Digest

This episode of "What Next?" delves into the question of what defines a Republican in the current political landscape, particularly in Wisconsin. The episode begins by introducing Blake, a delegate from California who represents a conversion story that Republicans are hoping to see more of this year. The episode then explores the changing definition of Republicanism through interviews with delegates and GOP insiders. Rosalie Escobito, a delegate from Texas, highlights the internal divisions within the party, while Paul Farrow, former chair of the Wisconsin GOP, provides insights into the evolving principles and priorities of the party. Farrow discusses the shift from a focus on fiscal and social conservatism to a more unified message centered around economic opportunity, safety, and election integrity. The episode also examines the role of unions in the Republican Party, the impact of the Supreme Court's decision on abortion, and the ongoing efforts to address election denialism. The episode concludes with a discussion about the importance of voter outreach and the challenges of combating misinformation in the lead-up to the 2024 election.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Sponsor Message

This Chapter introduces the podcast and its sponsor, Progressive Insurance, highlighting the ease of comparing car insurance rates with their website.

00:00:37

The Changing Face of Republicanism

This Chapter explores the evolving definition of the Republican Party through interviews with delegates and GOP insiders. The episode begins by introducing Blake, a delegate from California who represents a conversion story that Republicans are hoping to see more of this year. The episode then explores the changing definition of Republicanism through interviews with delegates and GOP insiders. Rosalie Escobito, a delegate from Texas, highlights the internal divisions within the party, while Paul Farrow, former chair of the Wisconsin GOP, provides insights into the evolving principles and priorities of the party.

00:15:48

Election Denial and the Future of the GOP

This Chapter delves into the issue of election denialism within the Republican Party, particularly in Wisconsin. The episode examines the role of election denialism in the 2020 election and the efforts of the Wisconsin GOP to address concerns about election integrity. The episode also discusses the party's strategies for voter outreach and the challenges of combating misinformation in the lead-up to the 2024 election.

00:29:06

Outro

This Chapter concludes the episode with a summary of the key takeaways and a thank you to the listeners.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some of the key changes that are occurring within the Republican Party, particularly in Wisconsin?

  Paul Farrow, former chair of the Wisconsin GOP, describes a shift from a focus on fiscal and social conservatism to a more unified message centered around economic opportunity, safety, and election integrity. He also notes a growing emphasis on reaching out to disengaged voters and working with unions, which is a departure from the party's traditional stance on labor issues.

• How does the Republican Party plan to address concerns about election denialism and misinformation in the lead-up to the 2024 election?

  Farrow emphasizes the importance of transparency and voter education. He highlights the GOP's efforts to train partisan poll workers and poll observers, as well as to promote voter outreach and engagement. He also expresses his belief in the integrity of the election process and his willingness to accept the results, regardless of the outcome.

• What are some of the key issues that are driving voters in Wisconsin, and how is the Republican Party responding to these concerns?

  Farrow identifies immigration reform, border security, and the economy as the top priorities for voters in Wisconsin. He emphasizes the party's focus on these issues and its efforts to reach out to voters who are concerned about these matters. He also acknowledges the importance of addressing concerns about abortion, but suggests that the issue may not be as prominent in the upcoming election as it was in the past.

• How does the Republican Party plan to mobilize voters in Wisconsin, particularly those who have not voted in recent elections?

  Farrow describes the party's strategy of targeting voters who have not voted in recent elections, particularly those who are drawn to populist and nationalist messages. He highlights the party's efforts to work with organizations like Turning Point USA and the Trump team to reach out to these voters and encourage them to participate in the upcoming election.

• What are some of the challenges that the Republican Party faces in Wisconsin, and how is the party attempting to overcome these obstacles?

  Farrow acknowledges the challenges that the Republican Party faces in Wisconsin, including the party's recent losses in statewide elections and the growing influence of Democrats in certain areas of the state. He emphasizes the importance of reaching out to voters in these areas and of promoting a message that resonates with their concerns. He also highlights the party's efforts to address concerns about election integrity and to combat misinformation.

• How does the Republican Party's current approach to politics compare to the party's approach in the past?

  Farrow suggests that the Republican Party is undergoing a transformation, with a shift towards a more populist and nationalist approach. He acknowledges that this shift has led to internal divisions within the party, but he believes that the party is ultimately moving towards a more unified message that appeals to a broader range of voters.

• What are some of the key differences between the views of Rosalie Escobito and Paul Farrow on the Republican Party?

  Escobito represents a more traditional conservative perspective, while Farrow reflects a more populist and nationalist approach. Escobito's views on issues such as abortion, foreign policy, and labor unions are more in line with traditional conservative values, while Farrow's views are more aligned with the populist and nationalist agenda of Donald Trump.

• How does the Republican Party's focus on election integrity and voter outreach relate to the party's efforts to address concerns about election denialism?

  Farrow argues that the Republican Party's focus on election integrity and voter outreach is a way to combat election denialism and to restore trust in the electoral process. He believes that by promoting transparency and voter education, the party can address concerns about election fraud and encourage voters to participate in the upcoming election.

• What are some of the key takeaways from this episode of "What Next?" regarding the evolving definition of the Republican Party?

  This episode highlights the ongoing debate within the Republican Party about its core principles and priorities. The episode suggests that the party is undergoing a transformation, with a shift towards a more populist and nationalist approach. However, the episode also acknowledges the internal divisions within the party and the challenges of addressing concerns about election denialism and misinformation.

Show Notes