Political Breakdown - podcast cover

Political Breakdown

Join hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos as they unpack the day in politics with a California perspective. Featuring interviews with reporters and other insiders involved in the craft of politics—including elected officials, candidates, pollsters, campaign managers, fundraisers, and other political players—Political Breakdown pulls back the curtain to offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics works today.
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Episodes

Kamala Harris’ Exit and Angela Glover Blackwell on ‘Radical Imagination’

Politico national political reporter Christopher Cadelago joins Scott and Marisa to analyze Kamala Harris' exit from the presidential race and her political future (0:25). Then, Angela Glover Blackwell discusses her career in shaping public policy, and her new podcast examining 'radical' policy ideas (13:25). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 06, 201932 min

Thanksgiving Special with Anne Marie Schubert and Katie Porter

Scott and Marisa revisit two of their favorite interviews from the past year: conversations with Sacramento County district attorney Anne Marie Schubert (0:15) and Orange County congresswoman Katie Porter (14:10). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 29, 201932 min

Corrin Rankin on Recruiting African-American Candidates to the GOP and Growing Up in the Bail Industry

Marisa and Scott recap a hectic week of impeachment hearings and the most recent Democratic debate, and analyze the State Supreme Court ruling against the law to force disclosure of presidential candidates' tax returns (0:30). Then, Republican activist Corrin Rankin joins to discuss her childhood experience with redlining, her family bail bonds business, leaving the Democratic party, and her efforts to recruit African-American Republicans to run for office (6:14). Learn more about your ad choice...

Nov 22, 201932 min

Chesa Boudin on His District Attorney Victory, Parents’ Incarceration and Travels in South America

Chesa Boudin pulls off an upset victory and wins the San Francisco district attorney's race (0:28). Marisa and Scott discuss what the result means for San Francisco and the criminal justice reform movement, and talk with Boudin about the moment the race was decided, his parents' incarceration, his early struggles in school, traveling in South America, cash bail reform, and his plans for the office (5:17). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nov 15, 201932 min

Proposition 187 at 25 with MALDEF President Thomas Saenz

San Francisco's closely watched District Attorney's race remains too close to call. Scott and Marisa discuss how the contest fits into the growing attention paid to local prosecutor elections and analyze the rest of the SF election results (0:39). Then, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund President Thomas Saenz joins to discuss the lead-up to the passage of Proposition 187 in 1994, the legal strategy that MALDEF used to defeat the measure in court, and the political and legal rep...

Nov 08, 201932 min

The Politics of California’s Wildfire and Power Crisis with Michael Wara

Representative Katie Hill's promising House career comes to an end with her resignation from Congress, after the release of explicit photos and accusations of an improper relationship with an aide. Marisa and Scott discuss the political fallout and generational divide in the reaction to Hill's resignation (0:40) . Then, Stanford researcher Michael Wara joins to discuss the ongoing wildfire and utility crisis, including Gavin Newsom's response, PG&E's responsibility, 're-imagining' the CPUC, ...

Nov 01, 201932 min

Bill Dodd on Utility Reform, Leaving the GOP and His High School Cover Band

As the Kincade Fire threatens homes in Sonoma County, Scott and Marisa discuss a new KQED/Change Research poll on PG&E's decision to shut off power in hopes of avoiding future blazes (0:20). Then, Napa State Senator Bill Dodd joins to talk about his childhood in Napa, switching to the Democratic party, and the future of California law governing utilities (5:53). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 25, 201932 min

Katie Porter on Congressional Hearings, Class With Elizabeth Warren and Learning to Surf

Scott and Marisa check in with NPR's Scott Detrow for an update on the presidential campaigns of Californians Kamala Harris and Tom Steyer. Then, Orange County Rep. Katie Porter joins the show to talk about her first year in Congress, her Iowa roots, learning from then-professor Elizabeth Warren (her daughter's namesake), grilling witnesses in the House Financial Services Committee and learning to surf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 18, 201932 min

BONUS: Impeachment Inquiry Update from Washington, D.C.

