About Our Guest

Lindsay Scola began her career in politics the way a lot of people do: convinced it was a calling. Her first job was on the Hill, working for a congressman. From there, she joined the Obama campaign in 2007 as an advance person — one of the people responsible for building events from scratch ahead of the candidate, managing crowds of up to 75,000 people, then getting on a plane and doing it all over again somewhere new. She went on to work in the Obama administration and in entertainment before a diagnosis at age 35 changed the direction of her work entirely. After 19 years of symptoms being dismissed by doctors, Lindsay was diagnosed with narcolepsy — and spent the years since becoming an expert in what sleep actually does, and what we lose without it. She now works as a sleep health educator, offering one-on-one coaching, corporate talks, and an online course designed to help people understand their own sleep on their own terms. She is also the author of AI for ADHD: A Practical Guide for Starting and Actually Finishing the Things That Matter.

🔗 lindsayscola.com

References

On the caffeine culture of Capitol Hill:

• The U.S. government runs on Celsius — The Washington Post

On the pharmacy that hand-delivers prescriptions to Congress — including Alzheimer's medications:

• An old-school pharmacy hand-delivers drugs to Congress — Stat News / PBS NewsHour
• DC pharmacist provides Alzheimer's drugs for members of Congress — Metro US

On cognitive decline among senior officials as a national security concern:

• Pentagon-Funded Study Warns Dementia Among U.S. Officials Poses National Security Threat — The Intercept

On President Trump's sleep habits and their effect on staff:

• ‘The Superhuman President’ A good-faith attempt to ascertain the truth about Donald Trump’s health — New York Magazine
• As Signs of Aging Emerge, Trump Responds With Defiance — The Wall Street Journal
• Inside Trump’s Air Force One: ‘It’s like being held captive’ — CNN.com

On the White House Medical Unit's distribution of stimulants and sleep aids:

• Trump's White House Was 'Awash in Speed' — and Xanax — Rolling Stone
• White House Medical Unit's 'severe and systemic' drug problems detailed — The Washington Post
• White House clinic improperly distributed controlled substances — NBC News

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Kathleen Weldon, Roper's Director of Data and Communications, joins me to talk about what the archive reveals — and what it's missing. We cover a lot of ground - from Cold War surveys that tracked global opinions about American civil rights, to the women who built polling from the ground up but rarely got credit, to the data destroyed to protect respondents from the Nazis, to how pollsters understood the power not only to measure, but to shape public opinion from the very beginning.

About Kathleen:

Kathleen Weldon is the Director of Data Operations and Communications at the Roper Center. She joined the Roper Center in 2014 as Research Coordinator. Kathleen manages data provider relations, oversees the data curation process, plans archival development, and works closely with the IT development team in building new user tools. A graduate of Wesleyan University with a BA in English, she started her career in public opinion at Harvard University designing surveys with media and foundation partners.

The Roper Center can be found here: https://ropercenter.cornell.edu

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Charlie Sabgir is the Program Director for the Young Men Research Project, a research organization that studies the political and social trends among young men. He also writes for the Young Men Research Initiative Substack.

Follow their work and read their research here: https://www.ymrp.org/polling

Subscribe to the substack here: https://youngmenresearchinitiative.substack.com

Key Topics & Takeaways:

• The Crypto Paradox: Why holding crypto and sports betting isn't just for the "basement dweller"—it’s becoming a "middle finger to the system" for employed, high-earning young men who feel traditional wealth-building tools (like 401ks) are too slow.

• The Craving for Stability: Unlike the "hustle culture" pitched to Millennials, Gen Z men are showing a strong preference for the stability of unions and apprenticeships over the uncertainty of internships and college debt.

• The AI Gender Gap: Men are approaching AI with excitement and frequent use, while young women report significantly higher levels of anxiety regarding the technology.

• Redefining "Toughness": Message testing reveals that young men respond much better to masculinity defined as "fighting for your community" and "uplifting those around you" (+21 points) than they do to "anti-woke" grievance rhetoric.

• Political Apathy vs. Engagement: Why young men are less likely to vote than women, and why successful campaigns are using "fun" community events (like scavenger hunts or UFC watch parties) to bridge the gap.

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This conversation is part of an ongoing series of interviews and explorations I plan to do this year trying to answer a slightly modified version of that question - what should the power be for?

One answer to that question is paid leave for all. In 1993, the Clinton Administration and a Democratic-controlled Congress passed FMLA - the Family and Medical Leave Act, protecting workers with unpaid family leave. Since then, paid leave has become steadily more and more popular, and very nearly passed during the Biden Administration.

