Shows
Postrider PodcastsThe Postrider Roundup: Not a Tariff-ic "Liberation Day" After AllThe Postrider's Lars Emerson and Michael Lovito gripe about tariffs and economic uncertainty, agonize over the administration's strategy at hand, and take note of cracks in the administration's unified face -- as well as a scattered Democratic response beginning to show signs of life.2025-04-1548 min
Postrider PodcastsThe Postrider Roundup: Schumer's Folly and the Democratic ResponseThe Postrider's Lars Emerson and Michael Lovito discuss the continuing resolution, Chuck Schumer's flagging support, frustration with Democrats at large, and what to make of the numerous high-profile Senate Democratic retirement announcements.2025-03-1855 min
Postrider PodcastsThe Postrider Roundup: Trump v. Pop Culture, the System, et al.The Postrider's Lars Emerson and Michael Lovito discuss Trump's pervasive impact on pop culture before turning to Michael's article on DOGE and "solutionism." Then, they assess (with some optimism for the system) what checks and balances may limit Trump going forward. 2025-02-181h 10
Postrider PodcastsThe Postrider Roundup: Hi Don and Bye-denThe Postrider's Lars Emerson and Michael Lovito discuss Trump's inauguration, his first day back in the job, and his executive orders. Then they pivot to some reflections on the Biden era and the last weeks of his presidency.2025-01-241h 27
Postrider PodcastsThe Postrider Roundup: Trump's Nominees, Biden's Big Pardon, and Reflecting on January 6The Postrider's Lars Emerson and Michael Lovito discuss Trump's controversial nominees, checking in on Pete Hegseth and digging into FBI nominee Kash Patel, then discuss Biden's controversial pardon of his son and what meaning January 6 holds nearly four years later.2024-12-131h 08
Postrider PodcastsThe Postrider Roundup: After the 2024 ElectionThe Postrider's Lars Emerson and Michael Lovito debrief the 2024 election, its aftermath, and its consequences. They reflect on the media ecosystem's coverage of the election and its results, the impact of Donald Trump in the grand scheme of American history, and where the Democratic Party goes now.2024-11-151h 18
Postrider PodcastsThe Postrider Roundup: 2024 Election Preview ExtravaganzaIn The Postrider Roundup's inaugural episode, Michael Lovito and Lars Emerson discuss the impending elections for president, Senate, the House of Representatives, and a handful of governor's mansions. They discuss what an odd last few weeks of the campaign it's been, the Postrider Election Model, and who they think will ultimately end up winning, all while attempting to cut through the noise and balance their vibes with the data. It's a jam packed pre-election extravaganza, perfect to get you pumped up (or freaked out) for November 5th.2024-11-011h 36
Watching MatesThe Postrider Roundup: TrailerThe Postrider Roundup is a new biweekly podcast from The Postrider, offering a dynamic, up-to-date look at American politics, from Congress to the campaign trail. On the Roundup, Lars Emerson and Michael Lovito dive into the latest developments in DC, analyzing elections, legislation, and the complexities of the ever-evolving political landscape with a unique blend of pragmatism, enthusiasm, and humor. Follow now to catch the episodes!2024-10-2900 min
Floor FightThe Postrider Roundup: TrailerThe Postrider Roundup is a new biweekly podcast from The Postrider, offering a dynamic, up-to-date look at American politics, from Congress to the campaign trail. On the Roundup, Lars Emerson and Michael Lovito dive into the latest developments in DC, analyzing elections, legislation, and the complexities of the ever-evolving political landscape with a unique blend of pragmatism, enthusiasm, and humor. Follow now to catch the episodes!2024-10-2900 min
Pony ExpressThe Postrider Roundup: TrailerThe Postrider Roundup is a new biweekly podcast from The Postrider, offering a dynamic, up-to-date look at American politics, from Congress to the campaign trail. On the Roundup, Lars Emerson and Michael Lovito dive into the latest developments in DC, analyzing elections, legislation, and the complexities of the ever-evolving political landscape with a unique blend of pragmatism, enthusiasm, and humor. Follow now to catch the episodes!2024-10-2900 min
The Visitors Might Be ListeningThe Postrider Roundup: TrailerThe Postrider Roundup is a new biweekly podcast from The Postrider, offering a dynamic, up-to-date look at American politics, from Congress to the campaign trail. On the Roundup, Lars Emerson and Michael Lovito dive into the latest developments in DC, analyzing elections, legislation, and the complexities of the ever-evolving political landscape with a unique blend of pragmatism, enthusiasm, and humor. Follow now to catch the episodes!2024-10-2900 min
