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Pro Politics with Zac McCraryTaegan Goddard, Founder of Political Wire, on the Intersection of Politics, Tech, & MediaSend us a textTaegan Goddard is the founder and editor of Political Wire, one of the most widely-read political news sites over the last 25+ years. He created Political Wire in the late 1990s after stints as a Senate staffer on Capitol Hill and several years in state government in his home state of Connecticut. In this conversation, he talks his own development as a rabid political junkie, setting out early goals in the public and private sector, both encouraging and disheartening stints in government, why he decided against running for office, and starting Political Wire initially...
2025-02-2550 min
Trial Balloon - Free VersionThe Candidate or the CouchCorruption in the “Greatest City in the World.” And who are these "undecided" voters? Links we discussed: Eric Adams IndictedThe Undecided Voters Who Could Decide the ElectionKamala Harris Casts Herself as Pro-Business PragmatistSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's NewsletterTrial Balloon Live
2024-09-3026 min
Trial Balloon - Free VersionThe Bully PulpitTrump threatens to prosecute his political rivals... Why even a felony conviction won't upend this race... And does the bully pulpit still exist?Links we discussed:Trump Says He Has ‘Every Right’ to Prosecute His RivalsEven a Felony Conviction Likely Won’t Upend This RaceTrump’s Vows Put Rule of Law on the BallotHow Much More Warning Do Voters Need?Democrats Must Make Trump’s Guilty Verdict KnownSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2024-06-0724 min
Trial Balloon - Free VersionCatch and KillThe Trump trial and the split screen campaign. And Mike Johnson's power is backed by Democrats. Links we discussed:The Split Screen for the Next 6 WeeksTrump Is Already TestifyingTrump Is a Pretty Weak StrongmanBeing Stuck in a Courtroom Is Just What Trump Needed Chaos and OppressionSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2024-04-2622 min
Trial Balloon - Free VersionBoxed In On AbortionArizona's abortion ruling is a disaster for Trump and Republicans. Stubborn inflation is a problem for Biden and Democrats. Can red states knock Biden off the ballot?Links we discussedTrump Flails on AbortionFed May Not Cut Interest Rates This YearRed States Threaten to Keep Biden Off the BallotSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2024-04-1524 min
Trial Balloon - Free VersionWatching Fox NewsDoes watching Fox News make you less informed? Could the House flip to Democratic control? Does RFK Jr. hurt Biden or Trump more?Links we discussedThose Who Don’t Watch Fox Less Likely to Vote for TrumpDemocrats Need to Be Ready If GOP Loses ControlBiden Holds Small Lead NationallyRFK Jr. the SpoilerSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2024-03-2926 min
Trial Balloon - Free VersionWhich GOP Candidates Were Worse: 2016 or 2024?Which set of candidates were worse — 2016 or 2024? What do the polls really say eight months before the election? Does RFK Jr. matter?Links we discussedThere’s Plenty of Time for Biden to Catch UpDemocracy Dies In Trumpian BoredomWhy RFK Jr. Should Hurt Trump More Than BidenDemocrats Go to War Against Third Party CandidatesSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2024-03-1526 min
Trial Balloon - Free VersionTrumpificationThe Trumpification of the Republican Party is now complete.Links we discussedMitch McConnell’s Legacy Is Donald TrumpMitch McConnell Surrenders to TrumpMcConnell to Step Down as GOP LeaderTrump Pushes Steve Daines to Run for Senate GOP LeaderJohn Thune Soft Launches Bid for Senate GOP LeaderCornyn Talked to Trump About Running for Senate LeaderSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2024-03-0724 min
Trial Balloon - Free VersionBiden Isn't Going AnywhereNo one is replacing Biden on the ticket. Trump takes over the RNC. Democrats get a big win on Long Island. Links we discussedOne in Five Believe Taylor Swift ConspiracyReplacing BidenWhy Trump Needs to Take Over the RNC So QuicklyJon Stewart ReturnsBiden Campaign Joins TikTokSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2024-02-1622 min
Trial Balloon - Free VersionOne Year OnTrial Balloon celebrates its first year with Taylor Swift. And then we unpack how Joe Biden was handed a gift by Republicans on immigration. Links we discussedTaylor Swift (The GOP’s Version)Lankford’s Make-or-Break Moment on the BorderQuote of the DayBiden Campaign Builds Big Fundraising LeadWhy Trump Needs Nikki Haley Out NowSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2024-02-0226 min
Trial Balloon - Free VersionRolling to the White HouseIs Donald Trump rolling to the White House or is he in trouble? Democracy and immigration are the toughest issues.Links we discussedCan Anyone Stop Trump’s March to the Nomination?Trump Could Wrap Up Nomination By End of FebruaryEven the Battle for Second Turned Out Well for TrumpTrump Holds Solid Lead Over Biden in GeorgiaSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2024-01-1921 min
