E352: Navigating Florida's Shifting Political Landscape and National Election Dynamics with Jamie Miller
In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jamie Miller from People Who Think joins the show to discuss the evolving political landscape in Florida and its broader implications for national politics. Jamie provides insights into Florida's shift from a Democratic advantage to a Republican stronghold influenced by conservative governance and migration during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation contrasts Florida and California politics, examines the influence of national figures like Gavin Newsom, and offers perspectives on Ron DeSantis's presidential campaign strategies. Additionally, the episode delves into recent election outcomes, voter turnout trends, and the impact of key swing states in upcoming elections. The discussion also covers the challenges facing Kamala Harris's campaign, the strategic maneuvers of political parties, and the implications of debate performances and political endorsements. Jamie also reflects on the potential outcomes of the upcoming election, shares his perspectives on the Citizens United case, and introduces his substack 'Reasonable Arguments.' Light-hearted highlights include a mention of Florida's unique and entertaining headlines.This Episode was record on 10/18/2400:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:41 Jamie Miller's Background and Career01:21 Florida's Political Landscape03:38 Gavin Newsom's Perception in Florida05:17 Polling and Election Predictions09:42 Kamala Harris's Campaign Challenges12:35 Voter Turnout and Early Voting Trends14:54 Swing States and National Polling16:57 Media Perception and Campaign Strategies18:57 Debate Dynamics: Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump20:21 Post-Debate Reactions and Strategies21:08 The Assassination Attempt and Its Impact22:15 Trump's Convention Speech: A Missed Opportunity?24:13 Democratic Strategy: Biden, Harris, and Schumer25:18 Election Integrity and Voter Rights25:59 Ground Game: Republicans vs. Democrats28:39 The 2020 Election: Predictions and Processes30:31 Author Insights: Reasonable Arguments and American Speeches35:26 Concluding Thoughts and Florida's Unique Perspective
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E351: End-of-Session Reflections with David Bowman
In this episode of SacTown Talks, David Bowman joins the discussion to reflect on an eventful legislative session. The episode delves into the unique aspects of the session's conclusion, including notable retirements, end-of-session processes, and procedural insights from the assembly floor. Bowman shares personal anecdotes, the impact of long-serving staff retirements, and the intricacies of legislative procedures like electronic voting and bill processing. The conversation touches on the historical context of assembly operations, recent protests, and special sessions. Bowman also highlights the transition with long-term assembly members departing and future procedural considerations. This Episode was record on 10/4/24 00:00 Welcome Back to SacTown Talks00:39 Reflecting on Staff Retirements02:15 Roles and Responsibilities on the Floor03:22 End of Session Chaos05:44 Protests and First Amendment Rights08:28 Saturday Session and Voting Procedures10:00 Changing Votes and Legislative Procedures16:49 Debate Time and Speaking Rules21:28 Resolutions and Their Significance30:10 Preparing for a Long Session Day32:46 Historical Context of Bill Introductions33:20 Challenges During COVID-1934:06 Role and Responsibilities of a Reading Clerk35:17 Managing Floor Sessions and Debates36:12 End of Session Procedures38:19 Nonpartisan Role and Parliamentary Procedures47:33 Special Sessions and Legislative Calendar49:28 Reflections on Long-Term Service and Relationships56:43 Post-Session Duties and Veto Overrides01:03:35 Closing Remarks and Future Plans
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E350: Empowering the Next Generation: APICA's Mission and Impact with Melissa Sagun & Allie Umemoto
In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett Blonien welcomes Melissa Sagun, President of the Asian Pacific Islander Capital Association (APICA), and board member Allie Umemoto. The discussion delves into APICA's history, mission, and initiatives. Melissa and Allie share their personal journeys into politics, the importance of community building and professional development for API staff in Sacramento, and their efforts to create a pipeline for future generations. They highlight key events like the annual Sushi Showdown and internship programs, underscoring APICA's role in fostering networking and career opportunities. The conversation also covers the challenges and strategies associated with working for term-limited members and the ongoing efforts to increase API representation in the legislative workforce. This Episode was record on 9/17/24 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:27 Background of APICA01:21 Melissa's Journey with APICA03:00 Allie's Journey with APICA04:05 History and Founding of APICA05:46 Personal Motivations for Politics11:47 Navigating the Capitol and APICA's Role15:09 APICA Events and Community Engagement24:42 Mentorship and Professional Development30:16 Future Plans and Networking35:55 Conclusion and Contact Information
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E349: Former Democrat Assemblymember Supports Former President Trump
In this episode of SacTown Talks, host Jarhett Blonien speaks with former Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas about his support for Donald Trump, the current state of the Democratic Party, the economic challenges facing millennials and African American men, and the national political landscape. Sebastian shares his experiences of relocating to Nevada and discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and housing market. The conversation covers topics such as retail theft crime in California, high tax burdens, and the discontent among Democratic voters regarding the lack of a primary process. Sebastian also provides insights on the economic policies of other states and the potential consequences of the Democratic administration's actions on national and local economies. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:36 Disillusionment with the Democratic Party02:14 Post-COVID Economic Challenges04:14 Housing Crisis in California09:01 National Economic Concerns17:10 Retail Theft and Crime in California23:56 California's Tax System and Budget Deficits32:41 Democratic Party Politics and Primary Process40:59 Swing State Sentiments and Election Outlook49:32 Conclusion and Farewell
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E348: From Assembly to Academia: Catharine Baker's Journey in Public Service and Policy
In this episode of SacTown Talks, Jarhett speaks with Catharine Baker, former California Assembly member and current Director of the UC Student and Policy Center. Catharine shares her journey from growing up in Coachella Valley and cutting her teeth in Chicago politics, to working in law and then entering public service motivated by the Great Recession and issues in local schools. Catharine discusses her campaigns, experiences in the assembly, and her work post-politics, including her role at the FPPC. Catharine’s latest venture focuses on utilizing UC's resources to influence policy and provide research-backed solutions to state legislators. This comprehensive interview provides insights into her career, perspectives on bipartisan work, and future plans in her new role.This Episode was record on 8/23/2400:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:29 Catharine Baker's Early Life and Career Beginnings01:03 Entering Politics: The Great Recession and Campaigns03:16 Running for State Assembly and Winning06:06 Challenges and Experiences in the Assembly08:05 Facing Political Realities and Party Dynamics11:41 Impact of National Politics on Local Elections14:27 Returning to the Law Firm and Community Service14:54 Serving on the Fair Political Practices Commission15:14 Insights from the 2014 Race and FPPC Work17:11 Challenges and Reforms in Campaign Finance19:01 The Role of Transparency in Democracy22:08 Legislative Experience and Bill Proposals25:15 New Role at UC Student Policy Center27:50 Future Initiatives and Collaboration34:48 Conclusion and Contact Information
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