Politics ExpressThe Postrider Roundup: TrailerThe Postrider Roundup is a new biweekly podcast from The Postrider, offering a dynamic, up-to-date look at American politics, from Congress to the campaign trail. On the Roundup, Lars Emerson and Michael Lovito dive into the latest developments in DC, analyzing elections, legislation, and the complexities of the ever-evolving political landscape with a unique blend of pragmatism, enthusiasm, and humor. Follow now to catch the episodes!2024-10-2900 min
Running MatesThe Postrider Roundup: TrailerThe Postrider Roundup is a new biweekly podcast from The Postrider, offering a dynamic, up-to-date look at American politics, from Congress to the campaign trail. On the Roundup, Lars Emerson and Michael Lovito dive into the latest developments in DC, analyzing elections, legislation, and the complexities of the ever-evolving political landscape with a unique blend of pragmatism, enthusiasm, and humor. Follow now to catch the episodes!2024-10-2900 min
Postrider PodcastsThe Postrider RoundupThe Postrider Roundup is a new biweekly podcast from The Postrider, offering a dynamic, up-to-date look at American politics, from Congress to the campaign trail. On the Roundup, Lars Emerson and Michael Lovito dive into the latest developments in DC, analyzing elections, legislation, and the complexities of the ever-evolving political landscape with a unique blend of pragmatism, enthusiasm, and humor.2024-10-2500 min
Running MatesEpisode 17: 2024 - Vance v. WalzLike a phoenix rising from the ashes four years later, Running Mates is back, and Lars and Michael are thrilled to get back into talking vice presidential picks in our quadrennial return to the show. They dive into the Biden presidency, explore Donald Trump's selection of JD Vance as his running mate, talk about Vice President Kamala Harris' sudden rise to the top of the ticket, and her selection of Tim Walz. Then they get into the Running Mates material you know and love: talking about who we'd have picked for them instead! 2024-10-251h 42
The Also-RansEpisode 27: Kamala VeepstakesWe have a quick, emergency episode of the Also-Rans on deck! With President Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 race, we have a new presumptive nominee with VP Kamala Harris. This means she's got to pick a running mate-- and fast! With help from The Postrider's Michael Lovito and Lars Emerson, we break down Harris's options from the Democratic bench and even consider a few wild card possibilities.2024-07-241h 18
Politics ExpressRedrawing the DollarThe Postrider's Politics Editor Lars Emerson and Editor-in-Chief Michael Lovito present their own visions for how to redesign U.S. currency. Who would we put on coins? What denominations would we add or subtract? And how can America use its money to present the best possible version of itself? 2024-02-1956 minThe Also-RansEpisode 18: The Vice Squad (w/ Michael Lovito and Lars Emerson)All U.S. presidents are products of their time and place. So...what would happen if we plucked them out of that time and place and into 21st century America? How would their politics change? Would they even be electable? And most importantly...who would they pick as running mates? To answer that last question, we're going to look at 10 presidents and try and figure out their best running mates out of today's politicians. Joining me are The Postrider's Lars Emerson and Michael Lovito.2023-05-071h 29Politics Express2022's Gubernatorial RacesThe Postrider's Politics Editor Lars Emerson and Editor-in-Chief Michael Lovito are joined by Split Ticket Founding Partner and Contributing Author Armin Thomas to discuss the state of 2022's gubernatorial elections. What states are we watching? Which races should you keep an eye on? And what can you ignore? 2022-10-1854 minPolitics ExpressThe Full 2022 Senate MapWith their full suite of 2022 Senate ratings now live, The Postrider's Politics Editor Lars Emerson and Editor-in-Chief Michael Lovito hop on the podcast to discuss the national factors in the race for the chamber, what states listeners should be paying attention to, what races they're keeping an eye on, and what elections you can ignore.2022-09-2554 minPolitics ExpressAn Insider's Look at Political Outreach and AdvertisingPolitics Editor Lars Emerson and The Postrider's Editor-in-Chief Michael Lovito are joined by Faith Rokowski from Blueprint Interactive, a Democratic digital strategy firm in DC, to discuss the state of political fundraising, campaign advertising, and digital best practices in the modern era. 2022-09-1948 min
