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Beyond Politics

Beyond Politics

By Matt Robison and Paul Hodes

Paul Hodes is a former New Hampshire Congressman and National Co-Chair of Barack Obama's 2008 campaign. Matt Robison is a former senior congressional staffer and campaign manager. They host "Beyond Politics," a show that goes beyond the usual week-to-week news and political chatter, and examines the deeper issues driving American politics through interviews with senior insiders from government, universities, and political campaigns.
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Off The Record 11 - 30 - 18

Beyond PoliticsDec 02, 2018

00:00
48:27
He Stopped Trump from Stealing One Critical Swing State

He Stopped Trump from Stealing One Critical Swing State

Joe Khan was the lawyer for a critical swing county in Pennsylvania in 2020 when he noticed something...odd. He joins us to tell the story of how he and a group of lawyers banded together to defend the Pennsylvania election outcome - and ultimately American democracy - from the Trump onslaught. And now that he's running for Attorney General of Pennsylvania, what lessons will he apply in 2024, when Pennsylvania appears to be under even greater threat of Trump election interference?


01:30 The Early Signs of Election Interference in Pennsylvania

04:29 Building a Legal Coalition to Defend the Vote

09:01 Frontline Strategies: Preparing for Every Scenario

15:41 The Fight Against Social Media Giants

21:49 The Critical Role of the Attorney General in Future Elections

Mar 27, 202430:56
Is Most of the Music Industry About to Be Wiped Out?

Is Most of the Music Industry About to Be Wiped Out?

There is a sneaky huge shift happening in American music right now right under our very noses (or ears). Private equity's takeover of the music business could have major consequences for what we hear and whether we hear anything new at all. Whitney Houston's catalog acquisition, Taylor Swift's battle over her masters, and the fight over Pink Floyd's music are just a handful of examples. Music industry writer Marc Hogan joins to explain his fascinating piece about this in the New York Times.


00:00 The Unseen Impact of Private Equity on Music

01:27 A Deep Dive into Music Rights and Private Equity

05:00 The Taylor Swift Case

10:50 Exploring the Financialization of Music and Its Effects

17:59 The Future of Music: Creativity vs. Commercialization

27:01 Exploring the Potential for Innovation in Music and Visual Media

30:28 The Future of Music: Opportunities and Challenges

Mar 25, 202442:37
Republicans' Spactacular, Epic, Hilarious Backfire

Republicans' Spactacular, Epic, Hilarious Backfire

A Chaotic Republican Hearing and Trump's Legal and Financial Woes: the round table runs through a tumultuous Republican hearing meant to highlight Republicans' fantasy of wrongdoing by President Biden, which backfired spectacularly on themselves and Donald Trump. Also, Judge Aileen Cannon's ham-handed slow-walking of the Trump documents case, and the incredible shrinking Trump fundraising base.


02:29 The Republican Hearing Debacle

14:15 The Media's Role and Public Perception in Political Narratives

21:48 Judge Cannon Tries to Bury The Case in Florida

28:27 Breaking News: The Government's New Lawsuit

38:50 Trump's Legal and Financial Troubles Are Deep

45:31 The RNC Takeover and Trump's Fundraising Woes

50:40 The Bizarre World of Political Fundraising Emails

Mar 22, 202453:43
Trump is Beating Biden Right Now. Why That Probably Won't Last.

Trump is Beating Biden Right Now. Why That Probably Won't Last.

How on earth is Trump beating Biden right now? It's the question that has baffled and enraged Democrats for months. And it's the question that Matt Robison tackled in his new article for Washington Monthly. Matt lays out one of the biggest reasons, something that analysts tend to overlook, and adds material that didn't make it into the article.

00:05 The Puzzling Popularity of Donald Trump

02:07 The Low Information Trap: Unpacking Voter Awareness

03:45 The Stark Contrast: Trump's Failures and Crimes

10:49 High vs. Low Information Voters: Bridging the Gap

17:48 The Impact of Information on Voter Perception

22:25 Looking Ahead: What Does this Mean for 2024?

Mar 20, 202428:15
Did Trump Just Beat (some of) the Rap?

Did Trump Just Beat (some of) the Rap?

Three charges were just dismissed against Donald Trump in Georgia. Will this make a major, lasting difference in his legal peril? Also, Never Trump Republicans fold bigly, is a MAGA takeover bid for TikTok a good thing, and is the AI apocalypse here?


00:46 Analyzing the Legal Implications and Prosecutorial Missteps

11:16 The Political and Legal Ramifications of the Case

12:46 Trump's New Never-Trump Republican Endorsements

19:21 The RNC Takeover: Trump's Personal Agenda

27:29 The TikTok Dilemma: National Security

33:09 AI Apocalypse: The End of Humanity as We Know It?

Mar 15, 202436:33
Whatever Happened in the Biggest Trump-Russia Scandal?

Whatever Happened in the Biggest Trump-Russia Scandal?

