Shows
Pro Politics with Zac McCraryPro Politics Podcast: PauseSend us a textThe Pro Politics Podcast is taking an indefinite pause, though feel free to reach out to me directly for any reason at my personal email: mccrary.zachary(at)gmail.com. Thanks for listening.
2025-08-2602 minPro Politics with Zac McCrary2024 Election Panel: Andy Blunt, Jim Ellis, & Zac McCrarySend us a textThis is a different type of episode this week as I have borrowed the audio from a panel I was part of last Thursday (10/24/24) to discuss the upcoming 2024 elections. This panel is hosted by the government affairs firm Husch Blackwell Strategies, and the video link can be accessed here. Moderating the discussion is Husch Blackwell CEO Andy Blunt and I'm also joined by election analyst Jim Ellis - whose background includes working for the GOP House leadership and, for decades, has been an analyst and advisor to corporations and trade associations....
2024-10-2942 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryPro Politics Podcast Update: New Episodes Coming SoonSend us a textListen to a brief update about the Pro Politics Podcast, with the upshot that you should stay tuned for new episodes coming soon. For any feedback, feel free to drop me a line at mccrary.zachary(at)gmail.com. Thanks for listening.
2024-01-0901 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryFred Davis, One of the Most Creative & Controversial Ad Makers in PoliticsSend us a textFred Davis only ended up in politics due to a family tragedy and then a family connection, and yet has become one of the most creative and controversial ad makers in America. His clients include a who's who of Republican elected officials...from Bush to Dole to McCain to Schwarzenegger among dozens of others. And despite electing Presidents and numerous Republicans up and down the ballot, he's most famous for his unique perspective on advertising that has led to some of the most memorable and controversials spots of the last few decades...the...
2023-05-301h 11Pro Politics with Zac McCraryDr. Annie Andrews: Pediatrician, Congressional Candidate, & Founder of Their Future, Our VoteSend us a textDr. Annie Andrews has an incredibly unqiue political story...a pediatrician turned House candidate turned founder of the new organization Their Future, Our Vote. In this conversation, she demystifies what it takes to become a practicing medical doctor, mines her background studying gun violence, talks her jump to become a candidate for Congress in 2022, what it's like to run for House as a first-time candidate, & the decision that led her to start a new advocacy group focusing on a "kids first agenda".(To donate to support The Pro Politics Podcast,
2023-05-2346 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryAcclaimed Author Richard Norton Smith on His New Biography of Gerald Ford, An Ordinary ManSend us a textRichard Norton Smith is a renowned historian, a former director of five presidential libraries, & author whose latest work - Ordinary Man - chronicles the life and career of Gerald Ford. In this conversation, we talk the insurgent rise of Ford as he takes on the local GOP machine, his ascent through the House GOP of the 50s and 60s, the fortuitous events that led him to become Vice President and then President upon Nixon's resignation, his very narrow loss in 1976, & why the Ford Presidency and his enduring impact on America is much more...
2023-05-1655 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryAntjuan Seawright on Lessons Learned from Jim Clyburn & Best Practices for Winning Black VotersSend us a textAntjuan Seawright is a veteran political strategiest, founder of Blueprint Strategy, & political contributor to CBS News. In this conversation, he talks growing up with roots in rural South Carolina, early lessons from mentors Congressman Jim Clyburn and DNC Chair Jamie Harrison, the work he's done with the DNC, DSCC, & DCCC...and his best practices and insight on how candidates, campaigns, and organizations can most effectively communicate with Black voters. (To donate to support The Pro Politics Podcast, you may use this venmo link or inquire by em...
2023-05-0953 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryKati Card, former DSCC Chief Digital Officer on All Things Digital FundraisingSend us a textKati Card is coming off two stints as Chief Digital Officer for the DSCC and is now a Senior VP at the digital firm MissionWired. Kati talks her initial path to politics, a key internship with Senator Hillary Clinton, spending time around Senators Reid, Schumer, and Cortez Masto, working on big campaigns and in Senate offices, and spending two cycles as Chief Digital Officer at the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee. In addition to talking through her own trajectory, Kati provides a smart tutorial on all things digital fundraising.(To donate...
2023-05-0251 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryThe Uniquely American Story of Antonio Villaraigosa, the 41st Mayor of Los AngelesSend us a textAntonio Villaraigosa is the 41st mayor of Los Angeles and arguably the most impactful Latino elected official in American history. In this conversation, he talks his roots as blue-collar kid in East LA, how public schools offered him a second chance after early struggles, cutting his teeth as a union organizer and in the civil rights and farm workers’ movements, his rapid ascent from freshman legislator to California Assembly Speaker over three years, how his 2001 mayoral loss set the stage for a 2005 win and two successful mayoral terms, the 2018 race for Governor, his cu...
2023-04-2550 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryFrom 2% to 52%: How Chicago Mayor-Elect Johnson Won...with Brandon Davis, Lead Media Strategist & Partner, Technicolor PoliticalSend us a textBrandon Davis is a media consultant and partner at Technicolor Political – and the senior media strategist for the winning campaign of Chicago Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson. In this conversation, we go deep on the Chicago race – how Johnson emerged from a crowded field, the role of public safety & crime, the contrasts that defined the runoff, key strategic decisions made by both Johnson & Vallas, & political lessons that can apply to other races and places. Beyond Chicago, we also talk Brandon’s political roots in the Midwest and insights from a career as a campaign manager, SEIU p...
2023-04-1854 minPro Politics with Zac McCrarySenator Gary HartSend us a textGary Hart has perhaps the most unique political career of his generation...staffer for Robert Kennedy's Justice Department...manager of George McGovern's 1972 presidential campaign...two-term US Senator...nearly becoming the Democratic nominee for President in 1984...starting 1988 as the Democratic frontrunner before leaving the race amid a media frenzy...and 5+ decades as a forward-looking thinker on the challenges facing the U.S. and the world.(To donate to support The Pro Politics Podcast, you may use this venmo link or inquire by email at mccrary...
2023-04-0450 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryGuy Cecil, Outgoing Chair of Priorities USASend us a textGuy Cecil recently announced his plans to step down as Chair of Priorities USA - the major Democratic super PAC - after being at the helm for 8 years. In this conversation, he talks his time in the ministry before moving to politics…learning important political lessons amid personal tumult and tragedy…working with big personalities like Chuck Schumer, Harry Reid, and Fritz Hollings…running the DSCC…four cycles helping win elections and innovate campaign strategy at Priorities…plus ideas he’s kicking around in considering his next professional chapter....
2023-03-2151 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryGreg Speed, President of America VotesSend us a textGreg Speed is President of America Votes, the infrastructure hub of the progressive community - which coordinates 400+ organizations nationally and in 20+ states. In this conversation, Greg talks how the anti-apartheid movement piqued his political interest, diving into campaigns at the University of Wisconsin, lessons learned on Capitol Hill, and 16+ years as, first-E.D. and now, President at America Votes. In addition to demystifying the origin and operation of AV, Greg gives his analysis on the '22 midterms and the dueling turnout vs. persuasion post-election narratives.(To donate to support The...