Our guest this week is Dawn Huckelbridge, the founding director of Paid Leave for All and founder of Paid Leave PAC. With a career spanning gender policy, political organizing, and communications, she has successfully built and led campaigns to advance paid leave and gender equity across the country.

We discussed what's at stake, their approach to getting The Family Act passed, what they've learned in their polling about support for paid family leave from across the socioeconomic spectrum, how states are leading, and what the movement is up against.

Our Guest

Dawn Huckelbridge is the founding director of Paid Leave for All, a position she has held since 2019. With a career spanning gender policy, political organizing, and communications, she has successfully built and led campaigns to advance paid leave and gender equity across the country.

Previously, Dawn served as Communications Director for Supermajority during its launch and Senior Director of the Women’s Rights Initiative at American Bridge. During the 2016 election cycle, she served as Coordinated Program Director for Community Outreach Group at Planned Parenthood Action Fund, where she directed a team to execute the organization’s largest coordinated campaigns in battleground states. Dawn has also held senior roles with People For the American Way, the Center for Women Policy Studies, and the Barbara Lee Family Foundation and Political Office.

She holds a master’s degree in gender and social policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a bachelor’s degree in communications and political science from Northwestern University. Her background in political and issue communications includes work with GMMB and various political and public interest projects. Dawn founded the Paid Leave PAC in 2022 and has served on the boards of several organizations, including Emerge Massachusetts, Family Values @ Work Action, and the DC Abortion Fund.

Dawn’s expertise and leadership have earned her publications in outlets such as Newsweek, The Hill, The Nation, Glamour, and Marie Claire, and she has appeared on radio and network and cable TV.

Further Reading

"Americans Widely Support Paid Family and Medical Leave, but Differ Over Specific Policies" via Pew Research, March 2017

"New Poll Finds Strong Small Business Support for Paid Family and Medical Leave Policies" via National Partnership for Women & Families and Lake Research, October 2024

1. More poll findings here: https://nationalpartnership.org/report/small-businesses-support-national-paid-family-medical-leave-program/

"Creating a Nationwide Paid Leave Program and Bolstering Medicare’s Negotiating Power are Overwhelmingly Popular" via Navigator Research, September 2024

"Dads & Bonding Leave in State Paid Leave Programs", research via Paid Leave for All, June 2025

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The hardest thing to do in polling it seems is to accurately guess who the voters will be. Pollsters get better and better at weighting samples to more accurately reflect observable characteristics of voters, which is why the forecasts keep getting close to the center of the bullseye. But there are still these harder to observe characteristics that it's almost impossible to model... unless you can figure out what they are.

So here's an idea - what if, instead of just throwing up our hands, we found a way to poll people who don't want to be polled?

Kabir Khanna of CBS News did just that - and he came on to talk to me all about what they did, and what they learned.

About the Guest

Kabir Khanna, Ph.D., is Director, Election Analytics & Technical Systems at CBS News. He produces stories on elections, polling, and politics, making sure they are based on best practices and innovations in quantitative social science. He ensures surveys and statistical estimates are representative and accurate, and breaks down results on air. On election nights, he projects races for the network and manages the Data Desk, generating insights into the electorate in real time, as well as estimates of turnout, how ballots are cast, and key voter groups.

Stuff We Talked About

"The voters Mamdani added to the Democratic coalition in New York: CBS News analysis"

"1 year in, Americans call for more inflation focus from Trump, CBS News poll finds"

Polling at a Crossroads, by Michael Bailey

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And honestly, it's not going great. The richest, most powerful men on the planet - billionaires and political leaders alike - are well over 70, on average.

Meanwhile, young people are suffering from the high cost of living, unaffordable housing, high consumer debt, and political unrest.

Based on recent polling, they're not happy.

The right has made a long term investment in their political goals. The left has not.

That's where Amanda Litman and her organization, Run for Something come in - helping to get people under 40 elected to local office. They've been incredibly successful, and are now focused on battleground states and other places in which Democrats have historically underinvested, as well as encouraging renters to run for office.

Our Guest

Amanda Litman is the co-founder and president of Run for Something, which recruits and supports young, diverse progressives running for down-ballot office. Since launching in 2017, RFS has elected more than 1500 leaders across nearly all 50 states, mostly women and people of color.

She’s also president of RFS Civics, a 501c3 that works to end the gerontocracy.

She is also the author of Run for Something: A Real-Talk Guide to Fixing the System Yourself, published by Atria in 2017. Her new book, When We’re in Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership, came out in May 2025 from Crooked Media Reads.

