2024 Election Battlegrounds (with Ben Wikler)
1Digest
This episode of "Stay Tuned" features an interview with Ben Wickler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. The episode begins with an introduction to the podcast and a brief overview of the upcoming mini-series on "Into the Mix," a Ben and Jerry's podcast about joy and justice. Wickler discusses his role in turning the Wisconsin Democratic Party into a winning machine, sharing his background in comedy writing and his perspective on humor in politics. He highlights the significance of Wisconsin in the 2024 election, emphasizing its close results in previous elections. He discusses key issues that will influence voters, particularly abortion and reproductive freedom, and the impact of the state Supreme Court election. Wickler analyzes Kamala Harris's campaign strategy in Wisconsin, focusing on her messaging on abortion, the economy, and immigration. He also discusses the role of Super PACs and the Republican Party's spending advantage. He addresses the importance of local issues in Wisconsin, particularly the border issue, and explains how voters perceive the border situation and how it influences their voting decisions. Wickler discusses the impact of candidate visits on Wisconsin's election, highlighting the media coverage, visual opportunities, and volunteer recruitment that they generate. He emphasizes the importance of turning rally crowds into volunteer armies. He analyzes the impact of Tim Walsh, Kamala Harris's running mate, on her campaign in Wisconsin and other swing states, highlighting Walsh's local ties and his appeal to Wisconsin voters. Wickler discusses the evolution of the phrase "all politics is local," arguing that while it may still hold true for Democrats, Republican politics has become increasingly nationalized due to the influence of national media and online information sources. He shares his experience with a successful fundraising event featuring a live reading of the script of "The Princess Bride," explaining how the idea came about, the amount of money raised, and the lessons learned for other state parties. Finally, Wickler discusses the characteristics of undecided voters in Wisconsin, highlighting their reasons for being undecided and the challenges of reaching them. He emphasizes the importance of offering a clear vision for change and addressing voters' concerns about a broken political system.
Outlines
Wisconsin's Importance in the 2024 Election
Ben Wickler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, discusses the state's importance in the 2024 election, emphasizing its close results in previous elections. He highlights key issues that will influence voters, particularly abortion and reproductive freedom, and the impact of the state Supreme Court election.
Ben Wickler: Wisconsin Democrats' Winning Machine
Ben Wickler shares his background in comedy writing and his perspective on humor in politics, particularly in the context of the current election. He discusses his role in turning the Wisconsin Democratic Party into a winning machine.
Kamala Harris's Campaign Strategy in Wisconsin
Ben Wickler analyzes Kamala Harris's campaign strategy in Wisconsin, focusing on her messaging on abortion, the economy, and immigration. He also discusses the role of Super PACs and the Republican Party's spending advantage.
The Importance of Local Issues in Wisconsin
Ben Wickler addresses the importance of local issues in Wisconsin, particularly the border issue. He explains how voters perceive the border situation and how it influences their voting decisions.
The Impact of Candidate Visits on Wisconsin's Election
Ben Wickler discusses the impact of candidate visits on Wisconsin's election, highlighting the media coverage, visual opportunities, and volunteer recruitment that they generate. He also emphasizes the importance of turning rally crowds into volunteer armies.
Tim Walsh's Impact on Kamala Harris's Campaign
Ben Wickler analyzes the impact of Tim Walsh, Kamala Harris's running mate, on her campaign in Wisconsin and other swing states. He highlights Walsh's local ties and his appeal to Wisconsin voters.
The Evolution of "All Politics is Local"
Ben Wickler discusses the evolution of the phrase "all politics is local," arguing that while it may still hold true for Democrats, Republican politics has become increasingly nationalized due to the influence of national media and online information sources.
Creative Fundraising and Understanding Undecided Voters
Ben Wickler shares his experience with a successful fundraising event featuring a live reading of the script of "The Princess Bride." He also discusses the characteristics of undecided voters in Wisconsin, highlighting their reasons for being undecided and the challenges of reaching them. He emphasizes the importance of offering a clear vision for change and addressing voters' concerns about a broken political system.
