Campaign HQ with David Plouffe

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David Plouffe, former President Barack Obama’s campaign manager and White House Senior Advisor, takes a deep dive into key states in the crucial midterm elections - and what it will take to win them. Plouffe’s guests are key operatives, local political reporters and independent pollsters, who don’t just have opinions about what is happening–they know what is happening, because they are the ones in the arena.

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Recent Reviews
  • VirginAirFryer
    Last episode WRAP UP
    I really enjoyed the whole 2022 season but particularly liked the big picture perspectives that you gave in the last episode after the election. I love Plouff’s grounded takes and commentaries whenever I can get them. (MSNBC, etc). Just happened to find out that you were doing this podcast this time tho…and wish I could know when you’re at it again. THx!
  • Jlcod
    Loved this series - 2022
    Thanks for another great series in 2022
  • WrigleyFieldMarshal
    Crapped out of Obamaworld
    Just another hack from the left who can’t look at elections objectively.
  • amyrchapman
    Michigan episode
    Thanks for focusing on Michigan - great guests! A few comments: 70% of those who voted in 2020, did so before the election (up from 29% in ‘18), due to both the first cycle of no-excuse absentee voting and, of course the pandemic. More than half of those who voted early, did so by October 15. This cycle, the estimate is closer to 50% voting before Election Day. Also, another race to watch - the State Supreme Court, which got a progressive majority in ‘20, and if not for that, we wouldn’t have had the reproductive freedom ballot measure allowed on the ballot (the state board of canvassers deadlocked and the court had to force them to act).
  • Hopeful Liberal
    A Deep Dive Into Key States
    Love the podcast. I’m just sad that Ohio didn’t make the list. Maybe we will in 2024!
  • Lindy607
    Excited for Season2!
    I’m very much looking forward to Season 2! Such excellent analysis from one of the best!
  • javs123123
    Great Show!
    I love hearing David and his guests talk thoughtfully about various topics.. Jan
  • EmmaFLVoter
    Intelligent, interesting discussions
    Out of all my political podcasts, I enjoy this one the best. It’s insightful and thought provoking. Love it!
  • Sunken Anchor
    Rightwing Neoliberal Garbage
    Just another Bank Bail out alumni profiteering off the backs of a party that has turned its back on Working Class and The New Deal at every given opportunity.
  • Jim from Boston
    Extremely valuable political insight and guidance
    Thanks so much, David Plouffe and the rest of the team, for this extremely valuable podcast. With Plouffe as host and a series of top-level guests, this show provides deep insight and practical guidance for progressive political activists across the country. As one of the leaders of the largest Biden-Harris volunteer team in our state, I found the episodes to be invaluable. I feel very grateful for this podcast as it comes to a close for this campaign season and look forward to listening again when it starts back up on 2022!
  • BonnieMonday
    Please continue podcast
    What happened? Suddenly, your podcast isn’t on anymore. Just because the election is over, doesn’t mean you should stop. I value your opinions and perspective and would like to listen to your and your guests’ thoughts every week. Thanks!
  • BillJanis
    Ok
    David is very good. Smart obviously. But he drones in too much often, and this podcast is the king of commercials. More than any other podcast. If you compare it to others, like the Bulwark or James Carville’s, or Hacks on Tap, it’s a lot. I’d tell David to tighten it up. Less commercials.
  • Fruitful Listener
    Read about David Plouffe before you review
    I see those that agree/disagree with their reviews, in this age of information you can see the listeners that have an idea what they get themselves into. If the host was by a senior Bush/Trump advisor, those 1 star review would be mirrored to 5. There’s punditry by everyone and I’m always disappointed that no one can see through the messages to form their own logical opinion. If you listen to stay informed, always take yourself to task to inform yourself more, not just this one podcast. If you want to stop at this podcast and rage, you’ve failed only yourself. By no means should this considered as a a news broadcast, but an analysis of the newsday from a former Obama advisor who has an idea of the path towards elections.
  • golgikanji
    Perfect almost
    Your podcast begins with an ad—read by Jon Meacham promoting his podcast in an unbearably dramatic and Narcissistic manner. You need to fix this. Get someone else to read it. Or just cut the whole damned thing if you can afford it. You recognize that Meacham thinks that Reagan was a great American, right? Come on, man!
  • KermitDermit
    Unmatched
    Plouffe is extraordinary. His political analysis is so insightful. Love listening to him, particularly his opening remarks.
  • Pa pa's iPhone
    One sided views!
    This is a one sided view, not giving the people both sides of the election. It’s ok the be a Trump hater, just make it known up front in your podcast. If you listen to the podcast you will clearly hear that the commentator supports Joe Biden. If your going to name you show Election HQ talk about both parties fairly.
