Politically Minded Gal: Recent Episodes
Ashley
Hi, I am Ashley Crosby and I am a politically-minded gal who believes that words matter. And none matter more than those spoken or used by the individuals we elect to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. So, in this podcast, I strive to take an unbiased approach to examine the meaning of the words used by modern-day and historical political influencers. So, when it is our turn to vote, to govern, and to lead, we are better educated and informed than the generations before us who have left us with a mess. Subscribe and join me on this journey to better understand the impact the words of our leaders have on our future. And what we can do about it.
Welcome to another episode of the Politically Minded Gal.
This time, we dive into the all-important debate between former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris that ABC News hosted on September 10, 2024.
Get ready for a show! Not only was this the first time these two individuals met in person, but the ABC hosts fact-checked in real-time.
Join me as we hear directly from the two candidates for President of the United States in what might be their only debate.
- Ashley
Welcome to my first episode on the race for the White House. Today, we will discuss the top policy positions of each candidate, former President Donald Trump, and Vice President Kamala Harris, and what they have said or put on their websites to try to persuade you and me.
The Gen Z voter!
Thanks for listening and please make sure to "Like" and subscribe to the Politically Minded Gal! - Ashley
Sources I Used:
-The Issues That Motivate Gen Z Voters
-Donald J. Trump
-As Republicans attack Harris on immigration, here's what her California record reveals
-Harris and Trump: Compare where they stand on key issues
Hi Everyone...
The Politically Minded Gal is back after some much-needed time off to finish high school and get accepted to my dream college, the University of Virginia!
And now that I'm sitting in front of a microphone again, it's time to talk about the BIGGEST political news in my lifetime. The assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump, the 2024 Republican nominee for President.
In this episode, I don't just focus on the breaking news or wild conspiracy theories. No, instead, we will look at how past assassinations and attempts have effected our democracy and the outcomes of elections.
Before I go too far... Just a reminder to register to Vote! You can do this at https://vote.gov/.
Thanks for listening! I'm so happy to be back with you all! - Ashley
2023 isn't ending without more drama in the House of Representatives.
In this episode, I talk about former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy's decision to leave Congress and how New York Representative George Santos became only the 6th person EVER expelled from Congress. All in the first seven days of December!
And lastly, I examine the Republican Conference's recent decision to push for a vote to formally begin an Impeachment Inquiry into President Joe Biden.
As always, make sure to subscribe to the Politically Minded Gal podcast!
- Ashley
Sources:
-Ex-US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy will leave Congress, raising Republican worries | Reuters
-McCarthy's exit and the ripple effects back home - POLITICO
-New York Republican George Santos expelled from Congress
-George Santos has been expelled from Congress. What happens next? - CBS New York
-Republican-majority US House takes step toward vote on Biden impeachment inquiry | Reuters
It's begun.
The mud-slinging. The what-aboutism and the division of neighbors, friends, and families. Yes, it's primary season!
In this episode, I introduce you to all the candidates vying for the nomination of both major political parties. And even those who have decided to run as independents.
Of course, we have to talk about President Biden at 80 years old and former President Trump (and all that means with >90 felony indictments). But, you will also get to know about the full field and where you can find more information about each.
So, as our generation gets ready to head to the ballot box in 2024, most of us for the first time, let's get to know who our choices are.
- Ashley
Sources:
-2024 US presidential election: Who are the candidates? | Reuters
-Seven issues that will define the 2024 election | The Hill
-How Popular Is Joe Biden? | FiveThirtyEight
-The Working Economy | Marianne 2024
-RFK Jr. is building a presidential campaign around conspiracy theories
-How America Changed During Donald Trump's Presidency
-Donald Trump : Favorability Polls | FiveThirtyEight
-Where Ron DeSantis stands on key issues - BBC News
-How to register to vote | USAGov
In this first episode of Season 2, we pay tribute to the late Senator from California, the honorable Dianne Feinstein.
Who passed away on September 29th at the age of 90.
At the time, she was the longest-serving female in US Senate history. Having won her first Senate election in 1993.