Also Referenced

"Dems Struggle to Make Their Moderates Go Viral" by Lauren Egan in The Bulwark

"The Voters Who Have Taken a U-Turn on Trump" by Nate Cohn of The New York Times

1. Cross tabs from their study with Siena College

"Run for Something Launches Battle Up Strategy"

"Run for Something Mobilizes Renters to Run for Office"

"How Aftyn Behn Shattered Expectations in a Deep Red District"

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And that is both by design, and the output, of totalitarian thinking. Aesthetics are ever-present in politics - the color of a suit, or whether someone even wears one can fill a news cycle and constitute a scandal. Fascist and authoritarian ideologies are aesthetic all the way down. They are both authentically held by people who can not tolerate discomfort with themselves, other people, the way things are, or the way things seem to be headed... and they are a convenient cover for people who have real material goals and know that spectacle will dazzle people long enough for them to get away with just about anything.

And this has me obsessing about one of my favorite books, The Unbearable Lightness of Being, and working through it in a conversation with Cy Canterel, a feral scholar, TikToker, and writer who thinks a lot about systems, aesthetics, sense-making, and how it all works.

In the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's killing, I reached out to Cy to talk about kitsch - something she has written about, and about her concept of a Hater's Discourse, and how this might explain the moment we're currently in.

And then I revisited some of that conversation after the incursion into Venezuela and the murder of Renee Nicole Good. It felt like the right time to talk about this, given that it seems like we're all struggling with how to reckon with real things that seem fake.

Some links for your enjoyment:

Cy's piece on Kitsch: https://open.substack.com/pub/cybelecanterel/p/lost-in-the-kingdom-of-kitsch

Cy's piece on the Hater's Discourse: https://cybelecanterel.substack.com/p/a-haters-discourse

Cy's video on Blackpill Aesthetics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wcw02sEslog

Ryan Broderick's piece on Garbage Day, "The Rise of the Troll State": https://www.garbageday.email/p/the-rise-of-the-troll-state

Don Moynihan's piece on Can We Still Govern?, "Life Under a Clicktocracy": https://donmoynihan.substack.com/p/life-under-a-clicktatorship

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Subscribe to The Bulwark here: https://www.thebulwark.com

Subscribe to The Focus Group Podcast here: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/thefocusgroup

Find out more about Longwell Partners here: https://www.longwellpartners.com

And find out more about Conor here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conorkilgore/

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We also talked about how brands deal with trends or issues that might be salient - but also controversial.

And this month's What's Good focused on the power of satire, humor, and fighting content with content.

Our Guest 

Lauren Goldstein is the lead advocacy pollster for Change Research and holds a PhD from UCLA with ten years of experience as a public opinion researcher and social scientist. She has done extensive research and polling on issues related to racial justice (and injustice), criminal legal reform and police divestment, immigration, and reproductive rights. She is the author of the Mind the Gap newsletter.

What we were talking about was...

• Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll December 2025 - https://harvardharrispoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/HHP_Dec2025_KeyFindings.pdf
• Jordan Klepper Fingers the Pulse: Give the Man a Prize - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdvSonnYw-E
• "The hidden axis: the left-right spectrum has a non-ideology problem" by G. Elliott Morris, Strength in Numbers - https://www.gelliottmorris.com/p/not-just-left-vs-right-most-voters

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We also explored an issue we both have some opinions about - the concept of 'popularism' in political campaigning, how it intersects with different styles of persuasion, and how it influences other decision-making in how campaigns roll out messaging.

Our Guest

Kevin Collins is co-founder and Chief Research Office at Survey 160, a polling firm working to make SMS-based survey collection a staple mode of research to help fuel progressive campaigns. Survey 160 works with high-profile political campaigns at both the national and state level, as well as advocacy organizations and other groups working for a brighter future. You can connect with him on Bluesky @kwcollins.bsky.social or through their website at https://www.survey160.com/

Read their work on AI in survey methods here: The Limits of Simulation in Public Opinion Research

Other Sources Mentioned

• Out of One, Many: Using Language Models to Simulate Human Samples, by Argyle et al
• Predicting Results of Social Science Experiments Using Large Language Models, by Hewitt et al
• Synthetic Replacements for Human Survey Data? The Perils of Large Language Models, by Bisbee et al
• Do AIs know what the most important issue is? Using language models to code open-text social survey responses at scale, by Mellon et al
• Context Length Alone Hurts LLM Performance Despite Perfect Retrieval, by Du et al
• Does AI Actually Boost Developer Productivity? (100k Devs Study) - Yegor Denisov-Blanch, Stanford [video]
• Does accommodation work? Mainstream party strategies and the success of radical right parties, by Krause et al
• The Nature and Origins of Mass Opinion, by John R. Zaller [book]
• Consuming Cross-Cutting Media Causes Learning and Moderates Attitudes: A Field Experiment with Fox News Viewers, by David E. Broockman and Joshua L. Kalla

