The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky

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

Preya Samsundar shares insights from her recent Star Tribune op-ed urging Minnesota Republicans to learn from their continued mistakes, which have prevented them from winning a statewide election since 2006.

The conversation touches on Trump's cabinet appointments, effective candidate selection, and the challenges within the Minnesota GOP. 

Michael also discusses his recent Star Tribune op-ed reflecting on his decision to Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz. Then, they dive into a nuanced discussion about the future of the GOP, electoral strategies, and the importance of thoughtful introspection.

• 00:00 Introduction 
• 00:24 Welcoming Preya Samsundar
• 01:02 Discussion on Minnesota Republicans' Mistakes
• 01:52 Analyzing Royce White's Candidacy
• 05:33 Impact of Candidate Selection on Elections
• 06:16 Challenges in the Republican Endorsement Process
• 09:27 Royce White's Influence on Down-Ballot Races
• 21:41 Quality Control in Candidate Selection
• 39:19 Trump's New Cabinet Appointees
• 40:22 Cabinet Picks and Political Commentary
• 41:34 RFK Jr. and Vaccine Controversy
• 48:12 Matt Gaetz and Senate Confirmation Speculations
• 52:10 Sean Duffy and Other Cabinet Picks
• 01:01:39 Trump's First Amendment Concerns
• 01:05:05 Reflections on the Election and Republican Strategy
• 01:15:26 Fantasy Football and Closing Remarks

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 break down:

Joined by political expert David Fitzsimmons, the trio examines the Republican party's significant victories. They delve into the trends observed on the campaign trail and speculate on what it takes for Republicans to win statewide in Minnesota. 

The episode also covers the latest Trump administration appointments, including the controversial picks for Attorney General, Secretary of Defense, and the newly created Department of Government Efficiency. This insightful discussion provides a comprehensive analysis of current political dynamics and forecasts for the future. 

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 00:15 Guest Introduction: David Fitzsimmons
• 00:34 Analyzing Republican Success in Minnesota
• 01:48 Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach's Victory 
• 03:37 Congressman Brad Finstead's Performance 
• 04:31 Blue Earth County and Republican Gains
• 06:24 National Media and Democrat Scrutiny
• 07:52 Congresswoman Angie Craig's Campaign 
• 10:25 Minnesota's Political Landscape
• 17:56 Trump's Popular Vote Victory
• 23:20 Republican Strategies for Statewide Wins
• 23:44 The Importance of Math in Elections
• 30:16 Trump's Cabinet Appointments
• 32:02 Reflecting on Nikki Haley's Role and Impact 
• 33:01 Republican Messaging and Female Voices
• 35:19 Trump's Cabinet Picks: The Surprises and Reactions
• 35:37 Matt Gaetz as Attorney General: A Controversial Choice
• 37:14 The Role of the Senate in Confirmations
• 39:13 Trump's Limited Time and Strategic Moves
• 41:20 Marco Rubio for Secretary of State
• 43:28 Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense
• 44:40 Kristi Noem for Homeland Security
• 48:53 Other Key Appointments and Reactions
• 51:34 Introducing the Department of Government Efficiency
• 55:34 Final Thoughts and Football Banter

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 break down:

The recent election results from Minnesota to the presidential race. They discuss the outcomes in the Minnesota state legislature, the unexpected tie in the Minnesota House, and key races to watch as we approach 2026. Most of the discussion focuses on the presidential race and how Donald Trump emerged victorious. 

Michael and Becky also reflect on their live stream experience during election night, reviewing the turnout, the competitive congressional districts in Minnesota, and their predictions. Becky emphasizes the underlying issues influencing voter behavior, particularly economic concerns. 

Meanwhile, Michael explains his stance on election denialism and the importance of acknowledging election results to uphold democracy. The episode concludes with a hopeful outlook for the future and a commitment to ongoing political analysis. 

• 00:00 Introduction and Election Day Recap
• 00:47 Live Stream Reflections and Reactions
• 02:52 Analyzing Election Results and Predictions
• 06:51 Minnesota State Legislature Breakdown
• 11:17 Minnesota Congressional Seats Analysis
• 21:30 U.S. Senate and National Election Insights
• 27:04 Election Day Recap: Klobuchar vs. White
• 28:00 Unexpected Election Results and Reactions
• 29:58 Presidential Predictions and Analysis
• 31:00 Economic Concerns and Voter Sentiment
• 37:24 Polling Discrepancies and Surprises
• 41:19 Democratic Party's Challenges and Voter Demographics
• 47:44 Campaign Strategies and Messaging
• 57:19 Reflections on Democracy and Future Prospects
• 01:01:31 Closing Thoughts and Optimism for the Future

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 break down:

In this compelling episode, Michael and Becky dive into the long-awaited election week, featuring a candid interview with former Congressman Joe Walsh. Walsh, a former Tea Party member and outspoken critic of Donald Trump, discusses his political evolution, his support for Kamala Harris, and his experiences on the campaign trail.

