-Recorded, April 24, 2026-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFind us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Mike Madrid and Susan Del Percio dig into why housing affordability has become the central economic and political problem heading into the midterms. They discuss how housing and cost of living concerns are driving the anxiety voters are feeling. Then, they look at populism on both sides of the aisle, from Trump's embrace of “no tax on tips” and credit card caps to Mamdani's promises to freeze the rent, and why neither party is being honest about the long-term supply problem at the heart of the housing crisis. Then, they break down what actually moves the needle—regulation, infrastructure, public housing maintenance, and local governance—and why Democrats are ceding the affordability debate while Republicans struggle to reconcile Trump-era rhetoric with conservative orthodoxy. Finally, Susan lays out the tactical reality: national messaging won't fix this, the economy won't turn around quickly, and the candidates who win will be the ones who can translate affordability into concrete, local results voters can actually feel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Latino Vote Podcast host Mike Madrid stops by to talk about Republicans seeming to have no plan to address Trump’s lack of popularity.Civil rights advocate Kimberlé Crenshaw joins us to discuss her new book, Backtalker: An American Memoir.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
America thinks it knows the story of the border. According to New York Times political reporter and author Jazmine Ulloa, it doesn't.Jazmine joins Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid to discuss her groundbreaking new book El Paso — part memoir, part history, part love story — and why the city at the heart of America's immigration debate has been misread, misrepresented, and misused for decades.Jazmine was sitting in a movie theater when her phone wouldn't stop buzzing. The 2019 El Paso mass shooting, a racially motivated attack three minutes from where she went to high school, became the catalyst for a book years in the making. Through the stories of five families who crossed through El Paso dating back to the Mexican Revolution, Jazmine dismantles the myth of the "Hispanic invasion" and reveals a city that existed long before the United States did.From the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo to family separations under the bridge, from Los Niños Héroes to the rise of the grand replacement theory, El Paso makes the case that this isn't a border crisis. It's a mirror.Chuck and Mike also dig into the California Governor's race, breaking down the Eric Swalwell implosion, Xavier Becerra's surge among working-class Latino voters, and why with early ballots dropping in two weeks, the real election has already begun.In This Episode:How the 2019 El Paso shooting launched Jazmine's journey to write the bookWhy El Paso, not Ellis Island, is the true lens for understanding American immigrationNativism, xenophobia and the grand replacement theory: what history actually showsWhy working-class Latinos feel abandoned by both political partiesThe California Governor's race: Becerra, Swalwell, Villaraigosa and early voting is right around the cornerLatino Vote Summit: June 23rd, Washington D.C.-We highly recommend Jazmine's book: El Paso: Five Families and One Hundred Years of Blood, Migration, Race, and Memory.Buy it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/El-Paso-Families-Hundred-Migration/dp/0593471865-Recorded April 22, 2026-Referenced in the episode:The New York Times - A Startlingly Vivid Portrait of El Paso, and of America: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/01/books/review/el-paso-jazmine-ulloa.htmlDon't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFind us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Affordability has become the buzziest of buzzwords around the California Capitol and beyond. It has become a major talking point for lawmakers, candidates for every office and even a certain governor with lofty ambitions beyond the Golden State. On this week's podcast we share a lively and very candid discussion on affordability between two of the Capitol community's most notable members – longtime political strategist, author and commentator Mike Madrid and former Assemblymember and current president of the California Federation of Labor Unions Lorena Gonzalez. 1:15 Introductions 2:00 Thoughts on the gubernatorial primary in terms of affordability 6:45 Insinuated promises 10:30 “There is no monopoly on good or bad ideas.” 15:37 “How many of these things are actually within their control?” 21:20 A lot of things could help 22:30 “In the digital age the most valuable commodity we have is our data” 26:21 “The old model doesn't work” 29:15 Billionaire tax 36:20 Thoughts on the Insurance Commissioners race 41:30 Audience question - Responsibility of Labor in effecting affordability? 46:40 Audience question - Is this issue going to go away anytime soon? Want to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/ Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang "#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Text us your questions!The news cycle is moving so fast it's training us to forget. We invited Mike Madrid, a longtime classical conservative political strategist, commentator, and Lincoln Project cofounder, back on the show to help us slow down and put the recent chaos into perspective.We start with crisis fatigue and the “flood the zone” feeling, then get concrete with the Minneapolis ICE crackdown and why masked, militarized enforcement collides with the conservative case for due process and constitutional limits. From there, Mike breaks down the hard truth about U.S. immigration reform: policy solutions have been obvious for decades, but politics rewards stalemate. We talk border security, pathways to citizenship, why comprehensive reform hasn't happened since 1986, and how both parties have used immigration as an election weapon instead of a governing project.Following on from our previous conversation with Mike, we also discuss Latino voters. Mike argues Latinos are the closest thing to a true swing voter left, and the data says that affordability and cost of living outrank immigration for that group by a wide margin. That insight reframes midterm elections, party coalitions, and why dramatic vote shifts can show up across different Latino communities. Along the way, Mike gives a midterms forecast and also offers a prediction about future presidential nominees for both parties that you probably won't see coming.We close with the Iran war and why the Strait of Hormuz and the petrodollar system matter to our daily lives, from gas prices to broader economic stability. It's heavy, but it's not hopeless. Mike makes a historically grounded case that periods like this can forge a better version of the country, if we choose to build it.=====Want to support us?The best way is to subscribe to our Patreon. Annual memberships are available for a 10% discount.If you'd rather make a one-time donation, you can contribute through our PayPal.Other important info:Rate & review us on Apple & SpotifyFollow us on social media at @PPWBPodcastWatch & comment on YouTubeEmail us at pastorandphilosopher@gmail.comCheers!