The Visitors Might Be ListeningThe Visitors Might Be Listening Season 2 TrailerLouis Ryan announces the new season of The Visitors Might Be Listening, in which he and Michael Lovito take a look at For All Mankind.2022-08-2600 minPolitics ExpressBills, Bills, Bills / Search of Mar-a-LagoPolitics Editor Lars Emerson and The Postrider's Editor-in-Chief Michael Lovito discuss and analyze the FBI search of Donald Trump's de facto headquarters at Mar-a-Lago; including why this is -- contrary to prevailing wisdom, evidently -- not going to help his political aspirations! They then discuss the array of high profile legislation that has come out of the 117th Congress as of late, emphasizing the process, major players, impact, and electoral reality in the wake of these policies.2022-08-201h 14Politics ExpressHow We Put Together Our Senate RatingsHow does The Postrider put together its Senate ratings? With the release of our 2022 ratings, Politics Editor Lars Emerson and Editor-in-Chief Michael Lovito are here to discuss how they research states, how they assign a rating, what they feel is most important or least important in determining how competitive a race is, and -- finally -- answer a big question: is our record any better than mathematical forecasts? 2022-08-1253 minPolitics Express2022 Primary RecapThe Postrider's Politics Editor Lars Emerson and Editor-in-Chief Michael Lovito discuss 2022's primaries for House, Senate, governor, and more. How did Trump's endorsements do? Why did Democrats strategically boost some far-right candidates? And what major primaries remain that we're watching?2022-07-291h 06Politics ExpressNevada's 2022 ElectionsPolitics Editor Lars Emerson and Editor-in-Chief Michael Lovito are joined by Jacob from Wild & Free: A Battle Born Podcast to discuss the key elections in Nevada in the 2022 midterms: governor, Senate, and the four congressional seats. They also explore why the Silver State is so critical this cycle in particular.2022-05-1757 minPolitics ExpressDivergent DecadesPolitics Editor Lars Emerson and Editor-in-Chief Michael Lovito are joined by With A Gay Twist's Zachary Pen to pick what moments, elections, or decisions in each decade they'd pick to "go the other way" in order to make for a better America in 2022. 2022-04-2843 minPolitics Express"Don't Say Gay" and DisneyPolitics Editor Lars Emerson and Editor-in-Chief Michael Lovito are joined by the hosts of the With A Gay Twist podcast, Mason Dixon and Zachary Pen, to discuss the recent signing of the "Don't Say Gay" bill in Florida. In a comprehensive and insightful discussion, they unpack what's in the law, what the effect will be, the role Disney played (or didn't play) in the lobbying around the bill before it passed, and Disney's history on LGBTQ issues. 2022-04-0153 min
Watching MatesTrailer for Floor FightWho was the best president we never had? Lars Emerson and Michael Lovito from ThePostrider.com are dedicated to finding out as they work their way through the ultimate bracket of losing presidential candidates in American history. Follow along to the podcast with the live bracket at ThePostrider.com/FloorFight and reach out to us at contact@thepostrider.com or on Twitter to let us know who you'd pick!2022-02-2301 minPolitics ExpressTrailer for Floor FightWho was the best president we never had? Lars Emerson and Michael Lovito from ThePostrider.com are dedicated to finding out as they work their way through the ultimate bracket of losing presidential candidates in American history. Follow along to the podcast with the live bracket at ThePostrider.com/FloorFight and reach out to us at contact@thepostrider.com or on Twitter to let us know who you'd pick!2022-02-2301 min
Running MatesTrailer for Floor FightWho was the best president we never had? Lars Emerson and Michael Lovito from ThePostrider.com are dedicated to finding out as they work their way through the ultimate bracket of losing presidential candidates in American history. Follow along to the podcast with the live bracket at ThePostrider.com/FloorFight and reach out to us at contact@thepostrider.com or on Twitter to let us know who you'd pick!2022-02-2201 min