This episode not only pays tribute to a pioneer but also highlights some of Senator Feinstein's biggest accomplishments, positions, and little-known facts.
Join me in celebrating the life of Dianne Feinstein.
- Ashley
Sources:
-Gun control, assault weapons ban a major part of Sen. Dianne Feinstein's legacy - CBS San Francisco
-A look at the life of Dianne Feinstein - POLITICO
-Dianne Feinstein on CIA torture report: 'A stain on America's values' – video | US news | The Guardian
Happy 1st Birthday to the Politically Minded Gal!
What a fantastic first year it's been for us both. We witnessed (and talked about) the overturning of a historic law, the sad death of a Queen, the indictment of a former President, and so much more.
Along the way, we learned about how democracies die, the difference between hearing and listening, and the importance of not only knowing but writing to your local representative.
Through all that we have experienced, I could not be more proud of the journey we have been on together. To all my listeners from around the world, THANK YOU for allowing me a voice and a platform to speak about what I am most passionate about. And for a safe place to learn to better citizens (and voters) together.
Now, let's get ready for Season 2!
- Ashley
In this episode, we do something different together. We explore what defines democracy, examine what history has taught us about how they die, and what can be done to keep them alive.
Given the current polarization in American politics, is there a more important subject as we head into the 2024 election cycle?
The information shared in this episode was gathered during a two-week summer seminar I participated in at Northwestern University.
- Ashley
Happy Birthday, America!
It is time we pause to reflect on why we gather for BBQs, go to the beach, and enjoy fireworks on this day each year.
In this episode, I take you through two historical speeches on the importance of signing the Declaration of Independence and how the words written nearly 250 years ago 'Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness' are still a dream we are chasing.
Hear from President Ronald Regan and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on why they think these words still hold true today.
Make sure to subscribe and join me, the Politically Minded Gal, as we work towards a better tomorrow.
- Ashley
Sources:
-https://dc.hillsdale.edu/News-and-Events/News/15-Great-Speeches-to-Remind-America-what-Independe/
-The American Dream
-President Reagan's Address to the Nation on Independence Day on July 4, 1986
Have you ever had your bank account overdrawn or ever heard your parents talking about spending more money than what's in their account? I have.
And this past week, I learned the US Federal Government faced the same challenge. Lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle spent the last month in a deadlocked negotiation before finally passing a bi-partisan deal (aka a compromise) to prevent our government from defaulting on our obligations and payments.
In this episode, we discuss how both Republicans and Democrats think about the final bill that President Joe Biden signed into law and just how close we came to bouncing A LOT of government checks.
Make sure to subscribe and like my podcast on which ever platform you are enjoying it from.
- Ashley
Sources:
-What's in the US debt ceiling deal? - BBC News
-Debt ceiling news: White House makes final push for Democratic support as debt limit vote inches closer
-Republicans speak out against US debt-ceiling deal, in sign of rocky road ahead | Reuters
-Democrats, worried about a Biden-McCarthy deal, push a backup plan to avoid default
When was the last time a major news or opinion Journalist was fired or, more politely, parted ways with their news organization? If you are trying to think back a few years, then that's my point, it doesn't happen very often.
But, on Monday, April 24th, not one but TWO media icons fell from grace, in what is being termed by some as the "Monday Media Massacre."
In this episode, we discuss how the words of Tucker Carlson of Fox News and his CNN rival, Don Lemon ultimately caught up with them. Leading to both long-time anchors "parting ways" with their news organizations. AKA... they got fired!
Join me as we hear directly from each of these larger-than-life personalities that have for decades been prominent figures on the news channels we watch.
- Ashley
Sources I used:
-Tucker Carlson is out at Fox News: What we know about his departure - Vox
-Tucker Carlson ousted at Fox News following network's $787 million settlement
-Tucker Carlson Statement
- Don Lemon says he has been fired from CNN
-Don Lemon's Misogyny at CNN, Exposed: Malicious Texts, Mocking Female Co-Workers and 'Diva-Like Behavior'
History was made on April 4th, when for the first time, a former President was indicted on criminal charges.