Mike Madrid sits down with longtime California leader Hector De La Torre Romo for a powerful conversation on public service, immigration, corruption, and the future of working-class Latino communities.Hector shares the remarkable story of his parents' journey from a dirt-floor shack in Guadalajara to a working-class home in Southgate, CA... and how their struggle shaped everything he's become. From translating real estate documents as a seven-year-old to serving in the California State Assembly, Hector shares a deeply personal story shaped by faith, struggle, and a relentless commitment to justice. His story is the Latino story.They dive into:The Latino migration experience through the gateway cities of Southeast LA CountyHow the closing of GM and Firestone plants transformed Southgate from 70% white to 80% Latino in just one decadeThe shocking Southgate corruption scandal, and how Hector risked his life to fight itHis surprising family connection to Santo Toribio Romo, the patron saint of migrantsWhy Mexican Catholicism is rooted in social justice, not social conservatismHis vision for Congress: Medicare buy-in reform, healthcare transparency, and government ethicsHow Democrats can counter Trump's narrative with an affirmative agendaThe truth about ICE detention and the U.S. citizens being swept up in enforcementNow Hector de la Torre is running for Congress in California's newly created 41st district. CA 41 is a blue-collar, majority-Latino seat that reflects the heart of Latino America.Learn about Hector's campaign by visiting: https://www.hectordelatorreforcongress.com/-Recorded April 10, 2026-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFind us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Mike Madrid sits down one-on-one with Xavier Becerra, the frontrunning Democratic candidate for California Governor, for a candid conversation about the week that catapulted him to the top of the race.Secretary Becerra opens up about:His sudden surge to the front of the Democratic primary fieldWhat the Latino and working-class vote means for California's futureThe biggest rally of his political career — and what it told him about the electorateWhy this moment in California could have major implications for the rest of the nationPlus, Mike shares on-the-ground insights from hundreds of voters who are fueling Becerra's rise — and why the polls completely missed it.-Catch Mike's behind-the-scenes visit to Becerra's campaign rally: https://youtu.be/X5ENv7oaVuU?si=Zf_ltHVv4fUMtbjI-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFind us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
In the second episode of this two part series, Øptimus co-founder and Data Science Director for Decision Desk HQ Scott Tranter joins Ron Steslow to talk about data science, polling, and modeling To unlock more episodes, visit: https://politicology.com/plus (00:59) The non-response bias and how data scientists must deal with it (02:55) The decrease in response rates over time (10:47) Likely vs eligible voters in polls and how to predict who's likely to vote (15:55) Finding respondents to fill cohorts (28:05 ) Innovations in data science (31:14) The numbers Scott is watching My conversation with Mike Madrid about Latino Voting Trends: https://link.chtbl.com/CgkltIhG Follow Scott and Ron on Twitter: https://twitter.com/stranter https://twitter.com/RonSteslow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid are back together for a must-see episode. The data is undeniable: Latino voters are shifting away from the Republican Party at historic speed, and the 2026 midterms may be more consequential for the Latino community than any election in recent memory.Chuck and Mike break down the explosive overperformance by Democrats in recent special elections, including a 23-point swing in the Marjorie Taylor Greene seat in Georgia and a 56-point shift in heavily Latino precincts in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Then they go district by district through Cook Political Report's 17 toss-up House seats, showing how the Latino vote will be the margin of victory in the majority of them.Also the Latino Vote Summit is scheduled for June 23 in Washington D.C. If you are interested in sponsoring (or attending), email us at latinovotepodcast@gmail.com.-Recorded April 8, 2026-Referenced in the episode:The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter - 2026 CPR House Race Ratings: https://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/house-race-ratingsGeorgia Secretary of State Website - Georgia Election Results April 7, 2026 – Special Election: https://results.sos.ga.gov/results/public/Georgia/elections/40726SpecialElectionNBC News - Wisconsin State Supreme Court Results 2026: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-elections/wisconsin-state-supreme-court-results-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFind us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Mike Madrid flies solo this week, and delivers one of the most data-packed, unfiltered episodes yet. No Chuck Rocha means no filter. Just raw polling analysis and the hard truths about what the numbers mean for Latino voters heading into the 2026 midterms.Mike breaks down why Donald Trump is polling at historic lows. TRUMP'S WORST APPROVAL RATING EVER. Worse than Nixon during Watergate, worse than Biden at his worst, and worse than any second-term president in modern polling history. He digs into new data showing Trump underwater on every major issue, with immigration remaining his only relative strength. And even that is slipping. With all this bad news, Mike ponders how this effects the 2026 midterms and whether Democrats are on track for a major wave election.But the real fire comes in the second half. Mike takes on both parties for failing Latino voters, with tons of evidence to back it. A Los Angeles Times article (depicting recent UC Berkeley data) shows working-class Latinos are leaving California over affordability. New data documenting persistent housing and wage gaps (UCLA LPPI research), and the fact that over half of Latino children in California are enrolled in Medi-Cal (Population Reference Bureau). He asks the uncomfortable question: if Latinos have the political power to change all of this, why aren't their own elected officials using it?-Recorded April 3, 2026.