Press Advance with Johanna Maska

20 Years After Obama’s DNC Speech, Where Does America Stand? Aug 14, 2024

On this episode, host Johanna Maska, and Press Advance's lead producer Christine Baratta look back on the impact of former President Barack Obama’s iconic 2004 convention speech 20 years ago, which inspired Johanna to join his 2008 presidential campaign in Iowa. They also discuss the significance of political discourse in shaping our democracy and provide a preview into the podcast’s transition to Substack featuring exclusive content and live interviews.

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For Kamala Harris, Tim Walz Passed the Vibe Check Aug 07, 2024

On this episode, host Johanna Maska talks with Press Advance's lead producer Christine Baratta to discuss Vice President Kamala Harris's announcement of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. They dive into why Walz was an unexpected pick, what he means to rural voters, and why he and JD Vance are more alike than expected.

Walz passed the vibe check—but does this mean he can win over the American public?

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Could Trump Dump JD Vance? Jul 31, 2024

On this episode, host Johanna Maska breaks down this week's biggest political news with former acting Chief of Staff in the Trump White House, Mick Mulvaney, and Democratic strategist Michael Hardaway, who most recently worked with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. They discuss President Biden's push for Supreme Court reforms, backlash over JD Vance's resurfaced comments that "childless cat ladies" have ruined American values, and whether Donald Trump could or would drop Vance from the Republican ticket. Plus, extreme political divisions are driving up divorce rates in the nation’s capital—will the next 90 days make things worse?

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Biden Passes the Torch, and We Talk to the Republican Woman Who Skipped the GOP Convention to Moderate a Michigan Conversation with Kamala Harris Jul 24, 2024

In this week's episode, Johanna Maska speaks with national security experts Olivia Troye and Dr. Evelyn Farkas from the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington. They discuss the potential direction of foreign policy in a new presidential administration and who from Donald Trump's circle might be involved if he wins a second term. Since their conversation, there has been a whirlwind of political news. President Biden exited the presidential race, and Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt and unified the party at the Republican National Convention. So we caught up with Olivia Troye for an update. She shared her thoughts on the GOP convention, Donald Trump's treatment of military families, and the upcoming generation of political leaders.

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What Are Biden Supporters Thinking This Week? Jul 17, 2024

As the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee takes up oxygen this week, Democrats are having tough conversations, including whether President Joe Biden could have another troubling debate. On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska talks with 21-year-old TikTok influencer Harry Sisson who is one of Biden's fiercest supporters online. Sisson believes that the 81-year-old President—who was born less than a year after the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II—is the most qualified candidate to win over Gen Z voters and argues his generation is the most politically involved and politically intelligent generation in American history. They also discuss the appetite for political discourse among young people and the winning message from Democrats that might resonate with Gen Z voters this fall.

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Biden's “Big Boy” Moment and What Will Happen at the Conventions Jul 10, 2024

On this week's episode host Johanna Maska and producer Christine Baratta talk from the sidelines of NATO in Washington about the President's current situation. Anticipating what the White House is calling a "big boy press conference," so dubbed by a reporter, Republicans are planning their convention and Democrats are wondering about theirs. Which is why Maska also speaks to Democratic Strategist Danielle Cendejas who managed Obama campaign delegate plans (important should there be any issues with the nominee) and Ashley Davis who managed a Republican National Convention.

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Did the Biden-Trump Debate Change These Undecided Voter's Minds? Jul 03, 2024

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska speaks with Will and Chris, two undecided voters from the key battleground state of Wisconsin. These voters are also known as double haters—dissatisfied with both candidates—but are crucial for the Biden and Trump campaigns as they try to win over independent voters in November. They discuss the issues driving their vote, how they engage in political conversations with friends and family in the Midwest, and whether they were persuaded by either candidate after watching last week's debate.

Calling all persuadable voters in swing states! If you are still weighing your options for the November elections, Press Advance wants to talk to you. Reach out to us.

Find us on X: @johannamaska

Instagram: @johannamaska

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BONUS: What Did We Witness at the Biden-Trump Debate? Jun 28, 2024

On this bonus episode of Press Advance, host Johanna Maska, and producer Christine Baratta break down the truth about last night's shocking presidential debate with the two oldest presidential candidates in United States history—Joe Biden and Donald Trump. They discuss President Biden's disastrous performance, Democrats' secret discussions about replacing him on the ballot, and which other candidates could beat Donald Trump in November. Plus, a flash-back from Johanna's interview with former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, where she predicted Biden's age could become a problem.

Calling all persuadable voters in swing states! If you are still weighing your options for the November elections, Press Advance wants to talk to you. Reach out to us.

Find us on X: @johannamaska

Instagram: @johannamaska

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Will Reproductive Rights Turn Out Voters in November? Jun 26, 2024

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska speaks with a political panel featuring presidential campaign veterans Democrat Joan Kato, who worked for Bernie Sanders and President Barack Obama, and Republican Lauren Zelt, who worked for Mitt Romney and Chirs Christie, to talk about what's at stake in this week's upcoming presidential debate between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump. They discuss what messaging could win over undecided voters on economic issues like inflation and increasingly restrictive reproductive rights in the aftermath of the US Supreme Court's ruling that overturned Roe vs. Wade. Plus, the panel reacts to which administration added more to the national debt and claims by Donald Trump and other Republicans that Joe Biden will be taking performance-enhancing drugs at the debate.