The episode also covers the potential implications of the upcoming election results on the Democratic and Republican parties and offers final predictions for the 2024 election. With in-depth political analysis and personal insights, this episode promises a thought-provoking discussion on current politics and future prospects.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 00:29 Interview with Former Congressman Joel Walsh
• 01:28 Joel Walsh's Political Evolution
• 02:41 Campaign Trail Experiences
• 04:50 Facing Backlash and Challenges
• 08:11 Reflections and Future of the Republican Party
• 16:12 Final Thoughts and Predictions
• 23:10 Becky's Voting Decision
• 25:54 A Proud Moment
• 28:16 Election Predictions
• 33:44 Senate and House Races
• 41:47 Minnesota's Political Landscape
• 49:59 Final Thoughts and Football

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new Election Day episode this week.

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

In this thought-provoking episode, Michael candidly discusses with Rich Logis, a former ardent supporter of the MAGA movement and Trump. Rich shares his transformation from being a prominent MAGA activist to co-chairing Republicans for Harris in Florida. 

The conversation delves into his initial attraction to Trump, his disillusionment during Trump's presidency, and the pivotal events that led to his departure from MAGA. Rich also discusses the importance of diversifying news sources, the myths perpetuated within MAGA, and his optimism for reconciliation and positive political change post-election.

This episode provides crucial insights and a unique perspective on navigating political disillusionment and finding common ground in a deeply divided landscape.

00:00 Introduction and Endorsements 00:49 Meeting Rich Logis 02:26 Rich's Journey to MAGA 06:40 Disillusionment with Trump 10:38 The Turning Point 16:44 Leaving MAGA 21:56 The Unexpected Impact of Leaving MAGA 23:16 Creating the Leaving MAGA Organization 25:54 The Power of Myths and Misinformation 31:04 Election Denialism and Its Consequences 37:33 Reconciliation and Moving Forward 44:31 A Call to Action: Voting and Democracy

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 joined by John Rouleau and Julius Hernandez to break down the following:

00:01:30 - Celebrating Two Years of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky!

• Podcast Anniversary: Becky and Michael reflect on two years of the podcast, expressing gratitude for each other and the meaningful conversations they've shared with guests over time.

00:03:00 - Minnesota Polls: Contrasting Results 

• Poll Analysis: The group discusses recent MinnPost and KSTP polls showing varying leads for Harris and Trump in Minnesota. 
• Julius and John on Poll Accuracy: Julius supports the MinnPost poll, suggesting Harris has a solid lead, while John explains the challenges of polling methodology and voter turnout predictions.

00:10:00 - Gender-Based Voter Trends and Male Support for Trump 

• Trump's Appeal to Male Voters: The discussion focuses on Trump's efforts to engage young men, mainly through media figures like Joe Rogan. 
• Shift in Male Voter Support: Becky and Julius debate if Trump has seen a decline in male support, especially among younger and Black male voters.

00:15:00 - Reproductive Rights and Voter Motivation 

• Impact of Abortion on Voter Decisions: The group explores how abortion remains a priority for both male and female voters, especially after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. 
• Conversations with Republican Men: Michael shares insights about Republicans supporting Harris-Walz due to their stance on reproductive rights.

00:20:00 - Geographic Voter Trends and Split-Ticket Voting in Minnesota 

• Rural vs. Urban Voter Divide: Trump continues performing well in rural areas, while Harris leads in urban and suburban regions. 
• Impact of Split-Ticket Voting: Becky and the panelists speculate that Minnesota voters may back Harris-Walz at the top of the ticket while voting for Republicans in legislative races.

00:31:00 - Suburban Voters and Legislative Control 

• Suburban Swing Districts: The conversation shifts to the importance of suburban voters in deciding control of the Minnesota House and Senate. 
• Voter Priorities: John and Julius highlight the frustration with polarized politics and the potential for moderates to push for legislative balance.