We look back today at the biggest, and probably most forgotten scandal in the whole Trump-Russia web of corruption. When Charles McGonigal, former head of counterintelligence at the FBI, was recently convicted for money laundering and working for Russia, the media barely took notice. In this interview recorded a year ago just after McGonigal's arrest, our expert guest Craig Unger laid out just how deep the Trump-Russia-FBI ties go, and how disturbing the implications are.


00:00 Introduction: The Unseen Scandal of American Intelligence

03:06 The Forgotten Ties: Trump, Russia, and the FBI's Compromised Investigation

09:59 The Historical Context: Trump's Long-standing Ties with Russia

20:37 The Media's Role and the Need for Counterintelligence Investigation

28:29 Confronting the Challenges: How to Combat Disinformation and Silence

Mar 13, 202431:36
Biden Just Took His Strategy From A Hollywood Movie

Biden Just Took His Strategy From A Hollywood Movie

Beyond Politics: Biden's Impact, Trump's Troubles, and Democratic Strategies

Biden's recent turn in tone, language, and strategy that he started at the State of the Union seems ripped from the pages of a Hollywood script. Political analyst Cliff Schecter thinks it comes right out of "The American President," but Matt Robison has a couple other movie moments in mind. Also, does Trump's decision to appoint Lara Trump to head the RNC a hint o how deep his financial troubles are? And when will Nikki Haley bend the knee to Trump??


01:54 The Rise of 'Dark Brandon'

11:55 The Power of Counter Attack

14:35 Movie Metaphors for Political Strategies

18:12 The Trump Crime Family and the RNC

22:02 The Financial Struggles of Donald Trump

27:32 The Future of Nikki Haley and the Republican Party

Mar 11, 202433:18
Did Biden's "Home Run" Speech Reset the 2024 Election?

Did Biden's "Home Run" Speech Reset the 2024 Election?

President Joe Biden's fiery, fiesty State of the Union drew raves from analysts, with Politico writing "it’s hard to imagine how the SOTU could’ve gone much better for Biden." But what impact did it actually have with the swing voters that will decide the 2024 election? And will it reset a race that's been looking dangerous for the President? Pollsters Ian Smith and Gabi Parra of Navigator Research explain what their live dial testing with swing voters revealed, what moments really stuck out, and whether this speech accomplished what Joe Biden truly needed.


02:02 The Impact of State of the Union on Swing Voters

07:11 The Importance of Democracy and Voting Rights

09:54 The Impact of Biden's Economic Policies

10:58 The Role of Women in Politics

12:16 Immigration

19:56 The Age Issue

23:15 Women's Political Power

26:33 The Moment that Mattered

Mar 08, 202436:37
Is This Make Or Break Week for Joe Biden?

Is This Make Or Break Week for Joe Biden?

With major polls showing President Joe Biden continuing to trail Donald Trump, Democratic insiders believe that the State of the Union speech this week has now become a make-or-break moment for the President. But is it? And what does he need to accomplish for it to be successful? Also, the hidden significance of Super Tuesday that could be sneaky good news for Democrats, major rulings from the Supreme Court that help Trump and cast doubt on the Court, and Matt and Alicia get parodied on social media.

02:10 State of the Union: Predictions and Expectations

12:01 Super Tuesday: Significance and Predictions

17:49 Supreme Court Decisions and Their Impact

30:06 The Lighter Side of Politics: Parody Accounts

Mar 06, 202434:58
Will the Alabama IVF Ruling Continue to Shake American Politics?

Will the Alabama IVF Ruling Continue to Shake American Politics?

When Alabama's Supreme Court redefined the legal status of stored embryos, equating them to children under a law from 1872, it unleashed a tidal wave of outrage, fear, and recriminations. Sabrina Talukder, Director of the Women's Initiative at the Center for American Progress, joins to talk through the continuing repercussions of the ruling, whether all the concern is warranted, and how the ruling will shape the debate and the politics of reproductive freedom and women's health in the coming year.

01:34 Alabama Supreme Court's Decision

04:02 Legal Analysis and Repercussions

09:08 Discussion on the Political Implications

19:02 The Politicization of Medicine

21:11 Future Implications

Mar 04, 202425:26
Should Trump Or Biden Be More Scared By This Week's Primaries?

Should Trump Or Biden Be More Scared By This Week's Primaries?

***PLEASE leave us a rating/review on Apple podcast app!***

What is the meaning of the Haley vote in South Carolina and the "uncommitted" vote in Michigan? Is Trump or Biden more vulnerable to weakness in his own party? Also, how should the Biden campaign shift strategy after the Supreme Court took up the Trump immunity case and pushed back the election subversion trial indefinitely? And what is the meaning of Mitch McConnell's stepping down and the emerging MAGA bloc search for a successor in the Senate. And, the hilarious politics story of the week: a MAGA troll gets ratio-ed on Twitter!


