📌 Episode Description

“What’s the most important issue facing you and your family?” That’s the kind of question pollster Mike Baselice has asked thousands of voters—and the answers have shaped campaigns, policies, and even history.

In Part Two of Kent Hance’s conversation with one of America’s top political pollsters, listeners are taken behind the curtain of polling strategy, campaign messaging, and the evolution of Texas politics. From diaper cream marketing to multimillion-dollar statewide races, Baselice shares how data drives decisions—and how wording can make or break public opinion.

This episode dives into:

• The power of phrasing: Why “school choice” polls 20 points higher than “vouchers.”
• The Rick Perry vs. John Sharp race: A career-defining moment with a last-minute turnaround.
• How polling has evolved from landlines to micro-targeted cell phone surveys.
• The changing demographics of Texas—and why it’s still not a purple state.
• Behind-the-scenes stories involving Dick Morris, Charlie Wilson, and Trent Lott.
• The impact of media headlines and how they can distort the message.

Baselice offers memorable insights like:

“We’re like coaches in the booth—calling plays based on what works, not what we feel.” “Polling isn’t about population. It’s about who actually votes.”

Whether you're a campaign strategist, political junkie, or just love a good story, this episode is packed with lessons, laughs, and legacy moments.

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