In this episode, I explore why Donald Trump was charged with 34 counts of business fraud and how he has denied any wrongdoing since 2018. Hear directly from Trump on why he thinks this is a politically motivated case and what his 2024 rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, had to say in his defense.
Join me in this politically neutral episode, and be sure to listen to all my episodes.
- Ashley
Sources:
-Donald Trump vows to escalate attacks against Alvin Bragg
-DeSantis calls Trump indictment ‘un-American’ and says he won’t assist in extradition - POLITICO
- Former President Trump addresses supporters hours after an arraignment
-The Case Against Donald Trump: What Comes Next?
Join me in celebrating women's history month by recognizing three of the most influential women in American politics over the last century.
Listen to some of the most famous quotes from the Notorious RBG. Learn about the positive impact that Mary McLeod Bethunehad during her fight for racial equality, and hear why Barbara Mikulski spent more than half her life in the service of the state of Maryland while becoming the longest-serving woman in congressional history.
Click below to see the 50 Women who made political history according to Time Magazine.
50 Women Who Made American Political History
Make sure to subscribe to the Politically Minded Gal on your favorite podcast app and catch up on past episodes.
- Ashley
Sources:
-President Biden's Women's History Month ProclamationA Proclamation on Women's History Month, 2023 | The White House - RBG's most famous quoteshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZOF2TBqLL8 - Mary McLeod Bethune Brotherhood Luncheon Speech, 1955
https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm%3Fid%3D5FECF1B3-1DD8-B71B-0B5B497327BA2199#:~:text=To%20take%20away%20the%20spirit,you%20have%20interpreted%20my%20dreams. - Senator Barbara Mikulski Delivers Farewell Speech
https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4635498/senator-barbara-mikulski-delivers-farewell-speech
Who is your Representative in Congress? Would you happen to know how to reach him or her? Did you even know that you could communicate directly with them and share your concerns or tell them what's most important to you?
It might be surprising, but most of us need to learn who the person represents in Congress. And that is alarming! No one in the Federal Government has more influence on local affairs or can carry our voices to Congress than our elected House of Representatives. We need to know who they are. Know how we can communicate with them, and that it's not only good that we do, it's why they have a job. To listen to our concerns and preferences on how they should vote.
So, who is your Congressperson? If you don't know, you can use this link to find out:
https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member
- Ashley
Congratulations to the Honorable Kevin McCarthy of California who has been elected Speaker of the House of Representatives.
In this episode, I discuss his long path and how the fifteen votes he needed to secure the Speakership unfolded. You will hear my favorite part of his victory speech and how he says it's time to do the work the people of the United States have asked the 118th Congress to do.
I truly love this episode, as I am starting to find my voice and starting to give you my authentic self.
Do join me by subscribing on your favorite podcast platform.
- Ashley
Sources:
-House Speaker election explained: What to know | The Hill
-McCarthy loses third vote round for House speaker : NPR
-McCarthy elected House speaker in rowdy post-midnight vote | AP News
-Kevin McCarthy election House speaker after 15 votes and days of negotiations : NPR
-Hear Kevin McCarthy's first speech as House speaker
Welcome back!
The 2022 Election season is OFFICIALLY closed!
The Georgia Senate Runoff Election between incumbent Senator Raphael Warnock and his Republican challenger, Herschel Walker, concluded on November 8th after voters once again turned out in mass.
Hear directly from Senator Warnock as he tells his supporters, voters, and the American public that their vote mattered in his victory speech. And listen to the class his challenger, Herschel Walker, had in his concession speech telling his supporters that he feels the people of Georgia should “continue to believe in this country, and believe in our elected officials."
Remember to catch up on previous episodes and subscribe to the Politically Minded Gal, and follow me on social media.