01:27 Supreme Court Decision on Trump's Immunity

04:25 Election Strategy

08:43 IVF Ruling and its Political Impact

13:56 Primary Results in South Carolina and Michigan

20:13 Mitch McConnell's Departure and its Implications

23:48 Fun Politics Story of the Week

Mar 01, 202428:40
Emergency Pod: The Supreme Court Massively Shifts the 2024 Election

Emergency Pod: The Supreme Court Massively Shifts the 2024 Election

The Supreme Court's decision to consider Donald Trump's claim of absolute immunity could massively change the course and the outcome of the presidential election. With this decision, the Court seems to be taking away the biggest driver of voters turning away from Trump. Guest Andy Kroll of ProPublica helps examine why the Court did this, what the political implications are, and what might eventually unfold. ***Please rate&Review on Apple Podcast App!***

02:04 The Supreme Court's Decision: A Detailed Breakdown

05:31 The Legal and Political Implications of the Decision

13:27 The Impact on the Presidential Election

16:05 The Future of the Legal Cases Against Trump

23:05 The Potential Outcomes and Their Implications

Feb 29, 202438:37
Revisiting the Reporter Who Discovered Clarence Thomas' Dirty Secrets

Revisiting the Reporter Who Discovered Clarence Thomas' Dirty Secrets

Today, we revisit an interview with Justin Elliot from ProPublica on his groundbreaking investigation into corruption allegations against Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. We cover the financial ties between Thomas, his wife, and right-wing billionaire Harlan Crow, which included expensive vacations and significant contributions to private school tuition. And we go inside the world of investigative reporting to understand what it takes to break a story like this.

00:00 Introduction and Context

00:01 The Clarence Thomas Corruption Story

00:26 The Impact of Corruption on the Supreme Court

01:39 The Role of Journalism in Uncovering Corruption

02:33 Interview with Justin Elliot

02:39 The Importance of Investigative Journalism

07:08 The Challenges of Reporting on the Supreme Court

08:25 The Unusual Financial Ties Between Crow and Thomas

12:48 The Power of Public Records in Journalism

18:47 The Influence of Money in Politics

24:55 The Need for Transparency in the Supreme Court

36:39 The Role of the Senate in Investigating Corruption

39:38 Conclusion and Call to Action

Feb 28, 202441:17
A Staggering Disaster For 20 Million in America

A Staggering Disaster For 20 Million in America

There's a shadow healthcare crisis looming for 20 million, and you probably haven't heard about it. That's because it largely affects a group of people who have been swept up in the politics of immigration and border policy -- even though the vast majority of them are naturalized citizens, documented permanent residents, or Americans born in this country. Adriana Cadena, Director of the Protecting Immigrant Families Campaign, and Leo Cuello, a research professor at the Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy, explain why this is happening, why it's so important, and what can be done about it.


00:00 Introduction to the Looming Healthcare Crisis

01:05 Understanding the Scale of the Problem

04:32 The Human Impact of Losing Healthcare Coverage

06:09 Exploring the Reasons Behind the Crisis

11:19 The Role of Immigration Status in Healthcare Access

13:07 The Politics of Healthcare and Immigration

22:55 Potential Solutions to the Healthcare Crisis

27:48 The Future of Healthcare for Immigrant Families

31:58 Closing Thoughts on the Importance of Policy Experts

Feb 26, 202434:19
Russia-Republicans Swindle America AGAIN

Russia-Republicans Swindle America AGAIN

Tell me if you heard this before--the whole impeachment case against President Biden was based on a Russian disinformation operation. AGAIN. Also, what is the impact of an Alabama State Supreme Court ruling regarding in-vitro fertilization?

00:00 Introduction: The Russian Disinformation Operation

01:12 The FBI's Role and Suspicion

01:59 The Hillary Clinton Investigation and Russian Intelligence

08:00 The Alabama State Supreme Court Ruling on Embryos

19:24 The Ezra Klein Controversy: Should Biden Step Down?

Feb 23, 202425:46
They Publicly Protested the President. He's Their Boss.

They Publicly Protested the President. He's Their Boss.

***Please share our show with a friend!*** What do you do if you disagree with your boss, when your boss is one of the most powerful people in the world? Recently, 17 Biden campaign staffers publicly wrote a letter to the president disagreeing with his position on the war in Gaza, which followed a letter anonymously sent by over 500 staffers back in November. Our guest Jim Papa is a former White House and Congressional staffer and host of the podcast "Staffer," and he says that this kind of protest can cause serious damage. But what about the case of Trump White House staffers who quietly worked against Trump ideas that they thought were dangerous or outright insane. Where do you draw the line


00:59 The Dilemma of Disagreeing with Your Boss

02:51 The Balance Between Personal Conscience and Professional Duty

10:42 The Consequences of Publicly Disagreeing with Your Boss

13:14 The Ethical Dilemma of Working for a Controversial Administration

21:51 The Role of Staffers in Shaping Information

Feb 21, 202426:42
How Republicans Disatrously Broke Congress

How Republicans Disatrously Broke Congress

Republicans have officially broken the US Congress to the most dysfunctional, dangerous, and even absurd degree in American history. Congressional expert Laura Rodriguez of the Center for American Politics Action Fund joins to Matt Robison to run down just how severe the madness has gotten, and why people should care about how much damage they are doing. ***Please leave us a great review in Apple Podcasts App!!***


01:44 The Impact of Trump on American Politics

03:03 The New York Special Election: A Turning Point?

