Keystone Reckoning Podcast
34 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 19 hours ago -The most honest and unfiltered discussion about Pennsylvania progressive politics and policy anywhere. The Keystone Reckoning Project will shine a light on Pennsylvania Republicans at all levels of government in a blunt and brutally honest way, demonstrating that a new messaging strategy can change not only the narrative but, more importantly, the results on Election Day.
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Episodes
2024 Democratic Primary Review: Who Won... and Why
April 24, 2024 17:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MBThe 2024 Democratic Primary has come and gone, and the voters have spoken. But what did they say? Uncover the seismic shifts within the Democratic Party following the 2024 primary elections with me as we dissect the victories, the protests, and what they spell for the future. President Biden clinches a decisive win, yet the 7% protest vote for Dean Phillips speaks volumes about internal party dynamics as we march towards the general election. We're peeling back the layers on Bob Casey's unch...
The Anchor: Could Janelle Stelson Sink Democrats in PA-10?
April 10, 2024 21:00 - 27 minutes - 19 MBCan Janelle Stelson's past be her undoing, or will it fuel her fire in the race for Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District? Witness a candid unraveling of the Democratic primary as Keystone Reckoning Podcast host, Jesse White, navigates through the murky waters of political campaigns and controversies that could shift the tides in the upcoming elections. This episode takes you behind the political curtain, revealing how a resurfaced indiscretion on the Howard Stern Show has thrust Stelso...
Sick Day With My Student Ambassador
April 02, 2024 21:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBSitting across from me today is not only an inspiring young leader but also my pride and joy—my son, Gus White. While nursing a cold at home, Gus took center stage to reveal his journey from the hockey rink to the esteemed role of a second-grade student ambassador at Upper Allen Elementary. With charm and wit, he discussed his strategic campaign for election and the earnest responsibilities he embraced upon winning. Gus's insightful reflections on his peers' mature handling of the election o...
Political Fundraising on Easter Sunday? Ugh.
April 02, 2024 15:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBHave you ever found your festive mood dampened by an unexpected email from a political campaign begging for cash? Join us as we unravel the tension between celebration and solicitation, spotlighting the often jarring misstep of political fundraising during holidays like Easter. We're peeling back the layers on why these pleas for donations land with such a thud during moments meant for reflection or joy. With insights from a keen Washington Post analysis, we delve into the wider repercussion...
From Drag Queens to Death Threats: How Republicans Enabled Violence Over Lancaster's Drag Queen Story Hour
March 26, 2024 21:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MBWhen a story hour becomes a battleground for community values, Jesse White takes you through the tumult of Lancaster County's clash over Drag Queen Story Hour. Following the chilling bomb threats that led to the cancellation of the event at Lancaster City Library, we find ourselves dissecting the intersection of free expression, public safety, and the fissures of local politics. Amidst the uproar, County Commissioner Josh Parsons' inflammatory suggestion that the bomb threats may be a "fal...
Happy Donald Trump Civil Asset Forfeiture Day to Those Who Celebrate!
March 25, 2024 14:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBBefore we get to #DonPorleone, we start with thoughts and prayers to everyone still stuck in the oppressive Palm Sunday traffic, as well as an explanation of why that's one of my all-time favorite jokes from my childhood. (Spoiler Alert- it has virtually nothing to do with religion.) But it's not all chuckles and childhood capers; we slip into the more sobering topic of Donald Trump's latest courtroom drama and the hefty financial judgment that's got everyone talking—and tweeting. #DonPorle...
Scott Perry Wants to Save the World... by Repealing The Clean Air Act
March 21, 2024 17:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBCould the dismantling of a crucial clean air act provision be the latest chess move in a hidden war against the environment? This episode exposes Representative Scott Perry's attempt to undermine the EPA through the Energy Sovereignty Act, a proposal to eliminate Section 115 of the Clean Air Act—a move that could spell disaster for our national emission reduction targets. I, Jesse White, pull back the curtain on Perry's political charade, revealing how his environmental policies fall woefull...
Victim Shaming Dead Kids on a Bumper Sticker? Really?
March 20, 2024 18:00 - 14 minutes - 10.2 MBEncountering a bumper sticker can sometimes lead to more than a fleeting moment of annoyance—it can spur a deep dive into the implications of its message, as it did for me, Jesse White. When faced with the simplistic dichotomy of "gun owner or victim," I couldn't help but respond with a full-blown critique of the narrative that suggests a lack of firearm equates to choosing victimhood. This episode peels back the layers of this topic, examining the oversimplified political slogans that cloud...
