The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky

On this special bonus episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr break down the following:

00:00:00 - Introduction

• Hosts Introduction: Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb introduce the episode, discussing the topics for the day, including the vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz, Melania Trump's statement on abortion, and the performance of new "Wheel of Fortune" host Ryan Seacrest.

00:01:00 - Vice Presidential Debate Recap

• The VP Debate: Becky describes the debate as civil and issue-focused, a departure from recent political events. Becky and Michael express surprise at the lack of provocations or "fireworks" despite some mild back-and-forth between Vance and Walz.

00:03:00 - Vance's Debate Performance

• JD Vance's Goals and Performance: Becky and Michael discuss Vance's debate performance. Becky argues that Vance successfully positioned himself as an intellectual and credible vice-presidential candidate. Michael expresses skepticism about whether this intellectual image helps Vance connect with voters.

00:08:00 - Walz's Debate Style and Relatability

• Walz's Relatability vs. Vance's Intellectualism: Michael believes Walz's "coach and dad" persona makes him more relatable to voters. At the same time, Becky acknowledges that Walz had a nervous start but later regained his footing.

00:13:00 - Debate Environment and Impact of No Audience

• No Audience and Debate Dynamics: Michael and Becky discuss how the lack of a live audience affected the debate, making it feel more sterile and formal. They agree that having an audience would have added energy and allowed candidates to better connect with viewers.

00:17:00 - Moderators and Fact-Checking

• Fact-Checking Controversy: Becky and Michael weigh in on the moderators' decision to fact-check despite initial agreements not to. Michael stresses the importance of transparency, arguing that debates should adhere to predetermined rules to avoid surprises.

00:23:00 - Key Debate Moments: January 6th and abortion

• JD Vance's Non-Answer on January 6th: Becky and Michael discuss Vance's failure to answer directly when asked if Trump won the 2020 election. Both hosts agree that this "damning non-answer" could harm the Trump-Vance ticket.
• Trump's Abortion Stance: They also touch on Trump's abortion-related True Social posts during the debate, where he reiterated his stance of leaving abortion laws to the states.

00:28:00 - Melania Trump's Statement on Abortion

• Melania Trump's Strong Pro-Choice Statement: Michael and Becky react to Melania Trump's forthcoming book, where she takes a clear pro-choice stance, supporting women's autonomy over abortion decisions. Becky and Michael discuss the potential impact of this statement on the campaign.

00:36:00 - Personal Reflection on Abortion and Healthcare

• Abortion and Healthcare: Becky emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding in such decisions involving late-term abortion. She praises Melania Trump for taking a firm stand on the issue, especially given the political climate.

00:45:00 - Wheel of Fortune's New Host: Ryan Seacrest

• Ryan Seacrest's Performance: Becky reviews Ryan Seacrest's first few weeks as the new host of "Wheel of Fortune," praising his calm demeanor and ability to maintain the show's tone. Michael and Becky also touch on Vanna White's extended contract and Pat Sajak's ongoing involvement in the show.

00:53:00 - Closing Remarks

• Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes: Michael and Becky wrap up the episode with reflections on the day's topics, thank listeners, and promote upcoming episodes.

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by Will Davis and Anna Mathews to break down the following:

00:00:00 - Introduction and MinnPost Festival Recap

• MinnPost Festival Recap: Becky and Michael recap their first in-person podcast at the MinnPost Festival, where they discussed the Republican Party's future in Minnesota, took audience questions, and highlighted the positive reception they received.

00:02:30 - Minnesota House Legislative Races

• House Race Overview: Becky, Will and Anna discuss the 134 seats up for grabs in the Minnesota House, the current balance of power (70 Democrats, 64 Republicans), and the potential impact of the upcoming election on the Democratic trifecta.
• DFL Confidence: Will Davis expresses confidence in the Democratic field game and candidate quality, predicting that the DFL will retain the trifecta.
• Republican Perspective: Anna Mathews shares optimism about the Republican Party's volunteer efforts, citing high turnout and positive polling results outside Hennepin and Ramsey counties.