07:37 The MAGA Mind Virus: Is It Real?

11:30 The Impeachment of Secretary Mayorkas

16:02 The Consequences of Congressional Dysfunction

30:15 The Future of the Republican Party

Feb 19, 202433:32
A Prosecutor + Her Boyfriend = Get Out of Jail Free for Trump?

A Prosecutor + Her Boyfriend = Get Out of Jail Free for Trump?

Could Fani Willis' relationship kill the Georgia Trump case? Also, Trump's total meltdown on NATO and Putin, MAGA Republicans try to kill Ukraine aid, gun violence in Kansas City, and an easy solution for the patriarchy. ***Don't forget to rate and review us!!*** Check out another great podcast at ⁠⁠Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other⁠ ***


02:03 Introducing 'Rent-a-Dude': A Solution to Gender Bias

04:07 The Fani Willis Hearing

07:15 Trump Legal Watch: A Look at Ongoing Cases

10:36 The Foreign Aid Bill: A Political Standoff

13:40 Lindsey Graham's Political Shift

14:38 Sheldon Whitehouse's Twitter Rant

17:19 Donald Trump's Controversial Statements

22:56 Debate on Gun Violence and Media Coverage

Feb 16, 202431:25
$17 Billion in Political Ads. Does It Even Work?

$17 Billion in Political Ads. Does It Even Work?

US political campaigns are expected to spent $17 billion on ads in 2024. But there's little evidence about how much of it works, if any does at all. John Halpin, Executive Editor of The Liberal Patriot, explains what we know and what we don't know about political advertising, and why the best solution for winning campaigns in 2024 might be a back-to-the-future approach.

***Don't forget to rate and review us!!***

***Check out another great podcast at ⁠⁠Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other⁠ ***


00:31 The Question of Political Ad Effectiveness

03:24 The Trust Gap in Political Advertising

05:09 The Influence of Political Ads: A Data Perspective

08:18 The Impact of Negative Political Ads

10:18 The Role of Money in Political Campaigns

17:10 The Need for a Rethink in Political Campaign Strategies

26:52 The Power of Person-to-Person Contact in Politics

30:18 Conclusion: The Future of Political Advertising

Feb 14, 202431:26
"Disenfranchisement and Chaos": Inside the Supreme Court's Biggest Case

"Disenfranchisement and Chaos": Inside the Supreme Court's Biggest Case

ProPublica's star investigative reporter Andy Kroll takes us behind the scenes, inside the issues and internal debates within the Supreme Court as it hears the 14th Amendment case against former President Donald Trump.

***Don't forget to rate and review us!!***

***Check out another great podcast at ⁠⁠Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other⁠ ***


01:17 Case Overview: Donald J. Trump vs Norma Anderson

05:54 The Debate on the 14th Amendment

11:40 The Tension Between Strict Constructionism and Legal Interpretation

20:19 The Three Core Questions for the Court

25:28 Understanding the Concept of Insurrection

26:55 The Role of States in Enforcing the 14th Amendment

36:13 The Role of the Supreme Court in Political Decisions

41:38 The Potential for Future Political Crises

46:42 The Importance of a Functional Congress

Feb 12, 202449:44
A Disaster Day for Democrats: Sunday Roundtable Edition
Feb 11, 202431:10
Bonus Episode: Trump CAN Run, But He AIN'T Immune
Feb 10, 202424:11
Top Expert's Election Forecast Is In, And the Winner Is...
Feb 09, 202427:23
Part 2: Can We Talk Politics & Religion Without Killing Each Other?

Part 2: Can We Talk Politics & Religion Without Killing Each Other?

Corey Nathan of the hit podcast Talkin' Politics & Religion Without Killin' Each Other joins Matt Robison for Part Two of their conversation about whether the divides in America are really that big for the vast majority of people, and how to connect with people who seem to have major differences with you.

If you haven't heard Part One yet, click on the link for Corey's pod and check it out (and then come right back here)! And PLEASE hit follow on both of our shows, and if you're on the Apple Podcast app especially, scroll to the bottom of the episode list and leave us a rating and review!

05:04 The Journey from Judaism to Christianity

07:42 The Importance of Engaging in Political Discussions

10:36 The Role of Religion in Politics

18:07 The Dangers of Avoiding Political Discussions

21:16 The Exit Ramp for Trump Supporters

23:48 Understanding Deplorability and Open-Mindedness

30:31 The Power of Listening and Understanding

37:40 The Threat of Authoritarianism to Democracy

40:44 The Value of Maintaining Conversations Across Differences


Feb 07, 202447:45
Why 2024 Might Be the Most Important Year

Why 2024 Might Be the Most Important Year

2024 may be the most pivotal year in decades, one that could shape the world's future in profound ways. Xenia Wickett, a geopolitical expert who has worked at the White House, State Department, Chatham House, and the Harvard Kennedy School explains what the big drivers of instability and change are, and suggests how to think about the complicated cross currents in the world in 2024.


