Raging Moderates: Why Politicians are Launching Podcasts Ahead of 2028
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
In this episode of Raging Moderates, Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov analyze critical races shaping the final stretch before Election Day, examine why ambitious politicians are launching podcasts, and discuss Kamala Harris's hints about future presidential runs. (01:58) The hosts dive deep into three pivotal races: Andrew Cuomo's unexpected comeback bid against Zohran Mamdani in New York City's mayoral race, moderate candidates Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill testing centrist appeal in Virginia and New Jersey, and California's Prop 50 redistricting measure that could shift Congressional balance. (04:31)
- Main themes include the evolution of political media from door-knocking to podcasting, the challenges of urban affordability in America's major cities, and the strategic positioning of moderate Democrats in purple states
Speakers
Scott Galloway
Scott Galloway is a clinical professor of marketing at NYU Stern School of Business and a serial entrepreneur who founded several companies including L2 and Red Envelope. He is the host of the Prof G podcast and co-host of Pivot with Kara Swisher, establishing himself as one of the most influential voices in business and technology commentary.
Jessica Tarlov
Jessica Tarlov is a co-host on Fox News' The Five and a Democratic strategist with extensive experience in political analysis. She holds advanced degrees from the London School of Economics and serves as a senior democratic strategist, regularly appearing across major news networks to provide political commentary and analysis.
Key Takeaways
Podcasting is the New Political Battleground
Traditional campaign tactics like door-knocking and cable news appearances are losing effectiveness, while podcasting has emerged as the dominant medium for reaching swing voters. (39:40) Galloway argues that podcasting essentially elected Trump and notes that the average podcast listener is a 34-year-old mixed-race male who votes based on economic issues. Unlike cable news viewers who have already decided their votes, podcast audiences represent genuine swing voters. Politicians must adapt to this medium's conversational, long-form format that gives guests the benefit of the doubt rather than seeking gotcha moments.
Urban Affordability Crisis Threatens Economic Vitality
Major cities like New York have become economically accessible only to the ultra-wealthy, creating a "Rosewood economy" where even high earners struggle. (17:03) Galloway describes how a couple making $500,000 annually in New York faces a 40% tax rate, leaving $25,000 monthly take-home pay, with housing costs of $15,000 and childcare at $150,000 annually. This pricing out of scrappy, energetic professionals threatens cities' long-term economic health by creating "butler economies" that only service wealth made elsewhere rather than generating new innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Last Impression Principle
How you end any interaction disproportionately shapes how people remember and perceive you. (56:40) Galloway references a colonoscopy study showing that people who experienced a longer procedure with a comfortable ending rated it more positively than those with shorter, consistently uncomfortable procedures. This applies to leaving jobs gracefully, ending social events positively, and concluding media appearances on high notes. The final five to ten minutes of any professional or social interaction can override years of positive history if handled poorly.
Moderate Positioning Still Wins in Purple States
Centrist candidates with national security credentials continue to perform well in swing states, as demonstrated by Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill's campaigns. (15:15) Tarlov notes these races are more representative of Democratic Party success than high-profile progressive campaigns, suggesting that moderate politics remain viable in competitive districts. These candidates focus on practical governance issues rather than ideological battles, appealing to voters who prioritize competence over partisan purity.
Strategic Redistricting Battles Shape Congressional Control
California's Prop 50 represents a new Democratic approach to redistricting warfare, potentially netting nine House seats in response to Republican gerrymandering in other states. (27:09) This "ruthless spirit" approach acknowledges that normal political norms don't apply during the Trump era. Democrats are finally matching Republican tactics in redistricting battles, with states like Illinois and Virginia also considering map changes to counteract expected Republican gains in Texas and Indiana.
Statistics & Facts
- Gavin Newsom's podcast "This Is Gavin Newsom" pulls in approximately 1.6 million downloads monthly, trailing only Ted Cruz's "Verdict" podcast at 1.8 million downloads. (33:15)
- Door-knocking operations showed a 10-to-1 advantage for Harris over Trump in swing states, yet this traditional campaign tactic proved ineffective in the final election results. (42:00)
- The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York is $5,500, with cocktails costing $24 at standard establishments, making the city financially inaccessible to young professionals without family wealth. (20:01)