Floor FightTrailer for Floor FightWho was the best president we never had? Lars Emerson and Michael Lovito from ThePostrider.com are dedicated to finding out as they work their way through the ultimate bracket of losing presidential candidates in American history. Follow along to the podcast with the live bracket at ThePostrider.com/FloorFight and reach out to us at contact@thepostrider.com or on Twitter to let us know who you'd pick!2022-02-2201 minPolitics Express"...In Our Lifetime?"Politics Express kicks off its new recurring segment called "...In Our Lifetime?" -- discussions on the big political and global questions of the 21st century. To start what will be a recurring segment on the show, host Lars Emerson dedicates an entire episode to the types of questions to be explored in future episodes -- joining Michael Lovito and Louis Ryan to debate questions like "will there be another major pandemic in our lifetime?" and "will a president resign from office in our lifetime?" 2021-11-0238 minWatching MatesSeason Finale - Joe Biden: Free Guy / MinariIn the Watching Mates season finale, Lars and Michael unpack the nascent Biden administration through the films "Free Guy" and "Minari."2021-10-0752 minPolitics ExpressCalifornia Recall / Biden's Approval / 2022 Senate RaceThe Postrider's State & Science Editor Lars Emerson is joined by Editor-in-Chief Michael Lovito to discuss Gavin Newsom's victory in the California recall election and President Biden's declining approval rating. In their main segment, they explore the competitive 2022 Senate elections, dive into the individual races, and make hesitant predictions on the state of the race.2021-09-301h 01Watching MatesDonald Trump: Hell or High Water / BlacKkKlansmanThe brief and tumultuous Trump administration proves to have one of the most direct impacts on American cinema, as Lars and Michael explore through the films Hell or High Water and BlacKkKlansman.2021-09-2352 minWatching MatesBarack Obama: Gran Torino / SicarioAmerica's first Black president comes to office offering a vision for a united country and promising change, but is bogged down in the policies and crises of the prior administration, as Lars and Michael explore through the films "Gran Torino" and "Sicario."2021-09-0945 minWatching MatesTrailer for Politics ExpressWatching Mates co-host Lars Emerson introduces The Postrider team's newest general interest politics podcast, Politics Express. Subscribe now and check out the first episode, available wherever podcasts are found and on thepostrider.com.2021-08-2800 minRunning MatesTrailer for Politics ExpressRunning Mates host Lars Emerson introduces The Postrider team's newest general interest politics podcast, Politics Express. Subscribe now and check out the first episode, available wherever podcasts are found and on thepostrider.com.2021-08-2800 minPolitics ExpressOur 2024 Republican Primary DraftWelcome to Politics Express, The Postrider's new all-encompassing politics podcast. Lars Emerson is joined by Michael Lovito and Chris Choban for the kick off of the show and their 2024 Republican primary draft. Follow along with the draft on the air as each team picks who they think will run, succeed, and win the Republican nomination in 2024 -- and check out the current team rosters and standings on http://thepostrider.com/2024draft2021-08-2759 minWatching MatesGeorge W. Bush: Team America World Police / The Dark KnightThe world changes dramatically over the course of George W. Bush's presidency. One place it changes most visibly is Hollywood, as Lars and Michael unpack through "Team America: World Police" in his first term and "The Dark Knight" in his second.2021-08-2641 minWatching MatesBill Clinton: Wag the Dog / The American PresidentAs American presidencies approach the modern day, Lars and Michael dive into the world of scandal, neoliberalism, and partisanship in the Clinton era through the films "Wag the Dog" and "The American President."2021-07-2938 minWatching MatesGeorge H.W. Bush: They Live / Roger & MeAmerica gets a little grungier as President George H.W. Bush comes into office and Lars and Michael explore trends in cinema during his brief tenure, focusing on a zeitgeist of decline and the new American economic reality through the films "They Live" and "Roger & Me."2021-07-1531 minWatching MatesRonald Reagan: Back to the Future / Back to the Future Part IIKnock knock, McFly! Lars and Michael discuss their film picks for the Reagan era -- how a decade of nostalgia viewed both the past and the future -- through the lens of the films "Back to the Future" and "Back to the Future Part II."2021-07-0144 minWatching MatesJimmy Carter: Rocky / Star WarsLars and Michael discuss their film picks for the Carter era -- a blend of optimism, underdogs, and perhaps naivety over the coming backlash Jimmy Carter