Trial Balloon - Free Version14th Amendment MailbagShould Democrats try to disqualify Trump from the ballot? Or will it backfire?Links we discussed:Trump Set to Appeal 14th Amendment CasesSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2024-01-0528 minTrial Balloon - Free VersionBankruptTrump's eligibility in question. Rudy's moral bankruptcy leads to his financial bankruptcy. It's too early to worry about the horse race polls. Links we discussed:The Immediate Impact of the Colorado RulingWhat Do Biden’s Poor Numbers Really Mean?Some more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2023-12-2231 minTrial Balloon - Free VersionA Dictator for 'Just One Day'The House GOP's majority shrinks further. Donald Trump knew exactly what he was saying. Nikki Haley is number two. Links we discussed:The Inflation DisconnectScared of Chris ChristieSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2023-12-0819 min
Trial Balloon - Free VersionThanksgiving MailbagWe discuss Biden's chances, Trump's retribution, flipping congressmen, ranked choice voting, and our friend in Copenhagen.Some links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2023-11-2224 min
Trial Balloon - Free VersionOne Year OutWhat the 2023 off-year elections mean for 2024. And what Joe Manchin not running for re-election means for Joe Biden.Links we discussed:The Polls Weren’t That BadThe Road to 2024An Off-Year Blue WaveWho Knew Taking Away Rights Was So Unpopular?Some more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2023-11-1035 minTrial Balloon - Free VersionIt's a Later ProblemRepublicans finally settle on a House Speaker but he wasn't really vetted. Meanwhile, Trump's co-defendants are flipping.Links we discussed:The House Considers Mike JohnsonMike Johnson Is Trump’s Perfect SpeakerThe Speaker Candidates to WatchSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2023-10-2628 minTrial Balloon - Free VersionDivided We FallThe political realities of the terrorist attack on Israel and it's not your father's Republican party anymore.Links we discussed:Father Strips Down at School Board MeetingThe Politics of Israel’s ResponseSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2023-10-1322 minTrial Balloon - Free VersionThe Divided Side Usually LosesRepublicans running for president have a debate train wreck while Republicans in the House are about to shut down the government.Links we discussed:Republican MathReaction to the Second Republican DebateSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political Wire -- Get 20% off an Annual MembershipChris Riback's Newsletter
2023-09-2927 minTrial Balloon - Free VersionKevin McCarthy Had a PlanKevin McCarthy struggles to hang onto his job, while Mitt Romney quits his. Links we discussed:Romney Lets Loose in Exit InterviewImpeachment Probe Changes McCarthy’s MathMcCarthy Dares Conservatives to Oust HimSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2023-09-1523 minTrial Balloon - Free VersionThe Age QuestionMitch McConnell’s second freeze means age may be an even bigger factor in next year’s election.Links we discussed:Mark Thompson Helped Steady 2 News Outlets. Can He Do the Same at CNN?Capitol Physician Clears McConnell to Do JobFeinstein Silent in Her Sad and Messy Final ChapterBiden’s Age vs. Trump’s CrimesSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2023-09-0126 minTrial Balloon - Free VersionOversized MailbagWe answer some of your questions. Some more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2023-08-1826 minTrial Balloon - Free VersionTrump Indicted AgainHow the latest Trump indictment changes the presidential race.A few links we discussed:Donald Trump Indicted AgainWe’re Headed for a One Issue ElectionMy Takeaways from Today’s Indictment Some more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2023-08-0430 minTrial Balloon - Free VersionCan Anyone Beat Trump for the GOP Nomination?As the indictments pile up for Trump, we discuss the possible alternatives for the Republican presidential nomination.A few links we discussed:Trump Blots Out the Sun AgainTim Scott Ramps Up Fundraising Some more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2023-07-2117 minTrial Balloon - Free VersionHoliday Week MailbagAre the Hunter Biden allegations like the Steele Dossier? What are the contingency plans if Biden (or Trump) is incapacitated before the convention? And remembering Lowell Weicker, the original maverick politician from Connecticut.A few links we discussed:Remembering Lowell Weicker Some more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter Politics Extra
2023-07-0724 minTrial Balloon - Free VersionJoe Biden in a Toyota CorollaAbortion is now a huge liability for Republicans but a third party presidential candidate could be a huge liability for Democrats.A few links we discussed:Abortion Remains a Potent Issue for Pro-Choice VotersMost Say Repeal of Abortion Rights Bad for CountryMajor Anti-Abortion Group Pushes National BanMislabeledJill Stein Managing Cornel West’s Campaign Some more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter Politics Extra
2023-06-2320 minTrial Balloon - Free VersionThe Long GameKevin McCarthy is losing power quickly. And why so many Republicans are running for president.A few links we discussed:Pence Tries to Thread a NeedleAn Extremely Weak Speaker Some more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter Politics Extra