02:57 The Key Challenges in 2024

06:02 The Pillars of Global Structure

16:11 The New Role of Corporations Across Societies

20:19 The Four Global Systems

22:49 The Interplay of Global Systems and Foundational Pillars

28:40 The 'Rooms' - Localized Issues Impacting the Global System

31:07 Understanding the Interconnectedness of Global Events

38:48 Learning to Manage Volatility

Feb 05, 202439:54
Who Actually Won the Hollywood Bloodbath?

Who Actually Won the Hollywood Bloodbath?

Smart insights on the future of streaming and entertainment with Chris Hill, the former host of Motley Fool Money. Now that Netflix seems to have come out on top int he streaming wars, what does the mix of emerging company strategies mean for various forms of media that Americans watch, including television, movies, and sports. 🙂🙏🤛QUICK Favor: After you Hit "Follow" or "Subscribe" Can You Please Leave Us a Rating & Review in the Apple Podcasts App?


02:02 The Future of Streaming and Entertainment

04:30 The Streaming Wars: Are They Over?

08:11 The Impact of the Pandemic and Strikes on the Entertainment Industry

13:48 The Role of Advertising in Streaming Platforms

14:35 Is the Change in the Entertainment Industry Good for Viewers?

18:51 The Evolution of Viewer Behavior and Business Response

21:44 The Rising Cost of Streaming Services

22:19 The Future of Cable Bundle Business Model

27:24 The Evolution of Movie Content

30:10 The Future of Movie Theaters and Releases

37:18 The Rise of International Content on Streaming Platforms

39:23 Predictions for the Future of Streaming



Feb 02, 202440:30
Why Taylor Swift Is Driving Republicans Insane

Why Taylor Swift Is Driving Republicans Insane

Also, what does Donald Trump's move to kill an immigration deal tell us about shifting power centers in America? And, what will the latest developments in the Middle East and changes in voter perceptions of the economy do to the political landscape in 2024?


00:09 Taylor Swift and the Political Landscape

02:55 The Politics of Jealousy

08:27 The Impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas

13:32 The Border Issue and Political Power

18:32 The Power Shift in the Republican Party

25:57 The Current State of the Middle East

32:26 The Impact of the Economy on Politics

Jan 31, 202439:57
A Sneaky New Supreme Court Case Could Upend the Trump Trial

A Sneaky New Supreme Court Case Could Upend the Trump Trial

Renowned Constitutional scholar and law professor Kim Wehle explains how an unheralded Supreme Court case could eliminate the core of the election subversion case against Donald Trump, and give him many more paths to delay and escape justice.


03:04 Discussion on Kim's New Book on Pardon Power

07:10 How Fisher vs United States Could Upend the Trump Trial

15:26 Critique of the Supreme Court's Approach to Precedent

21:47 Unpacking the Legal Implications for Donald Trump

30:56 The Role of Regulatory Agencies and the Supreme Court

37:50 The Threat of State Secession

Jan 29, 202441:60
Trump Won New Hampshire. Why's He Hopping Mad About It?

Trump Won New Hampshire. Why's He Hopping Mad About It?

A special late-night discussion on the results of the New Hampshire primary. Donald Trump won, but showed continued vulnerability which seemed to send him into a meltdown. Should Trump be encouraged or nervous after this supposedly big win?

00:32 Analyzing Trump's Victory and Haley's Performance

04:16 The Future of the Republican Party

06:57 The Democratic Side of the Race

11:39 The Impact of Trump's Misogyny

26:04 The Future of the New Hampshire Primary

Jan 24, 202432:09
Chris Matthews: Behind the Scenes from a Lifetime in Politics

Chris Matthews: Behind the Scenes from a Lifetime in Politics

On New Hampshire Primary day, an in-person discussion with Chris Matthews, best known for his political analysis on the show Hardball. He shares his experiences with House Speaker Tip O'Neill and shares inside stories about politics and lessons from a lifetime rubbing shoulders with some of the best-known politicians in America.


00:58 The Impact of Hardball: The Book and The Show

01:44 Analyzing the Political Landscape and Key Players

04:24 The Impact of Personal Presence in Politics

08:03 The Role of Media in Politics

12:08 The Role of Journalists in Holding Politicians Accountable

19:43 The Importance of Responding to Political Attacks

22:19 The Challenge of Dealing with Trump

24:02 Kamala Harris: Biden's Biggest Problem?

26:42 The Challenges and Rewards of a Political Career

35:04 The Changing Political Landscape

37:23 The Importance of Personal Relationships in Politics

Jan 23, 202439:09
Is Trump a Done Deal? We Asked New Hampshire's Top Pollster.