would face through the lens of "Rocky" and "Star Wars."2021-06-1734 minWatching MatesGerald Ford: Jaws / ChinatownLars and Michael discuss the films of the Ford administration, exploring government incompetence and corruption (or maybe it's just about a shark) through the lens of "Jaws" and "Chinatown." But in true Gerald Ford fashion, they spend most of the time talking about Watergate and Nixon anyway.2021-06-0343 minWatching MatesRichard Nixon: Easy Rider / Blazing SaddlesLars and Michael discuss the films of the Nixon administration, reflecting on hippie culture, racism, a developing "us versus them" mentality within the United States -- and a whole bunch of dirty tricks -- through the lens of "Easy Rider" and "Blazing Saddles."2021-05-2032 minWatching MatesLyndon B. Johnson: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner / Dr. StrangeloveLars and Michael discuss the films of the Johnson administration, reflecting on dramatic domestic progress and a distrust of America's foreign policy apparatus through the lens of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and "Dr. Strangelove."2021-04-2934 minWatching MatesJohn F. Kennedy: The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance / LolitaLars and Michael discuss the films of the Kennedy era, discussing themes of heroism and elitism in American society through the lens of "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" and "Lolita."2021-04-1541 minWatching MatesDwight Eisenhower: The Blob / ShaneLars and Michael discuss the films of the Eisenhower era, comparing the infamous "The Blob" and the more-critically-acclaimed "Shane." The narratives on being driven from one's home, McCarthyism, and generational strife give context to Eisenhower's above-the-fray approach in his presidency.2021-04-0135 minWatching MatesHarry Truman: The Third Man / The Hitch-HikerIn the first episode of Watching Mates, Lars and Michael team up to discuss the films of the Truman era, comparing film noirs "The Third Man" and "The Hitch-Hiker." The international intrigue and sense of being lost in a new world that are reflected in both films shapes their discussion on how President Truman had to adapt the United States and shape the world order as the first post-war president.2021-03-1833 minRunning MatesTrailer for Watching MatesRunning Mates stars Lars Emerson and Michael Lovito introduce their new show, Watching Mates. Subscribe now and stay tuned for the first episode, available wherever podcasts are found and on thepostrider.com.2021-03-0402 minWatching MatesWatching Mates TrailerRunning Mates stars Lars Emerson and Michael Lovito introduce their new show, Watching Mates.2021-03-0402 minRunning MatesEpisode 16: Series Finale - 2020 - Harris v. PenceIn our series finale at the height of the 2020 election, Lars and Michael dive into a year wracked by a presidential impeachment, the coronavirus, and national protests, and explore Joe Biden's selection of Kamala Harris as his running mate as they challenge Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence in the upcoming fall.2020-09-191h 31Running MatesEpisode 15: 2016 - Pence v. Kaine (Part 2)In the part two of our 2016 election episode, Lars and Michael unpack their running mate choices for Hillary Clinton, argue about whether keeping Senate seats should be a priority, and end with the big conclusions about the vice presidential candidates this year.2020-08-2948 minRunning MatesEpisode 14: 2016 - Pence v. Kaine (Part 1)In the part one of our 2016 election episode, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton taps Virginia Senator Tim Kaine as her running mate, while reality television star and businessman Donald Trump picks Indiana Governor Mike Pence in order to win over conservative and religious voters.2020-08-221h 06Running MatesEpisode 13: 2012 - Ryan v. BidenWith America still recovering from the Great Recession, Republican nominee Mitt Romney chooses "mini-Mitt" Wisconsin Congressman and House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan to hit incumbent President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden on the big issue of the day: the economy.2020-08-0853 minRunning MatesEpisode 12: 2008 - Biden v. PalinAs unpopular wars rage on, the economy collapses and Lars and Michael delve into Republican nominee John McCain's miscalculation as he seeks a game changing vice presidential pick in Sarah Palin to counter the historic nomination of Barack Obama, who seeks a more traditional running mate with Joe Biden.2020-07-251h 08Running MatesEpisode 11: 2004 - Edwards v. CheneyAmidst