2023-06-0926 minTrial Balloon - Free VersionDeSantis DebacleGov. Ron DeSantis' campaign launch on Twitter Spaces had all the appeal of a glitchy conference call. And the debt ceiling looms.Some links:DeSantis Blows Up on the Launch PadThe Headlines Are BrutalDeSantis Flip-Flops on How to Pronounce His Own NameConservatives Rebel Against Emerging DealWho Would Be Blamed for a Debt Default?Debt Ceiling Deal Takes ShapeSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter Politics Extra
2023-05-2621 minTrial Balloon - Free VersionTrump and the Battle for the SuburbsDonald Trump's town hall and how abortion rights and immigration will play in the suburbs. Some links:Why Team Biden Was ‘Positively Giddy’ Last NightCNN Tried to Make News, Not Cover ItSome Thoughts on Trump’s Town Hall EventSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter Politics Extra
2023-05-1221 minTrial Balloon - Free VersionA Modern Day Rosa Parks?We take questions on the debt ceiling showdown, the possibility of a John Roberts power move at the Supreme Court and whether there is a modern day Rosa Parks out there.Some links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter Politics Extra
2023-04-2829 minTrial Balloon - Free VersionBoxed InDonald Trump, the Republican Party and Fox News have one thing in common: They're all boxed in. Some links we discuss:How to Make Trump Go AwayTrump Desperately Tries to Run Out the ClockBoxed InOther links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter Politics Extra
2023-04-1425 minTrial Balloon - Free VersionA Walk Down Memory LaneBefore Political Wire and before Chris Riback's Newsletter -- in the very early days of the internet -- there was Political Insider. Meanwhile, an economic civil war has broken out in the states.Links we discussed:Screenshot of Political Insider just after the 2000 presidential election.Other links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter
2023-03-2424 minTrial Balloon - Free VersionEvery Four Years We Discuss a Third PartyWe evaluate the odds that a third party "Unity Ticket” might finally break through in 2024. And we look at the Chicago mayoral primary results and what they say about the politics of crime in America. Links for items we discussed:When Sen. Howell Heflin (D-AL) saw this photo of Sen. Ted Kennedy in a boat, he quipped: "Well Teddy, I see you've changed your position on offshore drilling."And a Harvard study: "Democratic mayors have no effect on crime, but do reduce the Black share of arrests for petty crimes."Other li...
2023-03-1019 minTrial Balloon - Free VersionBiden Sneaks Into a War ZonePresident Biden makes a surprise visit to Ukraine, a grand juror talks too much and Fox News hosts text too much. Other links: Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter Politics Extra
2023-02-2421 minTrial Balloon - Free VersionBiden's Third Rail DareWe review President Biden's challenge to Republicans at the State of the Union address, the GOP's focus on schools and the power to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy.Links: Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter Politics Extra
2023-02-1020 min
Chris Riback's NewsletterLive from Harvard's Kennedy SchoolThis is a special live edition of Political Wire Conversations.On Friday, I hosted an outstanding live event and discussion at Harvard’s Kennedy School: Midterm Elections Preview: Blue Wave or Red Save? I was joined onstage by an All Star cast of panelists:Rick Wilson, Republican Political Strategist Asha Rangappa, CNN Legal & National Affairs AnalystClare Malone, 538 Political ReporterTaegan Goddard, Political Wire Publisher This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www...
2018-10-291h 17
Chris Riback's ConversationsLive from Harvard's Kennedy SchoolThis is a special live edition of Political Wire Conversations.On Friday, I hosted an outstanding live event and discussion at Harvard’s Kennedy School: Midterm Elections Preview: Blue Wave or Red Save? I was joined onstage by an All Star cast of panelists:Rick Wilson, Republican Political Strategist Asha Rangappa, CNN Legal & National Affairs AnalystClare Malone, 538 Political ReporterTaegan Goddard, Political Wire Publisher This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www...
2018-10-291h 17
Chris Riback's ConversationsWhat's Going On with the Republican Party?I wanted to step away from the daily politics today and take a bit of a longer view, because maybe you’re wondering the same thing I am: What’s going on with the Republican Party? Everywhere you turn there’s another layer of erosion, whether from politicians or party elders or longtime political donors. Regardless of who wins the Presidency, something big has changed within the Republican Party. And I don’t care which party you belong to, if either of them looks like it’s disintegrating before our eyes, that means definitionally that our political s...
2016-10-1737 min
Chris Riback's NewsletterWhat's Going On with the Republican Party?I wanted to step away from the daily politics today and take a bit of a longer view, because maybe you’re wondering the same thing I am: What’s going on with the Republican Party? Everywhere you turn there’s another layer of erosion, whether from politicians or party elders or longtime political donors. Regardless of who wins the Presidency, something big has changed within the Republican Party. And I don’t care which party you belong to, if either of them looks like it’s disintegrating before our eyes, that means definitionally that our political s...
