The DFL Debrief: A Minnesota Politics Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Minnesota DFL Party
The DFL Debrief covers important political news out of Minnesota and offers behind-the-scenes insight and analysis of state and national politics, hosted by the staff of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.
Welcome to the third part of our breakdown of the wild last month of the presidential race. This week, we're celebrating Tim Wal, of course! We discuss Governor Tim Walz being tabbed as Kamala Harris' running-mate from the perspective of people who have had an up close look at Tim Walz the governor, and Tim Walz the person.
Thanks for tuning in!
Welcome to Part 2 of our series on the huge shakeup in the Presidential race that has occurred over the past month. This week, we discuss the fallout of the Harris move from the prospective of Donald Trump and his regrettable running mate, JD Vance.
Link to the Allen family GoFundMe as mentioned in the show: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-Allen-family-healing-journey
Hi Debriefers, our sincerest apologies for being behind on publishing episodes, as you can imagine we've been slightly busy as of late. But, we have a 3-part series for you today that we're calling Everything Is Different Now.
In Part 1 we reacted to the announcement that Vice President Kamala Harris would be replacing President Biden at the top of the Democratic Party's presidential ticket.
Stay tuned for Part's 2 & 3 coming today!
You're commute this week will thank you.
This week, we discuss a GOP candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner going to jail for throwing spiders, among other things, as well as Clarence Thomas and his galaxy brain.
This week, the gang, minus Darwin, discuss the state of the campaign five months from Election Day, a reporter's look at the sorry state of the MN GOP, and tails from the campaign trail.
This week, the show discusses the ongoing saga of Tom Emmer's shameful kowtowing to Donald Trump and how he's even been given a sad nickname by his GOP colleagues. Also, the CD 2 GOP prepares for a messy primary season as Angie Craig continues to get things done for her constituents.
This week, we kick off the show with a Montana Senate candidate, Tim Sheehy. While Sheehy claims to have grown up in a rural Minnesota town, turns out that rural area is Shoreview, MN, which is minutes from Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Also, what do you get when you combine Tax Day, Darwin's birthday, and the DFL's 80th birthday? A very average podcast episode!
By every metric, Minnesota's investment in our future has fueled our economy to far greater heights than Wisconsin, who...went a different,, Scott Walker-ian route.
Have you heard of Democrats Abroad? Then this is the episode for you. This week, Ken joined Dems Abroad on their podcast, Democrats Abroad: The Blue Vote Café, to discuss their importance in getting Democrats elected.
Check out the rest of their podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/democrats-abroad-the-blue-vote-caf%C3%A9/id1521503554
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/demsabroadca
This week, we are lucky to be joined by Minnesota State Representative Emma Greenman (63B) to discuss her bill on corporate tax disclosure, which is a shockingly simple yet effective concept. Darwin has the sadz, and Ken is called out for ruining text threads with his Android phone.
On this week's much-delayed episode of the DFL Debrief, the gang discusses Primary Day in Minnesota, Trump spreads some lies with a man who calls himself the Ox, and more pop culture from Madison...natch.
Happy DFL Caucus Day, everyone! In this episode, the Debrief celebrates Caucus Day by discussing our bird preferences and jamming out to some great(?) GOP presidential campaign tunes.
Finally, Darwin & Madison start a blood feud with Ken over who can misinterpret vague constitutional amendments the least.
As always, send in your pre-recorded YouBetcha's and Oh Geez's and trivia answers to podcast@dfl.org. And please remember to rate the show on Apple and Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts!
Participate in your precinct caucus:
https://dfl.org/caucus/
Link to Nikki Haley jam: https://www.timothydraper.com/nikki/Nikki_Haley_Anthem_Larry_Dvoskin_rap.mp3
Link to Sarah Palin jam:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhMepzqJvIw
Sorry for the delay, Debriefers! Our episode today was taped last week, but here it is nonetheless. Our hosts reveal some breaking news regarding DFL staffers, our Humphrey Mondale guest speaker, as well as a trip through Groundhog's Day.
Happy New Year, DFLers (and GOP operatives)!
On this week's episode, we tune into "Hot Talk w/ the Ox" and get his semi-graphic take on Tom Emmer bending the knee to Donald Trump. The gang also discusses Darwin's rumored Ivermectin ingestion, and Madison is officially declared "Maven of the Manatee."
We are also encouraging all of our wonderful listeners to send in their own "You Betcha-Oh Geez" that we will read in the next episode. You can send them to podcast@dfl.org, looking forward to hearing them!
