The Journalism of Everything Podcast

Can political advertising actually change your vote—or does it simply reinforce what you already believe? From Lyndon Johnson's infamous 1964 "Daisy" ad to Ronald Reagan's optimistic "Morning in America" and Donald Trump's fear-driven 2023 campaign messaging, political advertisements have spent decades appealing to our emotions. But does fear, anger, or hope actually persuade voters? In this episode of The Journalism of Everything, independent journalist Darisse Smith explores the evolution of political advertising, the influence of Madison Avenue executives, and the surprising psychological research behind political persuasion. Discover what science tells us about how campaign ads influence our emotions, shape our opinions, and whether they can actually change our votes. Because making voters feel something isn't the same as changing their minds. #PoliticalAdvertising #PoliticalPsychology #VoterBehavior #PoliticalAds #2026Midterms #MediaManipulation

Donald Trump is attacking progressive Democrat Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan's 2026 Senate race. But Trump's endorsed candidate, Republican Mike Rogers, is publicly challenging some of the president's policies. In this episode of The Journalism of Everything, we examine Trump's influence on Michigan politics, the attacks against El-Sayed, and the stark differences between the candidates on healthcare, immigration, economic inequality, and foreign policy. Can Rogers distance himself from Trump while keeping his endorsement? And what could this closely watched race reveal about the future of American politics? #MichiganSenateRace #Midterms2026 #DonaldTrump #MikeRogers #AbdulElSayed #TheJournalismOfEverything

Pennsylvania's AI boom promises billions in investment and thousands of jobs. But who really benefits, and who pays the price? In Northeastern Pennsylvania, AI data centers are becoming a major issue in the competitive 2026 congressional race between Republican Rob Bresnahan and Democrat Paige Cognetti. In this episode of The Journalism of Everything, we examine the region's history with coal and natural gas, the enormous electricity and water demands of AI data centers, and the political influence of Big Tech. We also explore Bresnahan's investments in AI-related companies and what both candidates are promising voters. Will artificial intelligence bring lasting prosperity to Pennsylvania, or leave communities paying the costs of another economic boom? #AIDataCenters #PennsylvaniaPolitics #Midterms2026 #BigTech #ArtificialIntelligence #TheJournalismOfEverything

Why do millions of Americans not vote—and does your vote actually matter? Despite calling ourselves one of the world’s great democracies, the United States consistently struggles with voter turnout. But the reasons Americans stay home are much more complicated than simple apathy. In this episode of The Journalism of Everything, I examine some of the most common arguments Americans give for not voting: • “My vote doesn’t matter.”• “The system is rigged.”• “I never like the candidates.”• “Politics doesn’t affect my life.”• And for millions of Americans: voting simply isn’t convenient enough. We look at Pew Research Center and U.S. Census Bureau data on nonvoters, the effect of the Electoral College on how voters perceive their political power, dissatisfaction with the two-party system, distrust of elected officials, and the practical barriers that keep some Americans from the polls. I also take these arguments seriously. Because when someone says their vote doesn’t matter, dismissing them as lazy or apathetic doesn’t explain why they feel that way. Some criticisms of the American political system have legitimate evidence behind them. Others become much more complicated when we examine how elections actually work—especially state, congressional and local elections. And there’s one statistic I keep coming back to: among Americans eligible to participate in the 2020 presidential election, the 2022 midterms and the 2024 presidential election, only 41% voted in all three. Another 26% voted in none of them. So the bigger question may not simply be “Why don't Americans vote?” It may be: What happens to a democracy when millions of people stop believing participation is worth it? #VoterTurnout #Voting #2026Midterms #AmericanPolitics #VoterApathy #Elections #DoesMyVoteMatter #Democracy #PoliticalParticipation #JournalismOfEverything

James Talarico has outraised Ken Paxton by nearly $60 million. On paper, this Texas Senate race shouldn't even be close. But there's another mountain of money sitting outside the candidates' campaigns. In this episode of The Journalism of Everything, I follow the money behind the Talarico–Paxton race and explain how Super PACs, billionaire donors and dark money are pouring millions into Texas politics. From Reid Hoffman and Lone Star Rising PAC to Elon Musk, MAGA Inc. and Republican Senate groups, this race offers a revealing look at a much bigger question: When everyone gets one vote, how much influence should someone with $10 million have over what everyone else sees and hears? #JamesTalarico #KenPaxton #TexasSenate #SuperPACs #DarkMoney #CampaignFinance #2026Midterms