Show Notes
Everyone loves to complain about how California is governed...even some of the Democrats in our focus groups. So, how is the Democratic primary to replace Gavin Newsom shaping up? Plus, a proto-Trump is running for Los Angeles mayor, and Republicans are noticing beyond California. Puck News's Peter Hamby returns to the show to download on how California politics is shaping the rest of America in 2026. By Peter Hamby: California Love Is Xavier Becerra the Best California Can Do? Get 50% off of a new Bulwark+ subscription for the next year, that’s everything we offer on our website, by going to thebulwark.com/sanity – this is a limited time offer
More from The Focus Group Podcast
There are a lot of red states with big elections this year where Democrats are 'sayin' there's a chance,' like Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina, or Iowa, where they may have more than just a chance. The Atlantic's Elaine Godfrey joins Sarah to talk about her travels with Iowa's two leading Democratic candidates, the other long shots Democrats are eyeing in red states, and what disaffected Trump voters are saying about all of it. Go to https://Leesa.com for up to 30% off mattresses during their Evergreen Fall Savings Sale, PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code FOCUSGROUP. Show links: Sarah's Focus Group Newsletter on Ashley Hinson Elaine Godfrey: A Democrat in Name Only Elaine Godfrey: Democrats Might Actually Win Iowa Elaine Godfrey: The GOP’s Culture-War Hail Mary The Bulwark's October Surprise sale ends soon. Get 30% off your annual subscription through SUNDAY.
Republicans have been on a long winning streak in Florida...but they might be playing defense in 2026...because they have one candidate who's REALLY into data centers, and another candidate running what's being called a 'Joe Biden Basement' campaign. And the Democratic ticket may be one of the oddest couples in the history of politics, led by a former Republican Congressman (David Jolly) and a DSA-aligned state legislator (Angie Nixon). POLITICO's Kimberly Leonard joins Sarah to discuss whether Florida is back in the 'swing state' column in 2026.
It’s October, and the political environment is really, really, REALLY bad for the Republican Party. Cook Political Report editor in chief Amy Walter explains how Cook is approaching its race ratings this year, and she and Sarah discuss the ever-growing list of reasons swing voters are mad about the state of the country, discuss Michigan’s Senate race and Sarah’s latest Focus Group Newsletter, and have a more high-minded discussion about how AI is affecting voters’ information diets (and the next election). Show links: Sarah’s Michigan Focus Group Newsletter Subscribe to the Cook Political Report! CPR’s PollTracker (Trump Approval Rating Aggregator) CPR’s “Find a Race” sorter CPR’s Battleground District Project
Ohio used to be the biggest swing state in the country. It's turned pretty red, (Trump won it by 11 points in 2024) but it's very hotly contested this year, and there's one big overarching local issue driving it. Signal Ohio state government and politics reporter Andrew Tobias joins Sarah to break down the major players. Show links: Signal Ohio Sarah's Focus Group Newsletter on Vivek Ramaswamy Sarah's Thank You to the Bulwark Community (Comment here for her AMA next Friday) For a limited time, go to https://TempoMeals.com/THEFOCUSGROUP for 60% off your first box. Embrace your salty side. Go to https://KaChava.com and use code thefocusgroup for 15% off your first order. Send questions for the show to [email protected].
Recorded on Monday, Sept. 14 and the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, Sarah and Pod Save America’s Dan Pfeiffer discuss her book, How to Eat an Elephant, what focus groups are, why she does them, and she uncorks some fresh focus group content on-stage. Sarah will be back behind the mic next week. For a limited time, save 20% on your first subscription order of AG1 Next Gen or AG1 Pro at https://DrinkAG1.com/THEFOCUSGROUP.