-Referenced in the episode:CNN poll conducted by SSRS Trump approval economyG. Elliott Morris / Silver Bulletin - The six big events that have dragged down Donald Trump's approval rating: https://www.gelliottmorris.com/p/2026-04-03-cotw-trump-approval-changepoints-analysisNewsweek - Republicans Brace for Midterms Massacre: https://www.newsweek.com/republicans-brace-for-midterms-massacre-11771849Los Angeles Times - Life after California: People find dramatically lower costs, are more likely to buy homes, new data show: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2026-03-31/life-after-california-people-find-dramatically-lower-costs-buy-homes-new-research-showsPopulation Reference Bureau - Medi-Cal Average Monthly Enrollment, by Race/Ethnicity: https://kidsdata.org/topic/735/medi-cal-monthly-enrollment-race/trend#fmt=2337&loc=2&tf=67,165&ch=10&pdist=73Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFind us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Tejano music star Bobby Pulido (José Roberto Pulido Jr.) returns to the Latino Vote Podcast after securing the 2026 Democratic Primary win for Texas's 15th congressional district to discuss why his campaign is turning heads across the country.Bobby breaks down how how his campaign turned a political attack about quinceañeras into a viral movement with over 2,000 families inviting him to celebrate with them, why rapid response and instinct matter more than focus groups, and how his team has kept Republican incumbent Monica de la Cruz on defense from day one.In this episode:How Bobby Pulido went from singer to congressional candidate in South TexasThe quinceañera attack that backfired on Monica de la Cruz — and how Bobby owned itBobby's responses to recent ICE detaining including the teenage mariachi brothersWhy Democrats should champion God, Family, and CountryThe Latino voter shift: Trump regret, tariffs, and what's actually moving voters in 2026How Bobby plans to win young Latino men backThe Latino Vote Summit: June 23rd in Washington, D.C.-Recorded March 25, 2026-Support Bobby Pulido's Campaign: https://bobbypulidofortexas.com-Referenced this episode:The New York Times - Texas 15th Congressional District Primary Election Results: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/us/elections/results-texas-us-house-15-primary.htmlmitú - Bobby Pulido Took His Campaign to Quinceañeras and People Are Loving It: https://wearemitu.com/wearemitu/news/bobby-pulido-people-over-party-campaign/CBS News - ICE detention of South Texas mariachi band teen brothers sparks bipartisan backlash: https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/ice-detention-teen-brothers-south-texas-mariachi-band-bipartisan-backlash/El Paso Times - Hinojosa polling strong in red Texas districts, Abbott touts border security: https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/news/politics/elections/2026/03/12/texas-governors-race-how-is-gina-hinojosa-doing-in-election-polls/89117713007/The New York Times - Florida Special Election Results: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/us/elections/results-florida-special-march-24.html-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFind us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
The Latino Vote Podcast host Mike Madrid stops by to talk about the dramatic shift of Latino voters against Trump. Indivisible’s Ezra Levin joins us to discuss this weekend’s No Kings rally, which could be the biggest political rally in American history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Breaking news shakes the Latino community as a bombshell New York Times investigation into César Chávez forces a major moment of reckoning. Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid react in real time and unpack what these disturbing allegations mean for Latino political identity, labor history, and how we honor movements without deifying individuals.Then, the guys break down the Illinois Senate primary results: Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton edges out Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi in a stunning upset — and Chuck is fired up that in a race where $50 MILLION was spent, virtually nothing went toward Spanish-language Latino outreach. They compare it directly to the winning strategy used in Texas and explain exactly why Democrats keep making the same mistake.Plus — Republicans are quietly panicking. New focus groups and internal polling show the GOP may be in serious trouble with Latino voters after their post-election honeymoon collapsed in record time.And finally, Chuck and Mike make their BIGGEST announcement yet: The Latino Vote Summit is happening June 23rd in Washington, D.C. — an invite-only, one-day convening of Latino leaders across business, labor, and politics. Don't miss how to get on the list.-Recorded March 18, 2026-Referenced in the episode:The New York Times - Cesar Chavez, a Civil Rights Icon, Is Accused of Abusing Girls for Years: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/18/us/cesar-chavez-sexual-abuse-allegations-ufw.htmlThe New York Times - Who Is Dolores Huerta, the Activist Accusing Chavez?: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/18/us/dolores-huerta-cesar-chavez-allegations-ufw.htmlNPR - Illinois Primary Election Results 2026: https://apps.npr.org/primary-election-results-2026/states/IL.htmlNPR - Democrats set a turnout record in Texas, so is this the year it turns blue?: https://www.npr.org/2026/03/13/nx-s1-5745932/texas-primary-democrats-turnout-talarico-crockettThe Great Transformation with Mike Madrid - Cesar Chavez allegations loom over civil rights leaders legacy and holiday: https://greattransformation.substack.com/p/cesar-chavez-allegations-loom-overStatement from the UFW Foundation: https://ufwfoundation.org/statement-from-the-ufw-foundation-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFind us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
In this must-watch episode, hosts Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid sit down with Daniel Alegre, CEO of TelevisaUnivision, the largest Latino media network in the United States, to break down the freshest polling data on what's driving Latino voters heading into the 2026 midterm elections.Daniel shares brand-new polling conducted with Harris that reveals:
The Latino vote just reshaped the Texas Democratic primary—and the political establishment still doesn't fully understand why.In this episode of the Latino Vote Podcast, Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid break down the stunning results from the Texas primary and what they reveal about the growing power of Latino voters in American politics.From record Latino turnout in the Rio Grande Valley and Houston to the campaign strategy that powered James Talarico's victory, this episode dives into the data, the messaging, and the ground game that actually moved voters.Chuck shares behind-the-scenes insights from the campaign:28,000 volunteers mobilized4.7 million peer-to-peer texts100,000+ door conversationsMillions invested in Spanish-language media and culturally targeted outreachMike and Chuck also discuss:The 60-40 Latino split that determined the Talarico-Crockett raceWhy cultural competency and early outreach matterThe emerging national Latino voting trend heading into 2026What a new California Latino voter poll reveals about the governor's raceAre Latino voters becoming the most powerful swing voting bloc in American politics? We told you that 2026 was our year.-Recorded March 5, 2026.-Referenced in the episode:The New York Times - 'How Latino Voters Helped Talarico Win in Texas': https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/03/04/us/elections/texas-primary-talarico-crockett-results-votes.html?smid=nytcore-ios-shareCBS News - 'Julie Johnson, Colin Allred advance to runoff in Texas' 33rd Congressional District Democratic primary': https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/texas-33rd-district-democratic-primary-results-allred-johnson/California Governor's Race 2026 – Likely Latino Voters by David Binder Research: https://latinos.vote/posts-pollresults-cagovernor-mar2026/Politico - 'GOP targets California for ballot fight on voter ID': https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/02/california-voter-id-00807437-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast! Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