Is Trump a Done Deal? We Asked New Hampshire's Top Pollster.

New CNN polling from Andy Smith, the director of the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, is out with new figures and for those hoping to stop Trump, things are not looking good. What happened, why, and what do the coming months look like?


01:03 Interview with Andy Smith, Director of the University of New Hampshire Survey Center

02:32 The Influence of Trump on New Hampshire Politics

03:36 The Rise and Fall of Ron DeSantis

04:25 The Impact of Indictments on Trump's Support

09:42 The Role of Nikki Haley in the Republican Primary

12:37 Understanding Voting Behavior in New Hampshire

20:01 The Impact of Immigration on Trump's Support

28:07 The Strategy and Challenges of Haley's Campaign

29:58 The Influence of Media on Election Results

36:54 The Future of the Republican Party

39:47 Memorable Moments from Past Primaries

44:43 The Paradigm Shift in the Polling Industry

Jan 22, 202445:20
No, You're Not Taking Crazy Pills -- The Trump Story Is Really Wrong

No, You're Not Taking Crazy Pills -- The Trump Story Is Really Wrong

Matt Robison and Paul Hodes join renowned radio host Matt McNeil to talk about how the media narrative is spinning Trump's results into political capita, the challenges facing Biden, and the curious political campaign of Dean Phillips.


00:42 Critique of Media's Role in Politics

02:25 Analysis of Trump's Performance in Iowa

03:12 Media's Misrepresentation of Trump's Success

06:29 Impact of Media Narrative on New Hampshire Polls

09:28 Understanding New Hampshire's Political Landscape

16:28 Discussion on Dean Phillips' Campaign

20:34 Analysis of Write-in Campaign for Biden


Jan 19, 202422:56
Things Are Moving Fast In New Hampshire Now

Things Are Moving Fast In New Hampshire Now

What's it like behind the scenes in the New Hampshire Primary, and what should people watch for in the coming days. Matt Robison and Paul Hodes join Howard Monroe to take us inside a fast-moving an unpredictable race.


00:43 Media's Role in Shaping Perceptions

03:46 Understanding New Hampshire Primary

04:32 The Role of Independent Voters in New Hampshire

08:08 The Unusual Year for New Hampshire

09:21 The Impact of Media on Election Results

15:45 The Potential Impact of Undeclared Voters

22:48 The Future of American Politics

Jan 18, 202424:38
The Media Got Its Iowa Trump Story Outrageously Wrong

The Media Got Its Iowa Trump Story Outrageously Wrong

How the media's lazy, glib reporting managed to distort the story of Trump's win in Iowa, and why that could have disastrous consequences for this election and America's future. See Matt's companion op-ed in Newsweek. ***Please take a moment to leave us a 5-star rating and a review on Apple podcasts***

02:18 The Media's Misrepresentation of Trump's Victory

09:37 The Impact of Iowa Results on New Hampshire

11:18 The Role of Media in Shaping Election Narratives

22:16 The Importance of the New Hampshire Primary

27:55 The Impact of Iowa Results on Democratic Primary


Jan 16, 202436:38
A Light at the End of the Tunnel in the Israel-Hamas War?

A Light at the End of the Tunnel in the Israel-Hamas War?

Matt Robison welcomes back Dan Perry, a former lead AP editor for the Middle East. They discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and a big step that might signal some light at the end of the tunnel.

01:49 Discussion on Genocide Charges Against Israel

03:38 Potential Ceasefire Proposal from Qatar

13:00 Netanyahu's Role in the Conflict

23:45 Potential Outcomes of Genocide Charges

28:42 Pathway to Peace

Jan 14, 202432:54
What Does Michigan's MAGA Meltdown Mean for The Rest of Us

What Does Michigan's MAGA Meltdown Mean for The Rest of Us

Matt Robison and Jason Sattler (aka @LOLGOP), a former USA Today columnist, describe how the insane (and hilarious!) MAGA implosion in Michigan is a window into the real political problem that we all face as a country in 2024.


01:14 The Michigan MAGA Meltdown: Christina Caramo's Saga

03:24 Caramo's Controversial Statements: A Tournament of Absurdity

10:08 The Bigger Picture: Michigan as a Microcosm

16:20 The Muslim Community's Political Influence in Michigan

21:25 Analyzing Biden's Stance on Israel and Its Political Implications

24:55 The Role of Recency Bias in Voter Perception

27:57 The Role of the Economy in Voter Perception

30:07 The Flaws of Binary Choices in Political Polling

41:04 The Integrity Test for Republicans

Jan 12, 202443:35
Trump Says He Can Murder His Oppenents

Trump Says He Can Murder His Oppenents

***PLEASE take a moment to rate and review us on the Apple podcast app!***

Donald Trump's lawyers just argued that he could assassinate a political opponent and get away with it (that he could only be prosecuted if impeached and convicted in the Senate). Will federal jusdes agree? Also, should Meet the Press anchor Kristen Welker be fired? And are we seeing the craziest Republican ever?


