Once again... it is left up to Generation Z to solve a political problem NOT of our making. In this episode, I discuss the plague of polarization, its effects on our society, and how we can improve on what our current leaders are doing. 

Lastly, it is with much consideration and thought that I announce this is my last episode as the Politically Minded Gal. Be sure to stay until the end of the episode to hear why I'm concluding this 3-year project and where you can find my episodes. 

Thank you for listening! - Ashley

Sources I Used

• Americans’ feelings about politics, polarization and the tone of political discourse 
• Most Americans say Republican and Democratic voters cannot agree on basic facts
• Why the US government has shut down and what happens now 
• Stephen Colbert wins first Emmy after CBS announces his show is cancelled
• Jimmy Kimmel taken off air over Charlie Kirk comments
• Analysis: Why Charlie Kirk’s killing could embolden more political violence | PBS News    

On July 4th, President Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill-- his signature legislation. In this episode, we set aside the politics and focus on the policy, examining some of the key items included or cut from this 1,000-page budget bill. 

As always, make sure to like the episode and subscribe for all future content from me, the Politically Minded Gal. 

-Ashley  

Sources I Used:

-The key items in Trump's 'big, beautiful bill'

-These Hidden Provisions in the Budget Bill Undermine Our Democracy | Campaign Legal Center

-Can Trump's pricey 'Golden Dome' missile defence system be done?      

Welcome back! 

Well, it's been 100 days (officially today, April 30th) since Donald J. Trump took the oath of office for the Presidency of the United States of America. And it's been a wild ride! 

In this episode, we dive into some of his early actions, controversies, and I conclude by discussing a public lecture I attended at the University of Virginia Center for Politics. 

Sit back and hold on as we explore what one political reporter has described as "the most destabilizing in American history." 

- Ashley   

Notes:

Jim Acosta- CNN's chief White House correspondent during the Obama and first Trump administrations and later CNN's anchor and chief domestic correspondent

Tara Setmayer- co-founder and CEO of The Seneca Project (female ran organization focused on conserving women’s rights & protecting democracy)

Marc Short- Chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence and director of legislative affairs at the White House

Sources:

• https://www.youtube.com/@UVaCFP/videos 
• Exclusive: Inside Trump’s First 100 days | TIME 

It's a 2nd coming... for the 47th President of the United States. 

On January 20, 2025, Donald J. Trump was sworn in for his second presidential term. During his inaugural address, he claims everything from America's golden age to putting a man on Mars. 

Join me in this episode as we hear our new president outline his plans during his second term. 

- Ashley

When we last spoke, The United States of America had a choice between electing its First Female President or its first convicted felon as president.

And the choice was made... Overwhelmingly, the American people chose to reelect Donald J. Trump as the 47th President.

In this episode, I explore the two candidates' speeches made during election night and discuss what the future might look like under a second Trump administration.

As always, make sure to like and subscribe to all the Politically Minded Gal episodes.  - Ashley

 

Sources I Used:

-NBC News Exit Poll: Voters express deep concern about America's democracy and economy 

-​​Joint Economic Committee 

-FULL VIDEO: Vice President Kamala Harris delivers concession speech 

-Donald Trump's full victory speech 

Wait! Two politicians can actually take the stage and be respectful of one another while having a serious policy debate. Who knew...

In this episode, we take a close look at the highs and lows of the 2024 VP debate between Senator JD Vance and Governor Tim Walz. Tune in to learn all you can because this might be the last debate before election day.


As always, make sure to like and subscribe to all the Politically Minded Gal episodes. - Ashley

Sources I Used:

-Takeaways from the VP debate: a muted mic, abortion and civility 

-Who won the Vance-Walz vice-presidential debate? 

-Tim Walz-JD Vance Polls: Both Candidates’ Favorability Increases Post-Debate 

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