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Our Guest 

Lauren Goldstein is the lead advocacy pollster for Change Research and holds a PhD from UCLA with ten years of experience as a public opinion researcher and social scientist. She has done extensive research and polling on issues related to racial justice (and injustice), criminal legal reform and police divestment, immigration, and reproductive rights. She is the author of the Mind the Gap newsletter.

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He's the creator of the Congress in your Pocket suite of AI powered mobile apps, and teaches digital political strategy at Johns Hopkins and NYU. He's also the author of Modern Political Campaigns now in its second edition with a. Timely new chapter on artificial intelligence. In this conversation, Dr.

Cohen walks me through the evolution of campaigns from loosely organized operations to today's high speed tech enabled data-driven, consultant driven machines. We talk about how strategy has shifted from relying. Solely on polling to navigating a complex web of information sources. We also explore the rising importance of crisis communication, the fine line between authenticity and brand control, and the double-edged sword of AI in campaign operations.

It's a candid, clear-eyed look at the machinery behind modern elections and what it means for democracy, strategy, and the future of campaigning.

Our Guest

MICHAEL D. COHEN, PH.D. is CEO of Cohen Research Group a leading political, public affairs, and corporate research firm. He publishes the pioneering Congress in Your Pocket suite of AI-driven mobile apps and teaches courses at Johns Hopkins University and New York University on digital political strategy and political campaigning. He is the author of Modern Political Campaigns: How Professionalism, Technology, and Speed Have Revolutionized Elections, a second edition featuring a new chapter on artificial intelligence published in early 2025 with Bloomsbury. After running political campaigns in college, Dr. Cohen served in leadership positions at The Gallup Organization, Microsoft, USA Facts, and Purple Strategies, as well as two political polling firms. He is a three-time graduate of the University of Florida with degrees in mass communications and political science, and he a member of its leadership Hall of Fame.

Sources Mentioned:

The Power and the Money by Tevi Troy

"How Strategist Brain Took Over the Democratic Party" by Ben Mathis-Lilley in Slate

Campaigns & Elections Magazine

The "Harry & Louise" Ads via C-SPAN on YouTube

Jake Rush's appearance on The Colbert Report via the Internet Archive

"Why CMOs Never Last" by Kimberly A. Whitler and Neil A. Morgan in Harvard Business Review

Congress In Your Pocket

Modern Political Campaigns by Michael D. Cohen

Michael D. Cohen's personal website linking to his projects and CV

Cohen Research Group

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We also discussed Strength in Numbers' July Poll, which looked at everything from Trump's approval numbers, to Democrats' weakness on the generic ballot, to the unpopularity of specific provisions of the reconciliation bill, to how people feel about third parties (and Musk's third party specifically).

A core feature of these polls is that Morris takes suggestions from his community for questions to put on the polls - which means that the public gets a say in what we put on public opinion surveys for once.

You can check out the latest July poll from Strength in Numbers (and subscribe) here: https://www.gelliottmorris.com/p/new-poll-dems-lead-house-generic

You can also find his book, Strength in Numbers: How Polls Work and Why We Need Them here: https://wwnorton.com/books/strength-in-numbers

Our Guest

Elliott Morris is a data-driven journalist and author living in Washington, DC. He is the author of STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: How Polls Work and Why We Need Them, a book about public opinion polling and democracy which was published in 2022 by W. W. Norton.

Elliott was most recently the Editorial Director of Data Analytics at ABC News, where he developed polling aggregation and election-forecasting models and managed the research and data visualization teams for ABC’s data-journalism website FiveThirtyEight/538. He was a regular guest on the network’s broadcast and streaming news programs providing political analysis on notable events and upcoming elections.

He is the founder of Strength in Numbers, a data-driven news website that provides regular analysis of national politics and elections in the United States.

Your Host

Farrah Bostic is the founder of The Difference Engine, a strategic research and innovation consultancy. Drawing on her extensive background in research and strategy, she examines how power dynamics and data patterns shape both democratic institutions and market environments, bringing a sharp analytical perspective to the intersection of politics, data, and business. 