This week, it's become clear that our cover is blown. Former GOP State Senator Dave (@BigDFromMN on Twitter) Osmek hops on a radio show and reveals that DFL Chairmen Ken Martin is surely the man responsible for the MN GOP's disfunction! Also, we do some holiday shopping to help you find a gift for that loved one who has everything, and we find out if Madison has ever found that Manatee. Also some serious stuff trickles in, I mean, it is our job and all...
Weeee'reeeee baaaaaaack!
The DFL Debrief makes its triumphant(?) return to the airwaves, sans Brian Evans, to preview (sorry folks) Tuesday's elections, the new Speaker of the House, and introduces two new co-hosts.
The rest of the show is pretty much what you'd expect.
This week's podcast is part one of a conversation between DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin and Minnesota GOP Chairman David Hann, hosted jointly by the DFL Debrief podcast and the Breakdown with Brodkorb and Becky podcast. The Chairman debate the 2023 legislative session, discuss the 2024 campaign season, and a whole lot more!
Part two of their conversation will be released on Tuesday, 9/12, exclusively on the Breakdown's podcast feed. You can find the Breakdown on all major podcast platforms or online at https://bbbreakpod.com!
Be sure to tune in to part two when it releases in just a few days!
This week, Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic joined the DFL Debrief crew out at the DFL State Fair booth to talk legislative session, state fair food, and so much more!
This week, Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives Melissa Hortman joined the podcast to discuss how DFLers actually went about passing so much amazing legislation, why Republicans completely dropped the ball this session, and so much more!
This week, we sat down with former Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper to talk about his new book: Saving Democracy: A User’s Guide. David shares some great and actionable information about how listeners can get involved in fighting for our democracy in your own backyards.
You can find out where to buy David's book at https://savedemocracy.us/where-to-buy/
To read more of David's political analysis, check out his Substack: https://davidpepper.substack.com/
Ron DeSantis is many things: an authoritarian, an extremist, a bigot. But he's also a deeply weird dude. We get into all of that and more with special guest Nikki Fried, Chair of the Florida Democratic Party, on this week's episode of the DFL Debrief!
This week, the show takes a look at a highly-publicized focus group story that showcased the popularity of the Trifecta's legislation among these thirteen average Minnesotans (and many more?)
We also laugh at Ron DeSantis' poor name ID as well as review a singing telegram Ken received for his 50th birthday that is still keeping us up at night.
Dr. Senator Alice Mann joins the DFL Debrief this week to walk us through the newly-passed Paid Family Leave legislation and the overwhelmingly positive effects it will have on Minnesotans, no matter where you work. She also discusses her journey from doctor to the MN House to the MN Senate.
We have a Mike Lindell bathtub sighting during YouBetcha & OhGeez, and Vlad's fact highlights how Nebraska's legislature became so unique.
Finally, Brian and Will make a very natural-sounding pitch for DFLers everywhere to attend the "Crow Wing County DFL: More Variety-Better Society" variety show on August 19th!
This week, we sat down with and former (and likely future) 8th congressional district candidate Jen Schultz to discuss her campaign for congress. Schultz is an economist and served for four terms in the Minnesota State House of Representatives and had a lot of interesting insights into the process of running for Congress, the disappointing tenure of Republican Congressman Pete Stauber, and so much more!
The Star Tribune flag submission story from Will's Oh Geez: https://www.startribune.com/readers-sent-us-their-designs-for-a-new-state-flag/600287530/#14
This week, we were joined by State Rep. Cedrick Frazier to discuss the red flag and universal background check bills that were signed into law this year to help reduce gun violence in Minnesota.
If you found this episode informative, please be sure to share the DFL Debrief with your friends and family and review us on your podcast platform of choice!
Sarah McBride's website, which Ken referenced in his You Betcha: https://www.sarahmcbride.com
This week, we are joined by Senator Erin Maye Quade to discuss where things stand at the state and federal level almost exactly one year after the Supreme Court ended federal protections for abortion.
If you found this episode informative, please be sure to share the DFL Debrief with your friends and family and review us on your podcast platform of choice!
The Debrief is joined this week by the Attorney General of Minnesota, Keith Ellison, who talks about his prosecution in the Derek Chauvin case and how it led him to write a book titled "Break the Wheel: Ending the Cycle of Police Violence".
AG Ellison also describes his feelings in the final moments before the guilty verdict and the need for continued efforts toward meaningful change.
Rep. Zack Stephenson breaks down the cannabis legalization bill that he helped write and that was just signed into law this week! We also discuss the legislative session generally and a whole lot more. This was a terrific conversation, so be sure to check it out and share it around!
The Minnesota legislative session is officially wrapped and the DFL Debrief crew discusses some of their biggest takeaways from the historic work DFL lawmakers got done in the past 6 months.
