It wasn't the debate we wanted, but it's the debate we got. Tara welcomes Iowa political insider Jimmy Centers onto the pod to recap the latest GOP debate between Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley. Did either candidate strengthen their case to Iowa voters before the caucuses? Does their race for second place even matter? Listen for these answers and more!
For more of Tara's reporting, please sign up for her newsletter, 'The Best & The Brightest' at puck.news/tarapalmeri and use the discount code TARA20
Host: Tara Palmeri
Guest: Jimmy Centers
Producers: Devon Baroldi and Conor Nevins
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Somebody's Gotta ... Come in Second?

Puck senior political correspondent Tara Palmeri is here to help you get through what may be the most chaotic and consequential presidential election cycle of our lifetime. With 15 years covering politics, Tara speaks with the smartest political brains to discuss what is happening behind the scenes in Washington D.C., and on the campaign trail.

News

Tara is joined by journalist and MSNBC news anchor Ali Velshi to discuss his forthcoming book, ‘Small Acts of Courage: A Legacy of Endurance and the Fight for Democracy,’ which publishes May 7. Throughout their wide-ranging conversation, they talk about Velshi’s family connection to social activism, immigration politics, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and much more.
For more of Tara's reporting, please sign up for her newsletter, ‘The Best and the Brightest,’ at puck.news/tarapalmeri and use the discount code TARA20
Host: Tara Palmeri
Guest: Ali Velshi
Producer: Chris Sutton
Production Supervision: Conor Nevins
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Ali Velshi on Fighting for Democracy

Tara is joined by Puck’s own Teddy Schleifer and they begin their conversation by breaking down the vibes at the White House Correspondents Association events over the weekend. They then examine the Biden administration's efforts to thwart unwanted criticism from the media and dive deep into the not-so-secret bond between Donald Trump and a growing cadre of tech billionaires.
For more of Tara's reporting, please sign up for her newsletter, ‘The Best and the Brightest,’ at puck.news/tarapalmeri and use the discount code TARA20
Host: Tara Palmeri
Guest: Teddy Schleifer
Producer: Chris Sutton
Production Supervision: Conor Nevins
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Silicon Valley Flirts With Trump

Tara is joined by Republican political strategist John McLaughlin to discuss the hot-button issues that are fueling Donald Trump and Joe Biden’s poll numbers and guiding their individual campaigns. They take a deep look at the mood of each key swing state, break down strategic differences between the 2020 and 2024 races, and debate RFK Jr.'s possible impact in November.
For more of Tara's reporting, please sign up for her newsletter, ‘The Best and the Brightest,’ at puck.news/tarapalmeri and use the discount code TARA20
Host: Tara Palmeri
Guest: John McLaughlin
Producer: Chris Sutton
Production Supervision: Conor Nevins
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Trump Pollster John McLaughlin Explains His Client’s Lead

Tara is joined by Puck’s own Abby Livingston to discuss the political chaos surrounding House Speaker Mike Johnson’s perilous decision to move forward with the bipartisan Ukraine aid bill. They examine the viability of a coalition government, shine a light on the internal GOP mudslinging, and speculate on Johnson’s future with the gavel.
For more of Tara's reporting, please sign up for her newsletter, ‘The Best and the Brightest,’ at puck.news/tarapalmeri and use the discount code TARA20
Host: Tara Palmeri
Guest: Abby Livingston
Producer: Chris Sutton
Production Supervision: Conor Nevins
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Mike Johnson’s Motion-to-Vacate Roulette

Tara is joined by political strategist Nathan Daschle, and they begin their conversation by talking about RFK Jr.'s presidential campaign and shining a light on how both the Biden and Trump camps are attempting to define him. They then examine the big issues motivating voters in 2024, notably immigration and abortion, and discuss how they will influence the big swing state political races.
For more of Tara's reporting, please sign up for her newsletter, ‘The Best and the Brightest,’ at puck.news/tarapalmeri and use the discount code TARA20
Host: Tara Palmeri
Guest: Nathan Daschle
Producer: Chris Sutton
Production Supervision: Conor Nevins
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Somebody's Gotta ... Come in Second?

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