Michael Brodkorb

A break down of the Harris – Trump presidential debate!

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!

A break down of post-Labor Day politics: From polls to debates

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!

A break down about the Democratic National Convention and the state of the race for president

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!

A break down about the primary election and the Democratic National Convention

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!

A break down about why Michael endorsed VP Harris and Gov. Walz, and a preview of the primary election

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.

A break down on the the GOP’s strategy against Harris and Walz

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by former Sen. Michelle Benson and John Rouleau for analysis and commentary on Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s rise from football coach to vice presidential candidate.    The conversation delves into Walz’s background, progressive policies, and how the GOP can effectively campaign against the Harris-Walz ticket. The panel examines Walz’s impact on Minnesota, his handling of the George Floyd riots, and his performance in past elections while addressing broader national implications and strategies for the Republican Party.   The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week.

A break down on VP Kamala Harris selecting Governor Tim Walz as her running mate

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by Will Davis to break down the significant political development of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz being selected as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate.

Brodkorb, Scherr, and Davis discuss the implications of Walz’s selection, analyzing his appeal to progressive and moderate voters and its impact on key battleground states. The conversation also explores the potential challenges and opportunities for both Democratic and Republican campaigns, with a particular focus on how Walz’s track record and personality might influence the national stage.

Brodkorb, Scherr, and Davis provide insights into the strategic dynamics, reflecting on past elections and forecasting the road to the Democratic National Convention and beyond.

Bonus Episode: Trump and Vance in Minnesota, Walz Stock Goes Up, Trump and Vance’s Controversial Comments

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

Trump’s Minnesota Rally

• 00:01:12 – Discussion on the former President Donald Trump and J.D. Vance’s rally in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
• 00:02:25 – Analysis of the rally’s enthusiasm and implications for Minnesota’s political landscape.

Kamala Harris Leading Polls

• 00:03:43 – Discussion on the recent KSTP poll showing Vice President Kamala Harris leading Trump by ten points in Minnesota.
• 00:04:41 – Analysis of the poll’s details and Harris’s increased support among women and independents.

Trump’s Post-Assassination Attempt Impact

• 00:06:13 – Discussion on the lack of a poll bump for Trump after the assassination attempt.
• 00:06:45 – Reflections on Trump’s unchanged rhetoric and its impact on his campaign.

Trump’s Comments on Harris’ Race

• 00:10:31 – Discussion of Trump’s comments about Harris’ race during the National Association of Black Journalists panel.
• 00:12:00 – Analysis of Trump’s racial insensitivity and its strategic use.

Election Integrity in Minnesota

• 00:12:33 – Trump’s claims about winning Minnesota if there is no election cheating.
• 00:13:00 – Call for Republicans to address election integrity and counter Trump’s narrative.

State of Politics in Minnesota

• 00:15:45 – Discussion on the current political state in Minnesota.
• 00:16:00 – Analysis of Republican strategies and their implications for the upcoming elections.

Tim Walz as Potential VP Candidate

• 00:23:00 – Discussion on Governor Tim Walz’s potential as Harris’ running mate.
• 00:24:00 – Analysis of Walz’s political success and impact on Minnesota and national politics.

Trump and JD Vance’s Controversial Comments

• 00:35:00 – Discussion on Trump’s recent comments at the National Association of Black Journalists panel.
• 00:41:17 – Transition to Vance’s controversial remarks about childless women.
• 00:52:00 – Analysis of the impact of Vance’s comments on women and the Republican Party.

Conclusion

• 01:04:13 – Final thoughts on Trump’s and Vance’s rhetoric.
• 01:06:30 – Closing remarks and call for respectful political messaging.

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