This week, the Debrief crew discusses a new poll covering all things Minnesota politics, the fantastic education bill that just passed the legislature, and a ton more!
If you like the pod, be sure to rate and review us wherever you listen!
This week, Melisa López Franzen joined the DFL Debrief crew to discuss the paid family and medical leave program that just passed the Minnesota House and Senate! We also discuss the tuition-free college program for low-income families that just passed and a lot more!
This week on the DFL Debrief, we appreciate comedy stylings of Joe Biden, discuss cannabis legalization and paid family leave, and so much more.
Be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you listen and tell your friends and family!
This week, Joe Biden announced he's running for re-election, DFLers work to legalize cannabis, and Brian saves the Debrief.
Governor Walz delivers his State of the State, Senate Republicans take on necromancy, demonology, and the occult (yes, really), and Representative Mary Franson shares some interesting thoughts on one of the DFL Debrief's hosts!
Trump NFTs: https://collecttrumpcards.com
This week, the DFL Debrief crew discusses what got done in the first 100 days of the DFL Trifecta! Spoiler alert: it's a lot. They also preview what DFLers will be working on for the rest of the legislative session.
Here's the story Will referenced on Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic: https://minnesotareformer.com/2023/04/11/senate-majority-leader-dziedzic-looks-to-build-bridges-from-home
On Monday, April 3rd, President Biden visited Cummins’ Power Generation Facility in Fridley to discuss his Made in America agenda. Take a listen to his full remarks here.
A huge judicial win in Wisconsin, President Biden visits Friendly Fridley, and Sam the Intern has had enough of us.
This week, we were thrilled to be joined by the one and only Sheletta Brundidge! Sheletta spoke with us about building power in the Black Community, organizing Black Entrepreneurs Day, and she shared an incredibly heart-warming story about her son. We won't spoil it, but it ends with him getting a letter from President Biden himself.
It was a fantastic interview and we hope you have as much fun listening to it as we had recording it! To hear more from Sheletta and the other fantastic hosts on her podcast network, head to www.shelettamakesmelaugh.com!
The DFL Debrief was live in Eagan Minnesota with Rep. Angie Craig, Rep. Liz Reyer, Senator Jim Carlson, and more fantastic guests! Be sure to tune in!
In just over a week, Wisconsin will hold an election that will have a profound impact on the state and quite possibly the entire country. We discuss that election with Wisconsin Dems Chair Ben Wikler on this special episode of the DFL Debrief!
To get involved and help save Wisconsin, head to wisdems.org/volunteer today!
This week, we were joined by Betty Folliard and Melisa López Franzen to discuss the Equal Rights Amendment, the DFL Senate bill to provide breakfast and lunch to all students (which was signed into law after we recorded this episode) and so much more.
Be sure to rate and review us wherever you listen and tell your friends about the show!
This week, we break down some of the bills that DFLers have gotten signed into law, discuss a particularly fiery outburst from a Republican Representative, explain some cannabis math, and debut a new segment. Be sure to tune in!
The Minnesota GOP got slapped with a massive fine for breaking campaign finance law, gun safety reform is debated at the Minnesota Capitol, and the surplus is even surplusier. All that and more on this week's episode of the DFL Debrief!
This week, we are joined by Alyse Maye Quade and Trista Schwind, co-directors of the forthcoming Wellstone Academy, a new program from the DFL where we will be training the next generation of political operatives to continue our long record of success. All of your Who, What, When, Where, and Why's will be answered as well as your "How do I apply for this?" questions!
Check it out!
House DFLers passed a bill that provides school meals for all Minnesota students. We think this is good because feeding kids, especially hungry kids, is good. Republicans have a slightly different perspective that we discuss.
We also discuss DFL Chairman and Debrief Co-Host Ken Martin's re-election to lead the Minnesota DFL Party, and we talk about jobs for dogs.
Be sure to tune in and share this excellent podcast with your friends, family, loved ones, coworkers, visitors, well-wishers, and distant relations.
Walter Hudson claims we worship some obscure Demon that we had to Google. Joe Biden gives a great SOTU speech while Republicans in attendance embarrass themselves. Rep. Andy Smith joins the DFL Hotseat and is very funny, even if he makes fun of the show. The Facts of Vlad , is informative, as always.
Abortion protections are law in Minnesota! On this week's show, we discuss the House and Senate passing the Protect Reproductive Options Act, or PRO Act. Shortly after we recorded the podcast, Governor Walz signed it into law!
This week, the Debrief, minus Brian Evans, welcomes former DFL Senate Leader Melisa Franzen. They discuss her game-plan after taking over leadership, and how she identified the right people to help right the ship and, ultimately, win the majority.