- Ashley
Sources (click on link):
-Georgia Senate Runoff: How It Works and Why It Is Important - The New York Times
-Georgia Senate Runoff Election Results 2022: Warnock defeats Walker
-WATCH: Sen. Raphael Warnock gives reelection victory speech after winning Georgia runoff
-Walker delivers concession speech
These 2022 Midterms have been record-breaking! From the number of early votes to the massive turnout of younger voters to the vast amounts of money spent on campaigning. So, now that they are almost over... what do we know?
In this episode, I discuss some historic firsts, and we hear directly from those politicians who won their respective elections.
Join me as we hear from Maxwell Frost, the first member of Gen Z to win a seat in Congress and from potential 2024 Presidential candidate Ron DeSantis as he hints towards how the Florida experiment can become the American experiment.
Make sure to like the episode and subscribe on your favorite streaming platform.
- Ashley
Sources (Click to access the link):
Researchers say 2022 election had second highest young voter turnout in last 30 years – The Hill
Takeaways from the 2022 midterms: a relief, surprise | Stanford News
Maxwell Frost elected to be the first Gen Z member of Congress : NPR
Democrat Maxwell Frost wins U.S. House District 10 race
Ron DeSantis landslide victory brings Trump and 2024 into focus | US midterm elections 2022 | The Guardian
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Wins Reelection
What is a runoff election, and how will it work in Georgia's Senate race? - CBS News
Democrat Catherine Cortez Masto wins Nevada Senate race
In this episode, I discuss the midterm election drama and introduce you to the political phrase "October surprise." Which describes a news event that can influence the outcome of an upcoming November election.
The biggest October surprise of the season happened in the Georgia Senate race between the incumbent Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock and his Republican opponent Herschel Walker, who has been heavily endorsed by former President Trump and Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell.
After talking about the impact of this particular surprise, we will discuss the current political landscape of the House of Representative races in the battleground state of Nevada. And how a particular voter population might turn this state from Blue to Red.
So, join me as I talk about the biggest October surprise of 2022 (thus far) and how mainstream issues are shaping the House races in a southwestern swing state.
- Ashley
Sources:
2022 Midterms: Top 10 States to Watchhttps://www.mwcllc.com/ideas/updates/articles/2022/5/2022-midterms-coverage
Can Democrats lock down Atlanta’s immigrant vote – or will Georgia slip away? | US midterm elections 2022 | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/oct/04/georgia-immigrant-vote-midterms
Midterm elections roundup: Abrams says Georgia is 'essential' in 2022https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/meetthepressblog/midterm-elections-roundup-abrams-says-georgia-essential-2022-rcna48901
Nevada Republicans see a midterm opportunity in the longtime swing state - ABC Newshttps://abcnews.go.com/Politics/nevada-republicans-midterm-opportunity-longtime-swing-state/story?id=90178557
Nevada Democrats see signs of a nightmare scenario: Latino voters staying homehttps://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2022-election/nevada-democrats-see-signs-nightmare-scenario-latino-voters-staying-ho-rcna49906
October surprise season - POLITICOhttps://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-nightly/2022/10/04/october-surprise-season-00060346
The History of the October Surprise | Rutgers Universityhttps://www.rutgers.edu/news/history-october-surprise
Queen Elizabeth II was an iconic monarch whose reign spanned 70 years at the time she passed on September 8, 2022. During her time on the throne, she eloquently guided her people through wars, economic prosperity, recessions, social unrest, and the Covid-19 pandemic.
In this episode, we listen to two of the Queen's most iconic speeches: her first Christmas address after she became queen in 1952 and her heartfelt memorialization of Princess Diana after her passing in 1997.
Join me in this episode as we pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. Long live the queen!
- Ashley
SourcesThe Queen's Christmas Broadcast, 1952
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4xclPiyos4&t=5s
The Queen's live speech on the passing of Princess Diana, 1997
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTpcuXbJMcM
Do you know what election primaries are? Or why they're so important to our democracy? Until recently, I didn't fully understand what they were or why they were needed before each general election. So, since we are in the primary season, I thought it would be a good idea to talk about how voters can use these early elections to choose which candidates they want to represent them on the general election ballots in November.
