Michael Brodkorb

Bonus Episode: Fmr. Rep. Joe Walsh in Minnesota, Kelly on Trump

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.

Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe

Bonus Episode: A Break Down on Debunking Misinformation about FEMA

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.

Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe

A break down about bridging the divide: civil discourse and campaign realities

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by guests Rep. Elliott Engen and Julius Hernandez to break down the following:

00:01:00 – Panel Introductions

• Introduction of Guests: Michael introduces Representative Elliott Engen, a Republican from White Bear Lake Township, and Julius Hernandez, Director of Advocacy for the Institute of Digital Humanity. They briefly discuss their personal history working together on a campaign in 2020.

00:03:00 – Importance of Bipartisan Conversations

• Setting the Tone: Michael emphasizes the importance of civil discourse between Republicans and Democrats during the election cycle. He praises the platform for fostering conversations between people of differing political views.

00:04:00 – Representative Elliott Engen’s Campaign Experience

• Campaign Insights: Representative Engen shares his experience campaigning in 2020, highlighting the shift in voter concerns from abortion and post-Roe issues to a broader frustration with both political parties.

00:06:10—Frustrations with Political Parties

• Julius’s Perspective: Julius Hernandez shares the similar frustrations he hears from voters, particularly regarding economic concerns and the fear of extreme policies from both parties.

00:07:00 – Urban vs. Suburban Political Concerns

• Different Priorities Based on Location: Engen and Hernandez compare their campaign experiences, discussing how voters’ concerns differ in urban and suburban areas, particularly around issues like abortion and economic stability.

00:09:00—Criticism of Partisan Politics

• Engen’s Views on Extremism: Engen criticizes the DFL’s governance and spending priorities, noting that voters are frustrated with extreme partisanship and seek more moderate solutions.

00:10:00 – Julius Calls Out His Party

• Calling Out Democratic Policies: Julius agrees that Democrats made some mistakes in managing the budget surplus and criticizes the DFL for poor handling of public education issues, such as failing schools in Minneapolis.

00:12:00 – Future of the Republican Party

• Reforming the GOP: Engen outlines his hope for reforming the Republican Party, focusing on restoring integrity and character, as voters are dissatisfied with the status quo.

00:16:00 – Mailers and Negative Campaign Tactics

• Engen’s Experience with Negative Ads: Engen shares his frustrations with attack ads and emphasizes his commitment to focusing on policy and solutions rather than engaging in negative campaign tactics.

00:19:00 – Young Voices in Politics

• Gen Z and Millennials in Politics: The conversation shifts to the role of younger generations in politics, with both panelists agreeing that Gen Z and millennials tend to be more independent and free-thinking than older generations.

00:22:00 – Public Discourse and Campaign Realities

• Political Engagement: Engen and Hernandez reflect on how political rhetoric often disconnects from legislative realities and emphasize the need for more honest and solutions-focused campaigning.

00:25:00 – Social Media and Campaigning

• Challenges of Social Media: The panelists discuss the role of social media in campaigns, acknowledging its potential for spreading misinformation and the pressure it puts on candidates to engage in heated discourse.

00:27:00 – Criticism Within Political Parties

• Balancing Loyalty and Criticism: Hernandez emphasizes the importance of holding one’s party accountable, arguing that constructive criticism strengthens the party and leads to better policy outcomes.

00:30:00 – Extremism on Both Sides

• Addressing Extremism: Engen and Hernandez discuss how both parties need to address the rise of extremist figures, with Engen focusing on the GOP’s need to distance itself from radical voices and Hernandez pointing out shifts within the Democratic Party.

00:35:00 – Negative Campaigns and Public Service

• Negative Campaigns vs. Public Service: The conversation returns to the impact of negative campaigning, with both panelists agreeing that while it may win elections, it ultimately damages public trust and undermines public service.

00:38:00 – TikTok and Social Media Use

• Discussion on TikTok: Michael shares his recent experience joining TikTok, and the panelists briefly discuss the role of newer platforms in political outreach, humorously noting their differences in social media use.

00:40:00 – Closing Remarks

• Final Thoughts: Michael closes the episode by thanking the panelists for their insights and encouraging civil political discourse. The panelists reflect on maintaining relationships across party lines while staying true to one’s values.