Calling all persuadable voters in swing states! If you are still weighing your options for the November elections, Press Advance wants to talk to you. Reach out to us.

Find us on X: @johannamaska

Instagram: @johannamaska

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Are Campaigns Jumping the Shark? A Republican and Democrat Debate the Latest Controversies Jun 19, 2024

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska speaks with a political panel featuring Democrat Ameshia Cross, who worked in the Obama White House, and Republican Tomi Lahren, the host of "Tomi Lahren is Fearless." They discuss this week's political news, including Donald Trump's visit to a Black church in Michigan—in front of a mostly white audience and his proposal for tax-free tips for service workers. Democrats are talking more about the politicization of the Supreme Court and what voters should think when they cast their ballots this November. Plus, the panel reacts to the internet's debate over whether President Biden froze up at a Juneteenth event at the White House while others were dancing and if that was the most important part of the event.

Calling all persuadable voters in swing states! If you are still weighing your options for the November elections, Press Advance wants to talk to you. Reach out to us.

Find us on X: @johannamaska

Instagram: @johannamaska

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Press Advance is produced by Situation Room Studios: www.sitroomstudios.com

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Hunter is Guilty, Senate Republicans Won’t Protect Contraception Access Jun 12, 2024

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska breaks down cable news’ coverage and political disconnect between the Hunter Biden and Donald Trump guilty verdicts with a political panel featuring Republican strategist Denise Gitsham, who worked in the Bush administration and Democratic strategist Michael Hardaway, who most recently worked with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. They also discuss other political news this week — the US Senate refused to protect contraception access, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito was caught on tape talking about how one side has to win. Plus the panel reacts to admitted puppy killer Kristi Noem’s stance on neo-nazis marching on the Capitol in South Dakota.

Find us on X: @johannamaska

Instagram: @johannamaska

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Press Advance is produced by Situation Room Studios: www.sitroomstudios.com

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Is it Time to Have a Convicted Felon in the White House? Jun 05, 2024

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska breaks down the fallout from Donald Trump's guilty verdict with a political panel featuring Desiree Barnes, who worked in President Obama’s Press Office, Danielle Cendejas, a Partner for the Strategy Group and former Obama campaign organizer, and Brittany Martinez, a former aide to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. They discuss what it means for America to potentially have a convicted felon reelected to the White House. They also discuss other political news this week — members of Congress treating Dr. Anthony Fauci like a criminal at a hearing on the pandemic, and President Biden’s crackdown on migrants on the southern border with a new executive order. Plus, what did White House staffers think about the controversy over President Obama's tan suit compared to current presidential scandals.

Find us on X: @johannamaska

@Instagram @johannamaska

Press Advance is produced by Situation Room Studios: www.sitroomstudios.com

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What Alito’s Upside-Down Flag Says About Our Deep Political Divisions May 29, 2024

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska speaks with a political panel featuring Samantha Dravis, who worked in the Bush and Trump administrations, Tim Miller, host of The Bulwark podcast and former Communications Director for Jeb Bush's 2016 presidential campaign, and Joan Kato who worked with President Obama and Senator Bernie Sanders. They discuss frustration with the two-party system and how Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s candidacy could impact the election, politics in our judicial system, the behavior of political leaders, and which ones are doing a good job staying high when the other side goes so low. Plus, the panel debates the high cost of living and whether the average voter is not "feeling" the economy despite record-low unemployment and positive economic data.

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KC Chiefs' Homemaker Backlash, Baby Girl in The House—Plus Presidential Debates Go Rogue May 22, 2024

On this week’s episode host Johanna Maska talks leads a political panel with Democratic strategist Michael Starr Hopkins and Republican strategist Mehek Cooke and they talk — sports. Specifically they get into Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butler’s widely criticized comments regarding women’s careers, LGBTQ+ rights and President Joe Biden’s faith. After they kick that off, Maska, Hopkins, and Cooke talk about the House Oversight Committee that erupted into personal attacks and the upcoming Presidential Debates between Biden and former President Donald Trump. They wrap it up by talking about the romantic comings and goings in the House of Representatives - including a high profile divorce.

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State of Speech on College Campuses, Kamala's F-Bomb May 15, 2024

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska speaks with a political panel featuring Morgan Ortagus, who served as the State Department Spokesperson under President Donald Trump, and Lindsay Scola, a veteran of the Obama White House who also worked at the US Mission to the UN with Ambassador Susan Rice. The panel discusses the state of speech on college campuses and the divisions over the Biden administration's nuanced stance on Israel, whether expletive language by our elected leaders has been normalized, and the dangers to women's health from state abortion bans. The panel also reacts to New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez's outrageous defense for having gold bars at home.

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Special Episode: He Tried to Negotiate Peace Between Arabs and Israelis….Here’s What Ambassador Dennis Ross Thinks Now May 10, 2024

After Pro-Palestinian campus protests have shut down commencements and sent students home, Johanna Maska takes a step back in Press Advance to speak to an expert who spent his life trying to negotiate peace in the Middle East. In this wide-ranging discussion, Ambassador Dennis Ross discusses the history of tensions, US policy towards the Middle East, and how student protesters could use their energy for peace in the region. Ross also discusses the changes to women's rights in Saudi Arabia under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and describes what he's seen in the over 400 miles of tunnels Hamas built underground in Gaza. Ultimately, Ross says even though right now it feels like we're back to 1948— the existential nature of the conflict—he has reason to believe it is still possible to restore a two-state solution with reforms and institutions for a Palestinian state.