2023-03-1455 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryPreviewing the 2024 California Senate Race with Rose KapolczynskiSend us a textThe 2024 open-seat US Senate race in California is the most wide open Senate race in the state since 1992. To dive deep into next year's monumental race, I'm joined by veteran CA strategist Rose Kapolczynski - manager of the winning campaign from that very 1992 Senate race for Barbara Boxer. In a previous episode, Rose talked through her career managing all four successful Boxer Senate races...plus her time as a Hill staffer, working in presidential campaigns, and leading the effort on important statewide races (in California and beyond) over 3+ decades as an influential strategist...
2023-03-0752 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryBecoming David AxelrodSend us a textYou know David Axlerod...the chief strategist for President Obama, CNN commentator, and founder of the University of Chicago Institute of Politics. The Obama years come up a bit in this conversation, but we focus mostly on his 20+ years as a working political media consultant before connecting professionally with then-State Senator Obama. We talk cutting his teeth in NYC, how the appeal of Chicago politics drew him to the Windy City, why he made the jump from political journalist to political operative, & stories, lessons, and insights from his 40+ years in and around politics.
2023-02-2852 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryTalking 2022 Gov Races with Marshall Cohen, Political Director of the DGASend us a textMarshall Cohen is the Political Director of the Democratic Governors Association. Over 7 years at the DGA, he's been involved in 50+ races - and before that was an accomplished operative who - in 2016 - managed (and won) the most expensive congressional primary in history. In this conversation, Marshall talks his path to working in politics, his best practices for running and winning races and goes deep on this cycle's top governor's races...how Democrats pulled off upsets in several states, the messaging and strategic decisions that mattered, and lessons learned heading into the 2024 cycle.
2022-11-2957 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryElection Day Escapism Episode: Talking (Arguing) Travel with Rebecca PearceySend us a textIt's Election Day 2022...so instead of more predictions and punditry, Rebecca Pearcey is back to dive into what political consultants talk about most amongst ourselves...travel tips, hacks, and preferences. In this conversation, Rebecca and I discuss and debate best practices for aiports, flights, hotels, taxis, and all things being a political operative on the road. Hopefully this episode can be an enjoyable 51-minute escape during your Election Day (or aftermath) while waiting for votes to be cast and results to come in.Rebecca talks her intense travel experiences with Elizabeth...
2022-11-0751 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryAnn Lewis, Legendary Democratic CommunicatorSend us a textAnn Lewis has had a legendary career as a Democratic strategist...from her time as Communications Director in the Clinton White House...as a Senior Advisor to Hillary Clinton's 2000 Senate run and both 08 & 16 Presidentials...to her time as a Senate Chief of Staff and working at institutions like Planned Parenthood, the DNC, ADA, & more. In this conversation...Ann talks growing up in New Jersey in the shadow of the Hudson County Democratic machine, key moments in her career path as a woman in politics in the 1970s and 80s, intersecting with...
2022-08-3050 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryLauren Baer on Training the Next Generation of Political OperativesSend us a textLauren Baer worked at high levels of the American foreign policy establishment...an aide to former Secretary of State Madeline Albright and in the Obama State Department as Senior Advisor to Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and John Kerry...until the 2016 election drove home the importance of political campaigns. She then put her own name on the ballot as the Democratc nominee in a targeted US House race in South Florida. That experience drove her decision to join Arena as their Managing Partner to recruit, train, and support the next generation of political c...
2022-08-2352 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryPolitics According to Sean McElweeSend us a textSean McElwee is the Founding Executive Director of Data for Progress, a progressive polling and think tank operation shaking up the way Democrats utilize data to better message and implement their priorities. Sean talks his roots as a military kid in an evangelical household, his circuitous path to working in progressive politics, the origin and evolution of Data for Progress, and how he thinks about some of the big questions facing those who work in politics. IN THIS EPISODE….Sean grows up in an evangelical military family in...
2022-08-1651 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryCharlie Black, Titan of GOP PoliticsSend us a textCharlie Black is a legendary figure in Republican politics, working his first presidential campaign with Ronald Reagan in 1976 and being involved at a high level with both Presidents Bush and names like Kemp, Dole, McCain, Romney, Kasich and more. In this conversation, Charlie talks his roots in the conservative movement of the 1970s, his work as a political consultant in some of the most famous races of the era, and offers stories, insight, and lessons learned from one of the most impactful political lives of his generation.IN THIS EPISODE Charlie’s roots in...
2022-08-0954 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryKatie Moore, Manager of Eric Adams' 2021 NYC Mayoral WinSend us a textKatie Moore was recently named Campaign Manager of the Year for her role managing Eric Adams' winning NYC Mayoral Campaign last year. In this conversation, she talks her roots as a "farm kid" in Western Kentucky, how she fell in love both with New York City and political organizing, and a deep dive into NYC politics and the 2021 Adams' victory.IN THIS EPISODE…Katie talks her rural roots in Marshall County in Western KY…Katie takes inspiration from the Clinton / Gore ticket…How Katie...
2022-08-0255 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryJerry Austin & A Lesson in Old School PoliticsSend us a textJerry Austin is probably best known as the campaign manager for Reverend Jesse Jackson's '88 Presidential Campaign that won 11 contests and led in delegates deep into the calendar...and he also served as manager, media consultant, advisor to names like Paul Wellstone, Carol Moselely Braun, Sherrod Brown, Paul Tsongas and many more. In this conversation, Jerry talks the '88 Jackson race and high points and lessons learned from decades working with some of the biggest names in American politics. Plus Jerry previews his book series TRUE TALES FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL...
2022-07-2649 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryLis Smith & The Love of PoliticsSend us a textLis Smith is an operative's operative...with nearly 20 years of races under her belt of wins and losses and lessons learned along the way. Her new book ANY GIVEN TUESDAY is now out about her career in politics, while also finding herself in the headlines from time to time...including a deep dive into the unlikely ascent of Pete Buttigieg's 2020 Presidential Campaign. This is a really fun conversation with one of the most dynamic thinkers in today's politics. IN THIS EPISODEThe moment Lis fell i...
2022-07-1957 minPro Politics with Zac McCrarySenator Tom Daschle on 50 Years in PoliticsSend us a textFrom serving in the Air Force, to his time in both the House and Senate, and rising to become Senate Majority Leader during the 9-11 attacks…few have led more impactful political lives than Tom Daschle. In this conversation, he talks the unusual confluence of events that led to his involvement in politics, his mentor George McGovern, being taken under the wing of Speaker Tip O’Neill, his meteoric rise to become Senate Democratic leader…with stories, lessons, and insight from a 50+ career of service that continues to this day.I...