Keywords
Voter Fraud
False claims of widespread voter fraud, often used to undermine election integrity and disenfranchise voters. These claims are frequently made without evidence and can have a chilling effect on participation.
Super PACs
Political action committees that can raise unlimited funds from corporations, unions, and individuals. They are often used to support or oppose candidates and can have a significant impact on elections.
Dark Money
Political spending by groups that do not disclose their donors, making it difficult to track the source of funding and potential influence. This lack of transparency raises concerns about undue influence and corruption.
Election Integrity
The assurance that elections are conducted fairly and accurately, with all eligible voters having the opportunity to cast their ballots and have their votes counted. It encompasses measures to prevent fraud, ensure voter access, and maintain public confidence in the electoral process.
Reproductive Freedom
The right of individuals to make decisions about their own bodies, including access to abortion care. It is a fundamental human right that is increasingly under attack in the United States, with implications for women's health, autonomy, and equality.
Nationalized Politics
The trend of political issues and campaigns becoming increasingly focused on national rather than local concerns. This can lead to a disconnect between voters and their elected officials, as well as a decline in the importance of local issues.
Information Ecosystem
The interconnected network of sources and platforms through which individuals access information, including news, social media, and online content. It can influence individuals' perceptions of the world and their political beliefs.
Undecided Voters
Voters who have not yet made up their minds about which candidate to support in an election. They are often considered a key target group for campaigns, as their votes can swing the outcome of an election.
Third Party Candidates
Candidates who run for office outside of the two major political parties, often challenging the status quo and advocating for alternative policies. They can play a significant role in elections, particularly in close races, by drawing votes away from the major party candidates.
Q&A
How important is Wisconsin in the 2024 election?
Wisconsin is a crucial battleground state, having been extremely close in recent presidential elections. Its outcome could significantly impact the overall election results.
What are the key issues that will influence voters in Wisconsin?
Abortion and reproductive freedom are major issues that are mobilizing voters in Wisconsin. Other important issues include the economy, immigration, and the integrity of elections.
How is Kamala Harris's campaign strategy in Wisconsin?
Kamala Harris is focusing on issues like abortion, the economy, and immigration. She is also facing a significant spending advantage from Republican Super PACs.
How does Tim Walsh's presence on the ticket impact Kamala Harris's campaign?
Tim Walsh's local ties and familiarity with Wisconsin voters are seen as a positive for Kamala Harris's campaign, particularly in a state where local issues are important.
What is the significance of the state Supreme Court election in Wisconsin?
The state Supreme Court election was a major victory for Democrats, ensuring a progressive majority that will likely protect voting rights and reproductive freedom.
How do you explain the existence of undecided voters in a highly polarized political climate?
Undecided voters often feel disillusioned with the political system and believe that politicians are corrupt. They may be motivated to vote if they perceive a significant threat or a promise of real change.
How can people get involved in the Wisconsin election?
People can get involved by donating to the Wisconsin Democratic Party at whiskedems.org/donate or volunteering at whiskedems.org/volunteer. Every contribution of time and money can make a difference in a close election.
Show Notes
Ben Wikler is the chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin—one of the seven battleground states in this extremely competitive presidential election. Hailed as a “winning machine” for Democrats, Wikler joined Preet for a live taping to discuss political humor, third party candidates, and the state of the race in swing states.
To learn more about WisDems and how to get involved, click here.
For show notes and a transcript of the episode head to: https://cafe.com/stay-tuned/election-swing-states-wisconsin-ben-wikler/
Have a question for Preet? Ask @PreetBharara on Threads, or Twitter with the hashtag #AskPreet. Email us at staytuned@cafe.com, or call 669-247-7338 to leave a voicemail.
Stay Tuned with Preet is brought to you by CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network.
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