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Why Do Politicians Defend the Indefensible? May 08, 2024

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska speaks with Kristen Hawn, who served as the chief political advisor to the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of more than 50 moderate Democrats in the House of Representatives. They discuss the defense of indefensible actions by politicians in a post-Trump era, the continued criticism of Kristi Noem and whether she lied about meeting North Korean leader Kim Jung Un, and the indictment of Democratic Texas Congressman Henry Cuellar on bribery charges. Johanna also previews a bonus episode that will drop later this week with Middle East peace negotiator and former United States Ambassador to Israel, Dennis Ross, for a conversation about the history of tensions in the region.

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Kristi Noem Killed a Puppy—and the State of the Free Press That’s Covering That and the Election May 01, 2024

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska speaks with a political panel featuring Democratic strategist Michael Starr Hopkins and veteran Republican campaign operative Matt Gorman. They discuss the state of the free and fair press, and President Biden's fight with The New York Times. The panel also shares thoughts on underreported races, including Congressman Colin Allred's bid to unseat Senator Ted Cruz in Texas and North Carolina Gubernatorial Candidate Mark Robinson's wife is facing scrutiny after closing a non-profit that she says was targeted by her political rivals. Plus, Johanna polls the group on who has what it takes to win the Trump Veepstakes and if South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is out of the running after admitting to killing her 14-month-old puppy Cricket.

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Threats to Oust Speaker Johnson, Politics at Work, College Campus Protests Apr 24, 2024

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska speaks with a political panel featuring Democratic strategist Michael Starr Hopkins and Boyd Matheson, former Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Mike Lee of Utah (R). They discuss pushback from Democrats and Republicans over threats to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson, politics in the office and whether it should be off limits, and heightened tensions on college campuses after pro-Palestinian student protests have spread across the country. Plus, we talked to Hagar Chemali, an adjunct assistant Professor at Columbia University, for her first-hand account of what she saw at student protests on campus and the challenges the school faces in balancing freedom of speech with a safe environment for students.

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Biden's Balancing Act, Archaic Abortion Laws, Trump's Trials...Does Anyone Care? Apr 17, 2024

On this week's episode, host Johanna Maska speaks with a political panel featuring Adam Hodge, former Spokesperson for the National Security Council in the Biden administration, and Amy Tarkanian, former Chairwoman of the Nevada State Republican Party. They discuss the White House response to Iran's drone and missile strikes against Israel and pushback from the progressive wing of the Democratic party on U.S support for Israel, former President Donald Trump's legal troubles and if voters are paying attention, and abortion access in Arizona after the state's Supreme Court ruled a Civil war-era abortion ban can be enforced.

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A Debate on the Role of Media in 2024 Politics with Johanna Maska & Sean Spicer Apr 11, 2024

This week's episode features "A Fair and Free Press? A Debate on the Role of Media in 2024 Politics," which was held Tuesday April 9 with Press Advance host Johanna Maska and Sean Spicer, a former White House Press Secretary in the Trump administration. The discussion was moderated by six-time Emmy award-winning journalist and former NBC 6 Miami news anchor Willard Shepard. Maska and Spicer discussed the media landscape from their first hand perspective before a sold-out audience of students at Florida International University. They spoke about network news coverage of the 2024 election cycle, how social media algorithms drive political polarization, and interacted and answered questions from students in the audience.

Disclaimer: This event was held at Florida International University as part of the OFFICE OF PUBLIC POLICY EVENTS. Johanna Maska and Sean Spicer's views expressed on this podcast are their own and do not represent FIU. To learn more about FIU's statement of free expression, visit fiu.edu.

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White House Veterans Debate Media and Political Polarization Apr 09, 2024

This week's Press Advance episode is dropping a little later this week. It will feature host Johanna Maska and Sean Spicer, former White House Press Secretary in the Trump administration, debating the role of network news and social media in this election cycle and how they drive political polarization. You won't want to miss it. Check back here on Thursday to hear the full discussion.

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The Most Important Lesson She Learned From Michelle Obama Apr 02, 2024

On this week's Press Advance, Johanna Maska welcomes Obama administration colleague and friend Deesha Dyer, who served as the White House Social Secretary, to discuss her new book, "Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble." Deesha discusses her unexpected journey—from being a skeptical political observer to serving in a senior role in the Obama administration. She talks about rebelling against forced structure to find confidence, struggling with imposter syndrome, and what lessons she learned to help us in this era of political toxicity. The book is out on April 23 and is available for preorder on Amazon.

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Cable News Meltdown Over Ronna McDaniel, Gina McCarthy Talks Energy Independence Mar 26, 2024

Press Advance producer Christine Baratta joins Johanna Maska to discuss the rollout of former RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel as an NBC contributor amid an outcry from network staffers questioning her credibility and past support for Donald Trump. Plus, we talk with Gina McCarthy, who served as the first White House National Climate Advisor and was instrumental in shaping the administration's landmark climate law—The Inflation Reduction Act— the country's most significant legislation designed to achieve energy independence and reduce pollution for America's communities. Johanna asks McCarthy about how the Inflation Reduction Act could tackle the costs of the clean transition.

