Campaign HQ with David Plouffe

In the West, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is always seen as one of two things: KGB spy or judo master. But to anyone who’s ever lived in the Soviet Union, Putin is something else entirely: a street kid. Join journalist Julia Ioffe as she explores how Putin’s childhood taught him lessons that shape his thinking and actions to this day.

David unpacks the 2022 midterm election cycle and discusses what it means for the parties, the 2024 presidential election and democracy as a whole.

David is joined by Anna Staver of the USA Today Network's Ohio Bureau to talk about the key races and what the voting results that come in early evening on election night will tell us about how the night is going to go

 Then, Dave Chase, campaign manager for Tim Ryan for Ohio, on why Ohio voters are aligned with his candidate's views - and the importance of getting as many Republican and Independent voters to cross-over, even in areas Ryan might not win.

 Evan Smith of The Texas Tribune discusses what it would take to turn Texas blue, and why the demographics of the state suggest the Dobbs decision may not be as much of a driving factor for Democratic votes as it is in other states.

Then Nick Rathod, campaign manager for Beto O’Rourke, discusses the state of the Governor’s race, what they are seeing on the ground and how they are tackling the need for big Democratic turnout.

David is joined by Will Doran who covers North Carolina politics for the News & Observer. Will provides a look at some important races including the crucial State Supreme Court races, which could have ramifications for years to come

Then, Travis Brimm, campaign manager for Cheri Beasley discusses the challenges of getting to 50% and the importance of voter turnout in an important Senate race that hasn’t caught the national attention but could be pivotal.

Wisconsin, as always, is a pivotal state.David is joined by Patrick Marley who writes about voting issues in the Upper Midwest for The Washington Post and looks not only at the governor’s and U.S. senate campaigns, but some of the other races and what the aftermath of this election could mean for 2024.

Then, Sam Roecker, senior advisor and spokesperson for Governor Tony Evers discusses their campaign’s strategy to keep the governor’s office - and the particulars of an 1849 law that is preventing any abortions from being performed in the state.

Jonathan Oosting is the Michigan Politics Reporter for Bridge Michigan. Jonathen takes us on a tour of all the key races and how the abortion issue is playing in the state. 

Then, Preston Elliott, campaign manager for Gretchen Whitmer, takes us inside the Governor’s race, including how an incumbent Governor is navigating the perceived economic political headwinds. 

Yvonne Wingett Sanchez is the Democracy Reporter in Arizona for the Washington Post. Yvonne takes a look at how some Republican voters are taking a long hard look at the Democratic candidates, how the abortion topic could motivate voters, and whether or not we could see contested elections.

Then, Emma Brown, campaign manager for Mark Kelly joins David and discusses keeping her eye on the prize and not assuming the other side's candidates are unelectable when history shows otherwise.