Electionwise
16 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 16 years ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsElectionwise is a weekly podcast that presents thoughtful answers to listener questions about democratic processes, elections and voting.
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Episodes
What's the "tceffE yeldarB"?
July 31, 2008 05:00 - 5 minutes - 2.71 MBFor the first time, we have a black candidate running for president and the "Bradley Effect" could affect the accuracy of polls. But what about the "Reverse Bradley Effect?", or "tceffE yeldarB"
Have American campaigns always been dirty?
July 25, 2008 05:00 - 6 minutes - 3.15 MBSmear campaigns are as old as politics itself and new technologies have only made matters worse. But is there an upside to dirty politics?
How do the candidates differ on immigration?
July 17, 2008 05:00 - 5 minutes - 2.67 MBBoth Barack Obama and John McCain supported the failed 2007 immigration reform bill. Since then, John McCain has shifted somewhat on the issue. But New York Times immigration reporter Julia Preston says that immigration reform is unlikely to be at the top of the next administration's agenda - whether Democrat or Republican.
Where do the candidates stand on abortion?
July 11, 2008 05:00 - 5 minutes - 2.67 MBThe candidates tiptoe toward the middle as they try to keep their bases happy. Is there a middle ground on abortion?
How do you spot a likely voter?
July 03, 2008 05:00 - 5 minutes - 2.62 MBAfter a primary season marked by record turnouts, are pollsters having trouble identifying likely voters?
Why so many lawyers in Congress?
June 26, 2008 05:00 - 6 minutes - 2.8 MBAn attorney, a bussinesswoman, a social worker and a teacher all argue their professions provide the best training for being a lawmaker.
Will the "dream ticket" come true?
June 19, 2008 05:00 - 5 minutes - 2.36 MBSome Democrats are hoping Barack Obama will choose Hillary Clinton as his running mate, but if history is any indication, it's not likely.
Will the electoral college ever go away?
June 12, 2008 05:00 - 5 minutes - 2.67 MBPrevious movements to abolish the electoral college have failed because it's hard to amend the constitution. But a Californian computer scientist may have figured out a way around that.
How hard is it for previously unknown candidates to get elected?
June 05, 2008 05:00 - 4 minutes - 2.1 MBRunning for governor or U.S. senator isn't easy, especially if no one knows who you are. Paul Wellstone's campaign manager shares the recipe for success.
Why do we only have two parties?
May 29, 2008 05:00 - 4 minutes - 2.13 MBThe Democratic and Republican parties dominate the national political scene. But has it always been this way? And what would it take for a third party to be viable?
Who has the most small donors?
May 22, 2008 05:00 - 6 minutes - 2.83 MBEven though big donors still carry plenty of influence in presidential campaigns, an army of small online donors has helped Barack Obama raise more than any other candidate ever has at this stage in a campaign.
Do campaign promises usually become policy?
May 15, 2008 05:00 - 6 minutes - 2.79 MBOver the course of an election, presidential candidates argue endlessly over the details of their proposals. But presidents don't get to dictate laws. How often do their campaign promises become policy?
What's next for No Child Left Behind?
May 08, 2008 05:00 - 6 minutes - 2.88 MBNo Child Left Behind was supposed to be re-authorized last year, but Congress is waiting to see who the next president will be before it does anything. What are the candidates plans for the federal education law?
What's wrong with a brokered convention?
May 01, 2008 05:00 - 4 minutes - 2.16 MBDemocratic leaders are fretting about the drawn-out battle between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. DNC chair Howard Dean wants the nomination settled well before the party's convention in August. Why the rush?
Would a one-day national primary work?
April 24, 2008 05:00 - 6 minutes - 3.06 MBWhat would happen if -- instead of a five-month schedule of primaries and caucuses -- all the states just voted for presidential nominees on the same day?
How much work are the candidates missing?
April 17, 2008 05:00 - 5 minutes - 2.57 MBHillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain are all campaigning full time. But they also have full time jobs -- as members of the U.S. Senate. Is it a problem they have been missing so many votes?