Her incisive questioning style and ability to connect political movements with business implications makes Cross Tabs essential listening for political analysts, business leaders, and engaged citizens seeking to understand the forces shaping our political and economic landscapes. 

Learn more about Farrah’s experience helping B2B and B2C companies across various industries turn audience insights into effective strategies at thedifferenceengine.co, and be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn if you’d like to discuss how The Difference Engine can help your business grow with authentic customer insights.

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We talked about the challenges of analyzing elections using panel data, and about the shifts in makeup of the electorate between 2020 and 2024, and what that means for how campaigns think about balancing turnout and persuasion strategies. More than anything, they tell us, mobilization is a result of campaigning. You gotta play to win.

Links:

How Changes in Turnout and Vote Choice Powered Trump’s Victory in 2024

Behind Trump’s 2024 Victory, a More Racially and Ethnically Diverse Voter Coalition

Commercial Voter Files and the Study of U.S. Politics

My interview with L2 about their approach to assembling the voter file: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cross-tabs/id1725891109?i=1000651891510

My interview with Michael McDonald discussing turnout models and his Election Project: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cross-tabs/id1725891109?i=1000666055702

The Red Shift Maps from NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/11/06/us/politics/presidential-election-2024-red-shift.html

Hank Green's response video to the red shift maps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kC9u7NZbGlQ)

David Shor on Ezra Klein talking about changing demographics in the MAGA coalition: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/democrats-need-to-face-why-trump-won/id1548604447?i=1000699618199

Our Guests:

Hannah Hartig is a senior researcher at Pew Research Center, where she primarily studies U.S. political attitudes and voting behavior. She has authored analyses on topics including domestic opinions of the U.S., voter turnout in 2020 and views of abortion. Prior to joining the Center, she was director of research at the Penn Program on Opinion Research and Election Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. She regularly discusses the Center’s political research with the news media and has served as an election night exit poll analyst for NBC News since 2014. Hartig received her bachelor’s in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia and master’s degree in quantitative politics from the University of Pennsylvania.

Scott Keeter is a senior survey advisor at Pew Research Center. In this role, he provides methodological guidance to all of Pew Research Center’s research areas. An expert on American public opinion and political behavior, he is co-author of four books, including What Americans Know about Politics and Why It Matters (Yale University Press), A New Engagement? Political Participation, Civic Life, and the Changing American Citizen (Oxford University Press), The Diminishing Divide: Religion’s Changing Role in American Politics (Brookings Institution Press), ** and Uninformed Choice: The Failure of the New Presidential Nominating System (Praeger). He has also published numerous articles on survey methodology. Prior to joining Pew Research Center, he taught at George Mason University, Rutgers University and Virginia Commonwealth University, where he also directed a survey research center. Keeter is a graduate of Davidson College and received his doctorate in political science from the University of North Carolina. He is a past president of the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR). In 2016, Keeter won AAPOR’s highest honor, the AAPOR Award for Lifetime Achievement, for “outstanding contributions to the field of public opinion research.”

You can follow their work, and even donate to support Pew’s Research, at pewresearch.org

----

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Together, they explore:

• How Anat’s early fascination with language and justice led her to a career in cognitive linguistics and progressive messaging.
• Why most political message testing (RCTs, MaxDiff, etc.) fails to reflect how real people encounter campaigns — and what to do instead.
• The danger of focusing on persuasion over mobilization, and why “say what you’re for” is the most important rule in campaign comms.
• How Democrats lost their working-class identity, and why organizing — not polling — is the only way to win it back.
• The power of persuasion windows and how the left can seize — or squander — them.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in politics, messaging, organizing, or simply trying to make change in a noisy, distracted, and deeply unequal world.

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• ASO Communications – Open-source messaging guides and research
• Words to Win By podcast
• Don't Buy It: The Trouble with Talking Nonsense About the Economy 
• Follow Anat on BlueSky and Substack

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📌 Topic Highlights

• How polling serves as a form of large-scale journalism
• Question design, framing effects, and the limits of hypothetical polling
• Expressive responding and partisanship’s effect on perception
• The challenge of polling on emerging topics like AI and crypto
• Why polls often fail to capture what people mean when they talk about democracy, education, or trust in government
• What polling reveals—and obscures—about voter discontent with both parties

👤 About Our Guest

Ariel Edwards-Levy is the Editor of Polling and Election Analytics at CNN. Previously, she was a senior reporter and polling editor at HuffPost. She is a member of the American Association for Public Opinion Research and was awarded the 2019 Carey McWilliams Award by the American Political Science Association for her journalistic contributions to understanding politics. You can follow her work (and jokes!) on Bluesky.