For those of you who missed it, we hosted a live recording on our Substack, Monday, March 2nd. We appreciate everyone who joined and offered their input!-Recording a day before the Texas 2026 Primary, Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid talk everything Texas.-Make sure to subscribe to our substack for in-depth articles on our episodes and to attend live recordings: https://thelatinovotepodcast.substack.com/Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast! Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Chuck is back from Oaxaca — and he brought receipts. This week, Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid reunite to break down the elections and dynamics that will shape the Latino political landscape heading into the 2026 midterms. They open with tributes to Jesse Jackson and Chuck's former union president John Nash, reflecting on the multiracial coalitions that have always driven real change in America. Mike drops a history lesson on the 80th anniversary of Mendez v. Westminster, the landmark school desegregation case that predated Brown v. Board of Education by eight years.Then it's all strategy: the guys dig into the Texas special elections — including the Jasmine Crockett vs. James Talarico Senate race and the fascinating three-way dynamics of the Julie Johnson vs. Colin Allred primary — before pivoting to a district-by-district breakdown of key 2026 House battlegrounds across California, Colorado, and Arizona. Mike explains the "30% magic number" — the historical threshold at which Latino population share has flipped California seats from red to blue — and asks whether that rule still holds in today's rapidly shifting electorate.If you want to understand where the 2026 midterms will really be decided, this is your battlefield briefing.The numbers. The districts. The strategy. The Latino vote isn't an afterthought anymore. It's the front line.-Recorded February 18, 2026Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast! Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
I sat down with one of our smartest political minds - political strategist Mike Madrid - who also is a leading authority on the Latino vote in America. Such interesting insight into what Latino voters prioritize, how they're disappointed in both parties, and what the Democratic Party needs to do to appeal to this demographic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mike Madrid flies solo to unpack the future of Latino politics — and why 2026 could mark the beginning of an entirely new chapter.From Bad Bunny's Spanish-language Super Bowl moment to the political aftershocks of Trump 2.0, Mike breaks down what he calls a Latino inflection point: a generational shift away from blind party loyalty and toward accountability.Why are Latino voters swinging harder than any other group in America?Why are both Democrats and Republicans failing to deliver real results?And why is representation no longer enough?Mike challenges Latino elected officials across the country to stop patching up broken systems in education, housing, and economic opportunity, and instead have the courage to rebuild them entirely. His point: Latino voters may be the last true swing vote in America — not because they lack ideology, but because they're demanding results.Are Latino voters redefining American democracy — or exposing its failures?Tune in for one of the most candid and consequential conversations of the season.-Recorded February 11, 2026.-Referenced in the episode:PPIC - 'Remedial Courses in Community Colleges are a Major Hurdle to Success': https://www.ppic.org/press-release/remedial-courses-in-community-colleges-are-major-hurdle-to-success/PPIC - 'Remedial Education in California's Colleges and Universities': https://www.ppic.org/publication/remedial-education-in-californias-colleges-and-universities/Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast! Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Latino voters just delivered one of the biggest political shocks of the 2026 cycle — a 50+ point swing in Latino precincts in a deep-red Texas Senate district. The message is clear: Latinos are no longer loyal to either party, and they're demanding results.Mike and Chuck dig into what's really driving Latino voters in 2026: an aspirational, working-class agenda centered on housing, health care, and hope. They unpack why immigration enforcement, economic pain, and cultural backlash are reshaping the electorate, why Republicans are panicking, and why Democrats can't afford to blow this second chance.The guys also preview Bad Bunny's upcoming Superbowl performance, its significant cultural reference, and the opposing alternative halftime show being pushed by MAGA Trumpers. Send us pictures of your Superbowl Halftime experience!-Recorded February 4, 2026.-Referenced in the episode:Votehub - 2026 Texas Senate District 9 Special Election Interactive Map: https://votehub.com/2026_txsd9_specialABC 7 | WJLA - 'Snowcrete' piles persist as DC leaders push cleanup efforts forward: https://wjla.com/news/local/snowcrete-piles-dc-leaders-push-cleanup-efforts-forward-winter-snow-storm-icicy-roads-streets-public-schools-open-mayor-bowser-residents-safety-community-removal-shovel-fines-senior-housing-sidewalks-streets-dmvThe Guardian - Donald Trump announces plans for Indycar race through Washington DC streets: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/jan/30/trump-indycar-grand-prix-washington-dcThe New York Times - Bad Bunny's All-American, All-Spanish, All-Eyes-on-Him Super Bowl: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/06/arts/music/bad-bunny-super-bowl-halftime-show.htmlKTLA5 - Kid Rock lyrics about underage girls draw questions ahead of ‘faith and family'-based TPUSA show: https://ktla.com/entertainment/kid-rock-lyrics-about-underage-girls-draw-questions-ahead-of-faith-and-family-based-tpusa-showCheck out the rest of the references and recent news on the latino vote on our website: https://latinos.vote/-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast! Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Can we really do 3 more years of this?Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid mark the one-year anniversary of Trump's second term by dissecting the chaos of his first year back in office. From the Davos speech signaling the end of American global dominance to Trump's bizarre threats against Greenland, Chuck and Mike break down how the president has squandered political capital on foreign distractions instead of addressing what voters actually care about: gas and groceries.Our hosts tackle Trump's immigration overreach, the symbolic terror of his deportation tactics, and how Democrats like Katie Porter and Abigail Spanberger are focusing on real kitchen-table issues like utility costs and childcare. Chuck shares insights from his work on James Talarico's Texas Senate race, including their strategic first ad buy during a Mexico vs. Panama soccer match, while Mike explains why this race could define Latino political identity for years to come.Plus: Chuck announces an upcoming town hall with Senator Ruben Gallego, and previews his Valentine's weekend trip to Oaxaca. Unfiltered, unadulterated, and always speaking truth to power. Enjoy this episode of the Latino Vote Podcast.-Recorded January 21, 2026-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast! Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Chuck Rocha returns from his gorilla-tracking adventure in Rwanda (complete with wild stories and a new honorary tribal chief title) to dive deep with Mike Madrid into why Latino voters are uniquely positioned to reshape American politics.In this episode, Mike breaks down the stunning data showing that while other voters remain locked in partisan camps with only 2-3% swings, working-class Latinos are swinging 11-15% between elections—making them the only true swing voting bloc left in America. From kicking out Republicans across the country in 2025 to determining crucial Texas House races in March of this year, Mike and Chuck explore why Latino voters' willingness to hold politicians accountable regardless of party might be the most rational response in an otherwise polarized system.Plus: reflections on faith and politics in Latino communities, the inside story of the Jasmine Crockett-Colin Allred Senate race dynamics, and why this generational transformation will define American politics through 2050. And yes, Chuck shares what it's really like to sit face-to-face with silverback gorillas (spoiler: there's no glass between you).-Recorded: January 14, 2026-Referenced in the episode:Check out Senator Ruben Gallego's 'Path Home' housing affordability plan video: https://x.com/SenRubenGallego/status/2011451211225166201'Can James Talarico Reclaim Christianity for the Left?' form the Ezra Klein podcast: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/opinion/ezra-klein-podcast-james-talarico.html-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast! Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Meet Mickey Ibarra - a name that defined Latino excellence in Washington D.C. for decades.On this episode of the Latino Vote Voices: Mike Madrid sits down with the former Assistant to President Clinton who went from Utah foster care to the West Wing, and is now preserving Latino stories for future generations.Mickey opens up about his father's path from bracero worker in Oaxaca to successful small business owner in Sacramento, and how reconnecting with his Mexican heritage at age 15 transformed his life during the height of the Chicano movement in 1966. He recounts witnessing Robert F. Kennedy and Hubert Humphrey campaign in 1968, following his father's footsteps to serve in Germany during the Vietnam era, and ultimately finding his calling in public service.As founder of the Latino Leaders Network and author of the newly released "Latino Leaders Speak: Volume Two," Mickey discusses his mission to preserve and celebrate Latino success stories across all sectors of American society. He reflects on the parallels between the turbulent 1960s and today's political climate, offering wisdom on how young Latinos can navigate uncertainty and prepare for opportunities they can't yet imagine.-Recorded Jan 12, 2026.-Check out Mickey Ibarra's latest work: 'Latino Leaders Speak: Personal Stories of Struggle and Triumph, Volume II' -https://artepublicopress.com/product/latino-leaders-speak-personal-stories-of-struggle-and-triumph-volume-ii/Latino Leaders Network Website: https://www.latinoleadersnetwork.org/latino-leaders-speakBill Clinton's ad referenced in the episode: 'A Man From Hope' - https://mediaburn.org/videos/the-man-from-hope/-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast! Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Welcome to the 2026 Season Premiere of the Latino Vote Podcast! And what a long year it has already been.Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid return from the holiday break with heavy hearts as they tackle a tumultuous start to 2026. Our hosts dissect the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good in Minnesota, Trump's intervention in Venezuela, and what these events signal about America's shift toward authoritarianism both at home and abroad.Drawing on Chuck's recent travels in Africa and reflections on history, genocide, faith, and humanity, the conversation explores how fear is weaponized, how power is exercised, and why the rule of law feels increasingly fragile. Mike connects the dots between global instability, domestic policy, and the political consequences already reshaping Latino communities—especially as primaries approach in Texas and beyond.But this isn't just doom and gloom. Mike and Chuck chart a path forward for Democrats in 2026, arguing that Latino voters—and all Americans who believe in good over power—need results now.-Recorded December 8, 2026.-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast! Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Find us on Substack: https://substack.com/@thelatinovotepodcast Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_Vote Visit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.vote If you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Ron Steslow kicks off 2026 with a “Smash Brothers” weekly featuring Lucy Caldwell, Hagar Chemali, Susan Del Percio, and Mike Madrid to look at the forces they think will define the year ahead—geopolitical disruption, institutional failure, civil dysfunction—and the transformational period we're living through. Then they share some exciting news about The Weekly in 2026. Finally, in Politicology+, they dive into the values that will matter the most as we head into 2026. POLITICOLOGY+ Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don't miss all the extra episodes on the private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. CONTRIBUTE TO POLITICOLOGY politicology.com/donate SPONSORS & PROMO CODES https://bit.ly/44uAGZ8 Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RON at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Send your questions and ideas to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at (703) 239-3068 Follow this week's panel on X (formerly Twitter): https:/x.com/RonSteslow https://x.com/lucymcaldwell https://x.com/HagarChemali https://x.com/DelPercioS https://x.com/madrid_mike Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Political strategists Mike Madrid and Garry South offer analysis on Gov. Newsom's final State of the State address. Also, Sac Mayor outlines priorities for the city in 2026. Finally, arts events to check out in the new year.