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The Real Reason We Have a Crisis on the Southern Border Mar 19, 2024

Earl Anthony Wayne, who served as United States Ambassador to Mexico during the Obama administration, joins Johanna Maska on this week's episode of Press Advance to discuss immigration policy reform and what's behind the mass migration on the southern border. Ambassador Wayne says that both Presidents Trump and Biden have used executive action to stem the flow of migrants, but it's up to Congress to pass new laws despite the rising polarization stalling the effort. They also discuss what the Obama White House got right, whether the Remain in Mexico policy was effective, and the two women competing to become Mexico's next president.

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State of the Union Response and the Congressional Races Super Tuesday Launched Mar 12, 2024

Congress had a big week as President Biden delivered his State of the Union Address in front of the chamber, but most of the talk surrounded Alabama Republican Senator Katie Britt's rebuttal. We break down Britt's response with former Hill staffer Naysa Woomer, plus a panel discussion with Punchbowl congressional reporters Andrew Desiderio and Max Cohen on predictions for the Senate and House races coming up in November.

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Super Tuesday: This Race Could Tip the Balance of Power in Congress Mar 05, 2024

It's Super Tuesday, and voters head to the polls in multiple states, including Colorado, North Carolina, California, Texas, Virginia, Minnesota, Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, and American Samoa. On this week's episode, Johanna Maska talks to Hill veteran staffers Naysa Woomer and Nandini Narayan on which races are key to watch, predictions for who will succeed Mitch McConnell as the Senate's Republican leader, and reaction to Alabama Senator Katie Britt delivering the GOP's response to President Biden's State of the Union Address.

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Eerie Predictions if Trump Returns to Power Feb 27, 2024

Republicans gathered this weekend for the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), where President Trump told supporters there would be "a judgment day" if he returned to power. On this episode of Press Advance, Johanna Maska talks with Dmitri Mehlhorn, the founder of Investing in US, an investment fund he founded with Democratic donor and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman. Mehlhorn discusses the stakes if Trump comes back to power, how President Biden should address the nation's growing income disparity, whether there is too much money in politics, and shares his predictions if Donald Trump wins back the White House.

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How Do We Get Order at the Border? Feb 20, 2024

The Republican-led House of Representatives voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over his handling of the crisis on the southern border just weeks after Speaker Mike Johnson rejected a bipartisan Senate border security package. Janet Napolitano, who served as the nation's third Homeland Security Secretary, had joined her Republican predecessor Michael Chertoff to warn the historic charges against Secretary Mayorkas are a misuse of Congressional impeachment authority and a dangerous precedent. On this week's episode, Johanna Maska speaks with Napolitano, the former governor of Arizona, about the impeachment precedent, why we are seeing a significant increase of migrants on the border and if the Biden administration is doing enough. They also discuss the high cost of a college education and political polarization on campuses.

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Who Will Be the New Leader of the RNC? Feb 13, 2024

Longtime Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel plans to step down from her role leading the RNC as Donald Trump, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination, pushes for new leadership. One of the top candidates to replace her is North Carolina Republican Party chairman Michael Whatley. But who is Michael Whatley, and how would he shape the national party? On this week's episode, Johanna Maska talks with Rob Burgess, a veteran GOP operative who has worked with Whatley. They discuss how Whatley shaped the Republican Party in North Carolina, the state of the national party, and why he sees Republicans moving away from Ronald Reagan's 'shining city on the hill' vision.

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Why Democrats Took the Wrong Lessons From Obama’s Victory Feb 06, 2024

Paul Tewes, the architect of President Barack Obama's first Presidential victory in Iowa and ultimate victory for the White House, joins Johanna Maska to discuss lessons from the 2008 campaign's winning strategy. They talk about why Democratic support has eroded in rural America, what the Biden campaign could be doing better to drive voter enthusiasm, and rumors that Michelle Obama is considering a run for the White House.

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What Would America Look Like With a Republican Leader in 2025? Jan 30, 2024

Republicans are rallying around presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump after his victory over challenger Nikki Haley in the New Hampshire primary. Regardless of who ultimately makes it to the general election, many organizations like America First Policy Institute are already planning policy strategies for a Republican president. Marc Lotter, a key advisor in the Trump administration, serves as Chief Communications Officer at the organization and says securing the southern border is a top priority on day one. Maska asks Lotter what he hopes to see from the next Republican presidential administration and why he thinks Republicans have handled abortion wrong.

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What Women of the White House Think of the Last Woman Standing Jan 23, 2024

Voters in New Hampshire are casting their ballots today for the state's first-in-the-nation presidential primary. The contest has come down to two candidates: former President Donald Trump and the last woman standing—Nikki Haley. Johanna convenes a panel of three White House alums—fellow Obama White House veteran Ameshia Cross, former Trump White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham, and former advisor to Vice President Mike Pence, Olivia Troye. They discuss why Trump's former competitors are falling in line to support him, whether Haley has a chance against him, who he might tap for his Vice President if he gets the bid, and why Joe Biden isn't on the ballot in New Hampshire.

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He Says the Democrats Need to Wake Up or They Could Lose in 2024 Jan 16, 2024

Press Advance is back for the 2024 election season. And while the Republicans start their process for nominating a presidential candidate, the Democrats are following precedent giving the incumbent the advantage. Congressman Dean Phillips, a Democrat from Minnesota, says that's dangerous. Phillips tells Maska that Democrats need a next-generation leader and that he wants a robust primary. That's exactly why he launched a long-shot last-minute bid for President. He talks to Maska about why he's running, how he would govern, and about navigating the complex global challenges.