🔗 Mentioned Resources

• CNN Polling Hub: https://www.cnn.com/politics/polling-center
• CNN/SSRS polling report: "A record share of Americans want the government to get more done": https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/08/politics/poll-government-done-party-trust
• The Breakthrough Project (CNN, Georgetown, Michigan, SSRS, Verasight): https://breakthrough.cnn.com
• Pew Research on AI: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/08/28/how-the-us-public-and-experts-view-artificial-intelligence
• Roper Center for Public Opinion Archives: https://ropercenter.cornell.edu
• Brian Schaffner’s research on expressive responding: https://sites.tufts.edu/brianschaffner/publications/

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Check out our new trailer, and don't forget to like and subscribe to get new episodes each Wednesday.

In this episode of Cross Tabs, Farrah interviews brand strategist Faris Yakob about how misunderstood economic metrics mask the real consumer experience. They discuss how the stock market crash will impact wealthy consumers who've been propping up economic growth, why statistical averages are increasingly misleading when wealth distribution looks nothing like a bell curve, and how political polarization mirrors these economic divisions. Yakob provides fascinating context for why so many Americans feel economically squeezed despite positive macroeconomic indicators. 

Want to be a part of the future of Cross Tabs Podcast? Here are a few simple ways to get involved:  

- Subscribe, rate, and review Cross Tabs Podcast on your favorite podcast app   

- Subscribe to Cross Tabs Podcast Substack and suggest Cross Tabs to your audience if you have your own Substack - we’re happy to do the same!   

- Contact Farrah with guest or topic suggestions you’d like to hear about on the show  

Resources 

Mar-a-Lago Accord  

American Time Use Survey  

The Road to Somewhere by David Goodhart  

'What the Comfort Class Doesn't Get' by Xochitl Gonzalez in The Atlantic

“Strands of Genius” newsletter by Faris Yakob 

Paid Attention by Faris Yakob 

Our Guest 

Faris is the co-founder of Genius Steals, a nomadic creative consultancy that works with brands, agencies and events. He and his partner Rosie speak at conferences and corporate events all over the world and have been living nomadically in between engagements for the last 7 years. 

Previously he held senior agency roles at Naked Communications, McCann and MDC Partners, in London, Sydney and NYC. He is the author of Paid Attention: Innovative Advertising, writes a monthly column on effective brand communication, and bylines include Fast Company, Financial Times, The Guardian, Economic Times of India Brand Equity, and Campaign. 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder of The Difference Engine, a strategic research and innovation consultancy. Drawing on her extensive background in research and strategy, she examines how power dynamics and data patterns shape both democratic institutions and market environments, bringing a sharp analytical perspective to the intersection of politics, data, and business. 

Her incisive questioning style and ability to connect political movements with business implications makes Cross Tabs essential listening for political analysts, business leaders, and engaged citizens seeking to understand the forces shaping our political and economic landscapes. 

Learn more about Farrah’s experience helping B2B and B2C companies across various industries turn audience insights into effective strategies at thedifferenceengine.co, and be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn if you’d like to discuss how The Difference Engine can help your business grow with authentic customer insights.

Subscribe to Cross Tabs 

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• Apple Podcasts 
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Political researcher Patrick Ruffini, co-founder of Echelon Insights and author of Party of the People, discusses these findings in this conversation with Farrah. Ruffini explains how the Democratic coalition has fractured along educational rather than economic lines, with cultural values becoming increasingly decisive in voting behavior. This analysis shows the disconnect between political elites and mainstream voters, highlighting an underlying optimism among immigrant and working-class communities that starkly contrasts with the pessimism often expressed by college-educated whites.

Want to be a part of the future of Cross Tabs Podcast? Here are a few simple ways to get involved:  

- Subscribe, rate, and review Cross Tabs Podcast on your favorite podcast app   

- Subscribe to Cross Tabs Podcast Substack and suggest Cross Tabs to your audience if you have your own Substack - we’re happy to do the same!   

- Contact Farrah with guest or topic suggestions you’d like to hear about on the show  

Resources 

‘Party of the People: Inside the Multiracial Populist Coalition Remaking the GOP’

Echelon Insights   

The Intersection  

Growth and Opportunity Project Report  

David Shor's Diploma Divide Hypothesis  

Political Inequality in Affluent Democracies: The Social Welfare Deficit   

What if the US Were a Multi-Party Democracy?  

