Inside Golden State Politics - podcast cover

Inside Golden State Politics

Bill Boyarsky & Sherry Jeffewww.buzzsprout.com

Bill Boyarsky and Sherry Bebitch Jeffe, two experienced California political experts, argue about politics from Los Angeles to Sacramento to Washington.


Bill Boyarsky is former city editor of the Los Angeles Times and was also a columnist, bureau chief and political reporter for the newspaper. Previously, he reported on politics for the Associated Press in Sacramento.

He is the winner of three Pulitzer Prizes for team reporting.


Bill is the author of two biographies of Ronald Reagan, a biography of Jesse M. Unruh; Inventing L.A.: The Chandlers and Their Times, and, with co-author Nancy Boyarsky, Backroom Politics.


Sherry Bebitch Jeffe is a retired  professor of the practice of public policy communication at the Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California.


Sherry has been political analyst for KCAL-TV, NBC4 Los Angeles NBC's "Today" show and the BBC, where she was an analyst on American politics for programs in London, Scotland and Wales. In 2006, she was a nominee for the Los Angeles Area Emmy Award for NBC4’s news feature, “Decision 2005: A Voter’s Guide.


She has also appeared on MSNBC, CNN, Spectrum News 1 and Al Jazeera English and on radio shows in the United States and internationally. 


Sherry has a Ph.D in government from Claremont Graduate University and a master's in political science from Rutgers, where she was a fellow at the Eagleton Institute of Politics.

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Episodes

From Bridges To Baseball: America Divided

We examine how President Joe Biden could emerge a winner with his hotly contested jobs and infrastructure plan. We detail blue collar jobs and projects big and small that could be created. California could be a real beneficiary. Finally, we discuss the economic and political impact of moving the baseball all star game from Atlanta to Denver. Nancy Boyarsky is the producer-director of Inside Golden State Politics

Apr 08, 202130 min

The One That Doesn't Dwell On Covid

Now that recent polls are out, can Gov. Gavin Newsom breathe easier in his fight against the recall? And could Sen. Dianne Feinstein, criticized by her party's progressives, be a valuable ally in President Joe Biden's efforts to clamp down on guns? Nancy Boyarsky is the producer and director of Inside Golden State Politics

Apr 01, 202129 min

Journalism And A Racist World

We explore whether economically troubled journalism is up to the challenge of covering the complexities of modern society and politics. Inside Golden State Politics is produced and directed by Nancy Boyarsky

Mar 25, 202130 min

When "Cancel" Politics Becomes "Cancel" Policy: CA and DC.

With our guest, political analyst Bill Schneider, we explain the filibuster and its importance to the voting rights legislation in the Senate. We wonder exactly what Gov. Gavin Newsom has done to deserve a recall. Nancy Boyarsky is the producer and director of Inside Golden State Politics.

Mar 18, 202135 min

When "Cancel" Politics Becomes "Cancel" Policy: CA and DC

With our guest, political analyst Bill Schneider, we explain the filibuster and its importance to the voting rights legislation in the Senate. We wonder exactly what Gov. Gavin Newsom has done to deserve a recall. Nancy Boyarsky is the producer-director of Inside Golden State Politics

Mar 18, 202136 min

Will Biden's Covid Relief Package Squelch Newsom Recall?

We wonder whether Gavin Newsom's State of the State address was just another campaign speech. We also critique the governor's speaking style. Bill said he was easier to understand. Sherry said he spoke too fast. Nancy Boyarsky is the producer-director of Inside Golden State Politics

Mar 11, 202131 min

Recall, Pandemic and The Rock--Oh, My

With our guest, Politico's Carla Marinucci, we chat about how the Recall Newson campaign needs a star out front--just as the Recall Davis effort in 2003 had Arnold. Is Dwayne Johnson, The Rock, the new Arnold? We also explore the recall's connection to the anti-vaccination movement. Nancy Boyarsky is the producer-director of Inside Golden State Politics.

Mar 04, 202133 min

Amazing Grace, Amazing Misogyny

We note the misogyny of the on-line attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris and political women in general. Then we discuss the sad statistic of more than a half million Americans dead from Covid-19 and the way President Biden remembered their passing with grace and empathy.

Feb 25, 202130 min

"Is This America?"

We examine the impact of the Trump impeachment trial on the country. We wonder if die-hard Republican senators will turn against the president. And we look at how Trump's behavior is impacting two California Republican members of Congress.

Feb 11, 202128 min

Uncivil Wars

Along with our guest, television political reporter Dave Bryan, we analyze the attacks on Gov. Gavin Newsom, some of them political, others downright dangerous. We also discuss the Trump impeachment trial. Nancy Boyarsky is producer and director of Inside Golden State Politics

Feb 04, 202130 min

Vax Mess!

We look at the latest on the rocky rollout of the Covid vaccine and its impact on California's governor and President Biden. And we debate the pros and cons of eliminating the Senate filibuster. Inside Golden State Politics is produced and directed by Nancy Boyarsky

Jan 28, 202131 min

"Land of Hope And Dreams"?

