Steve Deace Show Why Michele Tafoya Provides a HUGE Test For Minnesota | Guest: Brent Buchanan | 1/22/26
Jan 22, 2026
Brent Buchanan, a Cygnal pollster and former Trump campaign strategist, joins to discuss the significant political implications of Michele Tafoya's Senate run in Minnesota. He evaluates current electorate trends, emphasizing the potential for tax rebates to impact voter sentiment and boost Republican turnout. Buchanan also analyzes how demographic shifts, including the education divide and rising independent registrations, might reshape the political landscape. He further explores Tafoya's appeal to younger voters and how social media dynamics are influencing political engagement.
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Tax Rebate Conversation On A Plane
- Brent Buchanan described a conversation where a retired man expected a $5,000 tax rebate from the "big, beautiful bill."
- He used this to illustrate how policy can rapidly change voter sentiment by putting money back in pockets.
The Diploma Divide Drives Polarization
- The diploma divide is a major driver of partisan alignment, with college-educated voters shifting Democratic.
- Buchanan notes college education now predicts ideology and turnout patterns.
Independents Often Aren't Truly Neutral
- Many independents are veiled partisans or low-engagement voters added via motor-voter rules.
- Buchanan warns independents often show lower excitement and turnout than self-identified partisans.