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Last Words Before a Big Date Dec 12, 2023

The first presidential contest of 2024 kicks off with the Iowa Caucuses on Jan 15, 2024. GOP candidates are busy making their final case to voters. In this episode, Congressman Bob Good, the freshly elected House Freedom Caucus Chairman, talks about the state of the race, including his choice to endorse Gov. Ron DeSantis, and addresses recent Politico reporting on a recording of him saying why Ron DeSantis is a better candidate than Donald Trump, which he says was taken out of context. He also explains why he believes compromise will not work for Republicans. Plus, Johanna Maska and producer Christine Baratta discuss last week's Republican debate in Tuscaloosa — and what might play out in the new year.

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What To Expect at the 4th GOP Presidential Debate Dec 03, 2023

This week, Republican presidential candidates will take the stage at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa for the 4th primary debate hosted by NewsNation. The front runner in the race, Donald Trump is expected to skip the debate to host a fundraiser in Florida. For a preview of what to expect, Johanna Maska speaks with fellow NewsNation contributor Mick Mulvaney, former South Carolina Congressman and acting White House Chief of Staff in the Trump administration. They discuss Nikki Haley's rise in the polls, the party's factions she'll have to win over to beat Donald Trump, and whether Trump owes it to the voters to show up. They also share highlights from the recent debate between Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom.

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The GOP's China Hawk on TikTok & Trump's Trade Shortfalls Nov 28, 2023

Mike Gallagher, a Wisconsin Republican who serves as Chairman of the House Select Committee on China, joins Johanna Maska to discuss his work on the committee and what he's doing to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable. They discuss disinformation on TikTok and its national security threat, failures in the Trump administration's trade policy, and the biggest threat from the CCP he worries about. Gallagher also tells us who among the Republican presidential candidates has the most credibility with their message to voters about China.

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Elizabeth Vargas, Johanna Maska & Morgan Ortagus On Building Trust in an Era of Political Division Nov 21, 2023

NewsNation's Elizabeth Vargas, who will serve as a moderator at the next Republican presidential debate in Alabama on December 6, leads a Concordia summit panel featuring host Johanna Maska and Republican Morgan Ortagus. The discussion focuses on this trying political time and how one might build trust and make progress, especially important ahead of the holidays.

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Nikki Haley Has Outperformed at Every GOP Debate, Can She Win? Nov 14, 2023

Ohio Republican strategist Mehek Cooke was mentored by former South Carolina governor and presidential candidate Nikki Haley when Cooke ran for office in the Buckeye State. Mehek had started the podcast saying don’t underestimate Nikki Haley. Mehek returns to the podcast to analyze Haley's continued strong debate performance, what she'll need to do to win the nomination, the economic argument Republicans are making to voters, and her thoughts on the recent Ohio vote to enshrine abortion access in the state's constitution.

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Republican Debate week: What's on tap? Nov 07, 2023

The third Republican Presidential Debate will be held Wednesday in Miami, but the frontrunner, Donald Trump, has yet to appear on the stage. For insight on concerns within the party about Trump winning the nomination, Johanna Maska spoke to Sarah Matthews, who resigned from the administration after the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. They discuss Trump's still strong support with the base and what topics candidates should address at the debate to win the voters they'll need, including divisions over Israel and Ukraine aid, abortion, and gun violence.

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Former Republican Congressman on What to Expect of Mike Johnson Oct 31, 2023

We now have a Speaker of the House of Representatives—Louisiana Republican Mike Johnson— who most of America doesn't know, but finally got the entire Republican caucus to vote for him. For some insight into how Johnson might govern, Johanna Maska spoke with Denver Riggleman, a Former Congressman from Virginia's 5th congressional district, who served with him and knows him well. They talk about the divisions in America, some within our families, what to expect from Speaker Mike Johnson, and what to expect in Virginia’s upcoming elections.

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No Budget, No Pay Oct 24, 2023

As Republicans struggle to find a Speaker of the House, bipartisan budget conversations have paused. With another government funding deadline fast approaching, the crazy thing is if there's a shutdown, congressional officeholders, not military members, continue to receive their pay. Johanna Maska talks to Congressman Wiley Nickel from a swing district in North Carolina about what he's seen since he got to Washington, whether there can be a bipartisan solution to fill the speaker vacancy, and his new legislation, with bipartisan support to stop the pay of Congress when they don't do their job.

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Bipartisanship in Washington. Is It a Lost Cause? Oct 17, 2023

House Republicans have failed to nominate a Speaker of the House who can get the needed support from their caucus. The stakes couldn’t be higher—war has broken out in the Middle East—war continues in Europe—yet Republicans have been unable to work through their differences to come to a consensus. To discuss the problems in Washington, Johanna Maska talks with Conor Lamb who won a congressional seat in a swing district in Pennsylvania and faced pressure from Democrats for voting against Nancy Pelosi’s speakership. They discuss the chances moving forward for bipartisan governance in Congress.

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Washington politics is depressing. What’s the Forward Party doing? Oct 10, 2023

Last week, a small band of Republicans led by Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz voted to oust Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, bringing legislative business in Washington to a screeching halt in the middle of a government funding battle and pushing important issues that should have our attention to the sidelines. Johanna Maska talks to two people who might have a path forward—Andrew Yang, an entrepreneur and former 2020 presidential candidate who founded the Forward Party to tackle political and partisan polarization, and former Lt. Governor of Massachusetts Kerry Healy, who joined the organization's board of directors. They discuss what the Forward party is trying to accomplish, how to address the partisan divide in Congress and give us their political predictions, including whether the U.S. will see a recession before the next election.