2022-07-1248 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryRobby Mook on the Art & Science of CampaignsSend us a textRobby Mook has managed races at all levels of politics - from state legislative races to the 2016 Hillary Clinton presidential. In this conversation, Robby talks cutting his teeth in Vermont politics, the importance of field work, his time running the DCCC, managing successful races for Jeanne Shaheen and Terry McAuliffe, a deep dive on the 2016 campaign, & much more with one of the smartest thinkers in politics. IN THIS EPISODERobby cuts his teeth in Vermont politics and in the shadow of the next door New H...
2022-07-0547 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryBest of Pro Politics: Ellen Malcolm, Founder & Longtime President of EMILYs ListSend us a textEllen Malcolm helped found EMILY's List in 1985 and then served as EL’s President for 25 years. It’s hard to think of an organization over the last 30+ years that has changed politics more than EMILY's List, dramatically increasing the number of Democratic women in the both the Senate and the House. In this conversation originally released in August 2021, Ellen talks about how her early stops at places like Common Cause and the National Women’s Political Caucus prepared her to help found, launch, and grow EMILY's List. And Ellen outlines the key mo...
2022-06-2859 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryAmbassador & Senator Carol Moseley Braun, the first Black Woman Elected to the US SenateSend us a textThere are few more historic political figures than former Senator & Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun - the first Black womzn elected to the US Senate and the first ever Black Democratic Senator. In this conversation, she talks growing up on Chicago's South Side, marching with Martin Luther King at age 16, memories of figures like Richard J. Daley and Harold Washington, the start of her own political career, her history-making underdog Senate win in 1992, memorable moments and lessons learned during her time in the Senate, her tenure as Ambassador to New Zealand, & much...
2022-06-2143 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryAri Rabin-Havt: Bernie Sanders' 2020 Deputy Campaign Manger & Author of The Fighting SoulSend us a textAri Rabin-Havt spent more time with Bernie Sanders over the past few years than virtually anyone. Ari served as the Sanders' 2020 Deputy Campaign Manager, traveling with Bernie almost 24/7. He recounts much of this time in his new book The Fighting Soul: On the Road with Bernie Sanders...and in this conversation talks about the personal side of Bernie, the major strategic decisions within the campaign, both what he thinks the campaign got right as well as mistakes they made, and much more from one of the operatives closest to the Sanders' campaign and...
2022-06-1441 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryMedia Consultant Neil Oxman on the History of Political Admaking & His Own CareerSend us a textVeteran Democratic media consultant Neil Oxman is one of the most interesting people working in politics. In addition to his years helping elect Democrats at all levels, he caddies on the PGA tour for golfing legends including Tom Watson. In this discussion, Neil talks the history of political ad-making from the 1950s to today and goes deep inside several of his own high-profile races including PA Governor Ed Rendell, Philadelphia's first Black mayor Wilson Goode, Al Gore's 1988 presidential campaign, and more throughout his career that show the ways TV can help win (and...
2022-06-0755 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryThe Unconventional Ascent of Liz MairSend us a textLiz Mair has one of the more unusual career arcs in politics. Raised in both Seattle and London, she got her start working in conservative politics for David Cameron in the UK before moving to the US to work for the RNC and GOP candidates including Rand Paul, Carly Fiorina, Rick Perry, Scott Walker, and more. In this conversation, she talks her unconventional path to working in politics, her ascent in the digital political space, her time working around some of the leading Republican figures of the era, her work to try to...
2022-05-3156 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryKen Spain of Narrative Strategies...on Capitol Hill, the NRCC, Koch Industries, & Strategic CommsSend us a textKen Spain, the founder of Narrative Strategies, had worked at high levels in Republican politics and corporate comms before starting his own strategic communications firm. He worked for the Bush/Cheney re-elect in 04, on the Hill for three different GOP members, at a senior position at the NRCC campaign committee, for the Private Equity Council during the tumultuous 2012 elections, & running corporate communications for Koch Industries. In this conversation, Ken talks his path through GOP politics, his perspective as a Hispanic operative, starting a bipartisan communications firm, and much more.
2022-05-2457 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryRoger Lau, Warren 2020 Campaign Manager & Deputy ED of the DNCSend us a textRoger Lau has one of the most unique origin stories in all of politics. Growing up in Queens as the child of Chinese immigrants, he dropped out of high school...before eventually getting back on track, getting his GED, and taking a fateful Political Science course at UMass Amherst. Roger talks mistakes and lessons from his early days, how he re-focused his life, and the incredible job interview that led him to an internship that shaped the rest of his life. Roger also shares how he entered the world of Elizabeth Warren in 2012...
2022-05-1750 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryThe NYT's Alex Burns & Jonathan Martin, Authors of THIS WILL NOT PASSSend us a textYou no doubt know that Alex Burns and Jonathan Martin, both of the New York Times, recently released their new book THIS WILL NOT PASS…chronicling the last few years of our politics…including Trump’s time in office, the 2020 election and aftermath, the January 6 insurrection, and the first phase of the Biden Administration. In this conversation, they go deep on many of the stories in their book – including some background and asides not fleshed out in the book and stories you won’t have heard from them amidst their recent media blitz.
2022-05-1046 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryHazel Wong, Global Campaigns Director at The Nature ConservancySend us a textHazel Wong is the Director of Global Conservation Campaigns at The Nature Conservancy, one of the world’s largest and most successful environmental organizations. In this conversation, Hazel talks growing up on the island nation of The Seychelles, how political upheaval forced her family to migrate to the U.S., the future member of Congress who became a political mentor, and experiences and lessons from nearly 20 years helping win environmental ballot measures.IN THIS EPISODE…Hazel talks memories of the first few years of her life growing up o...
2022-05-0343 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryDem Strategist Jesse Ferguson on Hillary '16, Messaging 101, & Healing the WorldSend us a textJesse Ferguson is a top Democratic strategist and comms expert - who cut his teeth in Virginia, ran the $60M+ DCCC Independent Expenditure in 2014, served as a top press aide to the Clinton ’16 campaign, and is now a strategist advising numerous organizations and independent expenditures. In this conversation, Jesse talks key moments and lessons from his career, as well as providing his Messaging 101 on how he thinks of effective political communications.IN THIS EPISODE…Jesse’s family connection to Joe McCarthy and the 1950s Red Scare…Jesse’...
2022-04-2651 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryDemocratic Pollster Celinda Lake on A Trailblazing Career in PoliticsSend us a textCelinda Lake, President of Lake Research, has been a leading Democratic researcher and strategist for 30+ years. In this conversation she talks her Montana roots, her path to polling, working for groundbreaking women like Geraldine Ferraro, Carol Mosley Braun, and Nancy Pelosi, working on Biden 2020, and lessons & insights from four decades working to elect Democrats and advance progressive goals. IN THIS EPISODE…Celinda talks growing up on a ranch in Montana…The progressive tradition in Montana…The Vietnam War influences Celinda’s politics…Celinda’s...