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

Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe

A Break Down about the VP Debate, Melania Trump’s New Comments on Abortion, Becky’s Review of Ryan Seacrest on ‘Wheel of Fortune’

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

00:00:00 – Introduction

• Hosts Introduction: Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb introduce the episode, discussing the topics for the day, including the vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz, Melania Trump’s statement on abortion, and the performance of new “Wheel of Fortune” host Ryan Seacrest.

00:01:00 – Vice Presidential Debate Recap

• The VP Debate: Becky describes the debate as civil and issue-focused, a departure from recent political events. Becky and Michael express surprise at the lack of provocations or “fireworks” despite some mild back-and-forth between Vance and Walz.

00:03:00 – Vance’s Debate Performance

• JD Vance’s Goals and Performance: Becky and Michael discuss Vance’s debate performance. Becky argues that Vance successfully positioned himself as an intellectual and credible vice-presidential candidate. Michael expresses skepticism about whether this intellectual image helps Vance connect with voters.

00:08:00 – Walz’s Debate Style and Relatability

• Walz’s Relatability vs. Vance’s Intellectualism: Michael believes Walz’s “coach and dad“ persona makes him more relatable to voters. At the same time, Becky acknowledges that Walz had a nervous start but later regained his footing.

00:13:00 – Debate Environment and Impact of No Audience

• No Audience and Debate Dynamics: Michael and Becky discuss how the lack of a live audience affected the debate, making it feel more sterile and formal. They agree that having an audience would have added energy and allowed candidates to better connect with viewers.

00:17:00 – Moderators and Fact-Checking

• Fact-Checking Controversy: Becky and Michael weigh in on the moderators’ decision to fact-check despite initial agreements not to. Michael stresses the importance of transparency, arguing that debates should adhere to predetermined rules to avoid surprises.

00:23:00 – Key Debate Moments: January 6th and abortion

• JD Vance’s Non-Answer on January 6th: Becky and Michael discuss Vance’s failure to answer directly when asked if Trump won the 2020 election. Both hosts agree that this “damning non-answer“ could harm the Trump-Vance ticket.
• Trump’s Abortion Stance: They also touch on Trump’s abortion-related True Social posts during the debate, where he reiterated his stance of leaving abortion laws to the states.

00:28:00 – Melania Trump’s Statement on Abortion

• Melania Trump’s Strong Pro-Choice Statement: Michael and Becky react to Melania Trump’s forthcoming book, where she takes a clear pro-choice stance, supporting women’s autonomy over abortion decisions. Becky and Michael discuss the potential impact of this statement on the campaign.

00:36:00 – Personal Reflection on Abortion and Healthcare

• Abortion and Healthcare: Becky emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding in such decisions involving late-term abortion. She praises Melania Trump for taking a firm stand on the issue, especially given the political climate.

00:45:00 – Wheel of Fortune’s New Host: Ryan Seacrest

• Ryan Seacrest’s Performance: Becky reviews Ryan Seacrest’s first few weeks as the new host of “Wheel of Fortune,“ praising his calm demeanor and ability to maintain the show’s tone. Michael and Becky also touch on Vanna White’s extended contract and Pat Sajak’s ongoing involvement in the show.

00:53:00 – Closing Remarks

• Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes: Michael and Becky wrap up the episode with reflections on the day’s topics, thank listeners, and promote upcoming episodes.

Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe

A Break Down about the VP Debate, Melania Trump’s New Comments on Abortion, Becky’s Review of Ryan Seacrest on ‘Wheel of Fortune’

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

00:00:00 – Introduction

• Hosts Introduction: Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb introduce the episode, discussing the topics for the day, including the vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz, Melania Trump’s statement on abortion, and the performance of new “Wheel of Fortune” host Ryan Seacrest.

00:01:00 – Vice Presidential Debate Recap

• The VP Debate: Becky describes the debate as civil and issue-focused, a departure from recent political events. Becky and Michael express surprise at the lack of provocations or “fireworks” despite some mild back-and-forth between Vance and Walz.

00:03:00 – Vance’s Debate Performance

• JD Vance’s Goals and Performance: Becky and Michael discuss Vance’s debate performance. Becky argues that Vance successfully positioned himself as an intellectual and credible vice-presidential candidate. Michael expresses skepticism about whether this intellectual image helps Vance connect with voters.

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