In this episode, I talk about two very different House of Representative primaries to illustrate how important they are and why we should, as future voters, be paying attention. In the first example, we explore how a group of citizens resoundingly say "goodbye" to a legacy politician who no longer represents their views. And for my second primary example, you are introduced to a Gen Z politician who is set to become the youngest member of Congress after he won his primary in a Congressional district he is surly to win in November's general election.
Tune in and make sure to subscribe to my podcast, Politically Minded Gal.
-Ashley
Sources:Hageman Celebrates Win Over Cheney In Wyoming GOP House Primary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDfiaEmyUHo
Gen Z House Candidate Maxwell Frost After Florida Win: 'Don't Count Out Young People'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Egn1CqowENI&t=19s
Link to:What Are Primary Elections and Why Should I Participate?
Link to: State Primary Election Types
Link to: primary election | Description, History, & Facts | Britannica
Link to: 25-year-old Maxwell Frost could become first member of Gen Z elected to Congress after Florida primary win - CBS News
Link to: Gen Z House Candidate Maxwell Frost After Florida Win: 'Don't Count Out Young People'
In this episode, we go back to 2004 to learn how one politician turned to social media to help his presidential campaign. And how his actions have changed the way voters interact with political leaders.
From there, we explore how social media has become a primary channel for politicians to raise money and get their message out to supporters.
In my next episode, we explore the importance of primary elections and how voters are using the 2022 primaries to target some big-name politicians they have been unhappy with.
- Ashley
Sources:
"The Choice" Obama for America Youtube Ad (2012)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBorRZnqtMo
University of Pennsylvania Study (2020)
How Social Media Is Shaping Political Campaigns - Knowledge at Wharton
How Barack Obama used Social Media to win both the 2008 & 2012 Elections
Social media use by Barack Obama - Wikipedia
Stanford University Study (2009)
Obama and the Power of Social Media and Technology | Stanford Graduate School of Business
Do you hear or listen?
Do you know the difference? Until recently, I didn't fully understand that they are not the same and how we all need to be listening more.
I compare the two during this episode by using expert opinions on why listening is so much more important. To help make my point, I use one of my favorite opening scenes from a TV show: Newsroom starring Jeff Daniels.
After hearing from Jeff's character, Will McAvoy, I will introduce you to confirmation bias and how we can all work to overcome it when we are consuming news.
I hope you enjoy this episode and join me next time as we talk about the effects of social media on the news.
In this episode, you will hear how Greta Thunberg is taking action to fight for the global climate and environment.
Hear directly from Greta when at 15 years old, she stood in front of hundreds during her first protest to proclaim a "cry for help."
Then follow her remarkable rise from a small protest to speaking at the United Nations Climate Summit in 2019.
You will learn how this remarkable member of Generation Z is using her words to take on the world's most powerful leaders and refusing to back down despite the mocking and criticism of a few.
I hope you enjoy learning about Greta Thunberg, and then make sure to listen to my next episode where we discuss the words behind the Supreme Court's June 2022 Roe v Wade decision.
- Ashley
In this episode, we will first break down the history of the Supreme Court case Roe v Wade.
Then we will analyze how the legality of Roe has changed over the years and the Supreme Court's surprising decision to overturn this 50-year-old law in June of 2022.
Tune in to this episode to hear the direct words of the politicians making groundbreaking decisions concerning abortion rights in states.
In my next episode, we will discover the difference between hearing and listening. And how we can all become informed and independent critical thinkers.
Hi, thanks for listening to my very first episode!
I am a politically minded gal, and you will learn a little about me in this first episode. During this short introduction, you will get to know what inspires and motivates me and why I think nothing matters more than the words spoken by our political leaders.
More importantly, we will discuss why I am taking to the podcast airwaves to give an unbiased analysis of speeches, influential decisions, and all things politics.
I hope you enjoy this introduction and tune in to my second episode, where we will discuss how a member of GenZ is using her words to take on world leaders three times her age.
Make sure to subscribe!
- Ashley