00:40:00 - Kamala Harris's CNN Town Hall Performance 

• Town Hall Analysis: The panel reviews Kamala Harris' CNN Town Hall, praising her efforts but noting areas where the messaging could have been stronger. 
• Challenges of Differentiating from Biden: Julius argues that Harris's campaign struggles with separating her identity from Biden's presidency while maintaining voter trust.

00:45:00 - Trump's Madison Square Garden Rally and Controversial Comments 

• Event Criticism: The group discusses Trump's rally, criticizing its focus on inflammatory rhetoric and lack of meaningful outreach to undecided voters. 
• Strategic Mistake: Michael points out that focusing on a base-only strategy this close to the election could limit Trump's ability to attract swing voters.

00:50:00 - Kamala Harris' Speech at the Ellipse 

• Positive Message and Unity: Michael and Julius praise Harris' speech for its inclusive tone and focus on national unity. 
• Comparison with Trump's Messaging: The panel contrasts Harris' coalition-building approach with Trump's divisive rhetoric.

01:00:00 - Double Standards in Media Coverage of Harris and Trump 

• Media Bias Discussion: The panel debates whether the media holds Harris to a higher standard than Trump, citing differences in scrutiny. 
• Public Perception of Candidates: Julius suggests that the double standard in coverage may affect voter perception and create additional challenges for Harris's campaign.

01:16:00 - Nikki Haley Criticizes Trump Campaign's Outreach to Women

• No Haley: Becky discusses Nikki Haley, sharing that Haley has not communicated with Trump since June and is waiting to be called to campaign for him. Scherr expresses shock that there has been no outreach to Haley, 
• Haley Not Needed: Rouleau argues that Haley's support within the GOP is overstated, suggesting that while she is an eloquent spokesperson, her impact as a surrogate might be limited in a presidential race.

01:22:00 - Halloween and Michael Reads Mean Posts

• Halloween: The discussion shifts to everyone's excitement about Halloween.
• Michael Reads Means Posts: Michael reflects on the challenges of supporting candidates across party lines by reading mean comments he has received on social media. 

01:30:00 - Closing Remarks and Reflections 

• Anniversary Reflections: Becky and Michael thank the audience and guests for their support throughout the podcast's two years. 
• Looking Ahead: The hosts tease future episodes and encourage listeners to stay engaged in the political process.

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

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

00:01:00 - Republicans and Independents for Harris Event  

• Event Details: Michael describes the panel discussion, emphasizing former Rep. Joe Walsh's enthusiasm and Tom Horner's policy focus.  
• Sobering Message: Michael reflects on Tom Heffelfinger's remarks about the importance of the upcoming election, calling it a serious and thought-provoking discussion.

00:07:00 - John Kelly's Revelations about Trump  

• John Kelly's Claims: Becky outlines John Kelly's claims that Trump praised Hitler and admired authoritarian leadership styles.  
• Response to the Claims: Michael shares his struggle with the timing and content of these revelations but acknowledges the credibility of Kelly's account, given his stature.

00:11:00 - Balancing Free Speech and Political Discussion  

• Challenges of Discussing Controversial Statements: Michael and Becky reflect on the difficulty of navigating such severe topics in political discourse without being hyperbolic.  
• Trump's Denial: Becky expresses skepticism about Trump's denial, believing Kelly's statements to be more credible.

00:16:00 - The Importance of Voting  

• Voting Encouragement: Michael emphasizes the importance of voter participation and the privacy of the ballot box, encouraging listeners to vote regardless of their candidate preference.  
• Personal Reflections: Michael shares personal experiences with judgment and criticism based on his political endorsements.

00:20:00 - Minnesota Politics and Election Implications  

• Impact of Trump and Royce White: Becky and Michael discuss how having Trump and Royce White on the ticket might affect down-ballot races in Minnesota.  
• Potential for Split-Ticket Voting: They explore whether voters might support Harris-Walz at the top of the ticket while opting for Republican candidates in the state legislature for balance

00:24:00 - Uncertainty of the Election Outcome  

• Unpredictability of the Election: Michael and Becky express uncertainty about the election results, noting this cycle's unique and volatile nature.  
• Excitement and Anticipation: Becky shares her excitement for the upcoming election and the potential surprises in critical races, including Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District.

00:28:00 - Closing Remarks  

• Thank You and Farewell: Becky and Michael wrap up the bonus episode, promoting future episodes and encouraging listeners to stay engaged with the election.

