The Horse Race

Latest Episodes:

Episode 372: The Center Folds Nov 13, 2025

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This week on The Horse Race, Steve and Jenn sit down face-to-face, #reunited. The centrist dems negotiated a deal to end the government shutdown. Steve discusses Trump's abysmal approval numbers. Jenn does not NOT talk about judicial forum shopping, and there is zero discussion about "Donkey's of Exceptional Cuteness" in this episode...

Episode 371: The GOP Bites the Ballot Nov 06, 2025

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This week on The Horse Race, Jenn and Steve are joined by Rich Parr, VP of The MassINC Polling Group for an in depth discussion about the elections on Tuesday. Dems had a big night, winning seats across the country. What does this spell for Trump 2.0? What trends do the voting stats reveal? https://boltsmag.org/ https://www.umass.edu/political-science/about/reports/2025-12#toc-toplines-and-crosstabs https://www.umass.edu/news/article/kennealy-holds-early-lead-2026-bay-state-gop-gubernatorial-primary-nod-according-new https://commonwealthbeacon.org/newsletter/competitive-mayoral-races-abound-just-not-in-boston/

Episode 370: BOO!-nicipal Elections Oct 30, 2025

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This week on The (headless) Horse Race, Jenn and Steve talk about a new SSRS exit poll that will be featured in upcoming elections. Then, in this weeks "mayoral roundup," several key races feature uncharacteristically shaky incumbents. And finally, the Halloween candy polling data you've all been craving.

Episode 369: Poll-dozing the East Wing Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

This week on The Horse Race, before Steve zooms into the distance on a Kenyan motorbike with the crown jewels of France, he chats with Rich Parr, VP of the MassINC Polling Group, about approval ratings for governor Maura Healey, polling on the “No Kings” protests, and opinions on the new ballroom construction.

Episode 368: Seth rides a pale horse Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

This week on The Horse Race, Jenn is joined by Rich Parr, VP of the MassINC Polling Group. Shortly before taping, Rep. Seth Moulton joined the race for Senate against Ed Markey. Then Jenn and Rich talk about the issues with political violence polling and how those issues can skew the data in favor of violence. And finally, Trump's thoughts on the World Cup in Foxborough. G. Elliott Morris's post on political violence polling referenced here: https://www.gelliottmorris.com/p/most-polls-overstate-support-for

Episode 367: Permanent Markey Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

This week on The Horse Race, Steve and Jenn look at polling on Ed Markey's 2026 reelection prospects. Then Jenn is joined by Rich Parr, VP of The MassINC Polling Group, to discuss recent polling on Massachusetts' competitiveness and Boston housing. And finally, vital polling from none other than the Hi-Chew candy company on which state is most excited for spooky season.

Episode 366: A Shutdown Showdown (ft. Chris Lisinski) Oct 02, 2025

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Today on The Horse Race, Jenn and Steve talk AI's new role in local political reporting. Then Chris Lisinski, reporter for Commonwealth Beacon, joins the program to discuss his latest reporting on the effects of budgetary uncertainty on healthcare for residents of Mass. And finally, dial-up internet is now, officially, a thing of the past.

Episode 365: YIMBYtown and Health Care Frowns Sep 18, 2025

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This week on The Horse Race, Jenn is dispatched to New Haven to attend the "Yes, In My Back Yard" or "YIMBYtown" conference where Massachusetts pro-housing folks angst over the MBTA Communities law. Then Steve and Jenn dig into a sweeping new MPG poll on Bay State health care -- is this as good as people expect it to get? And finally, who is not NOT running?

Episode 364: #BOSMayor Mind the Enormous Gap Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

This week on The Horse Race, Steve and Jenn discuss the results of the Boston Mayoral preliminary election -- by all accounts a blowout for Michelle Wu setting up a tough road to November for Josh Kraft. Plus, all politics is national, and we have some national approval polls to pick through. And last but not least, we can FINALLY stop paying taxes on all the money you've given us, dear listeners.

Episode 363: Mass. Dems Resist Federal Pressure on Boston Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

This week on The Horse Race, Jenn and Steve talk with Politico's Kelly Garrity about the Trump administration's recent threats to ramp up ICE presence in Boston. Trump has also threatened to send National Guard agents to support ICE enforcement, echoing similar moves in LA and DC. On a lighter note, we are down to three choices for a new Massachusetts state flag.

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