Our Guest 

Patrick Ruffini is a founding partner at Echelon Insights, one of the most widely recognized public opinion and strategic research firms in the United States. 

Patrick is the author of ‘Party of the People: Inside the Multiracial Populist Coalition Remaking the GOP,’ called “the book that predicted the 2024 election” by The New York Times and ranked as a Best Book in Politics by the Wall Street Journal.  

An expert in political realignment and demographic trends, Patrick is a prolific speaker, writer, and political commentator. He has offered on-air analysis, including on election nights, for CNBC, Fox News, the BBC, and NPR and written for The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Time, The Atlantic, and Politico, among others. 

Patrick has led hundreds of strategic communications, survey, data analytics, and focus group projects for Fortune 500 companies, leading foundations and advocacy groups, and political campaigns nationally and internationally. 

Since Patrick co-founded Echelon Insights in 2014, the firm has been known for its innovative approach and accurate track record. It was ranked one of the three most accurate private polling firms in the country by 538 and is one of the most-awarded polling and data firms in the country by the American Association of Political Consultants and Campaigns & Elections. 

Before starting Echelon Insights, Patrick led one of the country’s premier digital strategy and communications firms, Engage, and served in senior roles at the Republican National Committee and for President George W. Bush’s 2004 re-election campaign. 

Patrick is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and lives with his family in the Washington, D.C. suburbs. 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder of The Difference Engine, a strategic research and innovation consultancy. Drawing on her extensive background in research and strategy, she examines how power dynamics and data patterns shape both democratic institutions and market environments, bringing a sharp analytical perspective to the intersection of politics, data, and business. 

Her incisive questioning style and ability to connect political movements with business implications makes Cross Tabs essential listening for political analysts, business leaders, and engaged citizens seeking to understand the forces shaping our political and economic landscapes. 

Learn more about Farrah’s experience helping B2B and B2C companies across various industries turn audience insights into effective strategies at thedifferenceengine.co, and be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn if you’d like to discuss how The Difference Engine can help your business grow with authentic customer insights.

Subscribe to Cross Tabs 

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In this episode of Cross Tabs, host Farrah Bostic and Dan Hon discuss the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk and how tech executives' worldview impacts public services. They examine how technology is inherently political, contrasting the "efficiency" valued by tech companies with government effectiveness, while considering how communities might respond to administrative breakdown in vital social programs. 

Want to be a part of the future of Cross Tabs Podcast? Here are a few simple ways to get involved:  

- Subscribe, rate, and review Cross Tabs Podcast on your favorite podcast app   

- Subscribe to Cross Tabs Podcast Substack and suggest Cross Tabs to your audience if you have your own Substack - we’re happy to do the same!   

- Contact Farrah with guest or topic suggestions you’d like to hear about on the show  

Resources 

“Things That Caught My Attention” by Dan Hon 

‘Snow Crash’ by Neal Stephenson  

‘Lexicon’ https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16158596-lexicon by Max Barry 

‘Jennifer Government’  by Max Barry 

"The Nation's Data at Risk" by the American Statistical Association  

“Imaginary Friends” by Jeffrey Goldberg, The New Yorker 

Blue Ant Series by William Gibson series  

Musk Watch Judd Legum 

Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)  

DOGE Live Tracker 

Our Guest 

Dan Hon is a technologist and civic technology expert with extensive experience at the intersection of government and digital services, previously serving as the Editorial Director of Code for America. Hon has worked in both the public and private sectors, including at advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy, where he developed innovative interactive experiences. He's known for his insightful commentary on digital government, government efficiency, and the ethical implications of technology in civic spaces. He currently writes the “Things That Caught My Attention” newsletter and is a respected voice on how technology impacts government services and citizen experiences. His strategic consultancy is Very Little Gravitas.

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder of The Difference Engine, a strategic research and innovation consultancy. Drawing on her extensive background in research and strategy, she examines how power dynamics and data patterns shape both democratic institutions and market environments, bringing a sharp analytical perspective to the intersection of politics, data, and business. 

Her incisive questioning style and ability to connect political movements with business implications makes Cross Tabs essential listening for political analysts, business leaders, and engaged citizens seeking to understand the forces shaping our political and economic landscapes. 

Learn more about Farrah’s experience helping B2B and B2C companies across various industries turn audience insights into effective strategies at thedifferenceengine.co, and be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn if you’d like to discuss how The Difference Engine can help your business grow with authentic customer insights.

