Episodes

  • 20 Years After Obama’s DNC Speech, Where Does America Stand?

    20 Years After Obama’s DNC Speech, Where Does America Stand?
    Aug 14 2024
    On this episode, host Johanna Maska, and Press Advance's lead producer Christine Baratta look back on the impact of former President Barack Obama’s iconic 2004 convention speech 20 years ago, which inspired Johanna to join his 2008 presidential campaign in Iowa. They also discuss the significance of political discourse in shaping our democracy and provide a preview into the podcast’s transition to Substack featuring exclusive content and live interviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    18 mins
  • For Kamala Harris, Tim Walz Passed the Vibe Check

    For Kamala Harris, Tim Walz Passed the Vibe Check
    Aug 7 2024
    On this episode, host Johanna Maska talks with Press Advance's lead producer Christine Baratta to discuss Vice President Kamala Harris's announcement of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. They dive into why Walz was an unexpected pick, what he means to rural voters, and why he and JD Vance are more alike than expected. Walz passed the vibe check—but does this mean he can win over the American public? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    23 mins
  • Could Trump Dump JD Vance?

    Could Trump Dump JD Vance?
    Jul 31 2024
    On this episode, host Johanna Maska breaks down this week's biggest political news with former acting Chief of Staff in the Trump White House, Mick Mulvaney, and Democratic strategist Michael Hardaway, who most recently worked with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. They discuss President Biden's push for Supreme Court reforms, backlash over JD Vance's resurfaced comments that "childless cat ladies" have ruined American values, and whether Donald Trump could or would drop Vance from the Republican ticket. Plus, extreme political divisions are driving up divorce rates in the nation’s capital—will the next 90 days make things worse? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    34 mins
  • Biden Passes the Torch, and We Talk to the Republican Woman Who Skipped the GOP Convention to Moderate a Michigan Conversation with Kamala Harris

    Biden Passes the Torch, and We Talk to the Republican Woman Who Skipped the GOP Convention to Moderate a Michigan Conversation with Kamala Harris
    Jul 24 2024
    In this week's episode, Johanna Maska speaks with national security experts Olivia Troye and Dr. Evelyn Farkas from the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington. They discuss the potential direction of foreign policy in a new presidential administration and who from Donald Trump's circle might be involved if he wins a second term. Since their conversation, there has been a whirlwind of political news. President Biden exited the presidential race, and Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt and unified the party at the Republican National Convention. So we caught up with Olivia Troye for an update. She shared her thoughts on the GOP convention, Donald Trump's treatment of military families, and the upcoming generation of political leaders. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 mins
  • What Are Biden Supporters Thinking This Week?

    What Are Biden Supporters Thinking This Week?
    Jul 17 2024
    As the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee takes up oxygen this week, Democrats are having tough conversations, including whether President Joe Biden could have another troubling debate. On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska talks with 21-year-old TikTok influencer Harry Sisson who is one of Biden's fiercest supporters online. Sisson believes that the 81-year-old President—who was born less than a year after the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II—is the most qualified candidate to win over Gen Z voters and argues his generation is the most politically involved and politically intelligent generation in American history. They also discuss the appetite for political discourse among young people and the winning message from Democrats that might resonate with Gen Z voters this fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins
  • Biden's “Big Boy” Moment and What Will Happen at the Conventions

    Biden's “Big Boy” Moment and What Will Happen at the Conventions
    Jul 10 2024
    On this week's episode host Johanna Maska and producer Christine Baratta talk from the sidelines of NATO in Washington about the President's current situation. Anticipating what the White House is calling a "big boy press conference," so dubbed by a reporter, Republicans are planning their convention and Democrats are wondering about theirs. Which is why Maska also speaks to Democratic Strategist Danielle Cendejas who managed Obama campaign delegate plans (important should there be any issues with the nominee) and Ashley Davis who managed a Republican National Convention. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • Did the Biden-Trump Debate Change These Undecided Voter's Minds?

    Did the Biden-Trump Debate Change These Undecided Voter's Minds?
    Jul 3 2024
    On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska speaks with Will and Chris, two undecided voters from the key battleground state of Wisconsin. These voters are also known as double haters—dissatisfied with both candidates—but are crucial for the Biden and Trump campaigns as they try to win over independent voters in November. They discuss the issues driving their vote, how they engage in political conversations with friends and family in the Midwest, and whether they were persuaded by either candidate after watching last week's debate. Calling all persuadable voters in swing states! If you are still weighing your options for the November elections, Press Advance wants to talk to you. Reach out to us. Find us on X: @johannamaska Instagram: @johannamaska Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • BONUS: What Did We Witness at the Biden-Trump Debate?

    BONUS: What Did We Witness at the Biden-Trump Debate?
    Jun 28 2024
    On this bonus episode of Press Advance, host Johanna Maska, and producer Christine Baratta break down the truth about last night's shocking presidential debate with the two oldest presidential candidates in United States history—Joe Biden and Donald Trump. They discuss President Biden's disastrous performance, Democrats' secret discussions about replacing him on the ballot, and which other candidates could beat Donald Trump in November. Plus, a flash-back from Johanna's interview with former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, where she predicted Biden's age could become a problem. Calling all persuadable voters in swing states! If you are still weighing your options for the November elections, Press Advance wants to talk to you. Reach out to us. Find us on X: @johannamaska Instagram: @johannamaska Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    20 mins