The Focus Group Podcast

The blue wave arrived, and it was fantastic. Now, we’re reveling by listening to some of the voters who created it. Hear why Mississippi just elected Scott Colom to the Senate, and why Texas elected Gina Hinojosa as governor, from the voters who put them over the top (and who voted for Donald Trump not too long ago). Adam Jentleson of the Searchlight Institute returns to the show to discuss how Democrats succeeded in so many red states, AND how they can deliver for their constituents so that they can stay competitive in future elections. Plus, voters are torn between believing the Trump administration is corrupt, and not wanting to see another impeachment. Sarah and Adam discuss how Democrats can address that tension.Show links:Adam Jentleson’s book, SupermajorityProtect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/thefocusgroup. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Trustpilot rating as of 8/1/2026.Go to https://kachava.com and use code thefocusgroup for 15% off your first order.

Tuesday night was the biggest rebuke of Donald Trump and MAGA that we've seen yet, by a wide margin. It was so big, in fact, that we're asking much bigger questions about how much of the country is up for grabs. Nate Silver, host of Crooked Media's Still Counting and author of the Silver Bulletin newsletter, joins Sarah to discuss the election results and how they could reverberate far, far beyond 2026.Show links:Silver BulletinThe Still Counting PodcastNate’s Trump approval rating graphicGo to https://DrinkAG1.com/THEFOCUSGROUP and for a limited time, get a free Immune Support Bundle, including a bottle of Omega-3 fish oil and a bottle of Vitamin D3K2, with your first subscription order of AG1 Next Gen or AG1 Pro.Get $20 off your first subscription order of Cometeer coffee at https://Cometeer.com/THEFOCUSGROUP or use code THEFOCUSGROUP for $20 off.

The midterm elections are almost here, and voters and podcast hosts alike are about to lose their minds. The Cook Political Report's Amy Walter is back for one last hurrah before the midterms, and after a bit of lesbian-specific chit chat, she and Sarah discuss how big the blue wave could get on Tuesday, and voters' hilarious comments about how fed up they are with the deluge of political advertising. Then they get into the crucial race for governor in Georgia and the Alaska Senate race, with its multiple Dans Sullivan.Show links:Subscribe to the Cook Political Report.Join Cook's post-election briefing.Watch Cook's pre-election briefing on Monday, November 2 on Substack and YouTube.

Maine is getting a lot of national attention for such a small state. Sen. Susan Collins is trying to win a sixth term despite losing some shine of off her reputation as an "independent" senator. A lot of former Collins voters are ready for her to go, but still harbor a lot of goodwill towards her. Collins' opponent isn't inspiring much confidence from them, either. Midcoast Villager deputy editor Alex Seitz-Wald joins to discuss how Mainers are feeling about her this year, where they're finding Troy Jackson lacking, and some of the other local issues that may play a big role in this race.Get $20 off your first order of Cometeer coffee at https://Cometeer.com/THEFOCUSGROUP or use code THEFOCUSGROUP for $20 off.For a limited time, go to https://TempoMeals.com/THEFOCUSGROUP for 60% off your first box.Show links:Alex's appearance on The Bulwark Daily in JulyThe Midcoast Villager 

There are a lot of red states with big elections this year where Democrats are 'sayin' there's a chance,' like Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina, or Iowa, where they may have more than just a chance. The Atlantic's Elaine Godfrey joins Sarah to talk about her travels with Iowa's two leading Democratic candidates, the other long shots Democrats are eyeing in red states, and what disaffected Trump voters are saying about all of it.Go to https://Leesa.com for up to 30% off mattresses during their Evergreen Fall Savings Sale, PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code FOCUSGROUP.Show links:Sarah's Focus Group Newsletter on Ashley HinsonElaine Godfrey: A Democrat in Name OnlyElaine Godfrey: Democrats Might Actually Win IowaElaine Godfrey: The GOP’s Culture-War Hail MaryThe Bulwark's October Surprise sale ends soon. Get 30% off your annual subscription through SUNDAY.