the War on Terror, President George W. Bush and his VP, Dick Cheney, are up for reelection against Massachusetts Senator John Kerry. In what turns into a presidential contest over their respective military records, patriotism, and foreign policy credentials, Kerry chooses, and later would regret having done so, North Carolina Senator John Edwards as his running mate.2020-07-1155 minRunning MatesEpisode 10: 2000 - Cheney v. Lieberman (Part 2)In the part two of our 2000 election episode, Lars and Michael discuss who Democratic candidate Al Gore should have put on the ticket instead of Joe Lieberman. They conclude with a broad analysis of the 2000 election, the direction of the parties and decisions they made at this point, and set the stage for the prevailing partisan trends in the 21st century.2020-06-2738 minRunning MatesEpisode 9: 2000 - Cheney v. Lieberman (Part 1)In the part one of our 2000 election episode, the impeached president Bill Clinton's Vice President Al Gore runs for the presidency and picks Joe Lieberman to try and distance himself from Clinton. Meanwhile, Republicans seek a compassionate conservative and land on George W. Bush, who tasks Dick Cheney with finding a vice presidential candidate for him, but Bush ultimately decides on Cheney himself. Two running mates who offer relatively little strength in the one state that matters: Florida.2020-06-2043 minRunning MatesEpisode 8: 1996 - Kemp v. GorePresident Bill Clinton and his vice president, Al Gore, are up for reelection and after a bruising midterm two years prior, Democrats have moved decisively to the center. Republicans face a crisis of confidence and their candidate, Bob Dole chooses throwback Jack Kemp as his running mate to try and remind Republicans of their past, while Clinton and Gore look to the future. 2020-06-061h 00Running MatesEpisode 7: 1992 - Gore v. QuayleThe Cold War has ended and President George H.W. Bush and his vice president, Dan Quayle, are running for reelection in a tough economy. Republicans push Bush to drop Quayle from the ticket but he stays the course to take on Bill Clinton, who makes the unusual choice of naming neighboring southern Senator Al Gore as his running mate.2020-05-2352 minRunning MatesEpisode 6: 1988 - Bentsen v. QuayleThe Reagan years are coming to an end and his vice president, George H.W. Bush is running for president himself against Democratic candidate Michael Dukakis. Lars and Michael discuss Bush's pick of young Indiana Senator Dan Quayle as his running mate and Dukakis' selection of the more mature Texas Senator Lloyd Bentsen in what proves to be a showdown over smarts, experience, and who knew Jack Kennedy.2020-05-0959 minRunning MatesEpisode 5: 1984 - Ferraro v. BushWalter Mondale figures he needs a game changing vice presidential pick to have any chance against the Reagan-Bush reelection in 1984. Lars and Michael discuss how Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman on a major party presidential ticket, holds up as a running mate, and the long odds Mondale faced regardless of his vice presidential pick.2020-04-2549 minRunning MatesEpisode 4: 1980 - Bush v. MondaleWith Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale up for reelection, Lars and Michael discuss the foreign policy and economic crises that perpetuate a strong challenge from Ronald Reagan, who placates establishment Republicans by putting George H.W. Bush on the ticket.2020-04-1147 minRunning MatesEpisode 3: 1976 - Mondale v. DoleLars and Michael discuss the first post-Watergate presidential election and how Gerald Ford fails to excite or unite his party by picking Bob Dole as his running mate, while Jimmy Carter manages to capture optimism and credibility with Walter Mondale.2020-03-281h 01Running MatesEpisode 2: 1972 - Shriver v. AgnewLars and Michael discuss Richard Nixon's deliberation over whether or not to keep his vice president, Spiro Agnew, on the ticket and take a deep dive into the bleak prospects for the Democratic nominee George McGovern and his struggle to even find a running mate in the first place.2020-02-2248 minRunning MatesEpisode 1: 1968 - Agnew v. MuskieLars and Michael discuss the 1968 running mates in our first full episode. In a divided and tormented nation, Richard Nixon picks Spiro Agnew in an attempt to woo southern voters with a law and order campaign and Hubert Humphrey picks Edmund Muskie to appease anti-war activists, cutting off his chances in key states.2020-02-081h 02Running MatesIntro EpisodeLars introduces Running Mates, a show dedicated to the American vice presidency2020-01-2604 min