The Stephen Mansfield Podcast

Whether we like it or not, politics is about more than policies and laws. It is also about appearance. In a video age, there is no escaping the fact that a political candidate’s manner often communicates more loudly than his or her words.

In this unique podcast, Stephen draws from his years as a communications consultant to explain how the dynamic of “tele” is hurting some presidential candidates and helping others. He explains how “bad tele” can be overcome and why it is a process that all of us ought to examine in our own public lives.

 

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The New Hampshire Primary on February 9th, 2016 was historic. Though its results are not likely to be repeated as the campaigns move south and west, they still indicate permanent shifts in the American political landscape.

After describing the numbers and the firsts of New Hampshire, Stephen also explains the leveling process that is happening in American culture and politics. He then urges caution. New Hampshire is “quirky” and results will likely normalize in the coming weeks. Still, Stephen joins in celebrating the wondrous, authentically American politics of the Granite State: New Hampshire!

 

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The New Hampshire Primary on February 9th, 2016 was historic. Though its results are not likely to be repeated as the campaigns move south and west, they still indicate permanent shifts in the American political landscape.

After describing the numbers and the firsts of New Hampshire, Stephen also explains the leveling process that is happening in American culture and politics. He then urges caution. New Hampshire is “quirky” and results will likely normalize in the coming weeks. Still, Stephen joins in celebrating the wondrous, authentically American politics of the Granite State: New Hampshire!

 

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The Iowa Caucuses started the 2016 presidential primary season off with some shocking results. Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders finished in a virtual tie. No one, not least the candidates, expected such a thing. Then, Ted Cruz finished first among Republicans, with Donald Trump following at second and Marco Rubio only two thousand votes behind Trump. The rest of the Republican candidates came nowhere close and some are already dropping out of the race.

In a special video podcast, Stephen makes the case that it was Trump’s clumsiness in dealing with religion that cost him so dearly and that it was Cruz and Rubio’s fluency in the language of faith—combined with well-run political machines—that led to them finishing so well. While providing other analyses and predictions, Stephen continues to argue that the 2016 presidential race is going to be a great deal about faith-based visions for America.

 

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In Part 2 of The Simple Math of the 2016 Election, Stephen continues to argue that the electoral math has changed in recent years and not in the favor of Republicans. The Democratic Party is 5% larger than the Republican party now. This means that a Republican presidential candidate must win a significant portion of independents in order to take the White House.

Stephen argues that if Republicans want to win in 2016, they cannot do so from the extreme right edge of their party. They will have to appeal to the center. That is where most great public policy originates—Republican candidates need to get there quickly in order to capture the presidency.

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In Part 2 of The Simple Math of the 2016 Election, Stephen continues to argue that the electoral math has changed in recent years and not in the favor of Republicans. The Democratic Party is 5% larger than the Republican party now. This means that a Republican presidential candidate must win a significant portion of independents in order to take the White House.

Stephen argues that if Republicans want to win in 2016, they cannot do so from the extreme right edge of their party. They will have to appeal to the center. That is where most great public policy originates—Republican candidates need to get there quickly in order to capture the presidency.

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Politics is about many things and math is one of them. Sometimes, the numbers tell the tale. Though Stephen admits he isn’t good at math, some of the numbers that tell the story of the 2016 election are remarkably stark and simple.

The bottom line is that Republicans can’t win in 2016 without winning a significant number of independents. This means their candidate cannot appeal only to the extremes. He or she will have to have "centrist appeal.” That’s a problem for the current slate of Republican candidates, and Stephen explains why in this essential podcast.

Opinion: Trump and Cruz Have Trouble in the Middle

 

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Only 62% of Americans have life insurance and 40% of all Americans suspect they don’t have enough life insurance. These statistics confirm Stephen’s experience in recent years. He’s witnessed dozens of situations in which death nearly impoverished entire families, in which little preparation was made for the most certain of all eventualities—the end of life.

In this podcast, Stephen argues forcefully for the virtue of life insurance, wills, estate planning, and other means of preparation for death—particularly in the case of the death of the family breadwinner. Stephen also recommends Dave Ramsey’s The Legacy Journey as a guide making sure the next generation is cared for. Though he happily admits he is neither a financial planner nor a lawyer, Stephen fiercely urges wisdom, compassion, and planning for the certainty of death.

Listen to the episode "Owning 2016" here: http://stephenmansfield.tv/owning-2016

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Only 62% of Americans have life insurance and 40% of all Americans suspect they don’t have enough life insurance. These statistics confirm Stephen’s experience in recent years. He’s witnessed dozens of situations in which death nearly impoverished entire families, in which little preparation was made for the most certain of all eventualities—the end of life.

In this podcast, Stephen argues forcefully for the virtue of life insurance, wills, estate planning, and other means of preparation for death—particularly in the case of the death of the family breadwinner. Stephen also recommends Dave Ramsey’s The Legacy Journey as a guide making sure the next generation is cared for. Though he happily admits he is neither a financial planner nor a lawyer, Stephen fiercely urges wisdom, compassion, and planning for the certainty of death.

Listen to the episode "Owning 2016" here: http://stephenmansfield.tv/owning-2016

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Time and again in American history, a misunderstanding of the world’s religions has led to disastrous policies. The lesson is that what our national leaders know about religion does impact our nation’s role in the world. What light does this shine upon our current slate of presidential candidates? Do they know what they need to know? Are any of them ready for the roiling religious conflicts that dot the globe? Or will these candidates merely repeat the errors of the past should they get to the Oval Office?

In this hard-hitting podcast, Stephen once again insists that we must “Ask the Question,” that we must make sure that we know our candidates’ faiths and that we know what they know about faith before any of them step into the world’s most powerful leadership position.

Pre-order the book: http://amzn.to/1YkNRmx

Listen to the previous episode of this series: http://stephenmansfield.tv/make-the-candidates-explain-their-faith

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