Michael Brodkorb

A break down about legislative races, MN02, and the Vance – Walz debate

on October 1, 2024 July 31, 2025 by Michael Brodkorb

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by Will Davis and Anna Mathews to break down the following:

00:00:00 – Introduction and MinnPost Festival Recap

MinnPost Festival Recap: Becky and Michael recap their first in-person podcast at the MinnPost Festival, where they discussed the Republican Party’s future in Minnesota, took audience questions, and highlighted the positive reception they received.

00:02:30 – Minnesota House Legislative Races

House Race Overview: Becky, Will and Anna discuss the 134 seats up for grabs in the Minnesota House, the current balance of power (70 Democrats, 64 Republicans), and the potential impact of the upcoming election on the Democratic trifecta.
DFL Confidence: Will Davis expresses confidence in the Democratic field game and candidate quality, predicting that the DFL will retain the trifecta.
Republican Perspective: Anna Mathews shares optimism about the Republican Party’s volunteer efforts, citing high turnout and positive polling results outside Hennepin and Ramsey counties.

00:08:00 – Impact of Tim Walz on Down-Ballot Races

Walz as a Running Mate: Michael Brodkorb and Becky discuss the impact of Gov. Tim Walz being Kamala Harris’ running mate on down-ballot Republican races, noting that Walz’s presence could energize Democrats and Republicans in Minnesota.

00:12:00 – Election Polling and Ground Game

Polling Analysis: Discuss recent polling data showing close races in Minnesota’s presidential and legislative elections.
Republican Volunteer Base: Anna highlights the strength of the Trump campaign’s volunteer recruitment in Minnesota and its impact on down-ballot races, particularly in the Minnesota House.

00:22:00 – Minnesota’s Second Congressional District Race

Race Overview: The panel dives into Minnesota’s competitive 2nd Congressional District, focusing on the race between incumbent Angie Craig and Republican challenger Joe Teirab.
Campaign Strategies: Anna praises Joe Teirab’s candidacy and hard work, while Will defends Angie Craig’s performance as a moderate Democrat serving her district well.
Negative Campaign Ads: The discussion also covers recent negative ads in the race, including accusations about Joe Teirab’s stance on abortion and Craig’s rebuttal.

00:33:00 – Vice Presidential Debate Preview

Debate Expectations: The panel previews the upcoming vice presidential debate between Walz and Vance, discussing debate rules, the lack of live fact-checking, and the unique QR code CBS will offer for fact-checking.
Performance Predictions: Will and Anna share thoughts on how the candidates’ personalities and debate styles will play out, with expectations that Walz’s passionate approach might clash with Vance’s more stoic demeanor.

00:42:00 – Historical Context and Record Scrutiny

Walz’s Record: Anna emphasizes that Walz will have to answer for his record as Minnesota governor, including his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the George Floyd protests. Will also points out that these events occurred during Trump’s presidency.

00:47:00 – Potential for Future Debates

Will Trump Agree to Another Debate?: The panel speculates whether Trump might agree to another debate with Kamala Harris if JD Vance performs poorly in the upcoming debate.

00:50:00 – Football Pick ‘Em League

Fun Segment on Football: The episode wraps up with a lighthearted discussion about the podcast’s football pick ’em league, with updates on standings and friendly competition between the hosts and guests.

00:52:00 – Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

Closing Remarks: Michael emphasizes the importance of civil discourse between Republicans and Democrats and thanks Anna and Will for participating in a respectful debate.

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

A break down about legislative races, MN02, and the Vance – Walz debate

on October 1, 2024 October 4, 2024 by Michael Brodkorb

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by Will Davis and Anna Mathews to break down the following:

00:00:00 – Introduction and MinnPost Festival Recap

MinnPost Festival Recap: Becky and Michael recap their first in-person podcast at the MinnPost Festival, where they discussed the Republican Party’s future in Minnesota, took audience questions, and highlighted the positive reception they received.

