Wide Awake Minnesota: The Debate: Biden's Stumble and Trump's Triumph
Release Date: 06/29/2024
Wide Awake Minnesota: Sherburne County's Election Lesson: Errors, Accountability, and the Path Forward
Wide Awake Minnesota
In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews are joined by to discuss the election night issues in Sherburne County. The conversation centers on a data upload error involving mail-in ballots. Due to a partially seated memory card, the Minnesota Secretary of State's website displayed only partial election results. explains the complex tabulation and reporting process, the safeguards in place, and the human error that caused the discrepancy. emphasizes that no ballots were "found" but that the data was incorrectly transmitted. The issue led to a recount,...
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Wide Awake Minnesota: Breaking the Trifecta: How the GOP Reshaped Minnesota Politics
Wide Awake Minnesota
In this episode, is joined by Alicia Leiviska, campaign director for the House Republican Campaign Committee (HRCC), to reflect on the Minnesota House elections and the GOP’s successful efforts to break the Democratic trifecta. Alicia shares insights into the HRCC’s strategy, including robust field teams, strong candidate support, and record-breaking fundraising led by Representative Lisa Demuth. They discuss the challenges of running in purple districts, voter psychology in split-ticket areas, and significant GOP wins in historically Democratic districts like the Iron Range...
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Wide Awake Minnesota: Campaign Chronicles: Dahlia al-Aqidi and Tad Jude
Wide Awake Minnesota
In this episode, engages with guests Dahlia al-Aqidi and Tad Jude, Republican congressional candidates in Minnesota. Dahlia, who is challenging Ilhan Omar in the 5th District, discusses her vision for inclusivity and public safety and her opposition to Omar’s policies, which she argues have damaged the community, especially in areas like crime and police funding. Tad Jude, competing for the seat vacated by Dean Phillips in the 3rd District, emphasizes his plan to make Minnesota more affordable by cutting taxes and reducing government spending. Both candidates criticize their opponents...
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Wide Awake Minnesota: Unpacking JD Vance’s Visit to Minneapolis and Media Bias
Wide Awake Minnesota
In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews discuss JD Vance's recent visit to Minneapolis and its contentious media coverage, focusing on rising crime, media bias, and political accountability. They criticize the media's portrayal of Vance's comments on the state of Minneapolis, arguing that the city's struggles with crime and business closures reflect more profound governance failures under Democratic leadership. They emphasize the importance of supporting police, tackling crime, and the need for change in the upcoming election. With just three weeks left until...
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Wide Awake Minnesota: Minnesota's Election Integrity Under Fire
Wide Awake Minnesota
In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews discuss the concerns surrounding Minnesota's new automatic voter registration system, especially in light of recent reports that non-citizens have been mistakenly registered to vote due to the state's new "driver's licenses for all" law. They criticize the Minnesota DFL's one-sided implementation of election laws, which they argue has led to security flaws, such as the potential for non-citizens to receive ballots. The episode highlights a recent case where a non-citizen received a ballot and emphasizes the Republican...
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Wide Awake Minnesota: Inside the Polls: GOP Optimism and Democrat Challenges in Minnesota
Wide Awake Minnesota
In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews discuss the latest polling data for the 2024 elections, focusing on Minnesota's tight political landscape. They highlight how the Harris-Walz ticket struggles to gain traction, with polls showing a shrinking lead over Trump, especially among independent voters. They discuss that while Democrats lead in urban areas like Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, Republicans are seeing strong support in the rest of the state. They stress the importance of engaging with voters, especially independents, and encourage early voting as...
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Wide Awake Minnesota: Building Coalitions for the Future
Wide Awake Minnesota
In this episode, welcomes , the . They discuss the importance of outreach efforts in diverse communities, including Rep. Hudson’s initiative at the Juneteenth festival, where he engaged with voters by setting up a booth encouraging open dialogue. Rep.Hudson emphasizes that many of the values held by underrepresented communities align with Republican principles, and he stresses the need for the party to be more present in these areas. They also talk about the GOP's commitment to building relationships and developing a long-term strategy to expand its base, highlighting the significance...
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Wide Awake Minnesota: Don't Export Tim Walz: A Critical Look at His Governorship
Wide Awake Minnesota
In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews discuss Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's shortcomings and failures. They criticize his tenure as highly partisan, arguing that Walz has governed by catering to the far-left progressive base despite campaigning as a centrist. The hosts highlight several specific issues, including his handling of election laws, anti-business policies, and failure to improve Minnesota's education system despite significant spending. They also recount his poor leadership during the George Floyd riots, his draconian COVID-19...
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Wide Awake Minnesota: Unity in Milwaukee: Inside the RNC Convention
Wide Awake Minnesota
In this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews discuss the vibrant atmosphere and high level of unity among delegates at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Chairman Hann shares personal reflections on his first RNC Convention experience, noting the celebratory atmosphere and the camaraderie among delegates. They discuss the potential political strategies moving forward, including the importance of the new VP pick, J.D. Vance, in attracting key voter demographics. The episode wraps up with thoughts on the future political landscape,...
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Wide Awake Minnesota: Campaign Chronicles: Royce White and Taylor Rahm
Wide Awake Minnesota
In this episode of Wide Awake Minnesota, Executive Director Anna Mathews sits down with two of the Minnesota Republican Party's most competitive candidates, and , to discuss their campaigns against incumbents Rep. Angie Craig and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar. Royce White and Tayler Rham share personal insights, campaign updates, and strategies to mobilize voters in their districts. They emphasize the importance of grassroots efforts, address key voter concerns such as the economy and immigration, and highlight their commitment to limited government and America First principles....
info_outlineIn this episode, Chairman David Hann and Executive Director Anna Mathews analyze the recent Trump-Biden presidential debate. President Trump's composed, issue-focused performance starkly contrasts President Biden's apparent incoherence and confusion.
Biden consistently finds it challenging to present coherent arguments and concentrate, implying that he is unfit for the office. Trump's performance reassured his supporters while speaking directly on significant issues, compared to Biden, who seemed unable to counter him effectively.
This episode ends with both co-hosts expressing hope about President Trump's campaign gaining momentum and its impact on other Republicans seeking office in 2024.