00:00 Introduction and Trump's Lawyer's Argument

02:12 Historical Context and Legal Analysis

04:51 Trump's Media Strategy and Public Perception

11:01 Media's Role and Accountability

15:36 Debate on Media Boycott and Journalistic Standards

20:28 Impact of Media Narratives on Public Opinion

26:27 Shocking Endorsements

27:30 Discussion on Controversial Republican Figures

34:04 Analysis of Recent Polls and Political Momentum

Jan 09, 202440:12
America's Top Expert on Impeachment: Inside the Broken Laws and Nasty Politics

America's Top Expert on Impeachment: Inside the Broken Laws and Nasty Politics

A deep conversation about presidential impeachment -- one of the most important drivers in American politics today -- with Michael J. Gerhardt, a distinguished constitutional law scholar and has been part of several impeachment proceedings. He is the author of The Law of Presidential Impeachment: A Guide for the Engaged Citizen.


00:16 The History and Evolution of Presidential Impeachment

01:57 Understanding the Framers' Vision of Impeachment

04:20 Early Experiments with Presidential Impeachment

07:12 The Role of Impeachment in Holding Presidents Accountable

12:07 The Nature of Impeachment: Political vs Legal Proceedings

13:36 The Impact of Partisanship on Impeachment

18:22 The Nixon and Clinton Impeachment Processes

22:39 The Trump Impeachment Trials: An Insider's Perspective

28:30 The Biden Impeachment Inquiry: An Unprecedented Situation

31:02 The Future of Presidential Impeachment

Jan 09, 202441:10
Best of BP: Top Five Mind-Blowing Images from the James Webb Telescope
Jan 05, 202436:33
Will Trump Acutally Be Barred from the Ballot?

Will Trump Acutally Be Barred from the Ballot?

Matt Robison speaks with legendary West Virginia radio host Howard Monroe about the recent rulings which preclude Trump from appearing on Maine and Colorado ballots, and dive into what the key factorsd will be in the 2024 Presidential race.


04:16 Predictions for the 2024 Presidential Election

10:40 The Economic State of the Nation

12:31 The Impact of Third Party Candidates

18:37 The Role of the 14th Amendment in the 2024 Election

26:16 The Future of Donald Trump: Jail, Presidency, or Other?

Jan 04, 202430:04
Two of the Biggest Months in American Political History?

Two of the Biggest Months in American Political History?

Why the upcoming two months could change everything about the future of America. But first, an in-depth analysis of the ruling that Donald Trump can't appear on the ballot because of his involvement in instigating an insurrection

00:57 Legal Analysis of the Ruling

05:50 Debate on the Constitutionality and Implications of the Ruling

23:58 The Impact of Legal Cases on Trump's Campaign

26:37 Upcoming Key Dates in Politics

28:49 The Significance of the Supreme Court's Ruling on Trump's Immunity

29:50 The New Hampshire Primary and the Potential for an Upset

36:16 The Potential for a Government Shutdown

Jan 02, 202440:44
Part Two: 2023's BIGGEST End of Year Awards Show!

Part Two: 2023's BIGGEST End of Year Awards Show!

Part two of the biggest end of year awards show in all podcastdom...we discuss the most interesting public opinion research story, debate medical advancements and breakthroughs in various fields, and decide who was the biggest 'idiot' of the year. ***🙂🙏🤛QUICK Favor: Can You Please Leave Us a Rating and Five-Star Review?***

00:23 Recap of Previous Awards

00:52 Discussion on Public Opinion Research

11:13 Most Interesting Science Story of the Year

18:11 Best Piece of Good News

24:40 Biggest Idiot of the Year

30:29 Who Won the Year

Dec 29, 202333:59
Part One: 2023's BIGGEST End of Year Awards Show!

Part One: 2023's BIGGEST End of Year Awards Show!

Matt Robison, Alicia Preston, and former U.S. Congressman Paul Hodes celebrate the world's greatest annual end of year awards show - 'The Boppies'! ***🙂🙏🤛QUICK Favor: Can You Please Leave Us a Rating and Five-Star Review?***


01:32 Reflections on 2023: Trump's Influence and the Economy

06:22 The Boppies Awards: Democratic MVP Nominees

12:55 The Boppies Awards: Republican MVP Nominees

18:23 Prosecutor of the Year

22:32 Best Achievement in Legislation

26:37 News Story of the Year


Dec 28, 202331:25
Financial Life Planning: Rollover IRA

Financial Life Planning: Rollover IRA

There are many different types of IRAs, from rollover to Roth, traditional to back door, and everything in between. The one key thing to remember is that they all share a common thread—they end in ‘IRA.’ Each Individual Retirement Account comes with its own set of rules for things like transfers, withdrawals, and contributions, and has its own tax implications.

Dec 24, 202334:14
Trump Spouts Hitler While He Sinks in New Hampshire

Trump Spouts Hitler While He Sinks in New Hampshire

Donald Trump's continued use of Nazi language and the surging popularity of Republican Nikki Haley in New Hampshire putting the first real pressure on his quest to seize power again -- is there a connection? Also: Vice President Kamala Harris's Reproductive Freedom Tour, should the White House make an immigration deal to win aid for Ukraine, and what does that big Mark Meadows ruling mean?


03:17 Donald Trump's Continuing Nazi Rhetoric

07:14 The Rise of Nikki Haley in New Hampshire Polls

14:33 Kamala Harris's Reproductive Freedom Tour

23:51 Democrats' Dilemma: Persuade or Mobilize

26:18 Importance of Aid to Ukraine

35:52 Analyzing the Case of Mark Meadows

39:40 Discussing the Unusual Candidate for a Special Election

Dec 19, 202345:07
Financial Life Planning: Hire a Fiduciary

Financial Life Planning: Hire a Fiduciary

If you’ve been a listener to this podcast for some time, you are likely well aware of the things to look for when hiring a financial planner.  However, your friends may not be.  If the topic of finances comes up, do the right thing: educate your friends and family on how to find a good advisor.

Dec 17, 202326:31
Best of BP: Why Norm Ornstein is So Worried

Best of BP: Why Norm Ornstein is So Worried

In our interview with Norman Ornstein -- one of the most famous and respected scholars of American politics and government -- we were struck by how worried he's become for the future of America. ***🙂🙏🤛QUICK Favor: After you Hit "Follow" or "Subscribe" Can You Please Leave Us a Rating and Review?*** A trusted voice who often appears on C-SPAN, CBS, CNN, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, NPR, and “PBS NewsHour” and who served as an election analyst for CBS News for thirty years, Ornstein explains the factors that contributed to the current broken state of American politics, most significantly the so-called tribalization initiated by Newt Gingrich, the influence of Rupert Murdoch's media outlets, and the advent of social media. He also shares his ideas for making things better, including national service and a surprising idea for Congress. Ho


03:21 The Shift in American Politics and the Role of Trump

09:19 The Impact of Media and Social Media on Politics

13:42 The Need for Structural Reforms in American Politics

29:15 The Future of the Democratic and Republican Parties

29:43 Potential Fixes for the Current Political Climate

39:43 The Impact of the Permanent Campaign on Politics

42:22 A Sliver of Hope

Dec 15, 202343:19
Part One: What the Heck is Wrong with Congress And How Do We Fix It

Part One: What the Heck is Wrong with Congress And How Do We Fix It

In part one of a two-part crossover between the Beyond Politics podcast and The Politics Guys, Matt Robison and Mike Baranowski discuss what's gone so disastrously wrong with Congress and why things have gotten so horribly broken. ***🙂🙏🤛QUICK Favor: After you Hit "Follow" or "Subscribe" Can You Please Leave Us a Rating and Review?***


When you're done, jump over to the Politics Guys feed and check out Part Two.


02:05 The Politics Guys Podcast

03:54 The Beyond Politics Podcast

07:01 The Challenges of Running for Congress

08:58 The Reality of Being a Member of Congress

14:56 The Impact of Celebrity Culture in Congress

20:15 The Shift from Workhorses to Show Horses in Congress

21:43 Decline in Competitive Seats in the House

22:06 The Rise of Extremism in Safe Districts

22:45 The Role of Low Turnout Elections

23:21 The Influence of Political Incentives

25:20 The Mudcat Principle

25:44 The Role of Money, Votes, and Press in Campaigns

27:52 The Shift in Party Power

29:53 The Unintended Consequences of Reforms

37:58 The Role of Voter Turnout in Elections

42:36 The Shift in Control of Congress

Dec 13, 202346:41
The Most Critical Supreme Court Trump Decision Yet

The Most Critical Supreme Court Trump Decision Yet

Special counsel Jack Smith, who is prosecuting Donald Trump for election interference, is seeking Supreme Court intervention to speed up his case, and all of the prosecutions of Trump likely hang in the balance. Also: University Presidents' insane hypocrisy on antisemitism, House Republicans' upcoming vote to impeach President Biden despite lack of evidence, the"optimally" strong job numbers in the U.S., a shocking situation in Texas related to abortion, and the mysterious disappearance of Alexi Navalny.


00:51 Discussion on Jack Smith's Case Against Donald Trump

03:24 Debate on the Impact of Trump's Potential Conviction

07:01 Analysis of Chris Sununu's Endorsement of Nikki Haley

15:28 Debate on the Impact of University Presidents' Statements

25:45 The State of the U.S. Economy and the Impeachment of President Biden

32:29 The Impact of Abortion Laws on Women's Rights

37:50 The Disappearance of Alexi Navalny: A Reminder of Putin's Dictatorship

Dec 12, 202338:59
Financial Life Planning: End of 2023

Financial Life Planning: End of 2023

Tune in to this week's podcast with Mike Morton to learn more about what you can be doing to improve your financial wealth towards the end of this year.

Dec 10, 202329:47