2022-04-1953 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryCongressman Chris Shays on Five Decades in Politics & The Vanishing House ModerateSend us a textChris Shays cuts an iconic, if disappearing, profile across the American political scene. One of the last by-God moderate House Republicans from the Northeast, he represented Connecticut in the US House for more than 20 years...a congressional career spanning the Reagan Revolution through the 2008 Democrative wave ushering in President Obama. In this discussion, he talks the Republican Connecticut of his youth, his time in Fiji serving in the Peace Corps, his decade serving in the state legislature, the time he was sentenced to several days in prison to protest political corruption, and lessons...
2022-04-1252 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryLiuba Grechen Shirley, Founder/CEO of VoteMamaSend us a textLiuba Grechen Shirley is the founder/CEO of VoteMama – a non-profit dedicated to supporting moms running for office. In this conversation, she talks running for office in 2018 as a first-time candidate, making history as the first woman to receive FEC approval to use campaign money for child care, and making an impact with VoteMama. IN THIS EPISODE…Liuba speaks to the politics that shaped here while growing up on Long Island…Her analysis of why Trump connected with voters on Long Island…Liuba talks her...
2022-04-0540 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryDave Wasserman on All Things Elections Analysis & RedistrictingSend us a textDave Wasserman, a Senior Editor at the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, is universally regarded as one of the foremost election analysts on the planet - especially when it comes to US House races. In this conversation, Dave talks his early obession with all things politics, how he turned that into a job at the Cook Report, his approach to political analysis, the story behind his twitter catchphrase "I've seen enough", and his take on both the 2022 redistricting developments & overall House playing field. IN THIS EPISODE…Dav...
2022-03-2954 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryThe Triumph of Joe Califano, Top Domestic Advisor to LBJ & Carter Cabinet SecretarySend us a textVery few Americans have had the impact on public policy as has Joseph Califano. Though his parents only graduated high school, he went to Harvard Law and by age 30 was working at high levels of the John F. Kennedy Administration - and shortly after was the top domestic White House aide to Lyndon Johnson. In this conversation, he talks his meteoric rise through the Kennedy / Johnson years, seeing first-hand as the LBJ “Johnson Treatment” built the Great Society, the toll that Vietnam took on President Johnson, & his work as HEW Cabinet Secre...
2022-03-2243 minPro Politics with Zac McCrarySenator Mary Landrieu on a Lifetime in Louisiana PoliticsSend us a textMary Landrieu served 3 terms in the US Senate from Louisiana, after a term as State Treasurer and time in the State Legislature. In this conversation, she talks growing up in New Orleans as the daughter of Mayor Moon Landrieu, the equation that drew her to political service, several rough-and-tumble statewide campaigns, memories from 18 years in the Senate, and what she’s focused on since leaving the Senate in 2015.IN THIS EPISODEGrowing up the eldest of 9 siblings to New Orleans Mayor Moon Landrieu…The process of e...
2022-03-1550 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryRory Cooper, of Purple Strategies, on Campaigns, Comms, & CantorSend us a textRory Cooper, partner at Purple Strategies, has worked at all levels of Republican politics…cutting his teeth in campaigns, working in the George W. Bush White House, for the Department of Homeland Security right after 9-11, running communications for the conservative Heritage Foundation, and as Comms Director for House Majority Leader Eric Cantor. Rory tells great stories from these stops, with lessons and insights learned along the way.IN THIS EPISODERory’s early political memories growing up around Detroit…A high school Rory finds a way...
2022-03-0854 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryOne Year Anniversary Episode with John Anzalone, Chief Pollster for Biden 2020Send us a textJohn Anzalone has been a Democratic pollster winning tough races for 30+ years, most recently as Chief Pollster for Biden 2020 helping navigate a crowded primary and grueling general election en route to ousting Donald Trump. John talks his working class roots growing up in Michigan, cutting his teeth in the Biden '88 ('87) presidential, his path to polling, and ultimately starting and growing his own firm to become on the handful of top-tier Democratic pollsters in the country. IN THIS EPISODEJohn grows up a “free lunch kid” and t...
2022-03-0150 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryJoe Crowley, former Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, on Two Decades in CongressSend us a textJoe Crowley was a district party leader at 23, in the New York State Assembly at 26, and in the US House at 37...a political prodigy by any measure. He talks the early lessons learned in Queens politics, his time around Governor Mario Cuomo, his rise through the Assembly and Congress, his 2018 primary against AOC, and memorable moments and valuable insights from 20 years in the House. IN THIS EPISODE…The Crowley family lore that intersects with the Titanic…Congressman Crowley’s early political memories growing up in Queens…...
2022-02-2237 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryAdnaan Muslim on Delivering Effective Mail, Building Firms, & Winning RacesSend us a textAdnaan Muslim has been a leading player in Democratic direct mail for more than 20 years, initially helping start Mission Control mail and now as a partner at Deliver Strategies. In this conversation, Adnaan talks his path to working in politics, how he gravitated to direct mail, importance races in his career like electing Elizabeth Warren, Jared Polis, and Raphael Warnock, and the passion he has for campaign speechwriting. Great stories, insight, and advice from one of the most unique voices in politics.IN THIS EPISODE...
2022-02-1547 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryKelly Hall, ED of the Fairness Project on Working on The Hill, Passing the ACA, and Winning Ballot MeasuresSend us a textKelly Hall is the Executive Director of the Fairness Project, which works to pass ballot measures on economic fairness issues such as the minimum wage, Medicaid expansion, and paid leave. Before taking the helm at the Fairness Project, she worked in campaigns and as a Hill staffer prior to entering the Obama Administration to focus on implementing the Affordable Care Act. In this conversation, Kelly talks through her own experiences to offer insight about working on the Hill, passing Obamacare, winning ballot measures, and running a political non-profit.I...
2022-02-0852 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryJeremy Ben-Ami, Founder and President of J StreetSend us a textJeremy Ben-Ami was born into a family among whom politics was very personal – and became active in politics himself at a young age, interning for the 1976 Carter campaign at 14. From there, he worked for numerous politicians from Ed Koch and David Dinkins and Mark Green to Bill Clinton and Howard Dean. Jeremy talks his life in campaign politics, working in the White House, what led to the creation of J Street, and how J Street has grown to become an influential voice that’s changed the debate on American policy toward Isra...
2022-02-0152 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryThe Giant-Slaying, Trail-Blazing, History-Making Loretta Sanchez on 20 Years in the HouseSend us a textLoretta Sanchez served 20 years in the US House, one of the first Democrats to breakthrough in historically GOP Orange County, CA. She also made history, with her sister Linda Sanchez, as the only two women related by family to serve in Congress. In this conversation, she talks growing up as the daughter of Mexican immigrants in LA, her 1996 upset over GOP fixture Bob Dornan and the election contest that ensued, her 2016 election for Senate ultimately won by Kamala Harris, and memories & insights from two decades in the House....
2022-01-2553 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryScott Simpson, of Resonance Campaigns, on Building His Own Firm & Helping Elect Joe BidenSend us a textScott Simpson, is a founder and managing partner of the direct mail firm Resonance Campaigns, one of the most successful Black-owned firms in politics. In this epsiode, Scott talks growing up middle class in Massachussetts, early formative political experiences, his time working a pollster before making the jump to direct mail, and ultimately starting his own firm that helped elect - among many others - Joe Biden in 2020.IN THIS EPISODEThe political issue that kept an 8-year old Scott up at night…The election that mad...