00:02:30 – Minnesota House Legislative Races

House Race Overview: Becky, Will and Anna discuss the 134 seats up for grabs in the Minnesota House, the current balance of power (70 Democrats, 64 Republicans), and the potential impact of the upcoming election on the Democratic trifecta.
DFL Confidence: Will Davis expresses confidence in the Democratic field game and candidate quality, predicting that the DFL will retain the trifecta.
Republican Perspective: Anna Mathews shares optimism about the Republican Party’s volunteer efforts, citing high turnout and positive polling results outside Hennepin and Ramsey counties.

00:08:00 – Impact of Tim Walz on Down-Ballot Races

Walz as a Running Mate: Michael Brodkorb and Becky discuss the impact of Gov. Tim Walz being Kamala Harris’ running mate on down-ballot Republican races, noting that Walz’s presence could energize Democrats and Republicans in Minnesota.

Bonus Episode: A Break Down About The Vikings – Packers Game

on September 28, 2024 October 4, 2024 by Michael Brodkorb

On this special bonus episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr invite their spouses – Sarah Brodkorb and Joe Scherr – to join them for a lighthearted discussion about the Vikings-Packers rivalry ahead of their upcoming game.

The conversation delves into both households’ divided loyalty between the Vikings and Packers. The episode features humorous banter about the teams’ histories, family dynamics during football season, and playful jabs about loyalty and game predictions.

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

Bonus Episode: A Break Down About The Vikings – Packers Game

on September 28, 2024 July 31, 2025 by Michael Brodkorb

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 polls, debate prep, and GOTV tactics

on September 24, 2024 July 31, 2025 by Michael Brodkorb

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by Julius Hernandez and Preya Samsundar to break down the following:

00:02:00 – Minnesota Poll Results

Poll Breakdown: Discussion begins on a Star Tribune poll that shows Kamala Harris and Tim Walz leading over Trump by five percentage points. Preya discusses Republican enthusiasm and the general voter dissatisfaction with both parties’ candidates, while Julius highlights Democratic engagement and excitement, especially with Walz on the ticket.

00:06:00 – Economic Considerations and Enthusiasm Gaps

Economic Policies and Voter Sentiment: Preya shares that voters may prefer Trump for financial reasons, citing dissatisfaction with Biden-Harris policies. Julius discusses how Democratic support has increased since Harris entered the race and emphasizes grassroots enthusiasm.

00:11:00 – Poll Data Analysis

Further Poll Insights: The conversation continues by analyzing specific poll data, including Harris’s’ lead in urban areas and Trump’s dominance in rural areas. Becky and Julius express surprise at Trump’s lead in the suburban metro area.

00:14:00 – Republican Strategy in Minnesota

Suburban Voters and Campaign Strategy: Preya discusses the importance of suburban voters and Republicans’ focus on Walz’s handling of the 2020 riots, which may affect his appeal outside Minneapolis-St. Paul.

00:17:00 – Comparing 2020 to 2024

Ground Game Comparison: Becky and Michael compare the 2020 election to the current race, discussing how robust Trump’s campaign efforts were in Minnesota in 2020 versus the apparent lack of significant campaign infrastructure in 2024.

00:25:00 – National Polling Insights

NBC Poll and Favorability Ratings: Becky highlights Kamala Harris’s rising favorability, which has jumped 16 points since July, noting that it is the most significant increase in NBC News polling history. Preya attributes this rise to media bias and the lack of scrutiny directed at Harris.

00:33:00 – Ground Game and Local Campaigns

Campaign Infrastructure in Minnesota: Becky highlights the substantial difference between Harris’s and Trump’s ground game efforts in Minnesota, noting that the Harris campaign has 24 paid offices and over 100 staff members, while the Trump campaign’s presence is more limited.

00:36:00 – National GOP Ground Game Challenges

Republican Ground Game Nationally: Preya shares insights on the challenges facing the Trump campaign’s ground game in Minnesota and other states, referencing the differences in RNC strategy and infrastructure compared to previous election cycles.

00:41:00 – Targeting Low Propensity Voters

Trump Campaign Strategy: Discussion about the Trump campaign’s decision to target low-propensity voters, with mixed opinions on whether this strategy will be effective. Julius comments on the potential risks of investing resources into low-turnout voters.

00:52:00 – Taylor Swift’s Voter Registration Impact

Swift’s Endorsement and Voter Surge: Becky discusses Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Harris, which led to a surge in voter registrations in Minnesota. The panel debates the impact of celebrity endorsements on voter turnout and the importance of voter registration efforts.