Sen. Judy Seeberger then joins the show for our first ever installment of the DFL Legislative Hot Seat (cue intense music.) She survives the intense scrutiny and reviews her first few weeks as an elected legislator.
This week, we take a look at the historic $6 billion funding proposal for E-12 schools proposed by Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flannagan. The proposal also includes expanding the state's child and dependent care tax credit to help many Minnesotans with child-care costs.
We also discuss the GOP's dangerous rhetoric playing out in New Mexico, where a former republican legislative candidate was arrested for shooting at the houses of Democrats he blames for his election loss.
This week, we break down some of the items that DFLers are working on in the State Capitol. Needless to say, there's a ton of great legislation moving forward now that DFLers control the state House, state Senate, and the Governor's office.
We also interview the fantastic Senator Erin Maye Quade about what it's like to serve in the state Senate. And finally, we plot to seize every gas stove in Minnesota (only kidding).
Recently, the DFL Debrief team sat down with the crew of the Brodkorb Report to discuss the two-year anniversary of the January 6th insurrection, Kevin McCarthy's bid for Speaker of the House, the DFL trifecta's legislative agenda, and so much more.
Michael Brodkorb is the former Deputy Chair of the Minnesota GOP and Becky Alery is their former Executive Director and it was great to hear their perspective on state and national politics. To hear more from them, be sure to check out the Brodkorb Report, which is available wherever you listen to the DFL Debrief!
In this short update, we put our mittens up for Michigan, which was selected by the DNC to host one of the early 2024 presidential primaries.
Today, we discuss the campaign to be the next MN GOP Chairman, as well as our push to move an early 2024 presidential primary to Minnesota. Be sure to tune in and share the show with your friends and family!
This week, we discuss the DFL Party's campaign operation and share some of how we were able to win despite some tremendous obstacles in our way.
The DFL Debrief was invited to record a live podcast at the Watonwan County DFL Fall Banquet! We talked about the midterms, had a blast and we hope you enjoy the show too.
This week, we sat down with independent journalist and Guy Who's Good at Twitter Aaron Rupar for a conversation about the Republican Party, the 2022 midterms, President Biden, and much more. Be sure to tune in!
This week, we discuss Republican Attorney General candidate Jim Schultz's anti-abortion extremism and the defamation lawsuit he threatened us. Help spread the word about Schultz by sharing realjimschultz.com with your friends, family, and neighbors.
Be sure to show up for the Vota Azul Block Jam if you can make it!
María Isa Pérez-Hedges, the Movimiento DFL Caucus, and the Minnesota DFL are co-hosting a “Get out the Vote'' (GOTV) event in celebration of BIPOC women candidates running for office.
Vota Azul: DFL Block Jam will feature live music including New Black City, Selah, DJ Keezy, and DJ Miss Brit; food trucks; prominent guest speakers; and a voter registration drive.
Here are the details:Tuesday, October 11, 2022 - 3:00 PM 6:30 PM
Parking Lot of Maharaja's
205 7th Street West, Saint Paul, MN, 55102
María Isa Pérez-Hedges, the Movimiento DFL Caucus, and the Minnesota DFL are co-hosting a “Get out the Vote'' (GOTV) event in celebration of BIPOC women candidates running for office.
Vota Azul: DFL Block Jam will feature live music including New Black City, Selah, DJ Keezy, and DJ Miss Brit; food trucks; prominent guest speakers; and a voter registration drive.
Here are the details:Tuesday, October 11, 2022 - 3:00 PM 6:30 PM
Parking Lot of Maharaja's
205 7th Street West, Saint Paul, MN, 55102
We can't wait to see you there - and we'll be back with a normal episode this Friday*
*Friday delivery not guaranteed, but we'll do our best!
We're back! On this week's show, the DFL Party crew gives updates from the campaign trail in Minnesota, discusses the start of early voting, and even shares their thoughts on House of the Dragon. Be sure to tune in, share with your friends and family, and vote early!
The DFL Debrief is live from the Minnesota State Fair! Be sure to tune in to hear about updates from the campaign trail and so much more!
Like a great big 5th grader, GOP-endorsed Auditor candidate Ryan Wilson tells a bunch of lies to pretend he's cool. Then, Matt Birk tries and fails to contain the fallout from his awful comments on abortion. All that and more on this week's episode of the DFL Debrief, featuring our phenomenal State Auditor Julie Blaha!
The Debrief crew has recovered from COVID-19 and is ready to talk about Matt Birk's latest outrageous comments, our new efforts to ensure Kim Crockett can't oversee Minnesota's elections, and our state's newly legal edibles.