Should PA Require Parental Consent to Create Social Media Profiles?
March 19, 2024 17:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MBNavigating the digital landscape as a parent and policy expert, I'm Jesse White, and in my latest Keystone Reckoning Podcast episode, we tackle the hot-button issue of parental consent in the age of social media. As I dissect Pennsylvania's House Bill 2017 and Senate Bill 22, you'll gain invaluable insights into how these legislative measures could reshape our kids' online experiences. By scrutinizing the responsibilities these bills propose for tech giants—from securing consent to safeguard...
Does "Pro-Getting Elected" Outweigh "Pro-Life" for PA Legislative Republicans?
March 18, 2024 20:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBPrepare to have your assumptions about Pennsylvania's stance on abortion legislation challenged. As we navigate the tumultuous waters of the Keystone State's political landscape, we spotlight a bill proposed by Representative Melissa Shusterman that could revolutionize abortion coverage through the state's Health Insurance Exchange. Despite the preconceived notions of a Republican majority traditionally leaning pro-life, the majority of the 23 pieces of legislation we discuss actually lean t...
Beware the Ides of March... Now More Than Ever
March 15, 2024 22:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MBCould the Ides of March be more than a mere footnote from ancient history, and instead, a mirror reflecting the precarious nature of our modern political climate? I'm Jesse White, and this episode cuts to the heart of political violence in America, drawing unsettling parallels with the assassination of Julius Caesar. We dissect the ways in which such violence, spearheaded by far-right factions as Pennsylvania data suggests, not only intimidates but actively suppresses potential political con...
Challenging Bryan Cutler in a GOP Primary is Exceptionally Dumb.
March 14, 2024 15:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBLet's talk about former House Speaker Brian Cutler's battle against challenger Dave Nissley in Pennsylvania's heated Republican primary. Strap in as we unpack the charged atmosphere where traditional conservative values meet the hard-hitting reality of political campaigns. You'll gain an insider's understanding of the complexities behind Cutler's unwavering stance during the tumultuous post-2020 election period, as well as the personal costs of his commitment to the democratic process in the...
Facts Matter... But Do They? Why Democrats Blew it with Robert Hur.
March 13, 2024 16:00 - 16 minutes - 11.7 MBAre the scales of truth and political gamesmanship evenly balanced? Today's episode is a high-stakes dissection of Special Counsel Robert Hur's incendiary testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, a veritable battlefield of partisan agendas. We peel back layers of the report on President Joe Biden, probing implications on his fitness for office and navigating through the minefield of classified documents without criminal intent. Witness as we applaud Congresswoman Madeline Dean's savvy...
Guess Who's Back?
March 12, 2024 20:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MBWe're back with a new format and a fresh approach for the 2024 election cycle. Learn more about what we have planned and become part of the conversation! Learn more about the Keystone Reckoning Project at www.keystonereckoning.com Visit www.truebluegear.com for all of your progressive political t-shirts and gear. Use the code "KEYSTONE" at checkout for a 20% discount for Keystone Reckoning Podcast listeners! Support the show Check out our previous episodes and subscribe to the podcast a...
Environmentalism as Political Performance Art in Pennsylvania
February 22, 2023 21:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBIn light of the disaster in East Palestine, Ohio, we're talking about environmental policy and enforcement in Pennsylvania. (Spoiler Alert: it ain't all that good.) Host Jesse White offers first-hand insights into how Pennsylvania political leaders (Democrats and Republicans) routinely ignore environmental and public health problems because they refuse to hold industry accountable. It's a blunt and honest critique that everyone who cares about our air and water needs to hear. Learn more ab...
Running Out of Time with Rob Prah, Jr.
February 10, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 54.1 MBMeet Rob Prah Jr., former State House candidate and author of "Running Out of Time: Chasing Red, White, and Blue." Rob and Jesse talk about the challenges of running for office during the early days of COVID-19, the shifting political landscape of Southwestern Pennsylvania, the importance of a strong family and friends support network, and how to deal with vitriolic voters who can't seem to look past your political affiliation. Purchase Rob's book, Running Out of Time: Chasing Red, White, a...
The PA State House Dumpster Fire Explained
February 02, 2023 15:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBWelcome back! We've been off doing all the things for a while, but we're jumping back into the podcast with a vengeance, talking all things Pennsylvania politics. Today we focus on the dumpster fire that is the PA State House, with host and former State Representative Jesse White talking about how we got here, where we are, and where we're heading. Learn more about the Keystone Reckoning Project at www.keystonereckoning.com Visit www.truebluegear.com for all of your progressive political ...