2016-10-1737 min
Chris Riback's ConversationsTaegan Goddard: Is This Clinton's Election to Lose?The 2016 presidential campaign is shaping up as Hillary Clinton's race to lose -- unless everything we know about politics is wrong. Clinton is leading Donald Trump in the national polls and most state polls as well. Nearly every forecast at this point show s landslide in the Electoral College. She has put together a better national campaign. She's running way more television ads. But can she win? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.chrisriback...
2016-07-1330 min
Chris Riback's NewsletterTaegan Goddard: Is This Clinton's Election to Lose?The 2016 presidential campaign is shaping up as Hillary Clinton's race to lose -- unless everything we know about politics is wrong. Clinton is leading Donald Trump in the national polls and most state polls as well. Nearly every forecast at this point show s landslide in the Electoral College. She has put together a better national campaign. She's running way more television ads. But can she win? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.chrisriback...
2016-07-1330 min
Chris Riback's ConversationsTaegan Goddard: The Outcomes Look Bleak for RepublicansThe candidates may be riding the subway in New York. Perhaps they’re thinking about Pennsylvania – Even California. But all political eyes are on Cleveland. While polls show Donald Trump crushing in the Big Apple, Ted Cruz was the Big Cheese in Wisconsin. Cruz’ double-digit win there significantly increased the chances of a contested Republican Convention. 538’s panel of experts estimates Trump will fall short of the magic 1,237 delegates. As The University of Virginia Center for Politics told the New York Times: “The chances of a contested convention just went up.” It’s no surprise that the frontrunners say a wide-open, n...
2016-04-1232 min
Chris Riback's NewsletterTaegan Goddard: The Outcomes Look Bleak for RepublicansThe candidates may be riding the subway in New York. Perhaps they’re thinking about Pennsylvania – Even California. But all political eyes are on Cleveland. While polls show Donald Trump crushing in the Big Apple, Ted Cruz was the Big Cheese in Wisconsin. Cruz’ double-digit win there significantly increased the chances of a contested Republican Convention. 538’s panel of experts estimates Trump will fall short of the magic 1,237 delegates. As The University of Virginia Center for Politics told the New York Times: “The chances of a contested convention just went up.” It’s no surprise that the frontrunners say a wide-open, n...
2016-04-1232 min
Chris Riback's ConversationsTaegan Goddard: The Party No Longer DecidesChris Riback and Taegan Goddard discuss the how Donald Trump's campaign not only broke the Republican party but broke political science. What in the world is going on? We are well into a primary season with results few of us expected, headed straight to a general election that even fewer dare to predict. All of us – and certainly both major political parties – are in unchartered territory. For Democrats, their new location at least appears to be on a pre-existing map. For Republicans, their new map reveals a planet they never knew existed – a place that frequently shows...
2016-03-1625 min
Chris Riback's NewsletterTaegan Goddard: The Party No Longer DecidesChris Riback and Taegan Goddard discuss the how Donald Trump's campaign not only broke the Republican party but broke political science. What in the world is going on? We are well into a primary season with results few of us expected, headed straight to a general election that even fewer dare to predict. All of us – and certainly both major political parties – are in unchartered territory. For Democrats, their new location at least appears to be on a pre-existing map. For Republicans, their new map reveals a planet they never knew existed – a place that frequently shows...
2016-03-1625 min
Chris Riback's ConversationsNoam Bramson, Mayor of New RochelleIs political courage dead? The question gets asked a lot these days, most recently around President Obama and the immigration-border control disaster. Joe Klein of Time wrote what many of us feel: “True political courage is near extinct.” He continued: “Nowadays politicians are swaddled by their media consultants, who determine whether it is ‘safe’ to be ‘courageous.’”Of course, it’s not just immigration. Pick any issue – health care, gun control, voter ID laws – and the lack of political courage is astounding. And it’s taking its toll – as the public’s disapproval of government – Congress and the President – reaches all time highs.So today...
2014-07-1826 min
Chris Riback's NewsletterNoam Bramson, Mayor of New RochelleIs political courage dead? The question gets asked a lot these days, most recently around President Obama and the immigration-border control disaster. Joe Klein of Time wrote what many of us feel: “True political courage is near extinct.” He continued: “Nowadays politicians are swaddled by their media consultants, who determine whether it is ‘safe’ to be ‘courageous.’”Of course, it’s not just immigration. Pick any issue – health care, gun control, voter ID laws – and the lack of political courage is astounding. And it’s taking its toll – as the public’s disapproval of government – Congress and the President – reaches all time highs.So today...
2014-07-1826 min