Be sure to share www.whoiskimcrockett.com, vote against Matt Birk, and tell your friends and family about the DFL Debrief!
This week, a phenomenal team of guest hosts discusses the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, the future of abortion access in Minnesota and throughout the Midwest, and how folks can channel the anger we feel at the loss of Roe into positive action to defend abortion access.
Scott Jensen released plans to lower gas prices and tackle crime. They're basically gimmicks. We review those a lot more on this week's episode of the DFL Debrief! Be sure to share this podcast with your friends and family!
For the next week, we will be publishing the speeches given by DFL Party-endorsed candidates and leaders at our State Convention in Rochester.
This episode features remarks from Governor Tim Walz.
For the next week, we will be publishing the speeches given by DFL Party-endorsed candidates and leaders at our State Convention in Rochester.
This episode features remarks from Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan.
For the next week, we will be publishing the speeches given by DFL Party-endorsed candidates and leaders at our State Convention in Rochester.
This episode features remarks from Attorney General Keith Ellison
For the next week, we will be publishing the speeches given by DFL Party-endorsed candidates and leaders at our State Convention in Rochester.
This episode features remarks from Secretary of State Steve Simon and his wife, Leia Simon.
The Minnesota Republican Party bans "hoards of insects" and "excessive amounts of zip ties" from their State Convention. Oh, and they nominated a horrible slate of candidates. Tune in for the full story!
Big news out of Minnesota politics: the DFL Debrief is one of the top podcasts on planet Earth! In all seriousness, this week we sat down for a quick You Betcha and Oh Geez with the best State Auditor in the nation, Julie Blaha! We'll be back next week with a full episode.
If the Supreme Court gets rid of Roe v. Wade, what happens to Minnesota and our neighboring states? How can we help defend reproductive rights? All that and more on this week's episode of the DFL Debrief featuring Maggie Meyer of Pro-Choice Minnesota.
Republicans lawmakers think there are litter boxes in Minnesota schools. If you agree that we can do better, you should consider running for office! This week, the DFL Debrief crew discusses what running for office is like, what offices you could run for, how to get started, and so much more!
The DFL Debrief crew was joined by State Rep. Jess Hanson to discuss the push to legalize adult-use cannabis here in Minnesota. The crew also introduced a few changes to the format of the show, so be sure to listen through and send in any feedback to podcast@dfl.org, and of course, tell your friends and family about the show!
This week, the crew breaks down a recent Republican Attorney General debate where the candidates say some of the craziest things we've heard from them yet, explain the campaign finance they filed against Scott Jensen and Matt Birk, interview Senator Foung Hawj, and debut a new segment!
Be sure to tell your friends and family about the show, follow the DFL Party on Facebook and Twitter, and rate and review on iTunes!
Several of the Minnesota Republican Party's conventions descend into chaos or get canceled because of election fraud conspiracy theories and we're definitely not gloating as those chickens come home to roost. Nope, not at all. Plus, a conversation with Liz Lee, the DFL Party endorsed candidate for House District 67A and so much more.
Be sure to tune in and spread the word about the show!
The MN Senate GOP has a "new" idea that once again doesn't even pretend to address Minnesota's families need for paid sick leave.
Doug Wardlow proudly attaches himself to the hip of the pillow traitor.
Cancun Ted Cruz embarrasses himself so routinely maybe he enjoys it and the joke is on us?
Be sure to tune in at dfl.org/podcast or by searching DFL Debrief on your favorite podcast platform!
Scott Jensen has picked Matt Birk as his Lieutenant Governor nominee, and the Big Lie has reared its ugly head in Minnesota once more. All of this and more on the latest episode of the DFL Debrief!
Be sure to tune in at dfl.org/podcast or by searching DFL Debrief on your favorite podcast platform!
The crew breaks down their biggest takeaways from the State of the Union, talks to Heather Gustafson about her run for State Senate, and so much more!
Be sure to tune in and spread the word about the show!
On this very bipartisan episode of the DFL Debrief, Republican strategist Michael Brodkorb joins the show to discuss a growing problem within the Republican Party of Minnesota that threatens to upend their endorsement process.
Folks can find Michael Brodkorb on Twitter at twitter.com/mbrodkorb
Republican A.G. candidates pledge to fight for insurrectionists, Dr. Jill Biden visits Minnesota, and the DFL Debrief celebrates a major milestone! All that and more on this week's podcast!
The 2022 elections take center stage this episode. Republicans have a gubernatorial frontrunner, new GOP candidates for governor and A.G. jump in, and 2021 campaign finance reports are released!
