{"_":"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.\r\n\r\nhttps://www.thebulwark.com/podcast/focus-group/","$":{"audioboom:html":"1"}}
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Summer’s here, and Sarah’s taking a break from primary election coverage to take stock of the national political landscape. We haven’t talked to swing voters in a little while about the overall state of the country, and it’s becoming clear that the war in Iran is overshadowing, well, everything. Plus: The post-redistricting U.S. House math for Democrats, and a local issue bubbling up all over the country that has some lessons about why Americans are so disillusioned. Sarah all kicks this around ...
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 ...
Sarah is sick and tired of the arguments about whether Democrats should move to the left or the center, because Democratic voters’ answers to this question overlap a lot more than the online turf wars suggest. Adam Jentleson, founder of the Searchlight Institute and author of the forthcoming book Supermajority returns to the show to dig into why voters don’t think in partisan boxes, how some surprising Democratic figures are breaking ideological molds, and what a genuinely big-tent coalition act...
Georgia's primaries for Governor and U.S. Senate have LOTS of things for political nerds (like you, dear listener) to chew on. But the Republican and Democratic voters we talked to felt pretty sick of politics. Some of what we learned: How Republicans feel about their chances against Jon Ossoff in the fall (not good) Why a Trump-like billionaire is overshadowing Trump's endorsed candidate for governor Whether Democratic voters will tolerate a former Republican Lieutenant Governor running as a De...
This week's show has a rare note of agreement with our MAGA focus group participants. In Louisiana, Bill Cassidy is running for re-election to the Senate, and trying to pass himself as a MAGA true believer, even though after January 6 he voted to bar Donald Trump from office forever. Our Republican focus groups know he's full of it, and so does Tim Miller who joins the show this week. Tim and Sarah also discuss Republican voters' recent Strange New Respect for Marco Rubio, JD Vance's falling sto...
In this episode, Sarah Longwell unpacks the surprising developments in the Maine Democratic Senate primary, where Chuck Schumer's preferred candidate, Janet Mills, dropped out. Voters expressed frustration with establishment politics and a desire for more aggressive leaders, leading to the rise of Graham Platner. Despite significant past controversies, voters were remarkably forgiving, valuing authenticity and less-than-perfect politicians in the post-Trump era. The discussion concludes by questioning if swing voters will show the same leniency in the general election against Senator Susan Collins.
Sarah Longwell and David Frum analyze public reactions to events like a White House dinner shooting and James Comey's indictment, finding pervasive conspiracy theories across the political spectrum. They discuss how the proliferation of information contributes to distrust and how leaders' lack of decency exacerbates a 'house of cards' mentality. The episode concludes with a call for empathy and a spotlight on a new book addressing personal grief.
Enjoy a bonus episode of The Focus Group Podcast—Rachel Janfaza talks with Rotimi Adeoye about why moderate Gen Z focus group participants feel locked out of the economy. They discuss Rotimi’s “House by 30” idea, why vague promises aren’t cutting it, and how both parties—especially after Trump’s failed affordability pledges—are losing trust with young voters who feel like they did everything right and still can’t get ahead. Read Rotimi Adeoye in the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/0...
Sarah Longwell and guest Jessica Tarlov delve into the intense political divisions gripping America, discussing strategies for healthier disagreement and the profound personal toll these rifts take on individuals and relationships. They explore the economic anxieties that fuel voter discontent, particularly the "affordability crisis," and analyze why a segment of Trump supporters remains steadfast. The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy, direct communication, and a focus on material concerns to bridge the national divide.
The Focus Group Podcast delves into the clash between Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV, particularly Trump's self-portrayal as Jesus. Through focus groups with Catholic Trump and Harris voters, the episode uncovers how different segments navigate the tension between religious teachings and political allegiance, often exhibiting "cafeteria Catholicism" where beliefs are selectively applied. JVL and Sarah Longwell discuss the dramatic shift of Catholic voters towards the Republican party, the unique significance of an American Pope, and the potential dangers of increasing political polarization within the Church. The discussion highlights that many Trump-voting Catholics prioritize their political identity over traditional church doctrines, especially concerning immigration.