2022-01-1846 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryGOP Pollster Patrick Ruffini on the Intersection of Data & Tech, and Changing Coalitions in the Age of TrumpSend us a textPatrick Ruffini has been on the cutting edge of politics for 20+ years, as one of the first wave of operatives working in the tech and digital political space. After working at the RNC in 2004, he started an early political tech firm and then formed Echelon Insights to merge political data and tech. In this conversation, Patrick talks his career trajectory, the advancement of digital political tools, and how American politics has evolved in the age of Donald Trump.IN THIS EPISODE…Patrick’s unusual bi-national upbringing…Patr...
2022-01-1153 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryAce Smith on Opp Research, Running Races, & A Masterclass in California PoliticsSend us a textAce Smith, Partner at Bearstar Strategies, has lived a fascinating political life intersecting with a long list of the most iconic figures of the last several decades...Harvey Milk, Pat and Jerry Brown, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Rahm Emanuel, Richard M. Daley, Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris, & many more. In this conversation, we talk his memories of growing up in a Bay Area political family, cutting his teeth in smaller races and opposition research, transitioning to running campaigns, his role in several key states for Hillary Clinton in 2008, and building Bearstar Strategies...
2022-01-0452 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryRising Tide's Annie Levene on All Things Digital PoliticsSend us a textAnnie Levene is a partner at the leading Democratic digital firm Rising Tide Interactive, where she’s run digital strategy for the presidential campaign of Senator Amy Klobuchar as well as elected officials including Senators Jeanne Shaheen, Jacky Rosen, Kyrsten Sinema, Heidi Heitkamp, Governor Kate Brown, and Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy. In this conversation, Annie talks her path to working in politics and gives her insights and best practices on all things digital politics.IN THIS EPISODE…Annie talks growing up in Rochester in Western New York...
2021-12-2859 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryWildfire Contact's Emily Parcell on Gephardt, Obama, Warren & All Things IowaSend us a textEmily Parcell is blazing her own path through the political industry...part of the famed 2004 Dick Gephardt Iowa operation, Iowa Political Director for the 2008 Obama Caucus effort, running Indiana for the 2008 Obama general election, starting Wildfire Contact's direct mail arm, helping Democrats win tough races, heading up the Warren 2020 effort as a senior aide...and much more. In this conversation, Emily talks her small town Iowa roots, important stops along her political career, and insights and advice from 2 decades in the political trenches.IN THIS EPISODE
2021-12-2155 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryDemocratic Admaker Mark Putnam on Storytelling & Viral VideosSend us a textMark Putnam, Democratic media strategist and founder of Putnam Partners, has helped elect 11 Governors, 10 Senators, and dozens of members of Congress. In this conversation, Mark talks growing up in Alaska, his unconventional path to working in political media, early races on which he cut his teeth, helping elect Presidents Obama and Biden, how to think about “viral” ads, some of his favorite spots, and smart insights from one of the most successful careers in political media.IN THIS EPISODE…Mark talks what it’s like growing...
2021-12-1457 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryMichael Barone, Patron Saint of Political JunkiesSend us a textMichael Barone, senior political analyst at the Washington examiner, is one of the most important political writers and thinkers of his time. He helped found the Almanac of American Politics in the early 70s and was the lead author for decades. He worked in politics himself, before transitioning to a role as a journalist, author, and pundit - always being an incisive and influential analyst of American politics at each stop along the way. In this conversation, we talk his roots in post-war Detroit, his time working for Democratic candidates and as a...
2021-12-0757 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryTaifa Butler, President of Demos - The "Think Tank of The Movement"Send us a textTaifa Butler is the President of Demos, the “think tank of the movement” - dedicated to building a democracy and economy rooted in racial equity. Taifa talks the politics of her native Philadelphia in her formative years, what inspired her to pursue a life in politics and advocacy, her path to becoming President of Demos in early 2021, the work she’s most passionate about now, and her best practices on leadership, fundraising, public speaking, and much more.IN THIS EPISODETaifa talks growing up amidst the tu...
2021-11-3051 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryGreat Campaign Stories Compilation: March-May 2021Send us a textThis week's episode is a compilation of some of my favorite campaign war stories and memorable moments from the first three months of episodes, covering March - May 2021. IN THIS EPISODE Paul Begala talks a key lesson he learned from the 1984 Texas Senate race…and the Democratic candidate the Clinton campaign believed posed the greatest threat to Clinton in the primaries.Rebecca Pearcey, Political Director on the Warren 2020 presidential, recalls crossing paths with celebrities on the campaign trail and breaks down the...
2021-11-2355 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryCNN's Ariel Edwards-Levy on All Things PollingSend us a textAriel Edwards-Levy is CNN's Polling and Elections Analytics Editor, after covering the public opinion beat at Huffington Post for several cycles. In this episode she talks growing up in Southern California, the election that hooked her on politics at a young age, her early days in journalism, how she gravitated toward the polling beat, her transition from Huffington Post to CNN, and Ariel tackles many of the weighty questions confronting the field of polling.IN THIS EPISODEAriel self-identifies as an LA Valley Girl…Ariel’s po...
2021-11-1644 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryJeff Romig: Political Operative, Author, Mental Health AdvocateSend us a textJeff Romig has been working in the trenches of politics for well over a decade. Inspired to work in campaigns by Congressman John Lewis, he's worked in all phases of campaigns to win tough races at the state and local level - and he's deeply experienced running non-profits as well. But the time is right now to talk to Jeff, as he's just released a memoir about living for 25 years in the shadow of his father's suicide and coming to grips with his own mental health and addiction issues. The book, Don't F...
2021-11-0931 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryDoug Jones on The Bend Toward Justice, Political Hurricanes, & 3 Years in the SenateSend us a textOver the course of 2017, Doug Jones went from a respected Alabama attorney and empty nester to one of the most well-known US Senators in the country. In this conversation, we talk growing up in the shadow of segregation and George Wallace, starting to see those walls come down as he’s in high school, learning under his mentor Senator Howell Heflin, his time as US Attorney seeking justice against the Klan for the 1963 bombing of a Black church in Birmingham, the upset win and political hurricane in his 2017 special election, and memories of 3 in...
2021-11-0252 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryChuck Robb of Virginia...Governor, Senator, MarineSend us a textWho else has a story like Chuck Robb? Marries the President Johnson's daughter in a White House ceremony, serves in Vietnam, changes the political culture of Virginia in the 70s and 80s, two consequential terms in the Senate, helps found the influential centrist DLC, and casts several courageous, unpopular votes that ultimately take a toll on his career in elected office. This is a frank, revealing conversation though Governor Robb's one-of-a-kind political life.IN THIS EPISODE…Governor Robb’s indirect connection to Woodrow Wilson…His format...