All that and more on this week's episode of the DFL Debrief!
Assistant Majority Leader and State Representative Dan Wolgamott joins the podcast to discuss some of the big legislative priorities that DFLers will be fighting for this legislative session. Be sure to tune in!
Precinct Caucuses are a week away, Governor Walz announced a big jobs bill, and President Biden has been in office for a year. This week, the DFL crew breaks down how caucuses have changed, what Governor Walz's jobs bill would do for Minnesota, and the good President Biden has done since taking office!
This week, we talk about redistricting and - wait, don't go! We actually make it interesting, promise! We also caught GOP Rep. Pete Stauber trying to take credit for a bill he voted against, and we review the Minnesota GOP podcast. It's... not great. All that and more on this week's action-packed DFL Debrief!
On the anniversary of the January 6th insurrection, the DFL crew discusses the biggest proponents of the Big Lie in Minnesota politics. We also revisit Kim Crockett's candidacy for Secretary of State and cover a whole lot more too!
Be sure to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and tell your friends and family about the DFL Debrief!
The DFL crew discusses important stories from 2021 that flew under the radar, as well as what they'll be on the lookout for in 2022! Spoiler alert: Ken and Will are worried about American democracy while Brian's still mad about a certain quack doctor.
Be sure to tune in and spread the word!
This week, President Biden visited Minnesota to discuss his infrastructure law and State Senator Roger Chamberlain continued to be a weapons-grade creep on social media. The DFL Party crew breaks all that down and more.
Be sure to rate and review the show on iTunes and share it with your friends and family!
For further reading on Roger Chamberlain, we recommend reading this DFL Party press release and following the links throughout it: https://dfl.org/press-release/dfl-party-demands-senate-gop-break-silence-on-chamberlains-extremism/
DFL Chairman Ken Martin sits down with the founders of Meidas Touch, a progressive media and political communications outfit, to discuss messaging, how Democrats can win the 2022 midterms, and so much more. Be sure to tune in and spread the word!
This week, the DFL crew discusses the 2021 election results, what they saw on the ground in Virginia, and what it all means for Minnesota and other states across the country in 2022. They were joined for those conversations by Jane Kleeb, Chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, and Trav Robertson, Chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party.
We're excited to bring you part of our interview with Secretary of State Steve Simon. We talked with Steve about his greatest accomplishments in office, why people should be confident our voting machines work, what makes for a good audit, and so much more!
A Republican lawmaker is helping raise funds for insurrectionists and the House Ethics Committee releases the results of the first stage of its investigation into Congressman Hagedorn. We cover all that and Governor Walz kicking off his re-election campaign on this week's episode of the DFL Debrief!
For more on Governor Walz: https://walzflanagan.org/
For more on State Senator Koran: https://www.startribune.com/gop-state-senator-asks-supporters-to-donate-to-lindstrom-family-charged-with-participating-in-jan-6/600109069/
For more on Congressman Hagedorn's various ethics problems:
- Funneling almost half a million dollars of his taxpayer-funded congressional office budget to businesses owned by his staff for services which he paid above-market rates for: https://minnesotareformer.com/2020/08/15/congressman-spent-tax-dollars-on-vendor-owned-by-a-member-of-his-staff/
- Spending 40% of his taxpayer-funded office budget on campaign-style mailers to his district, then lying to the public about his involvement in those mailers: https://www.startribune.com/e-mails-show-hagedorn-involved-with-constituent-mail-decisions/572221282/
- Breaking federal campaign finance law by receiving a campaign office at no cost or below-market rate from a campaign donor: https://www.politico.com/news/2020/10/09/jim-hagedorn-may-violated-election-law-428181
- Potentially breaking campaign finance law by hiring a local news radio host as a campaign consultant and failing to disclose that during multiple interviews with the radio host: https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/after-revelations-about-payments-from-hagedorn-al-travis-taken-off-the-air-until-after-election/
- Using his taxpayer-funded congressional staff to secure his wife perks on vacation: https://dfl.org/press-release/dfl-releases-emails-showing-hagedorns-congressional-office-was-used-for-wifes-personal-benefit/
- Hiring a congressional staffer who used an online alias to post bigoted comments and predict a future civil war in the United States over supposed liberal control over the media: https://minnesotareformer.com/2020/08/24/war-is-coming-hagedorn-aide-associated-with-conspiratorial-homophobic-social-media-posts/
These days, it can be hard to keep political news in perspective. Enter Adam Parkhomenko, a Democratic organizer, strategist, and one of the minds behind Today's Big Stuff, which describes itself as "the way the news should sound when the whole f*cking world is on fire."