In this episode, Mike Madrid, co-founder of the Lincoln Project, joins the discussion to explore the evolution of political ideologies from the Reagan era to the Trump administration. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by traditional conservatives, the impact of populism, and the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party.
In this episode, Mike Madrid, co-founder of the Lincoln Project, joins the discussion to explore the evolution of political ideologies from the Reagan era to the Trump administration. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by traditional conservatives, the impact of populism, and the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party.
Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don't miss all the extra episodes on the private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid unpack historian Gordon S. Wood's recent Wall Street Journal op-ed arguing that the United States is built on shared ideas, not shared bloodlines—and what that means in an era of rising “blood and soil” nationalism and demographic change. They dig into whether the American creed still has enough power to hold a multi-ethnic, multi-faith democracy together. Related Reading: WSJ - Why America Is a ‘Creedal Nation' - WSJ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don't miss all the extra episodes on the private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid discuss the redistricting wars, the Supreme Court case that could upend a central part of the Voting Rights Act, how Latinos becoming the largest minority group will make us rethink what being a “minority” even means, and how partisanship is becoming our primary identity. Related Reading: Axios - Virginia judge lets Democrats' redistricting plan move forward - Axios Richmond Politico - The Republicans thwarting the White House's redistricting hopes - POLITICO Sac Bee - Prop. 50 in California is trivial compared to this U.S. Supreme Court case | Opinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Thank you to all of you, who tuned in to the Latino Vote Podcast this year. Your engagement, support, and passion for Latino political empowerment have made this community what it is. As Chuck and Mike said: 2026 will be the year of the Latino Voter!-In this year-end holiday episode of The Latino Vote Podcast, Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid take stock of a political year that reshaped American politics — and put Latino voters squarely at the center of what comes next.From Trump fatigue and collapsing approval numbers to redistricting battles in Texas and California, Chuck and Mike break down why 2026 is already shaping up to be the year of the Latino voter. They dive deep into critical upcoming primaries including the Texas Senate race between Talarico and Crockett, the emergence of young Latina candidates like Eva Lopez Chavez in Utah's new district, and the need to elevate Latino voices across the political spectrum.With a surge of Latino candidates running in unexpected places like Utah, Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, 2026 may be the year we build lasting Latino political infrastructure nationwide.-Recorded Dec 17, 2025.-Check out Eva Lopez Chavez' campaign announcement video. Consider donating to help her run for Utah's newly drawn congressional district: https://x.com/evaforutah/status/2000655039271247920-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
*Due to technical issues, the posting of this discussion was delayed. Unfortunately, Bernardo Ruiz's showcase of his films has already passed. We urge you to check out his work via his website. Our apologies for this error.Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Bernardo Ruiz joins Mike Madrid for an intimate conversation about two decades of capturing the Latino experience on film. From his PBS documentary 'VOCES: Latino Vote 2024' to his explorations of wine country labor and journalism under siege in Mexico, Bernardo has documented the contradictions at the heart of the American relationship with Latino communities.Bernardo discusses his journey from the son of a Mexican musician-turned-monk to becoming one of the most important Latino voices in documentary film. He shares insights from filming across eight states during the 2024 election, explains America's "love-hate relationship" with Latinos, and reveals why the same workers celebrated as "essential" during the pandemic are now being targeted at their worksites.Key Topics Discussed:Ruiz's unconventional path to filmmaking and what drives his workThe evolution from "building monuments to heroes" to taking creative risksAmerica's "love-hate relationship" with Latinos—from celebrating "essential workers" during the pandemic to today's mass deportationsWhy long-form documentary storytelling matters more than ever in the age of hot takes and algorithmsThe story Ruiz wishes he could have told: the deeper meaning of the 2019 El Paso Walmart shootingWhy the Mexican-American diaspora needs its own "chicharron circuit" for community buildingBeing optimistic yet wary about the future of Latino communities in AmericaBernardo Ruiz's films explore the complexity and diversity often missing from mainstream narratives about Latino Americans. His approach—observation first, conclusions later—allows him to capture the moral ambiguity and nuance that gets lost in our polarized media landscape.-Recorded November 17, 2025.