2021-10-2648 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryA Tour de Force with Stefan Smith on Disruptive Digital & the Buttigieg BoomSend us a text There aren't many stories like Stefan's Smith in politics...growing up with a single mom in public housing in South Carolina...and from a gig worker to the upper echelons of presidential campaigns and iconic progressive organizations in four years. Stefan flirted with both a career in academia and the entertainment industry before finding his calling in digital politics. In this conversation, he talks his unusual path to politics, his road warrior days on campaigns, goes deep on his time with the Buttigieg campaign, & the projects he's taken on since. Stefan is also g...
2021-10-1959 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryIleana Ros-Lehtinen, the First Hispanic Woman Elected to CongressSend us a textIleana Ros-Lehtinen has a truly American story: born in Cuba, emigrates to Miami with her family at age 8, works as a teacher before being elected to the Florida legislature - and then makes history as the first Hispanic woman in American history to be elected to Congress. This is a great conversation about her one-of-a-kind life, history-making career, great political stories, and advice & insight to candidates, elected officials, lobbyists, and staffers after serving nearly 30 years in the U.S. House.IN THIS EPISODECongresswoman Ros-Lehtinen’s...
2021-10-1248 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryEd Peavy & the Mission of MailSend us a textEd Peavy founded Democratic direct mail firm Mission Control and is rightfully known as one of the good people in the business. In this conversation, Ed talks why after working a few weeks on the Hill he knew it wasn't right for him, his early campaign days including on the legendary Harris Wofford Senate race in Pennsylvania, and then starting a small direct mail firm that has become one of the most successful in politics. Great conversation with Ed with lots of practical tips about the mechanics of campaigns, the art of mail...
2021-10-0548 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryDr. Michael D. Cohen...Pollster, App Builder, AuthorSend us a textDr. Michael D. Cohen studied under iconic pollster Bill Hamilton as a student, worked in the trenches in Republican campaigns, spent time at Gallup, apprenticed under iconic GOP pollster Tony Fabrizio (most known recently as Donald Trump's pollster) and worked with famed Dem strategist Mark Penn when Michael was an in-house pollster at Microsoft. Along the way, Michael started his own firm (Cohen Research Group), built the booming political Congress in Your Pocket technology app, and recently wrote the book Modern Political Campaigns to bring the campaign literature up to speed with the...
2021-09-2850 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryMindy Myers on Winning Senate Races, Running the DSCC, & Starting MZL MediaSend us a textMindy Myers has a knack for being where political history happens and, more importantly, has run and won tough Senate races. She managed Sheldon Whitehouse in 2006 over Linc Chafee and ran Elizabeth Warren's first political race in 2012...then was the first ever woman to serve as E.D of the DSCC. Now she's started MZL Media to put into practice what she's learned winning tough races. And even as a young operative, Mindy found herself witnessing political history...working for trailblazing Congresswoman Pat Schroder, interning in the Clinton White House during...
2021-09-2152 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryThe Rise of Raghu DevaguptapuSend us a textNot many people have a story in politics like Raghu Devaguptapu...son of Indian immigrants, making the jump from touring with a band to working in politics, working at the upper echelons of both state and national politics, and then co-founding his own media firm. This is a great conversation talking through Raghu's early life, key moments in his career, and insight and advice from a one-of-a-kind career in politics. IN THIS EPISODE…Raghu grows up in Wisconsin as the son of immigrants straddling the worlds of bei...
2021-09-1453 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryJim Duffy, a Godfather of Democratic MediaSend us a textJim Duffy is one of the Godfathers of Democratic media consultants. He joined with Raymond Strother in the mid 80s to form Strother Duffy - one of the elite Dem firms of the era. Jim cut his teeth working in New Orleans politics - for names like Moon Landrieu and Lindy Boggs, before making the move to DC as an ad-maker. As a media consultant, Jim has helped elect numerous Senators, Governors, and members of Congress - and in this conversation, he talks about the Louisiana politics of his youth, learning...
2021-09-0750 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryEllen Malcolm, founder of EMILY's List, on Women WinningSend us a textEllen Malcolm helped found EMILY's List in 1985 and then served as EL’s President for 25 years. It’s hard to think of an organization over the last 30+ years that has changed politics more than EMILY's List, dramatically increasing the number of Democratic women in the both the Senate and the House. In this conversation, Ellen talks about how her early stops at places like Common Cause and the National Women’s Political Caucus prepared her to help found, launch, and grow EMILY's List. And Ellen outlines the key moments, decisions, and campai...
2021-08-3159 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryNebraska's Ben Nelson on the Death of the SenateSend us a textBen Nelson has lived an iconic political life...two terms as Governor and two terms in the Senate as a Democrat in deep red Nebraska - and the key swing vote on landmark legislation from the Bush tax cuts to judicial votes to Obamacare. In this conversation, he talks his political career - beginning with his first Governor's race (starting at 0% and winning by 42 votes). And he goes into depth about his time in the Senate - weighing in on colleagues that impressed him and disappointed him, and touching on the themes of...
2021-08-2452 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryAnalyst Jessica Taylor on 2022 Senate Races & Making History at The Almanac of American PoliticsSend us a textJessica Taylor is the Senate Editor for the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter and recently made history as the first woman to be a Senior Author for the Almanac of American Politics. Jessica talks her small-town Tennessee roots, her path to political journalism, her early thoughts on the 2022 Senate map, and a deep-dive into both the history of The Almanac and her ground-breaking role at that hallowed institution.IN THIS EPISODE…Jessica traces her interest in political journalism to both her mother and father…How...
2021-08-1740 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryAuthor & Journalist Edward-Isaac Dovere on the Battle for the 2020 Democratic NominationSend us a textYou know Edward-Isaac Dovere from his work at The Atlantic, and Politico before that. His recent book Battle for the Soul chronicles the 2020 presidential campaign, especially the Democratic primaries. In this conversation, we discuss Isaac's path to writing about politics, the genesis of his book, and several of the key moments from the 2020 campaign trail.IN THIS EPISODEThe member of Congress who helped Isaac first get involved in the political process…Isaac talks through the genre of “campaign books”…Isaac shares the original...
2021-08-1045 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryChuck Rocha On Organizing, Bernie, & SolidaritySend us a textChuck Rocha, Democratic operative and founder of Solidarity Strategies, may have the most interesting and unusual story of ascent in politics. From a 19-year old single father working a union job at a rubber plant in East Texas, to the political director of the national Steelworkers' Union, to a senior advisor to both Bernie Sanders' campaigns, and founder of the largest Latino-owned political consulting firm. Chuck's stories, insight, and advice match his unconventional path in the industry...this is a great conversation with one of the most distinctive voices in American politics.