00:08:00 - Impact of Tim Walz on Down-Ballot Races

• Walz as a Running Mate: Michael Brodkorb and Becky discuss the impact of Gov. Tim Walz being Kamala Harris' running mate on down-ballot Republican races, noting that Walz's presence could energize Democrats and Republicans in Minnesota.

00:12:00 - Election Polling and Ground Game

• Polling Analysis: Discuss recent polling data showing close races in Minnesota's presidential and legislative elections.
• Republican Volunteer Base: Anna highlights the strength of the Trump campaign's volunteer recruitment in Minnesota and its impact on down-ballot races, particularly in the Minnesota House.

00:22:00 - Minnesota's Second Congressional District Race

• Race Overview: The panel dives into Minnesota's competitive 2nd Congressional District, focusing on the race between incumbent Angie Craig and Republican challenger Joe Teirab.
• Campaign Strategies: Anna praises Joe Teirab's candidacy and hard work, while Will defends Angie Craig's performance as a moderate Democrat serving her district well.
• Negative Campaign Ads: The discussion also covers recent negative ads in the race, including accusations about Joe Teirab's stance on abortion and Craig's rebuttal.

00:33:00 - Vice Presidential Debate Preview

• Debate Expectations: The panel previews the upcoming vice presidential debate between Walz and Vance, discussing debate rules, the lack of live fact-checking, and the unique QR code CBS will offer for fact-checking.
• Performance Predictions: Will and Anna share thoughts on how the candidates' personalities and debate styles will play out, with expectations that Walz's passionate approach might clash with Vance's more stoic demeanor.

00:42:00 - Historical Context and Record Scrutiny

• Walz's Record: Anna emphasizes that Walz will have to answer for his record as Minnesota governor, including his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the George Floyd protests. Will also points out that these events occurred during Trump's presidency.

00:47:00 - Potential for Future Debates

• Will Trump Agree to Another Debate?: The panel speculates whether Trump might agree to another debate with Kamala Harris if JD Vance performs poorly in the upcoming debate.

00:50:00 - Football Pick 'Em League

• Fun Segment on Football: The episode wraps up with a lighthearted discussion about the podcast's football pick 'em league, with updates on standings and friendly competition between the hosts and guests.

00:52:00 - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

• Closing Remarks: Michael emphasizes the importance of civil discourse between Republicans and Democrats and thanks Anna and Will for participating in a respectful debate.

On this special bonus episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr invite their spouses - Sarah Brodkorb and Joe Scherr - to join them for a lighthearted discussion about the Vikings-Packers rivalry ahead of their upcoming game.

The conversation delves into both households' divided loyalty between the Vikings and Packers. The episode features humorous banter about the teams' histories, family dynamics during football season, and playful jabs about loyalty and game predictions.

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week.

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are Julius Hernandez and Preya Samsundar to break down the following:

00:02:00 - Minnesota Poll Results

• Poll Breakdown: Discussion begins on a Star Tribune poll that shows Kamala Harris and Tim Walz leading over Trump by five percentage points. Preya discusses Republican enthusiasm and the general voter dissatisfaction with both parties' candidates, while Julius highlights Democratic engagement and excitement, especially with Walz on the ticket.

00:06:00 - Economic Considerations and Enthusiasm Gaps

• Economic Policies and Voter Sentiment: Preya shares that voters may prefer Trump for financial reasons, citing dissatisfaction with Biden-Harris policies. Julius discusses how Democratic support has increased since Harris entered the race and emphasizes grassroots enthusiasm.

00:11:00 - Poll Data Analysis

• Further Poll Insights: The conversation continues by analyzing specific poll data, including Harris's' lead in urban areas and Trump's dominance in rural areas. Becky and Julius express surprise at Trump's lead in the suburban metro area.

00:14:00 - Republican Strategy in Minnesota

• Suburban Voters and Campaign Strategy: Preya discusses the importance of suburban voters and Republicans' focus on Walz's handling of the 2020 riots, which may affect his appeal outside Minneapolis-St. Paul.

00:17:00 - Comparing 2020 to 2024

• Ground Game Comparison: Becky and Michael compare the 2020 election to the current race, discussing how robust Trump's campaign efforts were in Minnesota in 2020 versus the apparent lack of significant campaign infrastructure in 2024.

