Electionwise: Recent Episodes
Minnesota Public Radio
Electionwise is a weekly podcast that presents thoughtful answers to listener questions about democratic processes, elections and voting.
For 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"
Smear campaigns are as old as politics itself and new technologies have only made matters worse. But is there an upside to dirty politics?
Both 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.
The candidates tiptoe toward the middle as they try to keep their bases happy. Is there a middle ground on abortion?
After a primary season marked by record turnouts, are pollsters having trouble identifying likely voters?
An attorney, a bussinesswoman, a social worker and a teacher all argue their professions provide the best training for being a lawmaker.
Some Democrats are hoping Barack Obama will choose Hillary Clinton as his running mate, but if history is any indication, it's not likely.
Previous 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.
Running 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.
The 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?
Even 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.
Over 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?
No 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?
Democratic 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?
What 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?
Hillary 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?