Election Connection

We sit down with two former members of Congress, Annie McLane Kuster, a Democrat from New Hampshire’s second district, who served six terms in the United States House of Representatives from 2013 to 2025, and Christopher Shays, a Republican from Connecticut’s 4th district, who served 6 terms in the US House from 1987 to 2009. They join as part of the Congress to Campus program, which provides coll...

We sit down with Boston City Councilor Enrique Pepén to discuss the crucial strides and ongoing hurdles in advancing racial equity within Boston. Councilor Pepén, the first in his family to attend college, shares his insights on tackling issues ranging from housing and digital access to environmental justice, all while representing the diverse voices of Boston's neighborhoods. Join us as we ex...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Miguel Rodrigues, a retired U.S. diplomat and scholar, to explore the complexities of U.S. foreign policy. The discussion covers critical geopolitical conflicts including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Palestine situation, while analyzing the implications of the recent presidential election on international relations. We discuss the intricacies...

In this episode, we analyze the election results that saw Donald Trump win, exploring the implications for various populations and American democracy. We discuss factors like President Biden's low approval ratings, voter turnout, and the impact of economic messaging. The conversation also addresses the historical challenges faced by vice presidents, the support for pro-abortion rights measures in...

In this episode, we examine one of the pivotal issues of the 2024 election: immigration. Our guest, Ragini Shah, Clinical Professor of Law and director of the Immigrant Justice Clinic at Suffolk Law School, joins us for an in-depth conversation. Shah shares insights from her new book,  Constructed Movements, Extraction and Resistance in Mexican Migrant Communities,  and discusses the 2024 presiden...

This one’s for you first time voters (and for anyone who wants a refresher)! Why do we call it a “polling location”? What is a ward and precinct? We get into the weeds of election vocabulary and help you think about what method you will use to vote (early, by mail, Election Day), how to make a plan and how to get ready!    

In this episode, we discuss what voters say is the most important in this election – The Economy. We are joined by Professor Emeritus Jonathan Haughton, the former chair of the Economic Department at Suffolk University. He helps us understand this complex topic and what impact each presidential candidate’s economic policy priorities might have.

We welcome Evan Horowitz, the Executive Director of the Center for State Policy Analysis, (cSPA) at Tufts University to help us understand the 5 ballot questions that voters will decide on Election Day in Massachusetts in 2024.

In this episode, we discuss the Vice-Presidential debate between Tim Walz and JD Vance. We examine the content and form of the debate, and how it is likely to affect the voters in November.

In this episode, hosts Rachael Cobb and Shoshana Madmoni-Gerber in conversation with Polly Crozier, Director of Family Advocacy at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), and Kayci Resende-Abbott a Suffolk University Philosophy Major with a double minor in WGS & Black Studies. They discuss the electoral power of LGBTQ+ Americans, the demand for equal rights, and how their influence is li...

In this episode, “live from the classroom,” hosts Rachael and Shoshana Madmoni-Gerber in conversation with Political Communication  Professor Bob Rosenthal. They discuss the challenges of election reporting, bias in reporting, and ways to counter misinformation and disinformation.

We’re celebrating National Voter Registration Day and talking all things registering to vote. Curious about what a civic holiday is? Interested in learning more about registering to vote? Welcome to a place where you can ask all the questions you want and we will provide you with straightforward, easy to understand answers!

In this episode, we discuss the Harris-Trump September debate. We examine the content and form of the debate. Will it have any impact on whether people vote?

In this episode, we tackle listeners’ questions. All your questions about elections, party conventions, and voting are answered. 

In this episode, we explore the crucial role of poll workers, Election Day Heroes in the electoral process. Over 8,000 local jurisdictions rely on temporary yet vital workers to facilitate smooth elections. From greeting voters and verifying identities to assisting those with disabilities and language needs, poll workers are on the frontlines of democracy. We talk about who poll workers are, highl...

In this episode, we interview Stephanie King, the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at the All-In Campus Democracy Challenge. We discuss voting on college campuses and what colleges across the country are doing to help increase voter participation.

This episode highlights the aftermath of the first Democratic presidential debateand what is being investigated as an assassination attempt against former President Trump. We discuss the potential scenarios for President Biden's candidacy, and the dynamics within the Democratic party and how the current shifts in public opinion will likely affect the upcoming Democratic convention. Join us as...

This episode gives listeners current news updates on where we are in the election cycle. We highlight recent political and legal developments and how they are likely to affect voters and the election outcome. We also mention recent international election-related news in other major democracies.

In this episode, we continue to tackle listeners’ questions, especially focusing on the power and challenges of the youth vote.

In this episode, we tackle listeners’ questions. All your questions about election and voting are answered! Want to understand Rank Choice Voting? Proposals to reform the Electoral College? Presidential Debates? We answer it all in this fast-paced episode!

In this episode, we discuss the historical context and reasons that produced the Electoral College system. We highlight the indirect nature of this vote and detail the criticism of this system and why many Americans favor replacing it with a popular vote system. 

In this episode, we dissect the mechanics of the Electoral College. We discuss the indirect nature of the process of electing the president, explain how states allocate electoral votes based on congressional representation and delve into discrepancies in Senate power and its impact on democratic representation. We also highlight the complexities of popular vote versus electoral vote outcomes and t...

We interview long-time director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, David Paleologos. We learn about explain what polling is, what makes polls scientific, and how to interpret the polling data; we also explain some of the current challenges to relying on poll results in the upcoming elections. 

We delve into into the intricacies of election forecasting and the unique dynamics shaping the 2024 presidential race. How accurate are these predictions? Hosts Shoshana Madmoni-Gerber and Rachael Cobb break down varying approaches to election forecasting, and examine the factors that influence these forecasts, from economic indicators, polling data, to the impact of presidential approval ratings...

Hosts Shoshana Madmoni-Gerber and Rachael Cobb discuss the relationship between journalism and democracy. They explain how the decline of local newspapers is posing challenges to voters, and how the lack of local coverage influences politicians. The hosts delve into the significant challenges in places that are termed “News Desert” and how new business models of journalism can offer solutions.