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 joined by Ryan Wilson, the Republican-endorsed candidate for State Auditor in 2022, to break down the following:

00:01:00 - Ryan Wilson's Op-Ed and Suburban Voter Appeal

• Discussion of the Op-Ed: Ryan explains why he wrote the op-ed supporting Trump-Vance, countering Michael's prior piece supporting Harris-Walz.
• Key Policy Points: Ryan emphasizes how the Trump-Vance agenda supports the economy, family values, and public safety, targeting suburban families and middle-class voters.

00:04:00 - Economic Policy Debate 

• Economics Policies: Ryan argues that the Trump-Vance ticket offers strong economic policies to support the middle class and job creation. At the same time, Michael criticizes Trump's financial track record and praises Harris-Walz's economic approach.

00:10:00 - Public Safety and Immigration 

• Public Safety and Crime Policies: Ryan defends the Trump-Vance campaign's focus on law enforcement and immigration policies, including border security and addressing the fentanyl crisis.
• Michael's Counterpoint: Michael questions Trump's immigration promises, arguing that previous campaign promises, like building the wall, were not fulfilled.

00:17:00 - First Amendment and Free Speech 

• Protecting Free Speech and Religious Liberties: Ryan discusses the importance of protecting First Amendment rights and highlights the Trump administration's record in defending free speech and religious freedoms.
• Michael's Critique: Michael points out inconsistencies in Trump's rhetoric around free speech, including attacks on the media.

00:24:00 - Reflections on Civil Discourse and Bipartisanship 

• Importance of Constructive Dialogue: Michael, Becky, and Ryan reflect on the importance of respectful political conversations and agree that the episode provides a model for bipartisan discussion.

00:27:00 - Michael's Trip to a "Republicans for Harris" Event 

• Michael's Pennsylvania Experience: Michael shares his experience attending a "Republicans for Harris" event, meeting Vice President Harris, and engaging with other Republican supporters.
• Challenges of Being a Republican for Harris: He reflects on the personal challenges of supporting Harris in a polarized political climate.

00:40:00 - McDonald's and the Presidential Race 

• McDonald's in the Campaign Spotlight: Becky and Michael discuss the odd controversy surrounding Kamala Harris' McDonald's work history and Trump's staged event at a McDonald's drive-through.
• McDonald's Response: They highlight McDonald's public statement distancing the brand from political endorsements.

00:50:00 - Football Pick 'em League Update 

• League Update: Becky and Michael update their football pick-'em league standings and engage in friendly banter about their competition.

00:53:00 - Closing Remarks 

• Wrap-Up: Michael and Becky reflect on the importance of meaningful conversations and look forward to future episodes, including a potential bonus episode.

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

 

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

00:04:00 - JD Vance's Visit to Minnesota

• Discussion of Vance's Appearance: Becky and Michael analyze JD Vance's private fundraising event and press stop at the 3rd Precinct in Minneapolis.
• Campaign Strategy Criticism: They debate the need for more public events and the absence of enthusiasm, suggesting that the Trump-Vance campaign focuses on raising money rather than engaging with voters in Minnesota.

00:12:00 - NBC Poll and Presidential Race Analysis

• Discussion of Poll Results: Becky and Michael discuss the latest NBC poll showing a neck-and-neck race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
• Gender Gap in Support: They highlight the significant gender divide in voter support, with Harris leading among women and Trump leading among men.

00:22:00 - Swing State Polling and Election Predictions

• Analysis of Swing State Trends: Michael and Becky discuss the tight polling margins in swing states and the possibility of an "October surprise."
• Flip-of-the-Coin Election: Michael predicts the race will remain very close until Election Day, emphasizing the volatility of daily polling shifts.

00:30:00 - Impact of Abortion on the Election

• Abortion as a Key Issue: Becky and Michael explore how abortion remains a top issue for voters and the divide between pro-choice and pro-life voters.
• Public Sentiment on Healthcare Decisions: Michael shares insights on Republican voters supporting Harris-Walz due to concerns over government involvement in healthcare decisions.

00:35:00 - Campaign Stops and Strategy

• Trump's Focus on Non-Swing States: The discussion shifts to Trump's recent events in New York, California, and Illinois, with Michael critiquing the targeting of non-competitive states.
• Missed Opportunities: Becky argues that Trump's strategy ignores the potential impact of campaign rallies in swing states for voter engagement.