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Behind the Scenes at the 2nd GOP Debate Oct 03, 2023

This week, we flipped the script on host Johanna Maska with Press Advance producer Christine Baratta, asking her questions posed by listeners about the second Republican debate in Simi Valley, California. Maska shares insights on Nikki Haley's performance, whether Ron DeSantis and Tim Scott stepped up their debate game, what issues the candidates should have discussed to connect better with GOP voters, and what she heard from top Trump campaign insiders at the bar post-debate.

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Is the Nevada GOP Delegate Process Rigged for Trump? Sep 26, 2023

Johanna Maska looks at the Republican presidential nomination process in Nevada, an early nominating state. Under the new rules, campaigns must pay 55K to participate in the GOP-run caucus where delegates are apportioned, but they would effectively be prohibited from participating in the state-run primary. Now, candidates face a dilemma—organize supporters to caucus in a process seen as designed by Donald Trump supporters, or focus on the primary to maintain early momentum. Maska speaks to Nevada politics insider and long-time journalist Jon Ralston, the CEO of The Nevada Independent, for his take on the GOP proposal and what issues will drive voters to the polls.

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Tim Scott’s Girlfriend—Is She Real, Does it Matter? Sep 19, 2023

On this episode of Press Advance, we're talking about political relationships—not the kind you think—politician's personal relationships. A Washington Post article posed the question of Senator Tim Scott’s relationship status—now with the inside scoop that he has a girlfriend—to a lot of people, campaign staff, Republican operatives, and Iowa voters - to get an idea of whether it mattered. Maska talks to her friend and former guest on this podcast, Denise Gitsham, a Republican who worked for the Bush administration and longtime friend to Senator Scott for details on his girlfriend and if his bachelorhood matters to voters.

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Tomi Lahren Tells Her Truth About Kristi Noem, Abortion & Border Security Sep 12, 2023

Johanna Maska talks to Tomi Lahren, a Fox News contributor and host of "Tomi Lahren is Fearless" on Outkick. Lahren is known for telling the truth regardless of what others think and shares her thoughts with Maska on hot-button issues like abortion and solving the border crisis. Lahren also talks about why she supports Ron DeSantis over every other Republican presidential candidate, her beef with North Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, and what issues she wants the GOP presidential candidates to address at the next debate.

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What Really Happened Behind the Scenes with George Santos’ Former Communications Director Sep 05, 2023

Johanna Maska speaks with Naysa Woomer, the former Communications Director for New York Republican Congressman George Santos. Woomer, a Capitol Hill veteran who worked for multiple congressional leaders and former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, found herself caught up in a media storm after a New York Times investigative story detailed that Santos lied about his employment, college education and family background. Naysa tells her story for the first time on a podcast—what she experienced and how we prevent someone like George Santos from fooling people again.

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Is There a GOP Leader Who Can Win Back Republican Women Who Left? Aug 29, 2023

Johanna Maska talks to Jennifer Horn, former Chairwoman of the New Hampshire Republican Party. Now a registered independent, Horn left the GOP believing the party under President Trump took a turn she could not support and actively worked to defeat him. So, after a debate without Donald Trump on the GOP stage, Maska asks Horn what she thought of the debate and whether any of the candidates could bring her back to the party.

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Can Anyone Beat Donald Trump in Iowa? Aug 22, 2023

Ahead of the first Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Johanna Maska talks to Kathie Obradovich, a longtime Iowa political columnist and Editor-in-chief for the Iowa Capital Dispatch. Obradovich shares highlights from this year's Iowa State Fair, from Ron DeSantis getting heckled by the crowd and trolled in the skies—to Vivek Ramaswamy's spontaneous Eminem rap performance. Maska asks how potential GOP caucus-goers are reacting to the candidates campaigning in the Hawkeye state and if one of Trump's opponents could emerge in this debate and chip away at his lead in the polls.

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Does Sean Spicer Have Any Regrets? Aug 15, 2023

Johanna Maska talks to fellow NewsNation contributor Sean Spicer who served as the White House press secretary in the early months of the Trump administration—not an easy job–where his boss, Donald Trump himself, often served as chief spokesperson. Spicer known for his contentious relationship with the press during live televised briefings–a portrayal immortalized in our minds by actress Melissa McCarthy on numerous Saturday Night Live skits—is a long-time Washington insider serving as chief strategist to the Republican National Committee. Maska pulls back the curtain to get to know who Sean is, his experience in Washington, if he has regrets, and the true story behind Donald Trump's infamous “covfefe” tweet.

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Did California Just Make it Easier For the GOP to Nominate Donald Trump to a Second Term? Aug 08, 2023

Johanna Maska takes a look at the California Republican Executive Committee’s vote to rewrite the rules of the state's delegate distribution—a move that gives an edge to the current frontrunner, former President Donald Trump. The party adopted new rules that give all of the state’s delegates to any candidate if they receive more than 50% of the primary vote. But if the candidate doesn’t pass that threshold, they walk away with a proportional number, based on vote tallies. She speaks to Sean Spicer, former White House press secretary and longtime RNC strategist and Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times political reporter, who first broke the story about the Sunshine State shaking up its rules. With Spicer, Maska starts to dig a little deeper into how the rule changes are playing out in states across the United States and why it matters for America’s choices in the 2024 election cycle.