Alexandra Hunt: Congressional Candidate (PA-03) (Part 2)
February 11, 2022 14:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBJoin host Jesse White of the Keystone Reckoning Project and Alexandra Hunt, candidate for PA's Third Congressional District, for Part 2 of their discussion. Part 2 includes Alexandra talking about the pushback she's received from sitting members of Congress and how she plans to defeat an entrenched incumbent in Dwight Evans. She also discusses how her past working as a stripper has impacted her life and her campaign, but also how she hopes her experiences can help sex workers personally and...
Alexandra Hunt: Congressional Candidate (PA-03) (Part 1)
February 07, 2022 23:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBJoin host Jesse White of the Keystone Reckoning Project and Alexandra Hunt, candidate for PA's Third Congressional District. Part 1 includes Alexandra's unique path to becoming a candidate, her progressive issue platform, and how she is using TikTok to reach out to voters in ways unlike any other candidate on the ballot. For more about the Keystone Reckoning Project, visit www.keystonereckoning.com. For more about Alexandra Hunt's campaign, visit https://www.alexandramhunt.com https://w...
Hot Garbage Water on Newsmax and Black Market Horse Dewormer
February 02, 2022 21:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBJoin host Jesse White as he breaks down the latest news: Congressional redistricting is part of a game of appellate court ping pong State legislative redistricting should come into focus when the Legislative Redistrict Commission votes on final maps on Friday, February 4 Nazi-Barbie-in-Training Wendy Bell has a new gig on NewsMax "Taste of Sicily" Anti-Vaxxer is under fire for helping a secret surgeon and a secret pharmacy sell "H" and "I" off-label Learn more about the Keystone Reckon...
No Endorsement in the US Senate Race? No Problem.
February 01, 2022 03:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBJoin host Jesse White as he breaks down the recent endorsement vote (or lack thereof) by the PA State Democratic Committee in the upcoming US Senate Primary. Conor Lamb fell just short of the 67% vote threshold, so we will have an open primary. How does this impact the candidates, and what should we expect to see moving forward? Learn more about the Keystone Reckoning Project at www.keystonereckoning.com Visit www.truebluegear.com for all of your progressive political t-shirts and gear. Us...
Looking Back at 01/06/21- Just How Screwed Are We?
January 06, 2022 13:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBOn the 1 year anniversary of the January 6 Insurrection, host Jesse White looks back and examines where we are and where we're going as a nation. Some of the questions addressed include: What would the insurrectionists have done if they had gotten to Democratic legislators like Nancy Pelosi? Will there be actual accountability for Donald Trump's role in the violence? Do low-information voters realize just how close we came to a full-blown coup? Will Democrats make the systemic changes ...
Redistricting Deep Dive w/ Stephen Caruso (Part 2)
December 30, 2021 20:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBJoin host Jesse White and guest Stephen Caruso of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star as they take a deep dive into the legislative redistricting process, specifically the proposed Pennsylvania State House and Senate maps. Part 2 focuses on the winners and losers in terms of regions, political parties, and individual lawmakers. Check out the maps for yourself, courtesy of Dave's Redistricting App: https://davesredistricting.org/maps#viewmap::5db459af-cfbf-42d0-839e-30230a97f34e Learn more about...
Redistricting Deep Dive w/ Stephen Caruso (Part 1)
December 22, 2021 02:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBJoin host Jesse White and guest Stephen Caruso of the Pennsylvania Capital-Star as they take a deep dive into the legislative redistricting process, specifically the proposed Pennsylvania State House and Senate maps. Part 1 focuses on the transparency of this redistricting process as compared to previous years, the likelihood of litigation based on a host of factors, and what state government could look like if these preliminary maps become law. Check out the maps for yourself, courtesy of...
Hot Takes: Legislative Redistricting
December 16, 2021 20:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MBThe preliminary PA State House and Senate maps were just released, and after years of Republican gerrymandering, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Host Jesse White gives a quick breakdown of the maps, highlights some upcoming incumbent versus incumbent matchups, and explains what comes next in the process. Learn more about the Keystone Reckoning Project at www.keystonereckoning.com Visit www.truebluegear.com for all of your progressive political t-shirts and gear. Use the code "KEYS...