Mike Madrid sits down with one of the most respected voices in Latino research—Dr. Mark Hugo Lopez, Director of Race and Ethnicity at the Pew Research Center—to unpack a brand-new, blockbuster dataset on Latino attitudes on the second Trump administration and their situation in the country.Pew's October survey of almost 5,000 Latino adults reveals something unprecedented: 65% of Latinos now say the situation for Latinos in the U.S. is worse than a year ago—the highest level of pessimism ever recorded in Pew's history. Dr. Lopez explains how Latino sentiment has shifted dramatically between the 2024 and 2025 elections, with approval ratings, concerns about immigration enforcement, and feelings about economic policies all showing significant changes.Key topics include:Why one-third of Latinos have considered leaving the United States in the past six monthsHow worry about deportation has jumped from 37% to over 52% since FebruaryThe paradox of personal financial optimism amid broader pessimism about Latino progressWhat validated voter data reveals about Latino Trump voters and their evolving viewsThe decline in Latino immigration for the first time in 50 years and what it means for future generationsDr. Lopez brings decades of expertise tracking the political maturation of the Latino electorate through one of America's most profound demographic transformations. He provides essential context for understanding the dramatic electoral swings we've witnessed and what they signal about Latino political identity in an increasingly US-born, intermarried, and established community.-Recorded December 4, 2025.
Chuck Rocha and Mike Madrid sit down with Dr. Patricia Campos-Medina — immigrant, labor leader, campaign strategist, and the highest-ranking Latina on Mikie Sherrill's 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial campaign.After New Jersey saw massive Democratic losses among Latino voters in 2024—with Trump gaining up to 24 points in some counties—Mikie Sherrill achieved a stunning turnaround, capturing 68% of the Latino vote.Dr. Campos-Medina pulls back the curtain on one of the largest Latino vote swings in America, explaining how New Jersey Democrats reversed years of GOP gains by rebuilding trust, investing early, and talking directly about the economic crisis Latinos are living every day.Key takeaways include:Why Latinos shifted to Trump in 2024 and what brought them backThe importance of having Latino operatives making decisions, not just translating messagesHow opening up consultant contracts transformed the ground gameThe difference between 30-day campaign investments and year-round community engagementWhy both parties competing for Latino votes strengthens the community's negotiating power-Recorded November 12, 2025.
In a special Thanksgiving-week episode of The Weekly, Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid sit down to answer your questions — about the deep fractures emerging inside the Republican Party, the escalating ICE raids in smaller cities, the boundary between sharp-elbowed politics and institutional destruction, the rise of AI, and the future of American civic life. In Politicology+ they unpack historian Gordon S. Wood's recent Wall Street Journal op-ed arguing that the United States is built on shared ideas, not shared bloodlines—and what that means in an era of rising “blood and soil” nationalism and demographic transformation. Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don't miss all the extra episodes on the private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Contribute to Politicology at politicology.com/donate Find our sponsor links and promo codes here: https://bit.ly/44uAGZ8 Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RON at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Send your questions and ideas to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at (703) 239-3068 Follow this week's panel on X (formerly Twitter): https:/x.com/RonSteslow https://x.com/madrid_mike Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Repairing the damage—in our democracy, in our relationships, and in ourselves. ✨ Episode Summary Let's talk about redemption—what it really means to repair what's been broken, whether in our democracy or in our personal lives, and how we can tell the difference between a true apology and just going through the motions. Inspired by a powerful Substack piece by Mike Madrid, we'll reflect on the nuances between performative apologies and genuine repentance, weaving in theological insights, literary references like East of Eden, and real-life examples. We'll consider how we engage with those who have caused harm—and what it means to truly repair what's broken, especially as Thanksgiving and moments of family reconnection approach.
Chuck and Mike sit down with music icon and Texas's 15th congressional district candidate Bobby Pulido for a raw, insightful discussion about culture, politics, and the future of South Texas. The platinum-selling Tejano music star breaks down why this heavily Latino district swung from 60% for Beto O'Rourke to 60% for Trump in just eight years, offering an unflinching look at what Democrats got wrong.Bobby introduces a game-changing perspective: "People down here don't consider themselves poor—they consider themselves broke. When you're broke, you say 'tomorrow I'm going to make it.' Democrats treated people like they're poor, not like they're broke." This distinction captures why aspirational Latino voters are shifting right.From his ranch hall campaign events (complete with barbecue and conjunto music) to challenging both parties on immigration, Bobby represents a new generation of Latino Democratic candidates willing to tell hard truths. He discusses the Republican dominance on social media, why border communities feel abandoned, and his plan to win back Trump voters without compromising Democratic values.-Support Bobby Pulido's campaign: bobbypulidofortexas.comCheck out Bobby Pulido's official congressional campaign launch video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_m8ChgwIpbA-Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes of The Latino Vote Podcast!Watch our episodes on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thelatinovotepodcastFollow us on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/TheLatino_VoteVisit our website for the latest Latino Vote news and subscribe to our newsletter: latinos.voteIf you want more of our discussions and behind the scenes please join our Patreon (www.patreon.com/thelatinovote) for exclusive content and opportunities!