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This Two-Term Republican Governor Says Donald Trump Must Drop Out of the Presidential Race. Here’s What’s Bothering Asa Hutchinson Aug 01, 2023

Johanna Maska talks to Asa Hutchinson, the two term Republican governor of Arkansas who is running a shoestring campaign for the GOP presidential nomination. Hutchinson stands out as a figure who has served with vast experience in Republican politics — he was first appointed to office by Ronald Reagan — and for his outspoken condemnation of Trump. Hutchinson and Maska talk about why he is running, his concerns about the future and what he sees as other candidates’ weakness in taking on Trump, and ultimately winning the election. So far Hutchinson hasn’t made the debate stage, but he continues the aggressive push to get the low dollar donors to make his case.

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Miami Mayor Francis Suarez on Why He’s Running for President Jul 25, 2023

Johanna Maska talks to Francis Suarez, the two-term mayor of Miami who formally announced a bid for the 2024 presidential nomination becoming the only Hispanic candidate and only Mayoral candidate running in the crowded Republican field. As one of the younger candidates, Suarez at 45 years old says he offers a fresh face for the party, a libertarian approach to government regulation and an advocate for emerging technologies such as cryptocurrency. Maska asks Mayor Suarez about his solution to our country’s immigration debate, his view on the policies of Florida Governor and presidential candidate Ron DeSantis and the legality of his unusual Venmo fundraising effort to raffle tickets to Lionel Messi’s debut soccer game.

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What is the No Labels Movement Trying To Do? Jul 18, 2023

Johanna Maska takes a look at No Labels, the group working to establish a path for a third-party presidential candidate to be on the ballot throughout the United States. The organization launched its “Common Sense” agenda this week at a town hall in New Hampshire where they took questions from an audience on how a Republican and Democrat might work together on a “Unity Ticket.” To find out more about the effort, Maska talked with National Director Joe Cunningham and Scripps News Political Correspondent Kevin Cirilli who moderated the town hall panel with West Virginia Democratic Senator Joe Manchin and former Republican Governor of Utah, Jon Huntsman.

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Can Chris Christie Take Trump Down? Jul 11, 2023

Johanna Maska takes a look at former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie—once one of Donald Trump’s biggest supporters—but now one of his fiercest critics. Christie has announced a second run for the White House saying the former president isn’t fit to serve and he's the only one out of a crowded field of candidates who can take him on. To get to know him better, Maska talked to two people who know him with very different perspectives—Regina Egea, who worked in the Christie administration and journalist and Christie biographer Matt Katz, who covered him through his two-terms as governor and his first presidential run in 2016.

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What Do Young People Think it Means to be an American? Jul 04, 2023

For a special 4th of July episode, Johanna Maska talks to Kellyanna Brooking, a 15-year-old Republican. Brooking, who is from Washington state, became politically active after watching deadly protests in Seattle’s Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone. Brooking talks about what it means to be an American and the challenges of navigating political conversations with her peers on social media. Maska discusses the importance of engaging young people and recalls the Obama campaign’s "Barack Stars"—too young to vote—but full of energy and engaged their peers on political campaigns and issues.

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A First Time Candidate on the Republican Debate Stage Jun 27, 2023

Johanna Maska takes a look at Republican outsider Vivek Ramaswamy’s bid for the 2024 presidential nomination. The 37-year old wealthy biotech entrepreneur’s views on controversial issues have gained attention with the media—from his crusade against woke-ism and the nation’s identity crisis to proposing concessions to Putin to end the Ukraine war. The campaign is documenting Ramaswamy on the trail and turning the content into reels for social media betting his fellow tech-savvy millennials are tuning in. As the thresholds currently stand, Ramaswamy will likely be the youngest contender on the Republican debate stage. To get to know the candidate better and find out how voters are responding to the campaign, Maska talked to the CEO of Vivek 2024, Ben Yoho.

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Tales from the Trail with NewsNation’s Kellie Meyer: Candidate Announcements, Trump’s Indictment and early voter reviews. Jun 20, 2023

Johanna Maska checks in for stories from the Republican campaign trail with NewsNation Washington Correspondent Kellie Meyer. As a slew of GOP candidates kicked off their campaigns over the past several weeks, Meyer has been on the road with them. Meyer shares behind-the-scenes stories from the crucial early states of Iowa and South Carolina — from indictment responses to announcement events to which candidate is getting labeled stiff by some voters. Meyer has been covering it all, including conversations with President Donald Trump’s most unwavering supporters.

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2024 Will Test Our Elections System, Will Our Country Pass? Jun 13, 2023

Johanna Maska talks to NewsNation political editor Chris Stirewalt about polarization and how the media covers our elections. On election night in 2020, as the political director for Fox News, Stirewalt was part of the decision desk team that called Arizona for then Vice President Joe Biden. Fox anchors questioned the accuracy of the call while President Trump took to the podium to falsely claim victory. This led to the events of the January 6 attack on our Capitol, and divided our country even further. Johanna and Chris explore how the 2024 election could test our political systems again and the lessons learned from our political history.