2021-08-031h 00Pro Politics with Zac McCrarySteve Schale: Obama Man, Biden Man, Florida ManSend us a textNo operative is more identified with their state's politics than Steve Schale is with Florida. Steve cut his teeth winning tough legislative districts in Florida as the state drifted red, then ran Florida for the winning Obama campaign in 2008 and was deeply involved again in Obama 2012. And beyond Florida, Steve helmed the Draft Biden 2016 effort and the 2020 Biden Super PAC Unite the Country. This is a great conversation not just about Steve's experiences in Florida politics, but also covering how a high-level political operative approaches campaigns, building organizations, and navigating a career in a...
2021-07-2758 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryMaren Hesla's Been Everywhere & Done It All in Democratic PoliticsSend us a textMaren Hesla has done virtually everything there is to do in Democratic politics. She’s currently a partner in leading Democratic direct mail firm Mission Control…but before that she managed campaigns, worked for the DNC, DCCC, and EMILYs List, and spent time as a media consultant and pollster. Maren talks her personal journey as a Minnesota transplant growing up in the Deep South and what she’s learned navigating the political profession. Great episode with both smart political stories and highly actionable advice for pursuing and succeeding in a career in pol...
2021-07-2056 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryThe Political Life of Haley BarbourSend us a textOther than those who've been elected President, I'm not sure anyone in his generation has had a more remarkable political career than Haley Barbour. Running Mississippi for Nixon while he was still in college...ED of the MS GOP at a critical building phase in the 70s...battling a Senate Giant in his unsuccessful first race in '82...running the Reagan White House's political operation...chairing the RNC during the '94 GOP wave...2-term Governor...and starting what has become one of the most successful lobbying government affairs firms in the...
2021-07-1357 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryJim Messina, from Montana to ObamaSend us a textFrom a very early age, Jim Messina knew he wanted to manage a presidential campaign. And he made it happen as the manager for the 2012 Obama re-elect. In between, Jim ran campaigns at all levels across the country, served as Chief of Staff on Capitol Hill, and served as a White House aide helping pass much of the first-term Obama agenda. In this conversation, Jim talks growing up in a blue collar Mountain West family, his early activism against nuclear weapons, how he connected with eventual mentor Senator Max Baucus, and...
2021-07-0659 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryNse Ufot, CEO of The New Georgia Project, on Organizing & WinningSend us a textNse Ufot is CEO of The New Georgia Project, an integral part of the infrastructure that contributed to Georgia turning blue for Joe Biden and delivering two US Senate seats as part of a Democratic majority. Under her leadership, NGP has trained local activists, built innovative organizing apps, and helped register over 400,000 voters. In this conversation, Nse talks her childhood move from Nigeria to Atlanta, her early days as a labor lawyer, building NGP with Stacey Abrams, and the strategies employed and lessons learned that helped turn Georgia blue in 2020/2021.
2021-06-2959 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryAn Engaging Conversation with Author Sasha Issenberg on the 25-year Path to Marriage EqualitySend us a textJournalist and author Sasha Issenberg recently released his new book, The Engagement: America's Quarter-Century Struggle Over Same-Sex Marriage. Sasha chronicles the path to progress on this issue from the early 90s when even most LGBT advocates didn't see marriage equality as an achievable goal..to the present with marriage equality cemented by the Supreme Court and over 70% of Americans (and rising) lining up behind these rights. In this conversation, Sasha talks the core thesis of his book, the strategic decisions that made a difference in the debate, the key political actors on both...
2021-06-2244 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryMiles Coleman, Political Analyst & President of Election TwitterSend us a textMiles Coleman is an analyst at the University of Virginia's Center for Politics, though he is best known as the unofficial President of "Election Twitter" - a loose affiliation of (mostly) amateur political junkies and pundits who drive much of the political chatter and analysis on social media. Miles also has helped popularize political cartography, with some of his self-made political maps revealing important insights about elections past, present, and future. In this conversation, Miles talks all things Elections Twitter, goes into his personal connections to two prominent US Senators, talks through the s...
2021-06-1553 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryBonus Book Episode: 30 Minutes with Jason Stanford, author of Forget the AlamoSend us a textThose in the political world know Jason Stanford as the founder of the opposition research firm Stanford Campaigns - which is still going strong after 20+ years. He's also a prolific writer, with a new book out. Forget the Alamo chronicles the history of the Alamo, starting before the first shot was fired to the present day as the Alamo continues to roil Texas politics. In this discussion, Jason talks about his early days in Moscow as an aspiring spy, cutting his teeth working for Ann Richards in Texas, starting his opposition research firm...
2021-06-1128 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryJames Aldrete on Communicating to a Winning Democratic CoalitionSend us a textJames Aldrete comes out of a family political tradition with one foot in the world of radical Tejano politics of the 50s and 60s - and one foot in the Democratic establishment. As a political professional, he's merged those strands to start his own firm (MAP) based in Austin, TX and become a leading voice within the Democratic party on communications and messaging, with a focus on Hispanic engagement and media. In this conversation, James talks cutting his teeth in Texas politics for Governors Mark White and Ann Richards, building his own media f...
2021-06-0852 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryBonus Episode: 30 Minutes with Singer/Songwriter/Novelist Kinky FriedmanSend us a textEnjoy a short bonus episode with the iconic (and iconoclastic) Kinky Friedman...country music legend, best-selling novelist, and sometimes political candidate. Kinky talks through some of his political heroes, his favorite political stories, his time in the Peace Corps, his friendship with both Bill Clinton and George W Bush.,.& and closes the episode with one of his songs - that was a favorite of Nelson Mandela.IN THIS EPISODE...Kinky talks about the politician that spoke to him most as a kid....Kinky tells the...
2021-06-0431 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryBecki Donatelli, Famed GOP Digital TrailblazerSend us a textBecki Donatelli is a legendary GOP strategist and a trailblazing digital consultant. She got her start as a Goldwater Girl, worked for Reagan in '76, knew Jim Baker and Ronald Reagan, and worked with John McCain in 2000 & 2008. As a digital pioneer, Beck was part of the first operation to raise political money on the internet. And her firm, Campaign Solutions, has been leading in the digital space for 20+ years in presidential races and hundreds of statewide and congressional campaigns. This is a great conversation following Becki's one-of-a-kind career and a front-row seat to...
2021-06-0159 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryAli Lapp on Founding House Majority PAC & Winning House RacesSend us a textVery few people have had more impact on US House races over the past decade than Ali Lapp. After years in campaigns and as a Hill Chief of Staff, she created House Majority PAC from scratch in 2011. With Ali at the helm, HMP has established itself as a vital presence on the political landscape - raising and spending hundreds of millions of dollars to elect Democrats to the House. In this episode, Ali talks her early days in politics in Washington state, her time on the Hill as a Chief, how...
