GD POLITICS

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.gdpolitics.comToday’s podcast is a little bit different. When I launched GD POLITICS, I said that I wanted to hear directly from you and speak directly to you, building a community as we go. I hope you already feel a part of that community, but to that end, I want to occasionally do podcasts where I update you, share thoughts, and answer your questions. So, today it’s just me!

America got its first pope! I was sitting next to one of about 30 Indiana University study abroad students on my flight back from Madrid on Saturday and my seat mate told me that her whole dorm was live streaming the smoke from the Sistine Chapel. As she recounted, everyone went crazy when “America won.” You love to see it!I’m not just interested in the pope as part of this podcast’s religious community revival agenda (I kid). I’m interested in the pope because for the first time ever, he is a registered voter in Illinois. We’ve got some receipts from his primary voting record as well as his subtweets of the president on social media.Also, some big Republican names are sitting out of marquee 2026 Senate races. Last week Georgia governor Brian Kemp said he’s declining to challenge Jon Ossoff, meaning the party is missing out on its strongest recruit for its strongest pickup prospect. Last month Chris Sununu also declined to run for New Hampshire’s open Senate seat.With me to discuss the pope and the Senate are two dear friends of the pod, Mary Radcliffe and Nathaniel Rakich. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gdpolitics.com/subscribe

Eric Grenier, author of The Writ and Canadian election analyst, joins Philippe Fournier, author of 338 Canada and election expert, to dissect the global political ripple effects of Trump's actions. They explore how his presidency has unwittingly bolstered center-left parties in Canada and Australia, leading to unexpected electoral victories. The discussion also covers Canadian voter sentiments, contrasting party performances, and the complexities of the media landscape influenced by American dynamics. Tune in for insights on shifting political tides and evolving public perceptions!

Join Ryan Burge, a professor at Eastern Illinois University and former Baptist pastor, as he delves into the changing landscape of religion in America. He examines the plateauing number of secular Americans and the stability of Christian demographics. The conversation covers the intersection of religion and politics, especially among different faiths. Ryan also discusses Denmark's unique community model, contrasting low church attendance with strong societal bonds, and explores the challenges of fostering community in a secular world.

A lively discussion unfolds as the speakers humorously analyze the current political landscape, including Trump’s presidency and the intriguing search for a new pope. They delve into potential papal candidates and their chances while drawing parallels between church leadership and political elections. The conversation also tackles how changing demographics are reshaping American religious identity and the implications for future values. Engaging games and audience interactions add a fun twist to the insightful political banter.

John Burn-Murdoch, chief data reporter at the Financial Times, dives deep into the latest societal trends and their political implications. He highlights critical data like the plummet in European tourism to the U.S. and its economic uncertainty. The conversation also touches on the rising class stratification, shifting views on free trade and immigration, and the growing skepticism among young voters towards democracy. Additionally, they explore the widening digital divide and its impact on socioeconomic disparities, offering a nuanced view of modern challenges.

Nate Silver, a renowned statistician and founder of FiveThirtyEight, joins to delve into the fast-approaching 2028 Democratic primary landscape. He shares insights on the potential candidates making early moves, including AOC and Cory Booker. The conversation highlights the balance between progressive values and economic issues while exploring the implications of candidates' backgrounds, like governors versus senators. The evolving dynamics surrounding LGBTQ+ rights also spark discussions about voter perceptions. It's a lively preview of what's to come!

Kristen Soltis Anderson, founder of Echelon Insights and a contributor to The New York Times and CNN, dives into the shifting sentiments around Trump's economic policies. She reveals alarming trends from her latest voter survey, showing declining approval ratings and rising discontent among voters regarding the economy. The discussion navigates the complex relationships between tariffs, American manufacturing, and cultural perceptions, hinting at electoral consequences. It’s a captivating blend of politics, economics, and voter emotions.

The video version of this podcast is available to paid subscribers here.Nathaniel Rakich, Mary Radcliffe and I say goodbye to FiveThirtyEight (and talk about Gavin Newsom's podcast). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.gdpolitics.com/subscribe

Elliott Morris, a data-driven political and economic analyst, teams up with Mary Radcliffe, a Ph.D. mathematician, to dissect the fallout from Trump's trade policies. They discuss the dramatic market fluctuations following tariff announcements and critically analyze how these policies impact consumer prices and manufacturing jobs. Elliott and Mary reveal the math behind public sentiment towards tariffs and explore voter reactions amid economic pressures, shedding light on how younger voters might shift the political landscape.