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Why Washington Can’t Quit Spending with Mick Mulvaney Jun 06, 2023

Johanna Maska talks to former White House Chief of Staff and Head of Office of Management and Budget Mick Mulvaney about last week’s debt ceiling deal and why he thinks Washington can’t quit spending. Last week Congress agreed on a bipartisan debt deal to suspend the $31.4 trillion borrowing limit until January 2025. To put that in perspective—$31.4 trillion is about 215 times the net worth of Elon Musk. And while Democrats and Republicans say they want to get spending under control, the debt continues to grow — Johanna talks about why that’s the case with Mulvaney, the architect of President Trump’s 2017 budget.

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Do We Have Political Bias? Comedian Matt Friend Helps Us Find Out May 30, 2023

If President Barack Obama gave one of President Donald Trump’s speeches, would you be able to tell the difference? As a thought experiment in bias, Johanna Maska talks with comedian Matt Friend, who has been all over social media with spot-on political impressions. Friend reads Trump speeches as though they were delivered by Obama, Obama speeches as though they were delivered by Trump and Maska tries to sift her feelings having been there when many of these speeches were delivered.

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Will the GOP Remember that Nikki Haley was their Star? May 30, 2023

Johanna Maska checks in on the presidential campaign of the only woman seeking the GOP nomination so far: Nikki Haley. She was South Carolina’s first female Governor, a daughter of immigrants from India, and someone who has been hailed as a potential leader of the next generation of the Republican party. She served as Donald Trump’s US Ambassador to the United Nations but is taking on her former boss in the competition. To get to know her better, Johanna talks with Mehek Cooke, a Republican lawyer who reached out to Haley when she ran for office in Ohio. Plus, we speak with Meg Kinnard, a reporter with The Associated Press in South Carolina who has covered Haley for 18 years.

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A Faith-Filled Launch for the Senator from South Carolina, Tim Scott May 30, 2023

Johanna Maska looks at the second South Carolinian in the GOP race and the latest entrant, Sen. Tim Scott. He has an uphill battle on name recognition, but lots of friends — and campaign cash — to make an impact. To get to know him better Maska talked to some friends across the aisle who know him best. Denise Gitsham is a Republican who worked in George W. Bush’s White House and is a personal friend of Scott. And on the policy side, we hear from Ja’Ron Smith, who served as Deputy Assistant to the President for President Trump and previously worked in Congress when Tim Scott was a member of the House. Finally, we bring back Meg Kinnard from The Associated Press for her thoughts on covering Scott.

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Is Ron DeSantis the Future of the GOP? May 23, 2023

Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis emerged in the first wave of the tea party movement, and was in Congress before Donald Trump was a GOP standard bearer. But now the former President claims credit for DeSantis’ rise and has seen the governor’s emerging candidacy as perhaps his greatest threat to the nomination. Johanna Maska speaks with Kristin Davison, the COO for the pro-DeSantis super PAC “Never Back Down” about why next generation GOP strategists are backing a DeSantis 2024 presidential run. Plus, more on DeSantis’record with Alex Isenstadt, national political correspondent with Politico, who has been covering DeSantis on the campaign trail. Isenstadt shares what he’s observed and talks about the role the governor’s wife, Casey DeSantis, plays in his political career.

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Governor Larry Hogan on Why He Didn’t Run and What’ll Take to Beat Trump May 23, 2023

Johanna Maska speaks to popular two-term Republican Maryland Governor Larry Hogan who breaks down the GOP primary process, the path to victory for a candidate and what he wants to see from the eventual nominee. Gov. Hogan recently decided against making a run for President in 2024 and talks about his version of the politics of hope. Johanna continues the deep dive on electoral math - and the GOP primary process - with her friend of 20 years, GOP strategist Samantha Dravis who worked on multiple presidential campaigns and in the White House for George W. Bush and Donald Trump’s administration.

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What We Should Know About Former Vice President Mike Pence with Alyssa Farah Griffin May 23, 2023

With an election cycle unlike any other, former Vice President Mike Pence is likely to enter the race against his former boss, President Donald Trump and a crowded field of contenders. The job of Vice President is often unenviable in politics because it’s generally viewed to be without power. After many criticized Pence for siding with his boss, he broke with the President January 6, 2021, and refused to overturn the 2020 election results. Johanna Maska speaks to Republican Alyssa Farah Griffin who worked for Vice President Mike Pence for two years as his spokesperson. Alyssa shares insights on who Mike Pence really is at his core, his policy positions, and reveals what he said when he came face-to-face with Vladimir Putin. Plus, those who know us best knew us before: Maska speaks with local Indiana reporter Nikki Kelly, the Editor-in-Chief for the Indiana Capital Chronicle. Kelly tells Johanna what he was like in the early days of his political career.

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President Trump and the Emerging GOP Field with Morgan Ortagus May 23, 2023

In this episode we start with the best known GOP candidate, former President Donald Trump. Johanna Maska speaks with Morgan Ortagus, who served in the Trump administration as State Department Spokesperson, to learn more about who still surrounds the former President, and who might provide the most competition among his rivals. Plus, Julia Manchester, national political reporter for The Hill, discusses the growing field of Republicans running for President and what we should know about them and their chances of winning the nomination.

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Press Advance - Trailer May 16, 2023

Ahead of the 2024 election, NewsNation contributor Johanna Maska takes a fresh look at how we make political progress. As Director of Press Advance for President Obama’s White House and one of his early campaign staffers, Maska knows what it takes to move the needle on the national stage and in the presidential primaries. She takes us past the talking points to look at what it will take to make progress in today’s polarized political environment.

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