Trump has his mask-off moment, dropping all pretense that he's focused on delivering for working Americans with his latest move. Brian is joined by CA governor Gavin Newsom to discuss the Trump shutdown, CA attorney general Rob Bonta to discuss how CA is fighting back against the deployment of DOJ poll watchers, ABC News' Jonathan Karl to discuss his behind-the-scenes look at Mar-a-Lago, and Latino political consultant Mike Madrid to discuss the bottom falling out in Trump's approval among latinos.Shop merch: https://briantylercohen.com/shopYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/briantylercohenTwitter: https://twitter.com/briantylercohenFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/briantylercohenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/briantylercohenPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/briantylercohenNewsletter: https://www.briantylercohen.com/sign-upWritten by Brian Tyler CohenProduced by Sam GraberRecorded in Los Angeles, CASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Text us your questions!We talk with political strategist, author, and Lincoln Project member Mike Madrid about data, culture, and why both parties keep getting the Latino vote wrong.Mike takes us inside the Lincoln Project's 2020 strategy and the personal costs of resisting Trumpism, then draws a sharp line between principled conservatism and punitive nationalist populism. From energy policy to border security to employee ownership, we explore how Democrats ended up carrying a slate of classically conservative positions and why that still isn't landing with working class voters. The throughline is practical: housing, wages, and permitting timelines beat slogans every time, especially for a young, US‑born Latino electorate that's increasingly moderate, less partisan, and focused on near‑term economic mobility.We also discuss culture and faith, challenging lazy “machismo” tropes with the maternal core of Latin American Catholicism and a track record of electing women. Mike explains how generational change, not country of origin, drives political behavior and why Latino voters split roughly 50–50. That elasticity could be the system's safety valve, if the parties learn to speak to pocketbook priorities instead of waging endless culture wars.We also confront the rise in political violence. Mike argues we're already in a civil conflict—more Troubles than Gettysburg—and that healing will be social before it's political. The antidote starts local: honest conversations, community action, and leaders calling out extremism in their own ranks. Along the way, we have occasion to toast some tequila and hear about Mike's storytelling project on the Cuervo–Sauza rivalry, expanding how Latino lives are portrayed beyond tired stereotypes.If this conversation challenges and energizes you, follow, rate, and share the show with a friend.=====Want to support us?The best way is to subscribe to our Patreon. Annual memberships are available for a 10% discount.If you'd rather make a one-time donation, you can contribute through our PayPal. Other important info: Rate & review us on Apple & Spotify Follow us on social media at @PPWBPodcast Watch & comment on YouTube Email us at pastorandphilosopher@gmail.com Cheers!
I sat down with Mike Madrid, long time political strategist, to discuss where we're at politically right now, what the data really says about both Trump and the Democrats, and what Democrats need to do to be successful in 2026 and beyond. Informative conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
We're doing it! This December, Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid are excited to host our first-ever salon-inspired retreat. Unscripted: A Politicology Gathering is a 3 night/4 day in-person retreat at a luxury villa in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico from December 5-8, 2025. You can find more information and apply at politicology.com/unscripted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Contribute to Politicology at politicology.com/donate To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid (author of The Latino Century) discuss the unraveling of our political institutions, the devolution of political parties, what's happening with them, where they're heading and what it means. They dive into the Epstein Files and the MAGA backlash, Mamdani's primary win in New York City, the turmoil at the DNC, and Elon Musk's new party, and what all this says about what America's two-party system is becoming. Then, in Politicology+ they discuss some predictions made in the 1997 book, “The Sovereign Individual,”many of which have already come to pass, as well as the future role of government in the information age. Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don't miss all the extra episodes on the private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Find our sponsor links and promo codes here: https://bit.ly/44uAGZ8 Send your questions and ideas to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at (703) 239-3068 Follow this week's panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://x.com/madrid_mike Related Reading: The Great Transformation: Why the Epstein Case Is Not Going Away The Great Transformation: Musk's America Party Signals the Collapse of Philosophical Politics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this conversation, Susan Del Percio discusses Zohran Mamdani's win in the Democratic Primary for New York City Mayor, what it means for New York, and what it will mean for Democrats in and outside the state. Listen to our episode with Mike Madrid about the Fighting Oligarchy Tour: https://bit.ly/45Rr2lL Find our sponsor links and promo codes here: https://bit.ly/44uAGZ8 Follow Ron and Susan on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://x.com/DelPercioS Email your questions to podcast@politicology.com or leave us a voicemail at (703) 239-3068 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ron Steslow, Mike Madrid, and Marc Polymeropoulo discuss the shift in immigration enforcement, the protests in LA, and the values America stands for. Related Reading: CBS News - Afghan ally detained by ICE after attending immigration court hearing - CBS News WSJ - The White House Marching Orders That Sparked the L.A. Migrant Crackdown - WSJ The Dispatch -This Won't End Well SacBee - A message to Trump protesters in California: Put down the Mexican flags | Opinion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Contribute to Politicology at politicology.com/donate To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plus This week, Ron Steslow, Mike Madrid (author of The Latino Century), and Marc Polymeropoulos (Former CIA Official) discuss the recent military operations by Israel against Iran and the implications for U.S. foreign policy. They dive into Trump becoming wartime president and the internal divisions within MAGA. Then, in Politicology+ they discuss the shift in immigration enforcement, the protests in LA, and the values America stands for. Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don't miss all the extra episodes on the private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Send your questions and ideas to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at (703) 239-3068 Follow this week's panel on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/RonSteslow https://x.com/Mpolymer https://x.com/madrid_mike Related Reading: Axios - U.S. companies brace for Israel-Iran cyber spillover NBC News - Trump's ‘America First' supporters feel duped by his hawkishness on Iran Axios - Ted Cruz and Tucker Carlson's blowup exposes MAGA's divide on war with Iran Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices