The Focus Group Podcast

5.0 (71)
POLITICS
UPDATED WEEKLY

Unfiltered, uncompromising, unexpected—The Focus Group is a look into what the average voter thinks about politics, policy, and current events. Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark, has conducted hundreds of hours of focus groups all across the country. She and a series of special guests will take you behind the glass to hear what real focus group participants have to say. https://www.thebulwark.com/podcast/focus-group/

4 DAYS AGO

An 'Unserious' Show (with Jonathan V. Last)

We've got (Thanksgiving) leftover focus group sound we didn't get to last week. JVL returns to parry with Sarah over whether this is a serious country still.

1h 10m
NOV 30

"Beyoncé Ain't Paying My Bills, B*tch." (with Astead Herndon)

We're back for a post-election autopsy, starting with a deep dive on how Trump's newest voters found Kamala and the Democrats lacking.

1h 14m
NOV 2

How [He/She] Wins (with Ron Brownstein)

Whatever happens, the focus groups over the last year-plus have given clues about what's motivating the swing voters for Trump, and those voting for Harris.

1h 7m
OCT 26

Keystone State of the Race (with Holly Otterbein)

There's one thing Republican and Democratic strategists all agree on right now: no state is more likely to decide this election than Pennsylvania.

54 min
OCT 19

Senate GOP Vote Desert (with Jon Ralston and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez)

Jon Ralston helps break down Sarah's focus groups with PBS in Nevada, and Yvonne Wingett Sanchez discusses Arizona's abortion referendum and Kari Lake's attempt in the Senate race.

1h 1m
OCT 12

Great Lakes, "Meh" Candidates (with Craig Gilbert and Craig Mauger)

Michigan and Wisconsin aren't just presidential battlegrounds; their Senate races are getting more competitive down the stretch. How are swing voters thinking about their options?

57 min
OCT 5

The Grandpa vs. the Slimy Lawyer (with John Heilemann)

The pundit class thought JD Vance performed better than Tim Walz in the VP debate. Voters had their own take. John Heilemann joins Sarah to review our focus groups reactions.

58 min
SEPT 28

Trump Is All They Know (with Peter Hamby)

Some of today's first-time voters were 10 years old when Trump launched his first campaign, and that's certainly affected how they look at politics. Peter Hamby joins Sarah.

57 min

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5

out of 5

71 Ratings

Please strongly consider

Oct 5

KCKCFOREVER123$

Although sometimes hard to listen to focus group peoples opinions, I give Sarah a lot of credit for doing just that… One suggestion, Sarah… Have you considered that the JD Vance we saw in the debate is actually the real JD Vance and that dude out on the trail with hischildless ladies is the actual act for all of Trump’s Magus supporters
Always trust Sarah’s assessments

2023-02-02

Allibiscuit1966

Sarah has always stated that the American people are basically good and that she believes in the American people. And I agree with her. What we need now is to understand each other and respect all perspectives. How do we do that? This is a really good start. Love her analysis on what the political climate is and why.. Sarah gives me hope that Republicans can make a difference.. although I am what is considered middle right, I have a hard time understanding where the right has gone the last 10 years. Sarah helps me to understand it a bit better
Good while it lasted

2022-09-11

goorooo

Not too thrilled with the paywall ‘pitch’. And, bye for now.
Intelligent, Rational !!!

2022-07-25

Blaow PROD

Finally some smart content about the GOP...great source for US politics content. 👌

Unfiltered, uncompromising, unexpected—The Focus Group is a look into what the average voter thinks about politics, policy, and current events. Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark, has conducted hundreds of hours of focus groups all across the country. She and a series of special guests will take you behind the glass to hear what real focus group participants have to say. https://www.thebulwark.com/podcast/focus-group/