Political Breakdown

California's Chief Justice leaves the Republican party, and Scott and Marisa discuss the deal that has Nancy Pelosi poised to recapture the Speaker's gavel (0:40). Then, lobbyist Amy Brown discusses the ins and outs of the Third House, how she picks clients, childhood canvassing, and signing on to the We Said Enough letter calling out sexual misconduct at the Capitol (8:04).

The state legislature is back in session and Marisa and Guy Marzorati recap early bills on wildfires and housing (1:10). Then, a conversation with New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on the women in her family who inspired her career, breaking into politics through fundraising, winning in a conservative district, and her efforts to encourage women to run for office (6:46).

T.J Cox's victory in the Central Valley gives Democrats a sweep of congressional swing districts, and Nancy Pelosi wins the backing of her caucus in her run for Speaker. Marisa and Scott also discuss the resignation of California Democratic Party chair Eric Bauman, amid accusations of sexual misconduct. (0:35) Then, Matt Shupe joins to discuss his work on John Cox's gubernatorial campaign, the story behind Trump's endorsement, moving his consultancy to the Bay Area, and what's next for the party (7:43)

On this Thanksgiving episode from Political Breakdown, Scott and Marisa revisit their interview with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, as she moves in on regaining the Speaker's gavel. Then, Guy Marzorati talks with former Congressmen Patrick Murphy and David Jolly about their push for reforms to bring back bipartisanship in Congress.

The blue wave crashes in California in the week after the election, nearly wiping out the GOP in Orange County and giving Democrats a supermajority in the state legislature.  Then, 40 years after the Jonestown massacre, Congresswoman Jackie Speier tells Scott and Marisa that she "didn't want to be a survivor the rest of my life." She talks about her first work in politics (in go-go boots!), her hesitancy about the fateful trip to Guyana, being a new mom in the state legislature, and eventually winning a seat in Congress.

Scott and Marisa are joined by San Francisco Chronicle senior political writer Joe Garofoli to recap the state and Congressional races, analyze the results of the eleven ballot initiatives, and look ahead to the the beginning of Gavin Newsom's first term.  Then, State Senator Kevin de Leon calls in to discuss his defeat in the U.S. Senate race (20:29).

Democrats take the House, but key California seats are still up for grabs. Gavin Newsom runs away with the Governor's race, and Dianne Feinstein wins a sixth term in the Senate. Scott and Marisa analyze all the results with reporters, strategists, and party officials from around the state.

You've heard a lot about California's races for Governor, Senate, and Congress. But we're devoting this episode to the races and propositions that have gotten less attention. Scott and Marisa are joined by Katie Orr and KPCC's Mary Plummer to run through the details and players behind Proposition 6, Proposition 8 and Proposition 11, plus state legislative and constitutional offices. They also discuss early voting returns and each give a 'race to watch' on election night.

Running for a sixth term in the Senate, Dianne Feinstein talks with Scott and Marisa about how her childhood influenced her career, considering retirement before the assassination of Harvey Milk, the bill she wants to write if re-elected, and what's she's learned from Kamala Harris.

Fresh off of their first live event of election season, Scott and Marisa recap the Senate "debate" between Dianne Feinstein and Kevin de Leon and discuss their contrasting styles (1:17). Then, pollster Ben Tulchin shares the secret of political polling, his job interview with Bernie Sanders, the challenges facing the polling industry today, public vs. private polling, and assesses the competitive House races in California (7:32).