7 episodes
The Focus Group with Sarah Longwell The Bulwark
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- News
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4.9 • 1.1K Ratings
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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.
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Bonus Episode with Charlie Sykes
The first season of the Focus Group podcast is over, but we'll be back in 2022!
If you're still itching for another peek behind the glass, we have a very special bonus episode available exclusively to Bulwark+ members: https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/the-focus-group-bonus-episode-whats -
“It’s kind of an ‘oh s**t’ moment”: James Carville on the Virginia Governor's Race
Legendary political consultant James Carville joins Sarah to discuss a focus group with undecided independent voters ahead of the 2021 Virginia gubernatorial election. Sarah and James also discuss the Democratic Party’s messaging problem, Trump, and the craziest Republican members of Congress. What candidate will these voters choose and how will the race wind up according to the voters on the ground? Listen to find out.
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Where is the Democratic Party going? (with David Shor)
David Shor, Data Scientist at Blue Rose Research, joins Sarah to take a deeper dive into what is happening within the Democratic Party. Sarah and David discuss how voters have shifted in recent presidential elections, the Biden presidency, 2022 midterms, and more. Listen for what Democrats need to think about if they want the best outcome in 2022.
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Malaise 2.0: Democrats grade Biden (with Jonathan V. Last)
Jonathan V. Last, editor at The Bulwark, joins Sarah to discuss a focus group with progressive and moderate Democrats in Pennsylvania. They voted for Biden in 2020, but how do they think he is doing as President nine months in? Sarah and JVL also discuss the group’s thinking about the economy, Pennsylvania’s upcoming Senate race, and more. Listen to find out if JVL has a full-on meltdown.
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Miller versus MAGA (with Tim Miller)
Tim Miller, writer-at-large at The Bulwark, joins Sarah to discuss focus groups with Trump supporters in Ohio and Georgia, two states that feature crucial 2022 Senate races with Trump-endorsed candidates. Hear what they’re thinking about Josh Mandel, Herschel Walker, and more.
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The Republican Triangle of Doom (with Bill Kristol)
Bill Kristol, Director of Defending Democracy Together and conservative political commentator, joins Sarah for a focus group with conservative, yet reluctant, 2020 Trump and third-party voters in swing states across the country.
Customer Reviews
Excellent!
Fascinating and maybe even a bit frightening to be a fly on the wall listening to Sarah’s focus group’s January 6th points of view. SARAH’S ALWAYS RIGHT!
Love everything from the Bulwark family.
Such a great idea for a new podcast. And I agree that it is absolutely important that we open our ears to other peoples thoughts. The way I view society is nearly everyone is both right and wrong the real question is what is MORE right and who is More wrong. Sometimes some is 90% right on an issue an 10% wrong or vice versa. My point is, we should not right off peoples opinions who differ from us. That is what I love some much about the Bulwark and their family of podcast. They are not tribalist and willing to open their minds to all points of view and then settle into a logical and practical perspective. The Focus group is a wonderful addition to their collection of podcast. Highly recommended.
Critical Medicine!
I can’t stress enough how important it is to listen to what all voters are thinking, no matter how painful or terrifying. It’s not about continuing to give Trump thralls a voice — these are voices of Democrats, “Republicans”, and Independents, and our future as a nation are in their hands. Sarah guides the discussion masterfully without judgement, something we’re in short supply of these days. Listen up!