Simplifying The State

In this episode of Simplifying the State, Adam, Drew, and Nicholas discuss the upcoming midterm elections. Control of both chambers is on the line on Nov. 3, and it could come down to just a few key races. Tune in to hear which messages may be resonating with voters, and what actions may be pushing them away.

In this episode, Adam, Drew, and Nicholas discuss the changes in education policy under the second Trump administration. They also discuss whether education policy should be determined at the local level or the federal level.

Creator of the "Righting" Howard Polskin stops by to talk to Adam about the new right-wing media ecosystem and its effects. They also discuss the decline of legacy media, how new media trends have fueled a surge of independent journalism, and how AI could affect the future of journalism and media.

Gregory Upchurch sits down to talk to Adam about his campaign for Missouri State Auditor. They discuss what makes the State Auditor's office special, the effects of efforts to remove the income tax, and the importance of transparency in the auditing process.

Candidate for Missouri's 99th House District, Nathan Mai-Lombardo, stops by to talk to Adam about his campaign for the State House. The two discuss a variety of issues, including the ongoing debate surrounding the Republican-backed plan to eliminate the state income tax to spur economic development; they discuss who this plan would affect and whether it would make more sense to reform a different tax.

In this episode of Simplifying the State, I spoke with a candidate for Missouri House District 99, Tori Schafer. Our discussion touched on several issues, including the increased cost of living for young people and data center construction. We also discussed her plans to work with Republicans in Jefferson City and her plans to try to break the Republican supermajority.

Candidate for Missouri's 99th state house district, which encompasses Clayton, Boris Abadzhyan talks with us about his campaign and his interesting path to politics. Then we discuss some of the things he wants to do if elected, from fighting Republican attempts to working with them to institute drug reform.

In this episode of "Simplifying the State," Adam Watson, Luciano Perlman, Drew Garfinkel, and Nicholas Perrin discuss the recent attempts by the Missouri legislature to remove the state income tax. They break down what the abolition of income taxes could mean, why the costs of goods may rise as a result, and how this may hurt the average Missourian.

In this episode of "Simplifying the State," Adam Watson, Luciano Perlman, Drew Garfinkel, and Nicholas Perrin discuss Proposition O, a $134 million bond issue on the ballot in Clayton on April 7th. They break down what the measure would fund, why taxes won't increase if it passes, and how surrounding districts have benefited from similar initiatives. They also evaluate the district's messaging campaign and make their case for why students, teachers, and homeowners alike should head to the polls.

In this episode of "Simplifying the State," Adam Watson and Luciano Perman discuss the results of several primaries and what it could mean for the Senate map in 2026. They also discuss what kind of message Democrats should adopt heading into future elections.