2021-05-2556 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryFaiz Shakir on Bernie Sanders' 2020 & Working from the Inside & OutsideSend us a textFaiz Shakir, manager of the 2020 Bernie Sanders' campaign, has worked from the inside (Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid) and the outside (Bernie, the ACLU) to advance the causes in which he believes. Faiz has one of the most versatile and unique resumes in politics. But beyond his professional experience, he has a uniquely American story as a Muslim-American child of Pakistani immigrants who spent his childhood bouncing across Florida before baseball served as his path to Harvard University. Podcast WebsiteTwitter: @ProPoliticsPodTwitter: @ZacMcCraryFacebook: The Pro Politics Podcast
2021-05-181h 00Pro Politics with Zac McCraryNevada Matters & So Does Jon RalstonSend us a textNo journalist defines his or her state's politics like Jon Ralston and Nevada. Jon's been deep in Nevada politics since the early 80s, rising from the the night police beat to his state's foremost voice on politics. In this conversation, Jon talks through his ascent in Nevada politics, some of the most memorable races and personalities he's covered, the "math" behind today's Nevada elections, and the gamble he took to start his own news non-profit, The Nevada Indpendent. Great episode for anyone interested in politics and political journalism. Podcast Website...
2021-05-1156 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryMike Murphy & A Master Class in Political CommunicationSend us a textYou won't find a better 59 minutes of political stories and advice than this conversation with longtime GOP media consultant / strategist Mike Murphy. Mike has worked with some of the iconic Republican political names of his generation...McCain, Schwarzenegger, Bush, Romney, Alexander, Engler...and so many more. And there is no better and more enthusiastic political storyteller than Mike Murphy. IN THIS EPISODEMike’s family connection to a “thank you” letter sent from FDR’s campaign manager…Mike talks about how the Cold War defined politics in his early d...
2021-05-0459 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryMartha McKenna & Her Midas TouchSend us a textMartha McKenna has been at the upper echelons of politics for years...campaign manager, EMILYs List, the DSCC...and now is a decade in to her own media firm, McKenna Media. Through her firm, Martha has developed something of a Midas Touch - working at critical points in their career with Kamala Harris, Deb Haaland, and Pete Buttigieg. Martha is one of the party's smartest strategists and offers many great insights over the course of this discussion.Podcast WebsiteTwitter: @ProPoliticsPodTwitter: @ZacMcCraryFacebook: The Pro Politics Podcast
2021-04-271h 00Pro Politics with Zac McCraryThe Iconic Charlie Cook Reflects on a Life in PoliticsSend us a textCharlie Cook is a political icon of his generation. Charlie broke ground in the early days of the race-rating and political newsletter industry, starting the Cook Political Report from scratch in 1984 – and he and his newsletter are still going strong.Charlie talks through his fascinating career and is generous with insights as to how politics and campaigns have changed over the years – with plenty of practical tips to help anyone better understand and better navigate our political system.Podcast Website Twitter: @ProPoliticsPod Twitter: @ZacMcCrary Face...
2021-04-2052 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryThe Legendary Saul ShorrSend us a textThey don’t make too many people like Saul Shorr. After hitchhiking across the country, working in sugar refineries, being in and out of college, Saul fell into working on Mo Udall's 1976 presidential campaign. He soon became an expert in big city politics, started his own media firm, and has helped elect Senators and Governors and Presidents.Saul has one of the most unique paths, some of the biggest wins, and many of the best stories after decades as one of the most respected admakers and strategists in the business. Trust me...
2021-04-1359 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryKasim Reed, Atlanta's 59th Mayor, on Winning Races & Running a CitySend us a textAs a student, Kasim Reed set a goal to be mayor of Atlanta by age 40 - and he made it happen.The Kasim Reed story is truly an original...motivated by a nurturing mother and demanding father, on the Board of Howard University by age 19, the youngest member of the Georgia legislature by 29, managing a successful mayoral race at 32, and winning his own mayoral campaign 8 years later after starting in last place. And 8 successful years as mayor of one of the great international cities. Fascinating to hear Mayor Reed's...
2021-04-0659 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryRose Kapolczynski, icon of West Coast politicsSend us a textThis week my guest is Rose Kapolczynski, a legend in California politics and beyond. Rose managed all four of Barbara Boxer's successful US Senate races, including the iconic Boxer upset win in the '92 Year of the Woman. Beyond Boxerworld, Rose started her own consulting firm and has been deeply involved in numerous successful campaigns - and she is currently the President of the American Association of Political Consultants.Podcast WebsiteTwitter: @ProPoliticsPodTwitter: @ZacMcCraryFacebook: The Pro Politics Podcast IN THIS EPISODE
2021-03-3056 min
Now More Than EverZac McCrary: Democratic PollsterZac McCrary is a self proclaimed politics nerd and unapologetic "geeker-outer" on things like campaign merch and pro wrestling. He's also one of the top Democratic pollsters in the country and host of the very fine Pro Politics podcast. We talk about his journey through the business and the current state of play both in the South and the country at large as well as some war stories from some of he and the Chairman's campaigns they've worked on together. Zac's podcast can be found HERE
2021-03-291h 40Pro Politics with Zac McCraryGlen Bolger, GOP SuperpollsterSend us a textI'm very fortunate this week to be joined by my first Republican guest, GOP pollster Glen Bolger of Public Opinion Strategies. Glen cut his teeth in polling in the Reagan / Bush era and helmed the polling operation for House Republicans before co-founding his own firm - a firm that now represents more than 40 members of Congress and 10+ US Senators. Glen tells some great stories of his early days in politics - matriculating at American University, interning on the Hill, cutting his teeth at polling with President Reagan's pollster and at the N...
2021-03-2353 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryDavid Nir & The Rise of the NetrootsSend us a textA great conversation this week with David Nir, recently celebrating his 10-year anniversary as the Political Director of Daily Kos. David's career charts the rise of the Democratic online grassroots from a ramshackle group of political junkies in the early 00s to now being one of the pillars of the Democratic political universe.Podcast WebsiteTwitter: @ProPoliticsPodTwitter: @ZacMcCraryFacebook: The Pro Politics PodcastIN THIS EPISODE…What was David’s first introduction to feminism?How being the chil...
2021-03-1655 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryRebecca Pearcey!Send us a textI’m thrilled this week to be joined by the brilliant Rebecca Pearcey! Rebecca has worked in politics for 20+ years – from working in field to managing statewide races to running big independent expenditure programs. In the 2020 cycle, Rebecca was a senior advisor and political director to the Warren for President campaign – while also traveling with the candidate for months.Podcast WebsiteTwitter: @ProPoliticsPodTwitter: @ZacMcCraryFacebook: The Pro Politics Podcast IN THIS EPISODE…How a Christmas card and a goldfish taught Re...
2021-03-0959 minPro Politics with Zac McCraryPaul Begala Joins The Pro Politics PodcastSend us a textI’m so fortunate to be joined by Paul Begala as my first guest – we had a great conversation. Paul is a great storyteller, with tremendous insights he’s learned over the years that remain incredibly relevant today.Podcast WebsiteTwitter: @ProPoliticsPodTwitter: @ZacMcCraryFacebook: The Pro Politics PodcastIN THIS EPISODE…Paul breaks out his spot-on impressions of Bill Clinton, James Carville, and a deep cut of Phil Graham…Why was Paul’s nickname “Huntley-Brinkley”?Which Senator did a 12...
2021-03-021h 00