Californians take center stage in the House Democrats' ongoing impeachment inquiry. Scott and Marisa head to Washington, D.C., to talk with House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, and fellow committee members Jackie Speier and Eric Swalwell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 17, 201932 min

Nancy Skinner on PG&E Shutoffs, Criminal Justice Reform, and the NCAA ‘Fair Pay’ Law

Scott and Marisa discuss the "power politics" of PG&E's blackouts with state Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley. Skinner also shares stories of her college activism, working on criminal justice reform with former Gov. Jerry Brown and whether she got snubbed during the signing of her bill to allow NCAA athletes in California to receive endorsements. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 11, 201932 min

Chris Lehane on Impeachment War Rooms, Warren’s Rise and Kennebunkport Politics

Scott and Marisa are joined by Airbnb policy and communications head Chris Lehane to discuss his days dealing with impeachment in the Clinton White House, the differences with the current impeachment inquiry, his early career in Maine politics, the 'dark arts' of opposition research, and Elizabeth Warren's rise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 04, 201932 min

Libby Schaaf on Her Oakland Roots, Clashing with Trump and Fundraising for Spider Monkeys

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf joins Scott and Marisa to discuss Nancy Pelosi's decision on impeachment, Schaaf's own clashes with President Donald Trump, her childhood in Oakland, lessons from her predecessor Jean Quan, and her involvement on Governor Gavin Newsom's Council on Homelessness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 27, 201932 min

Jessica Patterson on Her Vision for the Republican Party, CEQA Reform and ‘Mexican Chop Suey’

A new KQED poll finds Senator Kamala Harris slipping in California. Scott and Marisa talk about the survey results on California's presidential primary and the recently-signed AB 5, and discuss KQED's new partnership with Change Research. Then, California Republican Party chair Jessica Patterson talks about her family background and early involvement in the party, how she'll measure success in her job, and her party's solution to the state's housing crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...

Sep 20, 201932 min

Mayor Eric Garcetti on the Homeless Crisis, Kosher Burritos and LA’s Green New Deal

Some Trump administration officials take a trip to California's biggest city for "fact-finding" on homelessness. Scott and Marisa sit down with LA Mayor Eric Garcetti in his office to talk about the Trump team's visit (0:35), what he thinks the President could do to help LA's homeless crisis (2:20), his "Jew-tino" heritage (7:50), what it was like watching the O.J. Simpson trial while his dad was District Attorney (12:30), and LA's Green New Deal (24:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ...

Sep 13, 201933 min

Ted Lieu on Tweeting at Trump, Running Against Kamala and Selling Jade

Governor Gavin Newsom's request to amend a vaccination bill causes confusion in the legislature. Scott and Marisa analyze Newsom's move, and how he has dealt with other controversial bills as the legislative year draws to a close (0:37). Then, Congressman Ted Lieu joins to talk about his families emigration from Taiwan, selling jewelry in his parent's store, serving in the Air Force, taking on President Trump on Twitter, and running against (and now supporting) Kamala Harris (6:12). Learn more a...

Sep 06, 201932 min

Jordan Cunningham on Coastal Republicanism, Charter Schools and Nuclear Energy

Negotiations over gig worker regulations heat up and lawmakers and the governor reach a deal on charter schools. Katie Orr joins Scott and Marisa for an update as the legislative year nears the finish line (0:40). Then, Republican Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham joins to discuss the charter school deal, his law enforcement pedigree, Central Coast politics, nuclear energy, and regulating vaping (7:51). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 30, 201932 min

Andrew Yang on Support from Tech Workers, Universal Basic Income, and the ‘Bizarre’ Democratic Debates

Governor Gavin Newsom signs landmark legislation changing California's police use-of-force law, and Scott and Marisa recap a big win for the Newsom administration on auto emissions. (0:45) Then, Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang joins the show to talk about his UC connections, academic lineage, support from tech workers, universal basic income, and the 'bizarre' Democratic primary debates (5:33). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 23, 201932 min

Marianne Williamson on Reparations, Vaccinations, and Spirituality in Politics

Author and presidential candidate Marianne Williamson joins Marisa and Guy Marzorati to discuss her childhood travels, discovering A Course in Miracles, her charity work with AIDS patients in Los Angeles, her stance on changes to vaccine exemption law, her proposal on reparations for slavery, and the past and future of the religious left. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 16, 201932 min

Massaging the Message with Anat Shenker-Osorio

Governor Gavin Newsom warns of white nationalism's threat to California, and faces a legal challenge over his decision to sign a presidential tax return bill, plus Scott asks Marisa about her trip to prison with the governor (0:50). Then, political messaging expert Anat Shenker-Osorio joins to discuss the "messaging quadrant," the difference in how Republican and Democratic campaigns search for messages, and the Race Class Narrative (6:13) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc...

Aug 09, 201932 min

Ro Khanna on Anti-War Activism, Regulating Silicon Valley, and Keeping His Kids Off of Social Media

A new California law could keep President Trump off of the state's 2020 primary ballot, and Marisa and Guy Marzorati discuss how Senator Kamala Harris performed in this week's Democratic debates (0:42). Then, Congressman Ro Khanna joins to discuss his grandfather's freedom fighting, early anti-war activism, the best advice he got from Nancy Pelosi, representing Silicon Valley while pushing for tech regulations, and why he keeps his kids off of social media (5:32). Learn more about your ad choice...