We talk to Adam about the newsletter, political organizing, the much-watched Virginia special elections, and so much more. Be sure to check out Today's Big Stuff at www.todaysbigstuff.com/sign-up!
This week, the DFL Debrief was joined by Minnesota's fabulous Secretary of State and defender of democracy, Steve Simon.
We learn that the Secretary of State office does a LOT more than elections and why he pursued the role in the first place. We also discuss how despite the GOP attacks against Democracy, Secretary Simon is still optimistic about the future of U.S. Democracy.
The MN GOP has a new chairman and he's committed to spending their limit funds to analyze voting machine source code for... some reason. Meanwhile, the DFL opened our 12th office around the state, this time in Ely. The crew discusses these new developments and what they reveal about the differences between our two parties.
Pus, DFL Party Chairman Ken Martin sits down with DNC Chair Jamie Harrison to talk about what the DNC does to support state parties, why that matters so much, and Ken's role as the President of the Association of State Democratic Committees!
Senators Michelle Benson and Paul Gazelka are running for governor! Benson announced first, so on this week's show, we dive into her record in the Minnesota Senate and discuss the Republican field that's taking shape.
You can submit feedback to podcast@dfl.org. Please be sure to rate and review us on iTunes and tell your friends and family about the show!
In the fall of 2020, Aric Putnam flipped a State Senate district from red to blue. It was a close race - Putnam won by just 316 votes out of almost 40,000 votes cast. We sat down with Senator Putnam to talk about how he won, what he learned while campaigning, and how his first year in the State Senate has been.
Please be sure to rate and review this podcast on iTunes and share it with your friends and family. If you've got any comments, suggestions, or feedback, please write in to podcast@dfl.org.
Recently, the Minnesota legislature passed a bill giving $250 million in bonus pay to essential workers. We sat down with Senator Erin Murphy to discuss the bill, how those funds are getting distributed, and so much more.
If you've got any comments, suggestions, or feedback, please write in to podcast@dfl.org.
Access to abortion care is under attack at both the state and federal level. To learn more about the threats facing reproductive rights and how we can overcome them, we sat down with lifelong DFLer and Campaign Manager of UnRestrict Minnesota, Erin Maye-Quade!
You can write to us at podcast@dfl.org! If you enjoy the show, please be sure to subscribe on your platform of choice and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
That's right, it's a big deal, and a great one for the American people.
This week we discuss the bipartisan mega-infrastructure bill (aka JOBS BILL) that passed this week in the U.S. Senate. Dare we say it's FDR-ian?
If you like the show, be sure to tell your friends and rate and review on Apple Podcasts! You can submit any feedback to podcast@dfl.org.
Roger Lau was Elizabeth Warren’s 2020 campaign manager, currently serves as the Deputy Executive Director of the DNC, and he was our guest on the DFL Debrief podcast this week!
Roger is an interesting figure in American politics for a lot of reasons, one of them being his background. Roger went from being a self described "latchkey kid" to the manager of a presidential campaign. On the show, we discuss that, the innovations on the Warren campaign, the 2020 Democratic primary, and so much more!
You can write to us at podcast@dfl.org! If you enjoy the show, please be sure to subscribe on your platform of choice and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts!
Congress held a hearing this week on the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol and right-wing media outlets did their best to discredit it. The crew discusses the gripping testimony and how how far-right news outlets went into overdrive to discredit those testifying and downplay the attempted insurrection.
Minnesota State Auditor Julie Blaha joined the podcast to discuss the important work she does in the Auditor's office, the American Rescue Plan, gopher feet, and so much more!
If you like the show, be sure to tell your friends and rate and review on Apple Podcasts! You can submit any feedback to podcast@dfl.org.
This week, the DFL crew dug into the data on what actually happened in the 2020 elections and what those results tell us about the DFL path to victory in 2022 with TargetSmart CEO Tom Bonier.
If you like the show, be sure to tell your friends and rate and review on Apple Podcasts! You can submit any feedback or t-shirt ideas you have to podcast@dfl.org.
On this week's episode of the DFL Debrief Podcast, we sat down with DFL House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler to discuss all things budget! DFLers managed to secure some big wins in this year's budget despite intense opposition from Minnesota Republicans.
For more on the Minnesota budget, head to dfl.org/budget
If you like the show, be sure to tell your friends and rate and review on Apple Podcasts! You can submit any feedback or t-shirt ideas you have to podcast@dfl.org.
DNC Senior Advisor Brad Woodhouse joins the podcast to talk about the incredible progress that has been made in combatting COVID-19 and getting life back to normal - all thanks to President Biden and the Democrats. The crew also discusses how to get that message out to your community and why that's so important.