Awkward Limbo with Rianna Czech (Candidate PA-SD 50)
November 18, 2021 18:00 - 1 hour - 48 MBJoin host Jesse White of the Keystone Reckoning Project and Rianna Czech, candidate for PA State Senate District 50, as they discuss what it means to be a transgender candidate in a highly conservative area, how she plans to cut through the BS in a blunt and refreshingly honest way, and the "awkward limbo" of broaching LGBTQIA+ issues with would-be allies that may or may not know the right things to say. For more about the Keystone Reckoning Project, visit www.keystonereckoning.com. For mo...
If You Can't Bring the Heat, Stay Off the Ballot
November 10, 2021 18:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBWe are finally back from our pre-election break with a slightly new format. In the first of our regular 20-minute episodes, host Jesse White examines how Democrats lose elections by failing to do the bare minimum to try and win. In Hampden Township, Cumberland County, a Republican named Sherri Chippo was elected despite not only attending the January 6 Capitol Insurrection but also organizing bus trips to the event. The Keystone Reckoning Project did a robocall to voters discussing Chippo's...
Beating the Book Banning School Board
September 29, 2021 16:00 - 59 minutes - 40.8 MBJoin host Jesse White of the Keystone Reckoning Project and Joel Folkemer and Amy Milsten, candidates for Central York School Board, as they discuss the book ban that made international news and the myriad of other reasons their slate of candidates needs to kick the incumbent school board out of power on November 2. For more information on Amy Milsten, Joel Folkemer, and the other Central York School Board candidates (and to make a donation) visit https://www.citizensforcysd.com. For more...
Mark Pinsley (Candidate PA-SD16)
September 05, 2021 22:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MBJoin host Jesse White of the Keystone Reckoning Project and Mark Pinsley, former and future candidate for PA State Senate District 16, as they discuss the slings and arrows of building a winning campaign with and without love from the Senate Democratic Campaign Committee. For more about the Keystone Reckoning Project, visit www.keystonereckoning.com. For more about Mark Pinsley's campaign, visit https://www.votemarkpinsley.com Learn more about the Keystone Reckoning Project at www.keyston...
Kadida Kenner (The New Pennsylvania Project)
August 27, 2021 16:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBJoin host Jesse White of the Keystone Reckoning Project and Kadida Kenner, Executive Director of the New Pennsylvania Project, as they discuss building the strength of the Democratic Party in Pennsylvania through door-to-door canvassing. For more about the Keystone Reckoning Project, visit www.keystonereckoning.com. For more about the New Pennsylvania Project, visit https://www.newpaproject.org. Learn more about the Keystone Reckoning Project at www.keystonereckoning.com Visit www.true...
Mask Mandates in Pennsylvania Schools: Policy and Political Implications
August 19, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 45.7 MBJoin host Jesse White of the Keystone Reckoning Project with panelists Lisa Longo, Dr. Russell Patterson, and Dan Gryzbeck as they discuss the policy and political implications of masking policies in Pennsylvania schools. For more about the Keystone Reckoning Project, visit www.keystonereckoning.com. Also, be sure to check out our sponsor True Blue Gear, your source for progressive political apparel including tees, hoodies, mugs, and more. Use the code "KEYSTONE" at checkout for a special ...
Kristy Gnibus, 2020 Congressional Candidate (PA-16)
August 08, 2021 20:00 - 1 hour - 54.4 MBJoin host Jesse White for an in-depth discussion with Kristy Gnibus, former candidate for PA-16 and future candidate for... something. Kristy gets real about her experience as a Congressional candidate, talking about issues like: What it's like to run against an incumbent/Trump bootlicker like Mike Kelly Being a woman running for office (including getting hit on by potential donors) Why hasn't the success of women candidates in other parts of Pennsylvania translated into success in Weste...
Let the Keystone Reckoning Begin
July 24, 2021 02:00 - 59 minutes - 40.9 MBWelcome to the premiere of the Keystone Reckoning Project Podcast! In this episode, we discuss: What the Keystone Reckoning Project is all about How the Keystone Reckoning Project is structured A brief background on Jesse White, our Founder/Executive Director/Podcast Host The goals of the Keystone Reckoning Podcast, including the format for future episodes Why discussing Democratic messaging strategy is critical to improving on past performances Our shared values as progressives and wh...
01: Let the Keystone Reckoning Begin
July 24, 2021 02:00 - 58 minutes - 40.3 MBWelcome to the premiere of the Keystone Reckoning Project Podcast! In this episode, we discuss: What the Keystone Reckoning Project is all about How the Keystone Reckoning Project is structured A brief background on Jesse White, our Founder/Executive Director/Podcast Host The goals of the Keystone Reckoning Podcast, including the format for future episodes Why discussing Democratic messaging strategy is critical to improving on past performances Our shared values as progressives and wh...