Election Connection

Hosts Shoshana Madmoni-Gerber and Rachael Cobb interview long-time Suffolk University pollster David Paleologos, Director of the Suffolk University Research Center. They examine what polling is, what makes polls scientific, and how to interpret the polling data; they also explain some of the current challenges to relying on poll results in the upcoming elections. 

How misinformation and disinformation claims of election Fraud are leading to voter suppression and what can we do to stay informed. 

We explore the battle over voting by mail, including the Trump administration’s attempt to give the U.S. Postal Service new power to screen ballots and the Supreme Court’s decision to block the changes for the 2026 election. We discuss what this means for voters, postal reliability, election access, public trust, and the future of election administration—while sharing practical tips for requesting, returning, and tracking a mail-in ballot.

We sit down with two former members of Congress, Annie McLane Kuster, a Democrat from New Hampshire’s second district, who served six terms in the United States House of Representatives from 2013 to 2025, and Christopher Shays, a Republican from Connecticut’s 4th district, who served 6 terms in the US House from 1987 to 2009. They join as part of the Congress to Campus program, which provides college students with a unique civic education, permitting them to engage in honest dialogue with a bipartisan team.

We sit down with Boston City Councilor Enrique Pepén to discuss the crucial strides and ongoing hurdles in advancing racial equity within Boston. Councilor Pepén, the first in his family to attend college, shares his insights on tackling issues ranging from housing and digital access to environmental justice, all while representing the diverse voices of Boston's neighborhoods. Join us as we explore his journey from Suffolk University class of 2019 to City Hall, and gain valuable advice for those looking to make an impact in their local communities.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Miguel Rodrigues, a retired U.S. diplomat and scholar, to explore the complexities of U.S. foreign policy. The discussion covers critical geopolitical conflicts including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Palestine situation, while analyzing the implications of the recent presidential election on international relations. We discuss the intricacies of NATO's role, America's stance towards China, and how emerging powers are reshaping the global order. 

In this episode, we analyze the election results that saw Donald Trump win, exploring the implications for various populations and American democracy. We discuss factors like President Biden's low approval ratings, voter turnout, and the impact of economic messaging. The conversation also addresses the historical challenges faced by vice presidents, the support for pro-abortion rights measures in several states, and the cyclical nature of American politics. 

In this episode, we examine one of the pivotal issues of the 2024 election: immigration. Our guest, Ragini Shah, Clinical Professor of Law and director of the Immigrant Justice Clinic at Suffolk Law School, joins us for an in-depth conversation. Shah shares insights from her new book, Constructed Movements, Extraction and Resistance in Mexican Migrant Communities, and discusses the 2024 presidential race. She analyzes the immigration policy proposals of the major party candidates and explores how public opinion influences these approaches. 

This one’s for you first time voters (and for anyone who wants a refresher)! Why do we call it a “polling location”? What is a ward and precinct? We get into the weeds of election vocabulary and help you think about what method you will use to vote (early, by mail, Election Day), how to make a plan and how to get ready! 

In this episode, we discuss what voters say is the most important in this election – The Economy. We are joined by Professor Emeritus Jonathan Haughton, the former chair of the Economic Department at Suffolk University. He helps us understand this complex topic and what impact each presidential candidate’s economic policy priorities might have.