00:25:00 - National Polling Insights

• NBC Poll and Favorability Ratings: Becky highlights Kamala Harris's rising favorability, which has jumped 16 points since July, noting that it is the most significant increase in NBC News polling history. Preya attributes this rise to media bias and the lack of scrutiny directed at Harris.

00:33:00 - Ground Game and Local Campaigns

• Campaign Infrastructure in Minnesota: Becky highlights the substantial difference between Harris's and Trump's ground game efforts in Minnesota, noting that the Harris campaign has 24 paid offices and over 100 staff members, while the Trump campaign's presence is more limited.

00:36:00 - National GOP Ground Game Challenges

• Republican Ground Game Nationally: Preya shares insights on the challenges facing the Trump campaign's ground game in Minnesota and other states, referencing the differences in RNC strategy and infrastructure compared to previous election cycles.

00:41:00 - Targeting Low Propensity Voters

• Trump Campaign Strategy: Discussion about the Trump campaign's decision to target low-propensity voters, with mixed opinions on whether this strategy will be effective. Julius comments on the potential risks of investing resources into low-turnout voters.

00:52:00 - Taylor Swift's Voter Registration Impact

• Swift's Endorsement and Voter Surge: Becky discusses Taylor Swift's endorsement of Harris, which led to a surge in voter registrations in Minnesota. The panel debates the impact of celebrity endorsements on voter turnout and the importance of voter registration efforts.

00:55:00 - Vice Presidential Debate Preview

• Debate Overview: The episode ends with a preview of the upcoming vice-presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The hosts and guests discuss the importance of the debate, debate prep strategies, and the candidates' strengths and weaknesses.

UPCOMING EVENT: The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky has been invited to the 2024 MinnPost Festival on September 28th. This exciting full-day event will feature speakers from Minnesota and some national voices.

The Break Down will be hosting a live podcast from the event and would like to invite you to join us. Click here to purchase tickets! Use the code BREAKDOWN to take advantage of a 30% discount. 

We would love to see you in person!

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by Tanner Curl and Jake Loesch to break down the following:

00:00:00 - Introduction and MinnPost Festival

• Hosts Introduction: Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb introduce the podcast with two guests: Tanner Curl, Executive Director of MinnPost, and Jake Loesch, Executive Director of the Citizens League.
• Discussion of MinnPost Festival: Tanner Curl shares details about the upcoming MinnPost Festival, the variety of speakers, and its focus on shaping Minnesota's future through civil conversations and policy discussions.

00:06:00 - Becky and Michael's Role in the MinnPost Festival

• Overview of their Session: Becky and Michael discuss their upcoming session at the MinnPost Festival, titled "Turning the Tide: Reviving the Republican Vision in Minnesota," with guests John Rouleau and former State Senator Michelle Benson.
• Focus on the Republican Party's Future: The conversation focuses on revitalizing the Republican Party in Minnesota and the importance of maintaining a two-party system.

00:09:30 - National Voter Registration Day

• Importance of Voter Registration: Becky and Michael discuss National Voter Registration Day, reminding listeners to check their registration status and participate in early voting in Minnesota.
• Impact of Down-Ballot Races: They highlight the significance of voting in local and legislative elections, mentioning how close just a few votes decide some races.

00:11:00 - Early Voting in Minnesota

• Promoting Early Voting: Discuss the start of early voting in Minnesota on September 20th and how to vote by mail or in person.
• Election Day Experiences: Becky and Michael share personal anecdotes about their experiences voting on Election Day, with Becky emphasizing her passion for voting in person and supporting election workers.

00:13:00 - Football Talk

• Football League and Competition: The hosts shift to a light-hearted discussion about their fantasy football league and weekly picks. Michael boasts about his top position in the league, while Becky shares her struggles after a poor week of picks.

00:16:00 - Minnesota Vikings Game Recap

• Vikings vs. 49ers Game: Michael describes his experience attending the Vikings game, commenting on the unusually high number of 49ers fans and the intense heat during the game.

00:21:00 - The Brimley Cocoon Line

• Michael Passes Brimley Cocoon Line: Michael shares a fun personal milestone, explaining how he crossed the "Brimley Cocoon Line," which marks Wilford Brimley's age when he filmed the movie "Cocoon."

00:27:00 - Second Presidential Debate Cancellation

• Trump's Refusal to Participate: Becky and Michael discuss Donald Trump's decision to cancel the second presidential debate with Kamala Harris. Michael criticizes the move and calls it a missed opportunity for meaningful political debate.

00:33:00 - Civility in Politics and Polarization

• Interview with Jake Loesch: Jake Loesch joins the conversation and discusses the importance of civility in politics, the need to lower the temperature of political rhetoric, and how to engage in meaningful conversations across party lines.
• Citizens League's Role: Jake explains the Citizens League's work in fostering civic engagement and civil discourse, emphasizing its focus on creating spaces for nonpartisan discussions on important policy issues.

00:44:00 - Social Media's Impact on Politics

• Role of Social Media in Polarization: The group discusses how social media contributes to polarization by creating echo chambers and amplifying extreme viewpoints. They reflect on the need to find common ground and seek diverse perspectives in online conversations.

00:51:00 - Tools for Civil Discourse

• Encouraging Curiosity and Dialogue: Jake and Becky offer tips for fostering civil political conversations, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, asking questions, and understanding different perspectives to bridge divides in political discourse.

UPCOMING EVENT: The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky has been invited to the 2024 MinnPost Festival on September 28th. This exciting full-day event will feature speakers from Minnesota and some national voices.

The Break Down will be hosting a live podcast from the event and would like to invite you to join us. Click here to purchase tickets! Use the code BREAKDOWN to take advantage of a 30% discount. 

We would love to see you in person!

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by Will Davis and Preya Samsundar to break down the following:

00:01:30 - Acknowledging September 11th

• Tribute to 9/11: Becky acknowledges the 23rd anniversary of the September 11th attacks, honoring the victims and first responders.

00:02:30 - Kamala Harris's Debate Performance

• Initial Impressions of Harris's Performance: Preya critiques Harris' shaky start and argues that she failed to define herself, focusing more on baiting Trump than addressing critical issues.
• Will's Take on Harris: Will praises Harris for handling Trump's attacks well and maintaining composure throughout the debate.

00:07:00 - Michael's Take on Harris

• Michael's Positive Review: Michael believes Harris found her footing and ultimately delivered a powerful performance.

00:09:30 - Becky's Review of Harris's Debate Tactics

• Harris' Strengths: Becky discusses Harris' eye contact and connection with voters, emphasizing her ability to directly relate through the camera and criticize Trump.

00:11:00 - Donald Trump's Debate Performance

• Will's Critique of Trump: Will criticizes Trump for appearing flustered and failing to stay composed, noting his tendency to recycle old talking points.
• Preya's Perspective on Trump: Preya acknowledges Trump's weaknesses, including his lack of message discipline, but argues the moderators were biased against him.

00:17:00 - Moderators and Bias

• Preya on Moderator Bias: Preya expresses frustration with the moderators, arguing they fact-checked Trump extensively while letting Harris avoid tough follow-ups.
• Michael and Will Debate the Moderators' Role: Michael and Will defend the moderators, emphasizing Trump's frequent deviations from the truth, but acknowledge the perception of bias.

00:23:30 - Speaking Time and Attack Strategy

• Speaking Time Breakdown: Becky notes that Trump spoke for 43 minutes compared to Harris' 37 minutes, but Harris spent more time attacking Trump.

00:25:00 - Key Issues Discussed in the Debate

• Discussion of Key Debate Issues: The group discusses critical issues such as the economy, abortion, democracy, and immigration, highlighting moments where both candidates succeeded or faltered.

00:35:00 - Trump's Messaging Issues and Missed Opportunities

• Trump's Missed Opportunities: Michael criticizes Trump for veering off-topic, particularly on immigration and January 6th, allowing Harris to dominate specific debate segments.
• Missed Policy Focus: Preya mentions that Trump failed to focus on relevant issues such as the fentanyl crisis or border security.