  • OUJD80
    Cindy Lin
    Would you please share this with her? I am 65 and lifelong D in Oklahoma. I listed meds to your interview with her while embalming my dog yesterday. She is on my heroes list. What she is accomplishing at 22 is remarkable. I was fascinated as I listened to her describe everything she and her volunteers do to reach voters in MI. I am so grateful for her work and the work of other volunteers. It is going to be the deciding factor in this race. Please let her know that her work is very much appreciated.
  • jimoro
    Thank you!
    Love your podcast, thank you for keeping us informed. Will you keep doing your podcast after the election? I hope you do continue. You have a nice speaking voice.
  • PSK33
    You know!
    Great but omg YOU KNOW! Try sifting through the YK...lol!
  • 24mc
    Love this!
    Great hearing war stories !!
  • Booher
    Great experience and info!
    Great info & entertaining. I love listening to all of my fave hacks: Axe, Gibbs, Schmidt, Plouffe, Hellman, Carville, Murphy, Wilson, Kristol, Sykes...I know you guys aren’t all on the same show - but you all swap around and I listen to you all on every one of your venues...thank you for your insight, leadership and reassurance.
  • Loops511
    Informative and Insightful
    This podcast is a wealth of insights into campaigns and elections for the average voter. Your listeners are well on their way to becoming election wonks!
  • Pmanzella
    Tremendous insight
    I’ve long said that one of my great disappointments is that I didn’t get to work with David Axelrod and David Plouffe, and this podcast has only deepened my appreciation for their skill and knowledge and humanity. Plouffe gives us an inside look at what is going on in this crucial election cycle and he’s brought in spectacular guests to help explain what is going on, why it is happening and what could go wrong (or right.) He’s not only t talked to the big guns like Barack Obama and David Axekrod, but he’s also introduced me to analysts/pollsters who have expanded my knowledge on what is happening and why. This is a “must listen” if you’re at all into politics.
  • Bob Smith again
    Terrible podcast - do not waste your time with this
    Terrible podcast - do not waste your time listening to this as it is all one-sided, and you learn nothing from listening to this unfortunagely. Much better podcasts available where you learn more, hear both sides to an argument, and not listen to the same blabber every podcast. Just a waste of time as mentioned.
  • Harmon61
    Re Barton Gellman interview
    Dems are overlooking a scenario that could box themselves into a corner out of which Trump would illegitimately claim victory. First, and right now, the focus is on Trump's expected claim that the election is fraudulent if he loses. That is, if he doesn't win it is by definition illegitimate. The fear is that Trump will steal the election in any manner of ways, but he is laying the groundwork by saying tens of millions of votes by mail will be forged, bought off and counted late. And he will convince enough Republican-controlled states to prohibit the counting of late-arriving votes, sending the election all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which he is in the process of sealing a 6-3 majority to vote in his favor. That is a real fear on our part. So, Biden bit -- just as Hillary and Dems did in 2016. He defended the system as a way to reassure Americans. At the debate, Biden said he would concede if the vote is not in his favor. But here's the thing. What about illicit votes on the Republican side? What about hacking to flip results in key swing states? How do we know Russians aren't right now hacking into electronic voting systems and programming just enough votes to switch from Biden to Trump for wins in those states? What do we do when the results look legitimate, and Trump has eked out victories in key swing states that give him just enough Electoral College votes to be declared the winner -- and GOP election officials in those key states rush to validate the results before we can test the systems to see whether they held up to hacking? If Dems are so fixated on defending the legitimacy of the vote -- because they assume a Biden victory -- and then find themselves on the losing side, how effective will they be trying to reverse course and accusing Trump of cheating? Knowing Democrats and their excruciating devotion to norms and etiquette, as well as their fear of being seen as -- oh, no! -- inconsistent, and -- horrors! -- hypocritical, they will drop the case. Will they stay on the case?
  • OhSoUpset
    The Saucer The Senate Wishes It Could Be
    Thoughtful and measured. Never a rash or indigent line. Smart interviewer but still human. It’s what you wish cable news was.
  • ikk0321
    one of the best political analysts
    i really appreciate david's expertise, and the guests he brings on are also brilliant.
  • clairea b
    Awesome podcast!
    Smart political talk, inside info, fascinating
  • mbcarst
    A continuation of MSNBC
    If your looking for unbiased news this isn’t it.
  • CH1378
    NEVER
    America will NEVER turn socialist/ communist. To many of me and not enough of you. You guys are only 12%.
  • Meg in San Diego
    Biden-Harris please listen!
    Every episode is thought provoking & Plouffe is a great interviewer without an obsession with interrupting his guests! Podcast with former Senator McCaskill had SO much realistic advice from a recent Senator on appealing to voters in flyover country, moderates and, most importantly on how Biden and Harris should approach their opponents in the debate! Agreed Joe cannot explain & discuss every bill he sponsored or supported over decades in the Senate!!!! Praying his staff are listening & can confront him with this realistic advice!