00:45:00 - The Role of Social Media in Campaigning

• Social Media Influence: Becky and Michael discuss how social media, especially TikTok, shapes campaign narratives and voter outreach.
• Michael's TikTok Journey: Michael shares his experience joining TikTok and its potential as a platform for political messaging.

00:50:00 - FEMA, Misinformation, and Relief Efforts

• Follow-Up on FEMA and Misinformation: Becky reflects on a conversation with Bryan Strawser about misinformation targeting FEMA workers and the challenges of relief efforts.
• Impact of False Narratives: Michael emphasizes the importance of accurate information in disaster response to prevent dangerous situations.

00:55:00 - Football Pick 'em League and Friendly Competition

• League Update: Becky and Michael update their football pick-'em league standings and engage in friendly banter about their competition.

01:05:00 - Closing Remarks

• Final Thoughts: Becky and Michael reflect on the significance of the upcoming election and encourage listeners to stay engaged.

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

On this special bonus episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by Bryan Strawser, Principal and CEO of Bryghtpath. 

Introduction and Guest Introduction  

• Michael Brodkorb introduces the podcast and mentions Becky Scherr’s absence due to illness. He also welcomes guest Bryan Strawser, an expert on emergency management, to discuss misinformation related to FEMA and hurricane relief.

00:01:00 - Bryan Strawser’s Background

• Bryan shares his professional background, including his previous work at Target and expertise in crisis management, emergency preparedness, and disaster response.

00:02:15 - Overview of How Emergency Response Works  

• Bryan explains the structure of disaster response, highlighting that emergency management is locally led, state-managed, and federally supported. He outlines the role of FEMA in providing logistical support and funding in coordination with local and state authorities.

00:04:00 - The Role of Politics in Disasters

• Michael comments on the influence of politics, especially during elections, on disaster management. The conversation shifts to how misinformation spreads rapidly, especially in times of crisis.

00:05:45 - Example of Misinformation about FEMA

• Bryan discusses an example of misinformation during Hurricane Helene. Rumors spread that FEMA was seizing supplies from citizens and volunteer organizations, which was untrue. He explains how social media accelerates the spread of such falsehoods.

00:06:57 -  Dangerous Misinformation about FEMA

• Michael highlights how political actors sometimes exploit disasters for misinformation, citing claims about FEMA’s handling of supplies. They discuss how FEMA had to set up a webpage to counter misinformation, which Bryan notes has been done since Hurricane Katrina.

00:08:00 - Misinformation about FEMA Running Out of Money

• Bryan debunks claims that FEMA is running out of money because it supports disaster relief. He explains how FEMA’s funding works through separate appropriations for operations and disaster response.

00:09:12 - Claims about FEMA Diverting Funds for Immigrants

• The discussion shifts to misinformation claiming FEMA diverted disaster funds to support immigrants. Bryan clarifies that the funds for immigration support come from Customs and Border Protection, not FEMA’s budget.

00:10:15 - Misinformation and Conspiracy Theories

• Michael and Bryan discuss conspiracy theories, including a popular claim that the federal government can control the weather, which Bryan dismisses as false.

00:11:45 - Mutual Aid in Disasters and State Collaboration  

• Bryan explains how mutual aid between states works during disasters and why Minnesota or other states not directly impacted by hurricanes still send aid to affected regions.

00:14:30 - How Disaster Resources Are Managed Across States

• Bryan provides examples of how states collaborate through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) to provide specific resources, such as National Guard capabilities and EMS teams.

00:17:00 - Federal and State Preparedness for Disaster Response

• The discussion delves deeper into how states and the federal government prepare for disasters, including how states request resources and how the federal government funds these efforts.

00:19:30 - Rejecting FEMA Aid Based on Political Misinformation  

• Michael references a recent story where a person rejected FEMA assistance due to political beliefs influenced by misinformation from Trump. Bryan emphasizes the danger of rejecting needed aid based on misinformation.

00:20:30 - Impact of Misinformation on Disaster Relief

• They discuss how misinformation affects disaster relief efforts and the importance of verifying facts before sharing information. Bryan encourages people to seek accurate sources and reject false claims.

00:24:00 -  Importance of Preparedness and Accurate Information

• Bryan stresses the need for individuals to be prepared for emergencies by having a plan and gathering supplies. He advises people to rely on trusted sources like local emergency services and FEMA for information.

00:26:00-  Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments  

• Michael thanks Bryan for his insights and emphasizes the importance of sharing accurate information. They wrap up the discussion with light-hearted banter about sports before concluding the episode. 

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