00:47:00 - Abortion and Democracy as Debate Highlights

• Harris' Strong Abortion Stance: Becky praises Harris for her compelling storytelling about abortion, contrasting it with Trump's faltering response.
• Trump's Failure to Address Democracy Concerns: Becky criticizes Trump for mishandling questions on democracy and January 6th, missing an opportunity to reassure voters.

00:59:00 - Trump's Endorsement of Viktor Orban

• Discussion of Trump's Praise of Viktor Orban: Will expresses concern about Trump's praise of Orban, a controversial figure, furthering fears about Trump's stance on democracy.

01:02:00 - The Impact of Trump's Messaging on the Republican Party

• Michael's Concerns for the Future of the Republican Party: Michael discusses the long-term effects of Trump's messaging on the GOP, with Preya and Will agreeing that the party is struggling with message discipline and credibility.

UPCOMING EVENT: The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky has been invited to the 2024 MinnPost Festival on September 28th. This exciting full-day event will feature speakers from Minnesota and some national voices.

The Break Down will be hosting a live podcast from the event and would like to invite you to join us. Click here to purchase tickets! Use the code BREAKDOWN to take advantage of a 30% discount. 

We would love to see you in person!

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr break down the following:

00:01:14 - Labor Day Weekend Recap

• Michael's Family Wedding and State Fair Experience: Michael shares his experience attending a wedding and visiting the Minnesota State Fair.
• Becky's Weekend Getaway: Becky discusses her relaxing getaway with college friends in Wisconsin.

00:06:25 - Kamala Harris and Tim Walz Interview Breakdown

• Review of the Joint Interview: Michael and Becky analyze the first joint interview with Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz. Michael appreciates the calm and policy-focused nature of the interview, while Becky discusses the challenges Walz faced during the interview and how Harris handled specific questions.

00:09:45 - Kamala Harris' Policy Highlights

• Middle-Class Focus: Becky highlights Harris's critical points on supporting the middle class, the"opportunity economy," and tax credits for small businesses and first-time homebuyers. Michael and Becky agree that Harris performed well, though there were some moments of contention, particularly regarding her stance on fracking and criticism of Trump.

00:12:45 - Discussion on Trump and Press Conferences

• Press Conference Comparison: Michael and Becky discuss the difference in transparency between the Trump and Harris campaigns. Michael defends Harris's systematic approach, and Becky expresses frustration over the limited press conferences from the Harris-Walz team.

00:20:00 - Minnesota Poll Results

• Post-DNC Polls: Discussion of recent polling results in Minnesota, showing Harris up by five points over Trump, with a notable 18-point lead among women. Michael and Becky reflect on the gender divide in support and how Trump's stance on abortion is affecting his numbers.

00:25:30 - U.S. Senate Race in Minnesota

• Royce White vs. Amy Klobuchar: Poll results show Amy Klobuchar leading Royce White by 14 points. Michael and Becky discuss the lack of financial support and general momentum for White's campaign compared to Klobuchar's strong position.

00:33:45 - Importance of Abortion as a Key Issue

• Rising Significance of Abortion: Michael and Becky discuss how abortion has risen to the second-most important issue for voters in Minnesota, particularly in light of recent stories shared by women about their personal experiences with reproductive rights.

00:39:00 - Upcoming Presidential Debate Preview

• Harris vs. Trump Debate Preview: The upcoming presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump is discussed. Michael and Becky are eager to see how the candidates will handle their first face-to-face interaction.

00:48:00 - Wall Street Journal Article on Peggy Flanagan

• Peggy Flanagan's Role as Lieutenant Governor: Michael and Becky analyze the Wall Street Journal article discussing Peggy Flanagan's progressive influence on Tim Walz and her potential future as Minnesota governor if Walz becomes vice president.

UPCOMING EVENT: The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky has been invited to join the 2024 MinnPost Festival on September 28th. This is an exciting full-day event with speakers from Minnesota and some national voices.

The Break Down will be hosting a live podcast from the event and would like to invite you to join us. Click here to purchase tickets! Use the code BREAKDOWN to take advantage of a 30% discount. 

We would love to see you in person!