Rachel and Sami Sage delve into the complex interplay between generations, examining how Gen Z is both recycling millennial trends and rejecting the "have it all" ideal. They discuss young women's political motivations, highlighting financial stability and safety concerns, and the impact of algorithms on creating divergent worldviews. The conversation also explores the nuanced ways young women approach traditional life milestones and navigate politically divided friendships and relationships in an increasingly polarized world.
The Focus Group Podcast delves into the dissatisfaction brewing within Trump's 2020 and 2024 voter base, many of whom are alienated by his current policies, particularly on the economy and foreign affairs. Featuring Amy Walter, the episode analyzes how this disengagement, coupled with a narrowing political map, poses a significant challenge for Republicans in the midterms. Voters express regret and a sense of betrayal, especially concerning the Epstein files, revealing a potential "stay home" despair that could benefit Democrats if they can capitalize on the shifting political landscape.
The Focus Group podcast delves into the American public's disquiet over the month-long Iran War, highlighting voters' concerns about the economy, political division, and their daily lives. Guest Ashley Parker provides insight into the White House's decision-making, Trump's reliance on isolated information, and the surprising rehabilitation of Marco Rubio in voters' eyes, contrasting him with the increasingly disliked JD Vance and the influential Stephen Miller. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding voters' material concerns over simplistic labels.
Artificial intelligence is such a big change to human civilization that our political class is struggling to keep up. The voters in our focus groups are struggling, too. The Washington Post 's Megan McArdle joins the show to discuss how everyday Americans are using (and misusing!) AI, its impact on the political process and information environment, and how public policy can adapt to this brave new world. Megan McArdle's Washington Post Podcast, Reasonably Optimistic Make laundry day the best day...
A lot of the young people we’ve been talking to recently in our focus groups are relatively apolitical, and many of them don’t vote. But what DO these young people care about? And what could mobilize them in the future? Rachel Janfaza discusses with Anderson Clayton, the youngest state party chair in the U.S. and chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party.
The Democratic primary for US Senate in Illinois is a bit quiet, according to our guest. But underneath the surface, one candidate has a VERY interesting way of getting attention...and voters are starting to notice. David Axelrod, former adviser to President Obama, joins the show to discuss this Chicago-style Senate race. Pre-order Sarah’s book, How to Eat an Elephant, coming in September!...
Sarah was out last week, and felt she had to bring you some timely focus group reactions to the War in Iran. We also check in on their feelings about the Trump administration (especially their handling of the Epstein Files), and talk about a growing strain of conspiracy theorizing tied to Israel (Jeffrey Epstein and Charlie Kirk are BOTH involved!) Finally, we’ve recently seen members of the Bulwark community pop up in the wild in our focus groups. Hear what drew THEM to The Bulwark. Sarah and B...
Rachel Janfaza sits in for Sarah on this week’s Focus Group to take a look at Gen Z’s personal finances, from their long-term outlooks to their day-to-day habits…especially their investments in crypto and how they’re engaging with sports betting and prediction markets. Ed Elson, co-host of Prof G Markets , joins Rachel. Pre-order Sarah’s book, How to Eat an Elephant, coming in September! Show notes: Rachel in The Up and Up: How Gen Z spends, saves, and invests Rachel in The Up and Up: The Kalshi...
This episode delves into the contentious Texas Democratic Senate primary, featuring "fighter" Jasmine Crockett and faith-driven James Talarico, contrasting their styles and electability concerns. Guest Elaine Godfrey shares insights, including being ejected from a Crockett event, and reveals how voters on the ground prioritize authenticity and electability over the intense online drama, highlighting a significant disconnect in modern politics. The discussion explores each candidate's strengths, weaknesses, and unconventional campaign approaches in a crucial race with high stakes for Democrats in Texas.
Sen. John Cornyn has been a consistent ally of President Trump. Even Trump likes him just fine...but that may not be enough to save him in Texas, because he may have just been too mild-mannered for too long. He's running against a scandal-plagued (but combative) Attorney General, and a less scandal-plagued (but also less known) newcomer. Texas Monthly writer Eric Benson joins Sarah to break down the Republican brawl in the Lone Star State. Get 60% off your first box with Tempo Meals at https://T...