  • Nurse MBA
    Committed to learning
    Love each episode. Last 4 years have been very difficult and intensifying as we get closer to election. Great respect for you and your guests expertise on critical topics. Especially appreciated topic on all things voting. Gives me some comfort.
  • tchpch
    Hurray!
    A breath of clear, fresh political air! It’s one of the few podcasts that keeps me from climbing the walls during these outrageous times.
  • Zaya9
    Awesome Podcast
    Great guy and very smart individual. If you need political consulting, he’s the guy you need to talk to.
  • fmtn_tiger
    Silent intellectual storm
    David and David (Plouff and Axelrod) are the silent geniuses of this century. David’s views are ingrained with data that is near and dear to my heart. Having President Obama on the cast last week was a remarkable gift to his audience. Believe it or not, this is a must listen pod.
  • vikavhf
    Great man
    I admire and love him, smart and passionate. Have inspired thousands of people all over the world.
  • PirateLifeFF
    Political Trash Podcast
    Extremely simple-minded explanations on complicated issues. Don’t waste your time if you’re looking for the truth. But, if you’re looking for the DNC’s marketing spin, this is the place to be.
  • JennyMarie96
    Seriously
    To those Trump haters who said he would never accept the election results *** f you. As a single woman trying to make ends meet * F all of you. I never thought I would be scared to walk down Michigan Ave Chicago Il to work., f you. All you’re doing is punishing the people who voted for trump.. well I’m going to find a way to vote for him 5 times over so f you
  • Kathy Eller
    Go away
    Your condescending voice is no not missed here
  • Gee Cee
    Get Real
    if Biden wants my vote, i need to hear him articulate clear positions and policies going forward. obama is old news. he's presumably NOT going to ve in the White House, JOE IS. let's get a serious conversation with Biden
  • Julia Wasa
    Smart Calm informative
    I absolutely loved the interview with President Obama. Obama epitomizes all that’s good and wholesome about America. Thank you David Plouffe for helping him get elected and all that you still do.
  • EZ DUBS brawl stars
    I love ❤️ Barack Obama
    Love u man
  • Ginagina Smith
    President Obama
    Love him & miss him!
  • Janevashon
    Obama & Dogs
    Made me so happy to hear MY President podcasting with his dog(s) barking in background. Thanks Plouffe!
  • LEGAIAN
    Should be called “I’m Just Curious”
    This show should be called “I’m Just Curious with David Plouffe.” Almost every time the host sets up a question — 10-15 times per episode — he includes the words “I’m just curious.” The verbal tics do become a little distracting after a while. That aside, it’s hard to argue that Plouffe doesn’t know what he’s talking about. His conversations with Democratic primary campaign managers were especially revealing and in the weeds; since then, the guest roster has moved on to slightly more mainstream fare.
  • nyc- lister
    Too many “ums” & “you knows”
    It’s surprising and truly unfortunate that DP says um & you know every 5 seconds. For such a smart person and it being a podcast where he’s not pressed for time - it’s annoying and crazy that I would like to hear the discussion but it’s so distracting and lazy that DP doesn’t realize this major problem with the podcast. The other annoying thing is DP goes on long boring segments droning on & on about his views of the day. Then he is one of the worst “interviewers” - he just let’s the guest drone on & on. Paul Begala has so much energy and such a smart and actually articulate- he doesn’t have to say you know or um every 5 seconds
  • 505 listener
    Sarah
    Uhmmm was so distracting I couldn’t finish.
  • Sean9812
    Ummm
    I’m an independent who is tired of the presidency. First listen to the pod, very interested in election coverage and off to a good start except for the Stephanie Cutter ummmm umm umm - how do people, umm, speak uh, for ummm a living and like, how umm can they be so uhh, so um self-unaware. Also that was the dumbest answer on how prepare for a contested presidency - her answer was to umm, you know, umm, just handle it like umm, like it’s a...umm shadow government, like in 2008, they were happy to turn it over. Answers as simplistic and naive as that are why I’m concerned the dems could somehow manage to blow this thing and this is who’s leading the convention. Ummm, god help us all
  • Shawndlon
    Uhmmm
    This episode with Stephanie Cutter became so annoying with all of the Uhmmms! Both if you, but she needs to listen to herself on this episode.
  • japlka
    Distracting verbal tics
    She needs to listen to this podcast later. So many ums, uhs, you knows. I stopped and went back later because they were having a good discussion, but they are still talking and I am writing this review, confirming all the ums and uhs. You know? I’ve lost track of the content, and I no longer care.
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