Aug 02, 201932 min

Amanda Renteria on Central Valley Politics, Working for DiFi, and Life on the Hot Corner

Marisa and Guy Marzorati preview next week's Democratic presidential debates, and discuss why criminal justice policy could take center stage on Wednesday night (0:36). Then, Amanda Renteria, interim president of Emerge, joins to talk about her childhood in the Central Valley, playing third base on the Stanford softball team, working for Senator Dianne Feinstein, running for congress and governor, and helping more women win office (5:42). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch...

Jul 25, 201932 min

Scott Wiener on Coming Out to His Frat Brothers, San Francisco Politics and Fashion Tips from Kamala

House Democrats are united against President Trump's racist attack on four Congresswomen, but divided over how to respond. Marisa and Guy Marzorati also discuss the latest in California presidential fundraising and polling (0:55) Then, San Francisco State Senator Scott Wiener joins to discuss the anti-semitism he faced growing up, coming out to his fraternity brothers, fashion advice from Kamala Harris and his approach to legislating on controversial issues (6:00). Learn more about your ad choic...

Jul 18, 201932 min

Chad Mayes on Cap and Trade, Working With Democrats and the Future of the Republican Party

Eric Swalwell is out and Tom Steyer is in. Scott Shafer and Katie Orr discuss changes in the presidential race, the wildfire bill on its way to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk and the winning U.S. women's soccer team. Then Assemblymember Chad Mayes, a Republican from the Inland Empire, discusses his Christian upbringing, working with Democrats and the future of the GOP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 12, 201932 min

Newsom’s First Budget, Kamala’s Big Night and Cory Booker on His California Roots

Gov. Gavin Newsom takes an extended victory lap after signing his first state budget, and Sen. Kamala Harris tries to make the most of her standout performance at the first Democratic presidential debate. Plus, we revisit our conversation with fellow presidential contender Sen. Cory Booker from New Jersey. He talks about race, his California roots, living in public housing in Newark and why he talks so much about love on the campaign trail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad...

Jul 05, 201932 min

Catharine Baker on Losing an Election, Overcoming Cancer, and Reaching Across the Aisle

A Sacramento police officer was killed in the line of duty Wednesday night. Marisa and Scott discuss how that might affect the conversation on the death penalty. Then, former Bay Area Assemblywoman Catharine Baker discusses why that “R” next to hear name on the ballot doomed her re-election, battling cancer her senior year of college, and why bipartisanship was the only way to get stuff done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 21, 201932 min

Adam Schiff on His Mother’s Campaigning, Prosecuting an FBI Agent, and Working with Devin Nunes

A new poll finds Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren surging in California. Marisa and Scott discuss how the top candidates are fairing in the Golden State. Then, Los Angeles congressman Adam Schiff discusses how his kids view his newfound political celebrity, his mother's campaigning skills, his prosecution of an FBI agent, and his relationship with California Republican Devin Nunes on the House Intelligence Committee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 14, 201932 min

Cory Booker on His Push for ‘Civic Grace,’ Football at Stanford, and Dating in the Projects

California takes center stage in the Democratic primary, as fourteen candidates make their case to delegates at the party convention in San Francisco. Scott and Marisa recap the speeches and the election of a new party chair. Then, an interview from the convention with New Jersey Senator and presidential hopeful Cory Booker, who discusses his push for "civic grace," his California roots, why he still has a year of college football eligibility, the difficulty of dating in the projects of Newark, ...

Jun 07, 201932 min

Julián Castro on Growing Up in Texas and Taking On President Trump’s Immigration Policy

California Democrats are gearing up for their annual party convention in San Francisco this weekend, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is blasting Facebook after the tech giant didn't take down a doctored video of her. Then, presidential candidate Julián Castro joins the breakdown to discuss growing up in Texas, tying with his twin brother in a college student senate election, and why he's made immigration a central issue in his bid for the presidency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph...

May 31, 201932 min

The Identity Politics of Being ‘Enough’ with Tonya Mosley, and Jenifer Ancona on Organizing a New American Majority

Tonya Mosley, host of KQED's new podcast Truth Be Told, joins Marisa and Scott to talk about identity politics and the struggle for candidates of color to be "enough." Then, Jenifer Ancona of Way to Win discusses the group's focus on voters of color, the importance of year-round organizing, why funding candidate campaigns isn't sustainable, and the "reverse coattails" effect they are hoping to spark on the local level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 24, 201932 min
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