00:55:00 – Vice Presidential Debate Preview

Debate Overview: The episode ends with a preview of the upcoming vice-presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. The hosts and guests discuss the importance of the debate, debate prep strategies, and the candidates’ strengths and weaknesses.

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!

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

A break down about civility and the upcoming MinnPost Festival

on September 17, 2024 July 31, 2025 by Michael Brodkorb

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by Tanner Curl and Jake Loesch to break down the following:

00:00:00 – Introduction and MinnPost Festival

Hosts Introduction: Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb introduce the podcast with two guests: Tanner Curl, Executive Director of MinnPost, and Jake Loesch, Executive Director of the Citizens League.
Discussion of MinnPost Festival: Tanner Curl shares details about the upcoming MinnPost Festival, the variety of speakers, and its focus on shaping Minnesota’s future through civil conversations and policy discussions.

00:06:00 – Becky and Michael’s Role in the MinnPost Festival

Overview of their Session: Becky and Michael discuss their upcoming session at the MinnPost Festival, titled “Turning the Tide: Reviving the Republican Vision in Minnesota,” with guests John Rouleau and former State Senator Michelle Benson.
Focus on the Republican Party’s Future: The conversation focuses on revitalizing the Republican Party in Minnesota and the importance of maintaining a two-party system.

00:09:30 – National Voter Registration Day

Importance of Voter Registration: Becky and Michael discuss National Voter Registration Day, reminding listeners to check their registration status and participate in early voting in Minnesota.
Impact of Down-Ballot Races: They highlight the significance of voting in local and legislative elections, mentioning how close just a few votes decide some races.

00:11:00 – Early Voting in Minnesota

Promoting Early Voting: Discuss the start of early voting in Minnesota on September 20th and how to vote by mail or in person.
Election Day Experiences: Becky and Michael share personal anecdotes about their experiences voting on Election Day, with Becky emphasizing her passion for voting in person and supporting election workers.

00:13:00 – Football Talk

Football League and Competition: The hosts shift to a light-hearted discussion about their fantasy football league and weekly picks. Michael boasts about his top position in the league, while Becky shares her struggles after a poor week of picks.

00:16:00 – Minnesota Vikings Game Recap

Vikings vs. 49ers Game: Michael describes his experience attending the Vikings game, commenting on the unusually high number of 49ers fans and the intense heat during the game.

00:21:00 – The Brimley Cocoon Line

Michael Passes Brimley Cocoon Line: Michael shares a fun personal milestone, explaining how he crossed the “Brimley Cocoon Line,” which marks Wilford Brimley’s age when he filmed the movie “Cocoon.”

00:27:00 – Second Presidential Debate Cancellation

Trump’s Refusal to Participate: Becky and Michael discuss Donald Trump’s decision to cancel the second presidential debate with Kamala Harris. Michael criticizes the move and calls it a missed opportunity for meaningful political debate.

00:33:00 – Civility in Politics and Polarization

Interview with Jake Loesch: Jake Loesch joins the conversation and discusses the importance of civility in politics, the need to lower the temperature of political rhetoric, and how to engage in meaningful conversations across party lines.
Citizens League’s Role: Jake explains the Citizens League’s work in fostering civic engagement and civil discourse, emphasizing its focus on creating spaces for nonpartisan discussions on important policy issues.

00:44:00 – Social Media’s Impact on Politics

Role of Social Media in Polarization: The group discusses how social media contributes to polarization by creating echo chambers and amplifying extreme viewpoints. They reflect on the need to find common ground and seek diverse perspectives in online conversations.

00:51:00 – Tools for Civil Discourse

Encouraging Curiosity and Dialogue: Jake and Becky offer tips for fostering civil political conversations, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, asking questions, and understanding different perspectives to bridge divides in political discourse.

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!

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

A break down of the Harris – Trump presidential debate!

on September 11, 2024 July 31, 2025 by Michael Brodkorb

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.

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!

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

A break down of the Harris – Trump presidential debate!

on September 11, 2024 October 4, 2024 by Michael Brodkorb

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.