The Difference Engine

Are we missing the forest for the trees in political discourse? ?? Mike Podhorzer, former political director for AFL-CIO and author of the newsletter 'Weekend Reading' explains why focusing on policy impacts rather than party politics could lead to more productive debates. ?? Listen to the full discussion on Cross Tabs Podcast: https://lnkd.in/eQqx7gWZ #CrossTabsPodcast #PolicyDebate #PoliticalStrategy

??? Episode 18 of Cross Tabs Podcast, "The Two Americas" with Mike Podhorzer is now LIVE! America's political landscape is deeply divided into two distinct nations, shaped by historical, economic, and cultural forces that extend far beyond simple demographics. This divide manifests in vastly different lived experiences, policy preferences, and institutional structures between red and blue states, with profound implications for the future of American democracy and governance. In this episode of Cross Tabs, Farrah interviews Mike Podhorzer, a political strategist and data analyst, to discuss Podhorzer's excellent analysis of "the two Americas," examining how factors like regional factionalism, economic models, religious institutions, and labor unions have contributed to the current political polarization. The conversation covers the limitations of traditional polling methods, the role of exogenous events in shaping political alignments, and the potential for collective action to address systemic issues in American politics. Mike Podhorzer is a renowned political strategist and data analyst with decades of experience in labor politics and progressive causes. He served as the longtime political director of the AFL-CIO, where he pioneered innovative approaches to voter mobilization and data-driven campaigning.? Podhorzer is widely recognized for his insightful analysis of American political trends, particularly his work on the "Two Americas" concept, which examines the deep structural divides in U.S. politics. His writing and research have contributed significantly to understanding the complexities of modern American political landscapes beyond traditional polling metrics. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation: https://lnkd.in/e2TxQYey #CrossTabsPodcast #MikePodhorzer #TheTwoAmericas

Curious about campaign messaging effectiveness? Farrah suggests a more impactful approach, like phone banking, door knocking, and talking with friends in this clip from Episode 17 of Cross Tabs Podcast: "Do Something." Obsessing over poll numbers simply doesn't affect change. https://lnkd.in/e4GGeiXt #CrossTabsPodcast #GetInvolved #GrassrootsMovement

In this clip from our current episode of Cross Tabs Podcast, "Do Something," Farrah takes our understanding of election forecasting and polling to task. While Nate Silver's probabilistic models are mathematically sound, they are not guaranteed predictors of real-world outcomes. ?? As data increasingly drives decision-making across industries, Farrah's message extends beyond politics. It's a call to approach *all* data with nuanced understanding: appreciating its power to inform while recognizing its limitations. ? Are you using data in your work to support preconceived notions, or to truly illuminate? ??? Whether you work in politics, market research, or any field that relies on data analysis, this episode offers a lot of food for thought. ?? Listen to the full episode here:?https://buff.ly/3MsdoKQ #CrossTabsPodcast #ElectionForecasts #DataAnalysi

Polling averages vs. election forecasts: which deserves more attention? ?? Farrah suggests a provocative shift in how we consume political data in this clip from our current episode of Cross Tabs Podcast: https://lnkd.in/e4GGeiXt #CrossTabsPodcast #PollingAverages #ElectionForecasts

Grassroots efforts matter more than predictions when it comes to affecting change. #CrossTabsPodcast #PollingAverages #GrassrootsAction

Polls are snapshots, not crystal balls. ?? ?? #CrossTabsPodcast #PublicPolling #DataInterpretation?

When it comes to elections, margins matter. Farrah explains why forecasts based on past performance fall short in close races in this clip from "Do Something." Learn more about what really affects future performance in the whole episode: https://lnkd.in/e4GGeiXt #CrossTabsPodcast #ElectionMargins #Forecasting

True for both elections and markets. #CrossTabsPodcast #CriticalThinking #Forecasting

Inflation, interest rates, GDP growth – how do these factors influence election forecasts? ?? In this clip from Episode 17 of Cross Tabs Podcast: "Do Something," Farrah examines the economic data behind political models that candidates typically have no influence over. ?? ?? Tune into the full episode to hear more about why poll numbers and forecasts aren't the?sources of truth many people treat them as: https://lnkd.in/e4GGeiXt #CrossTabsPodcast #EconomicData #JobsReport?