If you like the show, be sure to tell your friends and rate and review on Apple Podcasts! You can submit any feedback you have to podcast@dfl.org.
Dr. Scott Jensen is a Republican candidate for governor of Minnesota and a total quack. The crew discusses Jensen's candidacy, the efforts by Republicans in St. Paul to delay passage of a budget bill, and the future of voting rights legislation in Washington D.C.
If you like the show, be sure to tell your friends and rate and review on Apple Podcasts! You can submit trivia answers or any feedback you have to podcast@dfl.org.
Articles referenced this week:
https://www.startribune.com/as-minnesota-senator-cast-doubt-on-covid-19-death-tolls-conspiracy-theorists-pounced-online/569785662/
https://www.bettergov.org/news/politifacts-2020-lie-of-the-year/
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/09/us/politics/coronavirus-death-toll-presidential-campaign.html
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/04/17/fact-check-covid-19-death-toll-likely-undercounted-not-overcounted/2973481001/
On this week's episode of the DFL Debrief Podcast, we sat down with former State Senator Jeff Hayden to discuss the legacy of slavery and Juneteenth, the deep racial disparities in Minnesota, and how the two are interconnected.
If you've got any comments, suggestions, or feedback, please write in to podcast@dfl.org.
Minnesota Republicans continue to attack LGBTQ rights, Democrats in the Senate are divided on the filibuster, and we're still missing key information about the 1/6 insurrection. We cover all that and more on this week's episode of the DFL Debrief!
If you've got any comments, suggestions, or feedback, please write in to podcast@dfl.org.
Our theme song, The Other Side, was generously provided for us to use by Minnesota musician Brian Highhill, who goes by the stage name Lumpy. Listen to more of his great music at http://bryanhighhill.com.
Minnesota Republicans are pushing for voter ID, Dr. Scott Jensen doesn't want kids vaccinated, and the national battle for voting rights - we cover all that and more on this week's episode of the DFL Debrief alongside special guest State Representative Emma Greenman.
Articles discussed on this week's episode:
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https://www.twincities.com/2021/05/27/mn-republican-governor-candidate-scott-jensen-goes-to-court-to-stop-youth-covid-vaccinations/
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https://www.pinejournal.com/news/government-and-politics/7011658-Voter-ID-requirement-passes-Minnesota-Senate-faces-hurdle-in-the-House
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https://www.sctimes.com/story/opinion/2021/05/28/your-turn-voter-id-solution-search-problem-built-lies-ken-martin-dfl-chairman/7454972002/
The DFL Debrief is a podcast put on by the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. It is prepared and paid for by the Minnesota DFL Party, Ken Martin, Chairman. https://dfl.org
You can contract the podcast at podcast@dfl.org.
Our theme song, The Other Side, was generously provided for us to use by Minnesota musician Brian Highhill, who goes by the stage name Lumpy. Listen to more of his great music at http://bryanhighhill.com.
Minnesota Republicans have been caught recruiting 3rd party candidates to siphon votes from DFLers and what that means for future elections.
They also discuss how Minnesota Republicans voted on a commission to investigate the January 6th insurrection and Congressman Jim Hagedorn's newfound support for President Biden's American Rescue Plan. And Representative Carlos Mariani joins the pod to talk about how listeners can take action to help pass criminal justice reform.
Articles discussed in the podcast:
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https://bringmethenews.com/minnesota-news/all-4-mn-republicans-vote-against-bipartisan-commission-into-jan-6-insurrection
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https://www.postbulletin.com/news/government-and-politics/7031836-He-voted-no-to-projects-and-programs.-Should-Congressman-Jim-Hagedorn-be-allowed-to-take-credit-for-them
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https://www.fox9.com/news/grassroots-or-astroturf-congressional-candidate-says-he-was-tricked-into-running-by-rnc-strategist
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https://minnesotareformer.com/2020/06/15/some-legalize-cannabis-candidates-are-giving-off-a-very-maga-vibe/
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https://minnesotareformer.com/2020/11/25/emergence-of-mort-draws-scrutiny-of-race-where-pot-candidate-pulled-votes/
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https://www.startribune.com/gop-recruited-pot-party-candidate-to-pull-votes-from-dfler-he-said/572888651
The DFL Debrief is a podcast put on by the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. It is prepared and paid for by the Minnesota DFL Party, Ken Martin, Chairman. https://dfl.org
Our theme song, The Other Side, was generously provided for us to use by Minnesota musician Brian Highhill, who goes by the stage name Lumpy. Listen to more of his great music at http://bryanhighhill.com.