More and more Trump voters are souring on his administration. But why? Inflation, immigration, and Epstein are all in the mix, but there's a giant mosaic of disappointments. We needed a second qualitative researcher to make sense of it all. Democratic pollster Margie Omero joins the show to discuss what she's heard in her own focus groups, listen to Trump voters who are down on his job performance, and check in with the Democratic base. Get free shipping and 365 day returns from Quince at https:...
Why are Gen Z men drifting right while Gen Z women move left? And why do right-wing zoomers think the gender gap is so wide? Sarah Longwell talks with the newest Bulwark contributor Rachel Janfaza, founder of The Up and Up, to analyze new focus groups of Gen Z Trump voters. They also get into these voters' Trump fatigue on foreign policy, why a future JD Vance presidential run isn't appealing, and whether these voters could ever date someone across the political divide. The Bulwark is heading to...
We saw an ICE officer kill an American citizen for the second time in less than three weeks. This time, it was harder for some of the voters we talked to to make an excuse for it. Bulwark immigration correspondent Adrian Carrasquillo returns to the show to discuss his reporting and listen to voters' raw reactions to what they're seeing in the news. Show notes: The abhorrent power of the photograph of a 5-year-old held by ICE By Adrian Carrasquillo: Why a Scared 5-Year-Old Boy Shook Our National ...
Some strange, under-the-radar things are happening on the right. Marco Rubio is experiencing a strange rehabilitation with the Republican base, and some young men are excited about taxing OnlyFans. Meanwhile, JD Vance is still on the struggle bus with swing voters, especially women. Will Sommer, The Bulwark’s right-wing fever swamp correspondent, joins Sarah to break down the growing rift between the MAGA establishment and the America First wing—and what it means for 2028. By Will Sommer : MAGA ...
There's a lot of bad news right now—so much that none of it is breaking through that much to the voters we talked to. From the ICE killing of Renee Good to the Epstein files to the criminal investigation into Jerome Powell, Bulwark editor-at-large Bill Kristol joins Sarah for a reflective conversation on the tough times we live in and how voters are processing them. Get $30 off your first box and free croissants for life when you visit https://Wildgrain.com/FOCUSGROUP . Previous shows discussing...
The United States just captured Venezuela's dictator, and we needed to get some quick voter reactions. Is this REALLY what the newest members of Trump's coalition voted for? We're also sensing growing discontent from them with the state of the country, and with the Trump administration governing more for its friends than for them. Atlantic staff writer Jonathan Chait joins the show to break down voter sentiment nearly a year into Trump's term. Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals...
Sarah started doing focus groups in 2018 and 2019 hoping to save the Republican Party from Trump—by finding a primary challenger who wouldn’t embarrass themselves. Instead, she discovered voters who were fine with Trump, and she picked up a years-long addiction that turned into this show. We listen to audio from Sarah’s earliest focus groups with reluctant Ohio Trump voters, and not-so-reluctant New Hampshire Trump voters. Then, Sarah and producer Conor Kilgore take some listener questions and l...
A year in review from The Focus Group Podcast: the revealing moments, toughest conversations, and warnings that hit a little harder with hindsight—from swing voters to Democrats to cracks inside MAGA. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THEFOCUSGROUP at https://www.oneskin.co/THEFOCUSGROUP #oneskinpod Original episodes: Nothing is True, Everything is Possible (with Anne Applebaum): https://audioboom.com/posts/8711563-nothing-is-true-everything-is-possible-with-anne-applebaum Do the Next Right Thin...
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s 'Make America Healthy Again' movement and its adherents have done some of the most harm of anyone in Donald Trump's second term. The voters who are motivated by 'MAHA' are also some of the most interesting. The Bulwark's resident healthcare expert, Jonathan Cohn joins the show to break down the policy consequences of RFK's healthcare regime, and what motivates the everyday 'MAHA' voter. By Jonathan Cohn: This Is What It Looks Like When RFK Jr. Wins...
The American military used to be one of the more trusted institutions in America. In 2025, it's a major political football. But how much do voters know about the military and its proper use? Bulwark military expert, Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) joins the show. This holiday, give your loved ones the only gift that keeps on giving — health. Go to Superpower.com/gift to get a free $49 gift box with your gifted membership. Show notes: Get free shipping and 365 day returns with Quince at https://Qui...
