On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by Will Davis and Preya Samsundar to break down the following:   00:02:00 - Governor Tim Walz's Speech at the DNC

• Discussion on Walz's Reception: The hosts and guests discuss Governor Tim Walz's speech at the DNC, his Midwestern appeal, and how he was received on the national stage. Michael shares his experience attending a DFL event in Mankato, highlighting the enthusiastic crowd and Walz's connection with his former students.

00:07:00 - Analysis of Walz's Image and Policies

• Critique of Walz's Political Image: Preya critiques Walz as a "chameleon" who adapts his policies depending on the political environment. The conversation delves into how Walz's policies have evolved, particularly as he shifted from representing a rural district to serving as governor.

00:16:00 - Vice President Kamala Harris's Speech at the DNC

• Reintroduction of Kamala Harris: The hosts analyze Kamala Harris's speech, noting it was designed to reintroduce her to the American public in a positive light. They discuss how the speech focused on personal anecdotes rather than policy details to make Harris more relatable.

00:26:00 - National Security and the DNC Convention

• Harris's Focus on National Security: Becky notes the unexpected emphasis on national security during Harris's speech, with appearances by prominent figures like Leon Panetta and Mark Kelly, underscoring the campaign's effort to appeal to a broad audience.

00:32:00 - Celebrity Appearances at the DNC

• Discussion of Celebrity Guests: The hosts briefly discuss the various celebrities who appeared at the DNC, including Oprah, Mindy Kaling, and Lil Wayne. They also mention the surprise appearances that were anticipated but did not materialize, leading to speculation about why certain celebrities were not featured.

00:37:00 - Doug Emhoff's Speech

• Praise for Doug Emhoff: Michael praises Doug Emhoff's speech at the DNC, calling it endearing and impactful. The group discusses how Emhoff's relatable image as a "geeky, likable dad" adds a positive dynamic to the campaign.

00:41:00 - Debate Over the September 10th Presidential Debate

• Controversy Over Debate Rules: The hosts discuss the upcoming September 10th presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, focusing on whether microphones should be muted. They debate the implications of this decision for both candidates.

00:49:00 - State of the Presidential Race

• Polling and Momentum Post-DNC: The conversation shifts to current polling data and whether Harris's momentum gained from the DNC convention is sustainable. The hosts discuss both campaigns' challenges as they move closer to the election.

00:55:00 - Tim Walz "Scandals"

• Discussion on Alleged Scandals: The hosts and guests discuss recent controversies surrounding Governor Walz, including allegations of inflating his military service, the "Where's Scout?" dog controversy, and discrepancies in his statements about fertility treatments. They critique the media's handling of these stories and debate whether they are genuine scandals or distractions.

01:10:10 - "Be Curious, Not Judgmental"

• Michael ends the show by encouraging people to approach political conversations by following Ted Lasso's advice to "be curious, not judgmental."

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week.

UPCOMING EVENT: The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky has been invited to join the 2024 MinnPost Festival on September 28th. This is an exciting full-day event with speakers from Minnesota and some national voices.

The Break Down will be hosting a live podcast from the event and would like to invite you to join us. Click here to purchase tickets! You can take advantage of a 30% discount by purchasing before September 3rd. 

We would love to see you in person!

Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe