Episode 21: December Delivers Guilty Pleas and Tweets

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times… It was last Friday, Dec. 1. 

Early last Friday morning, former National Security Advisor General Michael Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. Flynn is the highest official so far in Trump’s administration to be indicted and plead guilty in Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation. Many are speculating that General Flynn may have information that could implicate other senior White House officials.

Additionally, less than 24 hours later, the Senate passed a broad tax reform bill that will lower the corporate tax rates permanently. Temporary tax cuts to the middle class are more uncertain. And the whole thing could add $1.5 trillion in the deficit. But finally after almost a year of failed attempts, a major legislative accomplishment for the GOP (once it passes out conference). 

So what does President Trump do in the midst of such disappointment and relief? He shares legally problematic tweets, of course. We discuss this all and more in this week’s Polilogue.

  • Introduction
  • Highlight/Lowlight
  • Russia Drama Explodes
  • Senate Passes Taxes
  • Show Rankings
  • Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

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The Sunday political shows discussed this week:  

Next week’s episode, we’ll be talking about this Meet the Press interview with Donald Trump from 1999.

Episode 20: Echo Responses in Sexual Harassment

America is having a profound educational moment as the flurry of sexual harassment allegations affect both parties. It’s no surprise, abusive men in power are falling in many industries. But apparently, disappointing responses and shoddy defenses are also a bipartisan issue. 

Leader Nancy Pelosi received significant backlash for her recent performance on Meet the Press, where she was lenient on Representative John Conyers and hesitant to believe his accusers. In this episode of Polilogue, we dive deep into this interview and show each misstep. We demonstrate that each statement parallels the verbal acrobatics of the White House these last few weeks.  

Later, we analyze the evolving narrative of Republican responses to Roy Moore — beginning with the President, who finally spoke out. Sort of. Then, we highlight some sage voices on what to expect next from this story, both in politics and beyond. 

  • Introduction
  • Highlight/Lowlight
  • Pelosi fails
  • Trumps warms to Moore
  • Shifting ground on harassment 
  • Show Rankings
  • Closing

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The Sunday political shows and news articles discussed this week:  

Episode 19: Sexual Harassment is a bipartisan reckoning

The sexual harassment allegations keep growing— and the reputation of men in Hollywood, media, and politics continues to shatter. The Sunday talk shows explore this watershed moment through a variety of lenses. Most prominently, the shows probed into the Roy Moore molestation scandal and Senator Al Franken’s insulting “humor and jokes.” Hosts and guests ask why President Trump can comment on the later while not taking a clear stand on the former. 

The Sunday talk shows also had on several thought leaders and female politicians to discuss workplace safety more broadly. Victims are kept silent and abusers continue their behavior, because too many systems in this country allow it. We also look at excellent interviews with White House administration officials that push leaders and demand transparency in both the Roy Moore harassment story and their tax cut promises. 

  • Introduction
  • Highlight/Lowlight
  • The Dam Breaks
  • Tax Bill Senate Blues
  • Show Rankings
  • Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

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The Sunday political shows discussed this week:  

Episode 18: Will Republicans stand by their man, Roy Moore?

Republicans were front and center on the Sunday talk shows, but their support for Roy Moore was not. Moore, the Republican candidate for the Alabama Senate special election has been accused of sexual misconduct by several women. According to the Washington Post, when Moore  was in his 30s, he had inappropriate relationships with teenage girls—one as young as 14 years old old. Since the Post story broke, many prominent Republicans have rescinded their support for Moore. But by the taping of the Sunday talk shows, few had demanded that Moore step down from the ticket. Is keeping the Senate majority worth it if seats are held by such problematic individuals? 

Should the party do more? Should the president?  

We also discuss the Democratic state wins. People wonder if the Trump presidency has ignited the the Democratic base— and if it has— can it last until next November? Also, Trump back pedals his latest Putin comments. 

  • Introduction
  • Highlight/Lowlight
  • Roy Moore Controversy 
  • Democrats Strike Back 
  • Trump trips on Russia
  • Show Rankings
  • Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

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The Sunday political shows discussed this week:  

Episode 17: Running from scandal

This week on the Sunday talk shows, the parties confront challenges and issues that could derail them from their goals. We find that some leaders address the issues head-on— and others seek the closest pile of dirt to hide their heads.

First, the indictment charges on Paul Manafort, Robert Gates, and George Papadopoulos had the White House and Republican leaders rethinking, reimagining, and rescinding the campaign roles of the people in question. Congressional Republicans finally announced the much awaited tax reform bill: the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Some Republicans stand by the ambitious growth projections; while others want to protect the deficit. 

On the Democratic side, Donna Brazile’s new book spotlights the disfunction she found in the party last year when she had to take over as Interim Chair. We see that not everyone in the party is excited to look back to the 2016 election— nor do they agree with her depiction. 

Sometimes dialogue can seem impossible in the midst of such disagreement. But for us— for Polilogue— it’s where we start. 

  • Introduction
  • Highlight/Lowlight
  • Mueller Indictments
  • GOP Tax Plan
  • DNC Disarray 
  • Show Rankings
  • Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

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The Sunday political shows discussed this week:  

Episode 16: Mueller Indictment Looms

The impending Mueller indictment had all the Sunday talk shows scrambling. Some of the shows scrapped all preparation they must have done earlier in the week and focused entirely on the investigation. Other shows managed to talk about other issues like tax reform, Senator Jeff Flake’s retirement, and the opioid crisis… in addition to the indictment speculation and predictions. 

Similarly, the Mueller indictment had the Polilogue team scrambling as well! We chose to get this episode out a day earlier, because while the media coverage of the Mueller investigation will quickly change once the charges and suspects are announced— we think it’s still important to review the media’s ability to analyze and cover an ever-evolving story. 

We also discuss the depiction of the opioid crisis by politicians trying to address the issue and from local heroes trying to save lives in their own communities. If you would like to listen to a specific segment from today’s episode, you can jump straight to that chapter: 

  • Introduction
  • Highlight/Lowlight
  • Mueller Indictment
  • Opioid Crisis 
  • Show Rankings
  • Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

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The Sunday political shows discussed this week:  

 

Episode 15: Mitch McConnell Speaks!

This week, the political shows welcomed a new face—Mitch McConnell!  Yes, the man who has been described as “master of his own silence” actually spoke.  And answered questions.  Sort of.  On this Week’s Polilogue, we look at the interview with Mitch, as well as the other topics tackled this week, including: tax reform, sexual assault, and the controversy surrounding US operations in Niger.  

It was a week of stand-out episodes and segments.  Some good, some not so good.  Guests ranged from the solemn (Gold Star father Khizr Khan) to the showy (actor Michael Kelly); and topics ranged from nuclear war to the war within the Republican Party.  

If you would like to listen to a specific segment from today’s episode, you can jump straight to that chapter: 

  • Introduction
  • Highlight/Lowlight
  • The Battle in Niger
  • The Mitch MicConnell Interview
  • Show Rankings
  • Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

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The Sunday political shows discussed this week:  

Episode 14: How to Deal (with the Iran Deal)

Last week President Trump announced he would not certify the Iran Nuclear Agreement. He wants Congress to improve the conditions of the deal and to certify the deal themselves— and if they can’t or they won’t— he is willing to pull America from the multilateral agreement, much to the dismay of many international partners. 

This latest announcement had two people scrambling to defend the president: Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and UN Ambassador Nikki Haley. Tillerson went on State of the Union and Face the Nation, and Haley went on Meet the Press and This Week. The message across the shows, however, were not consistent. In fact, you would think they each had a different boss and objective. On this week’s episode of Polilogue, we explore the differences between Tillerson and Haley and ask— who was more effective? 

If you would like to see a specific segment from today’s episode, you can jump straight to that chapter:

  • Introduction
  • Highlight/Lowlight
  • Tillerson vs. Haley 
  • Panel Review
  • Rankings
  • Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Check out some of our other work: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
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Episode 13: A Gun Debate Worth Watching

This week, the political shows really buckle down to tackle a single issue in detail: guns.  After the deadliest shooting in modern American history, the Sunday political shows dive in—and we dive after them.  We examine the story from all angles: how do the hosts frame the political issue?  How do politicians from every spectrum articulate their positions on guns?  What special guests are invited on—and are their insights worth considering?  It was a Sunday worth watching—because it showcased the best of what the political shows can be. 

If you would like to listen to a specific segment from today’s episode, you can jump straight to that chapter: 

  • Introduction
  • Highlight/Lowlight
  • Framing the Gun Issue
  • The Politicians
  • The Experts
  • Show Rankings
  • Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Check out some of our other work here: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
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Episode 12: Tragedy & Taxes

They say presidents are made by the unexpected challenges and disasters they face. George W. Bush had 9/11 with almost 3,000 deaths and the subsequent wars in the Middle East. Barack Obama started his presidency with the American economy on the brink of financial ruin. President Donald Trump is facing both natural and manmade disasters of his own— the first disaster being the brutal hurricane season that affects two states and several territories; and the second being the worst mass shooting in American history.

The Las Vegas tragedy occurred after all the Sunday political shows aired. So this week’s Polilogue doesn’t include any of the current news coverage. But more broadly, we vehemently believe that robust dialogue isn’t just about what topics we talk about; it’s how we talk about it. We believe that ethical journalism and smart media consumption are vital components to a healthy national political dialogue. As the coverage of Las Vegas expands, and we demand solutions for America’s gun violence— Polilogue will demand even more from journalists and politicians alike. 

With that framing, we dove into the important topics that the Sunday talk shows did talk about: Puerto Rico’s recovery efforts and tax reform. If you would like to see a specific segment from today’s episode, you can jump straight to that chapter: 

  • Introduction
  • Highlight/Lowlight
  • Puerto Rico
  • Tax Reform
  • Rankings
  • Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

Check out some of our other work: 

Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
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Episode 11: Healthcare on Repeat

Was it diversion? Why did President Trump make incendiary comments about NFL players when the latest repeal and replace health care bill is in dire straights? 

On this week’s episode of Polilogue, we divide the topics into two segments: repetition and contrast.  We noticed that several guests this week reiterated comments and explanations from previous weeks.  Is their repetition effective communication, or lazy messaging?  Later, we look at contrasts across the shows—where the same topic could lead to very different conversations.  With many hosts interviewing the same guests, we ask: who did the best job?  Who got to the heart of the issue?  And who was just phoning it in?    

If you would like to see a specific segment from today’s episode, you can jump straight to that chapter: 

  • Introduction
  • Highlight/Lowlight
  • Repetitions
  • Contrasts
  • Rankings
  • Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

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Episode 10: Trump on the World Stage

The gang is back. All of the shows broadcast this week and discussed a wide range of issues. Most prominently, international diplomacy took center stage as the world prepares for the U.N. General Assembly that starts on Tuesday, Sept. 19. High level Trump officials that made the rounds included UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and National Security Advisor General H.R. McMaster. In this episode, we ask whether diplomacy team will be more in sync in front of their international counterparts than they were on the Sunday shows. 

On the domestic side, we saw multiple shows explore the claim that President Trump is a centrist. Do two dinner invitations make a centrist? And lastly, we do a side-by-side comparison of the performance of two progressives: Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff and Independent Senator Bernie Sanders. 

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

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Episode 9: Irma Takes Over

Irma made everyone hide on Sunday— including some of the talk shows! Meet the Press cancelled their show. Face the Nation was only 30 minutes. This Week had a full show, but they never posted their audio. Nonetheless, we had lots to discuss. The shows weren’t really commenting on the news of the week, but rather, they were covering the developing news of the weekend. 

In this episode, we examine the hurricane coverage on the Sunday political shows. It felt very, very different, but did it work? If you’re interested in a specific segment, feel free to jump straight to it. 

SHOW CHAPTERS

  • Introduction
  • Irma: Correspondents in the Field
  • Irma: Politicians Respond
  • John McCain
  • Closing

SHOW LINKS

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle. Want to stalk us some more? Check out some of our other work: 

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Episode 8: Origins & Responsibilities

Here it is!  A special edition of Polilogue!  In this first special edition episode, we talk about the origins of the show, and then dive into an evergreen segment that asks the question: what exactly is a Sunday morning political show host responsible for?  Using clips from last week’s shows, we take a first crack at what will be an ongoing exploration.  

If you’re interested in a specific segment, feel free to jump straight to it. 

SHOW CHAPTERS

  • Introductions
  • Origins
  • Moderator Responsibilities 
  • Closing

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

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Episode 7: Of Hurricanes and Pardons

Hurricane Harvey floodwaters are still rising in Texas. All of the Sunday news shows led with the storm, and we anticipate the coverage to continue, especially as aid and recovery spreads over the coming weeks and months.

So this week on Polilogue, we ask, “how effective are the shows at covering events like natural disasters?" Hurricane Harvey is of course newsworthy— and there are people on the ground affected by the devastation— but should a weekly political show cover the storm differently than a daily show? We examine hosts and guests to determine the quality of a shifting conversation. We also discuss Trump’s pardon of Sheriff Joe Arpaio. 

This week, we’re also introducing show chapters! If you’re interested in a specific segment, feel free to jump straight to it. Show chapters are supported by nearly every podcast player except the default one from Apple — so we encourage you to use a different podcast player.  Here's a link to our favorite podcast player that supports chapters (and it's free!): Overcast available on the App Store. Visit: https://overcast.fm

SHOW CHAPTERS

  • Introduction 
  • Highlight/Lowlight 
  • Hurricane Harvey 
  • Joe Arpaio Pardon 
  • Rankings 
  • Closing

SHOW LINKS

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

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Episode 6: Elevating the Discussion of Race

After the emotionally charged week of Charlottesville and President Trump’s bombastic press conference, all the hosts knew this week’s episode mattered. But it was Martha Raddatz’s performance on This Week that demonstrated the full power of Sunday morning political shows. Her performance is precisely why we value this medium! She brought stern journalism, a carefully-curated guest list, and an illuminating perspective to an extremely sensitive issue.

On this week’s episode of Polilogue, we examine the successes and challenges of race-driven conversations across the shows… but we commit the bulk of our episode to Raddatz on This Week.

SHOW LINKS

The four shows we looked at this episode were:

If you like the show, don't forget to share it with friends and family!  

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Episode 5: Trump's Strategic Confusion

This week we look at what happens when the Sunday morning talk shows have to flip the script. The tragic and disturbing events in Charlottesville, Virginia saw the shows scrambling for guests and context. At the same time, the long simmering events in North Korea bubbled over this week, demanding more in-depth commentary than we’ve seen in the past. 

On this episode of Polilogue, we take a critical eye to these critical events, which showcase the strong and the timid in anchors, guests, and panelists. 

SHOW LINKS

The four shows we looked at this episode were:

Email us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can send us your feedback on Twitter: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle.

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Kellyanne is Speechless

In this episode, we dive deep into the Kellyanne Conway interview.  Kellyanne was a GOP darling on the Sunday morning talk shows during the 2016 election. However, after some flubs earlier this year, she took a break from Sunday talk. This week, Kellyanne was back—on ABC’s This Week. Moderator George Stephanopolous pushed back on her cool and confident answers. This interview had sass, pivots, strong follow up questions, and awkward pauses that stretched for days. The pauses were so long, we measured it. Most of Kellyanne’s responses come a little more than a second and a half after George’s questions because she was filmed by satellite.  But after some of George’s toughest questions— that silence stretched to nearly 3 seconds.  It may not sound like a lot, but when you hear it—and hear it from Kellyanne no less—it’s shocking.  

Also in this episode, we look at party dynamics. There is infighting and tension within both political parties. We critique how those conversations are going and analyze the Sunday morning guests at the forefront of these shifting political dynamics. 

SHOW LINKS 

The four shows we looked at this episode were:

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Episode 3: Specifics for the General (Kelly)

Surprise! We talk personnel and health care again. While every week feels like we reach a new threshold of breaking news alerts—the Sunday talk show themes are consistently about one thing: political chaos.  At the time of this episode’s recording, the latest staff change at the White House was about the Chief of Staff— General John Kelly. So our comments about Scaramucci in this episode center not on his sudden departure, but on his lively New Yorker interview.

Polilogue is more than just capturing the latest news alert— although there are plenty of political podcasts that offer that and they are Steidle-Soto household staples. Here, we examine the Sunday morning talk shows, because we think these shows matter. They define the national political conversation and establish expectations for leaders, stakeholders and influencers. We crave rich dialogue about problems and opportunities that both Republicans and Democrats face. We seek interviews full of tough and fair questions. 

And those conversations?

Well, they have a longer shelf life than any news alert. 

SHOW LINKS

The guests on the four shows included:

  • Face the Nation 
    CBS Chief White House Correspondent, Major Garrett; CBS News Senior Foreign Affairs Correspondent, Margaret Brennan; Senator Jeff Flake; Senator Dianne Feinstein; and CBS News Elections and Surveys Director, Anthony Salvanto
  • This Week 
    ABC News Chief White House Correspondent, Jonathan Karl; conservative radio talk show host, Bill Cunningham; Health and Human Secretary, Tom Price; Former chair of the Hillary Clinton campaign, John Podesta; ABC News Contributor, Colonel Steve Ganyard; and President of Ploughshares Fund, Joe Cirincione; Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergei Ryabkov
  • State of the Union
    White House Budget Director, Mick Mulvaney; Senator Susan Collins; and Senator Bernie Sanders
  • Meet the Press 
    Health and Human Services Secretary, Tom Price; Senator Susan Collins; Republican strategist, Corey Lewandowski

Send us your feedback on Twitter at: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle. You can also write to us at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com

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Brendan’s website: www.armisticedesigns.com 
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Episode 2: Scaramucci Take the Mic

 

Episode 2 Notes: 

In episode 2, your hosts get to know the new White House Communications Director, Anthony Scaramucci. We also take a step back and review the broad perceptions and conversations on the political parties. Which party has clear goals? And more importantly, who is likely to reach them? 

This week, we look at only three Sunday morning political shows, since Meet the Press took a break. Don’t worry if you’re not avid viewer of the Sunday morning talk shows— we provide plenty of context and audio clips.

LINKS AND SUCH: 

The three shows we looked at this episode were:

You can send us an email at polilogue.podcast@gmail.com or you can reach out to us on Twitter at: @sotonaomi_ and @bsteidle. To review some of our other work, check our websites:

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