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by Will Davis and Preya Samsundar to break down the following:   00:02:00 - Governor Tim Walz's Speech at the DNC

• Discussion on Walz's Reception: The hosts and guests discuss Governor Tim Walz's speech at the DNC, his Midwestern appeal, and how he was received on the national stage. Michael shares his experience attending a DFL event in Mankato, highlighting the enthusiastic crowd and Walz's connection with his former students.

00:07:00 - Analysis of Walz's Image and Policies

• Critique of Walz's Political Image: Preya critiques Walz as a "chameleon" who adapts his policies depending on the political environment. The conversation delves into how Walz's policies have evolved, particularly as he shifted from representing a rural district to serving as governor.

00:16:00 - Vice President Kamala Harris's Speech at the DNC

• Reintroduction of Kamala Harris: The hosts analyze Kamala Harris's speech, noting it was designed to reintroduce her to the American public in a positive light. They discuss how the speech focused on personal anecdotes rather than policy details to make Harris more relatable.

00:26:00 - National Security and the DNC Convention

• Harris's Focus on National Security: Becky notes the unexpected emphasis on national security during Harris's speech, with appearances by prominent figures like Leon Panetta and Mark Kelly, underscoring the campaign's effort to appeal to a broad audience.

00:32:00 - Celebrity Appearances at the DNC

• Discussion of Celebrity Guests: The hosts briefly discuss the various celebrities who appeared at the DNC, including Oprah, Mindy Kaling, and Lil Wayne. They also mention the surprise appearances that were anticipated but did not materialize, leading to speculation about why certain celebrities were not featured.

00:37:00 - Doug Emhoff's Speech

• Praise for Doug Emhoff: Michael praises Doug Emhoff's speech at the DNC, calling it endearing and impactful. The group discusses how Emhoff's relatable image as a "geeky, likable dad" adds a positive dynamic to the campaign.

00:41:00 - Debate Over the September 10th Presidential Debate

• Controversy Over Debate Rules: The hosts discuss the upcoming September 10th presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, focusing on whether microphones should be muted. They debate the implications of this decision for both candidates.

00:49:00 - State of the Presidential Race

• Polling and Momentum Post-DNC: The conversation shifts to current polling data and whether Harris's momentum gained from the DNC convention is sustainable. The hosts discuss both campaigns' challenges as they move closer to the election.

00:55:00 - Tim Walz "Scandals"

• Discussion on Alleged Scandals: The hosts and guests discuss recent controversies surrounding Governor Walz, including allegations of inflating his military service, the "Where's Scout?" dog controversy, and discrepancies in his statements about fertility treatments. They critique the media's handling of these stories and debate whether they are genuine scandals or distractions.

01:10:10 - "Be Curious, Not Judgmental"

• Michael ends the show by encouraging people to approach political conversations by following Ted Lasso's advice to "be curious, not judgmental."

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week.

UPCOMING EVENT: The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky has been invited to join the 2024 MinnPost Festival on September 28th. This is an exciting full-day event with speakers from Minnesota and some national voices.

The Break Down will be hosting a live podcast from the event and would like to invite you to join us. Click here to purchase tickets! You can take advantage of a 30% discount by purchasing before September 3rd. 

We would love to see you in person!

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by Julius Hernandez to break down the following:

00:01:00 - Primary Election Recap

• Overview of Primary Results: The hosts discuss the primary election results, focusing on various races, including Congresswoman Fischbach's domination in CD7 and Omar's win against Don Samuels in CD5.
• Royce White's Nomination: Julius and Michael express their disappointment and concerns about Royce White's nomination as the GOP candidate for Senate, criticizing his controversial views and the potential negative impact on the Republican party.

00:10:00 - CD2 Election Analysis

• Taylor Rahm's Campaign: Discussion about the confusion and controversy surrounding Taylor Rahm's campaign in CD2, including his unclear withdrawal and the eventual victory of Joe Tarab.

00:12:00 - CD7 and CD5 Recap

• Fischbach's Win: The hosts briefly congratulate Congresswoman Fischbach on her primary win in CD7.
• Ilhan Omar vs. Don Samuels: Becky and Julius discuss the rematch in CD5, expressing admiration for Don Samuels and analyzing the challenges faced by his campaign against Omar.