We question whether or not President Biden is aiming too high. But in a time of unparalleled crises, we ask why aim too low. And we explore the increased influence of Trump-scorned California in Washington.

Jan 21, 202131 min

Did The Media Miss The Story?

Along with our guest, distinguished journalist Warren Olney, we examine the story behind the story of the U.S. Capitol riot. We pinpoint some media failures and Olney offers idea on how journalists can do better. Nancy Boyarsky is the producer and director of Inside Golden State Politics

Jan 14, 202128 min

"American Carnage"

A nation's trauma, Trump's defeats, and the wrong road for California Republicans Nancy Boyarsky is the producer-director of Inside Golden State Politics

Jan 08, 202131 min

Agism, New Blood And A Worried Glance Back

We look at Alex Padilla, California's senator-to-be , and the controversy surrounding his appointment. And we remember the momentous events of 2020. Nancy Boyarsky is producer, director and editor of Inside Golden State Politics We're taking next week off. Seasons greetings and see you in January.

Dec 24, 202031 min

The Golden State Loses Its Luster

We discuss California's state of mind with Mark Baldassare, president of the Public Policy Institute of California. The think tank's recent survey paints a gloomy picture and we explore why. Nancy Boyarsky is the producer-director of Inside Golden State Politics

Dec 17, 202031 min

Becerra: Another Bright Spot For California And The Rest of The Country

We look at the good news and the bad. The appointment of California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra to head the Department of Health and Human Services brings an accomplished politician and health care champion to the challenging job. We dismantle the congressional stalemate on coronavirus aid. And we criticize California Gov. Gavin Newson, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and the news media for lack of effective communication on the pandemic aid bill. Finally we agree it's time for the public to deman...

Dec 10, 202032 min

The Myth of the Latino Monolith

Along with our guest, journalist Pilar Marrero, we discuss the Latino vote in the 2020 election nationally and in California, Arizona and other states. And we explore the impact of Latinos on American politics and policy in the future. Nancy Boyarsky is the producer-director of Inside Golden State Politics

Dec 03, 202028 min

Biden In Charge. California In the Spotlight. Trump In Trouble?

We examine the possible march of Californians into the Biden administration. And we discuss contenders to replace Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in the Senate. Finally, we wonder where--and when--Trump will go. Nancy Boyarsky is the producer-director of Inside Golden State Politics.

Nov 12, 202033 min

California And The Nation: Record Turnouts, Tight Races

Muddle-headed from sleep deprivation, we try to make sense of the ongoing election chaos. We also look at California races. Nancy Boyarsky is the producer and director of Inside Golden State Politics.

Nov 05, 202031 min

A Gentler--Not Kinder--Presidential Debate

In the final presidential debate, a gentler--not kinder--President Donald Trump pretty much left California, a favorite target, out of his sights. Instead Trump spent more time blasting his opponent, Joe Biden, than outlining his vision for a second term. We also discuss the media's over reliance on public opinion polls.

Oct 23, 202030 min

Political Potholes and California Ballot Propositions: On the Rocky Road to Election Day

When is a ballot drop box not a ballot drop box? We dig into the controversy over Republicans distributing their own unofficial drop boxes and examine other potholes on the rocky road to election day. We also explain some of the propositions on the California ballot with a special guest, Robert Stern, a respected elections lawyer, a co author of the state political reform act and the longtime president of the Center for Governmental Studies.

Oct 15, 202030 min

California Sends a Favorite Daughter Into Battle

We take apart the Pence-Harris debate, concluding Sen. Kamala Harris did well in the high-pressure competition. Vice President Mike Pence tried to defend President Trump and his record. But he found it rough going. And we look at some possible choices for Gov. Gavin Newsom to make to fill Harris' Senate seat if the Democrats win the presidency.

Oct 08, 202029 min

The End of Civilization As We Know It?

We dig into the mire of the Tump-Biden debate and look beyond it. We try to shed light on the little known, except in presidential election years, Commission on Presidential Debates. Do the candidates have follow its arcane rules? Finally, what if the election results in a contested, razor thin victory margin? We conclude with the election officials' prayer: "Let there be a landslide."

Oct 01, 202031 min

The Rocky Road To Election Day Gets Rockier

We look at Donald Trump's drive to a 6-3 Supreme Court that could give him the presidency in a contested election. Among the major Democrats working to derail his drive are California senators Kamala Harris and Dianne Feinstein.

Sep 24, 202030 min

Donald, Bob, Covid and Chaos

What's the impact of all the Trump books? We examine whether anyone other than politics addicts care when so many Americans are busy worrying about the pandemic. We also look at how Joe Biden is handling his media face off against Donald Trump, Most important, there's growing concern over counting the vote. In California, extensive preparations didn't prevent long lines in the primary election, especially in populous Los Angeles County. Can election officials do better in November?

Sep 10, 202031 min
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