00:19:00 - DNC Convention Preview

• Overview of DNC Convention: The hosts preview the DNC convention, highlighting speeches by President Biden, Hillary Clinton, and others. They discuss the significance of the convention for the Democratic party and the role of Minnesota delegates.
• Democratic Unity: Michael emphasizes the convention's importance in unifying the Democratic party, contrasting it with the Republican party's lack of unity.

00:30:00 - President Biden's Speech

• Analysis of Biden's Speech: The hosts analyze President Biden's speech at the DNC convention, noting its emotional tone and the significance of his decision to step down.
• Passing the Baton: Julius and Michael discuss the symbolic passing of the baton from Biden to Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, reflecting on Biden's legacy and the future of the Democratic party.

00:41:00 - Abortion Rights Focus

• Impactful Stories: The hosts discuss the emotional stories shared at the DNC convention regarding abortion rights, highlighting the importance of this issue in the upcoming election.
• Republican Messaging Challenges: Michael and Julius express concerns about the Republican party's messaging on abortion, noting the powerful impact of the stories shared at the convention.

00:50:00 - Harris and Walz Ticket

• Excitement for Upcoming Speeches: The hosts express excitement for the upcoming speeches by Kamala Harris and Tim Walz at the DNC convention, discussing their potential impact on the election.
• Republicans Supporting Harris: The conversation shifts to notable Republicans who have endorsed the Harris-Walz ticket, with Julius and Michael discussing the implications for the election.

00:57:00 - Looking Ahead to the election

• Post-Convention Bounce: The hosts speculate on the potential bounce in the polls for the Harris-Walz ticket following the DNC convention and discuss the challenges for both parties.

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week.

UPCOMING EVENT: The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky has been invited to join the 2024 MinnPost Festival on September 28th. This is an exciting full-day event with speakers from Minnesota and some national voices.

The Break Down will be hosting a live podcast from the event and would like to invite you to join us. Click here to purchase tickets! You can take advantage of a 30% discount by purchasing before September 3rd. 

We would love to see you in person!

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr break down the following:

00:01:19 - Michael Brodkorb's Endorsement of Harris-Walz

• Michael's Decision to Endorse Harris-Walz: Michael discusses his decision to endorse the Harris-Walz ticket, reflecting on his past voting patterns, dissatisfaction with Trump, and reasons for his current political stance.
• Op-Ed and Public Reaction: Michael elaborates on how his op-ed was received and the internal process that led to his public endorsement.

00:07:00 - Primary Day Elections

• Election Breakdown: The hosts discuss various primary races, including the battle between Royce White and Joe Fraser, the Second Congressional District, and other races in Minnesota.

00:24:33 - Voting and Predictions

• Encouraging Voter Participation: Becky urges listeners to vote and discusses the significance of the ongoing primaries.
• Predictions and Analysis: Michael and Becky share their predictions and analyses of the outcomes in critical races, including Royce White vs. Joe Frazier.

00:30:00 - Congressional Races Focus

• Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach's Challenge: The discussion shifts to Michelle Fischbach's primary challenge in the 7th Congressional District and the broader implications for the Republican party.
• Taylor Rahm's Campaign Suspension: Michael criticizes the handling of Taylor Rahm's campaign suspension and its impact on the second congressional district race.

00:40:00 - 5th Congressional District

• Ilhan Omar vs. Don Samuels: The hosts debate the competitiveness of the rematch between Ilhan Omar and Don Samuels and discuss Royce White and Laura Loomer's influence on the race.

00:44:00 - Legislative Seat Controversy

• Judd Hoff's Arrest and Scandal: A bizarre story involving Judd Hoff, who is running against Mary Franzen in 12B, and his arrest for stealing and repainting lawn signs.

00:51:25 - Pop Culture and Politics

• Michael shares his excitement about Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) supporting Republicans for Harris and participating in a Zoom call.

00:54:00 - Football Pick'em League

• Football Discussion: The hosts briefly discuss the upcoming football season and their participation in a Break Down's Fantasy Football pick'em League, reflecting on last season's results!

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week.