Subscribe to Cross Tabs 

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to Cross Tabs on your favorite podcast platform: 

• Apple Podcasts 
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In this enlightening conversation with Lauren Goldstein from Change Research, Farrah takes aim at how political polling often misses the deeper values that drive voter opinion. Their discussion reveals how understanding "symbolic politics" — the emotional frameworks and values that shape political identity — can transform political communication and uncover surprising consensus on seemingly divisive issues. 

Want to be a part of the future of Cross Tabs Podcast? Here are a few simple ways to get involved:  

• Subscribe, rate, and review Cross Tabs Podcast on your favorite podcast app   
• Subscribe to Cross Tabs Podcast Substack and suggest Cross Tabs to your audience if you have your own Substack - we’re happy to do the same!   
• Contact Farrah with guest or topic suggestions you’d like to hear about on the show  

Resources 

Lauren's essay on her substack, Mind the Gap: ‘Actually, Abortion Isn’t Polarizing’  

Change Research  

‘Where Do Americans Stand on Abortion?’   

The American Voter  

Symbolic politics theory research  

Our Guest 

Lauren Goldstein is the lead advocacy pollster for Change Research and holds a PhD from UCLA with ten years of experience as a public opinion researcher and social scientist. She has done extensive research and polling on issues related to racial justice (and injustice), criminal legal reform and police divestment, immigration, and reproductive rights. 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder of The Difference Engine, a strategic research and innovation consultancy. Drawing on her extensive background in research and strategy, she examines how power dynamics and data patterns shape both democratic institutions and market environments, bringing a sharp analytical perspective to the intersection of politics, data, and business. 

Her incisive questioning style and ability to connect political movements with business implications makes Cross Tabs essential listening for political analysts, business leaders, and engaged citizens seeking to understand the forces shaping our political and economic landscapes. 

Learn more about Farrah’s experience helping B2B and B2C companies across various industries turn audience insights into effective strategies at thedifferenceengine.co, and be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn if you’d like to discuss how The Difference Engine can help your business grow with authentic customer insights.

Subscribe to Cross Tabs 

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to Cross Tabs on your favorite podcast platform: 

• Apple Podcasts 
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In this episode of Cross Tabs, Farrah Bostic speaks with Renee DiResta, a leading researcher on misinformation who traces her journey from concerned parent to disinformation expert. DiResta unpacks how platforms' business models prioritize engagement over truth, explains why political messaging strategies differ dramatically between left and right, and offers practical recommendations for resetting online norms beyond simple calls for media literacy. 

Want to be a part of the future of Cross Tabs Podcast? Here are a few simple ways to get involved:  

• Subscribe, rate, and review Cross Tabs Podcast on your favorite podcast app   
• Subscribe to Cross Tabs Podcast Substack and suggest Cross Tabs to your audience if you have your own Substack - we’re happy to do the same!   
• Contact Farrah with guest or topic suggestions you’d like to hear about on the show  

Resources 

'Propaganda'  

'The Invisible Rulers'  

'Shrimp, slop, spam: what counts as creativity?'  

'Instagram 'Error' Turned Reels Into Neverending Scroll of Murder, Gore, and Violence'  

'Influence and Improvisation: Participatory Disinformation during the 2020 US Election' 

The Lawfare Podcast "Lawfare Daily: A World Without Cesars"  

Our Guest 

Renée DiResta is an Associate Research Professor at Georgetown's McCourt School who studies how information spreads and distorts online. Her research examines the ecosystem of influence operations, from viral misinformation to coordinated propaganda campaigns. DiResta investigates the interplay between algorithms, influencers, and human behavior that shapes our online information environment. She has advised Congress, the State Department, and global leaders on countering digital manipulation and is the author of ‘The Invisible Rulers,’ which explores propaganda in the digital age. 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder of The Difference Engine, a strategic research and innovation consultancy. Drawing on her extensive background in research and strategy, she examines how power dynamics and data patterns shape both democratic institutions and market environments, bringing a sharp analytical perspective to the intersection of politics, data, and business. 

Her incisive questioning style and ability to connect political movements with business implications makes Cross Tabs essential listening for political analysts, business leaders, and engaged citizens seeking to understand the forces shaping our political and economic landscapes. 

Learn more about Farrah’s experience helping B2B and B2C companies across various industries turn audience insights into effective strategies at thedifferenceengine.co, and be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn if you’d like to discuss how The Difference Engine can help.

Subscribe to Cross Tabs 

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to Cross Tabs on your favorite podcast platform: 

• Apple Podcasts 
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In this episode of Cross Tabs, Farrah speaks with Pew Research Center experts Jonathan Evans and Laura Silver about their groundbreaking study on religious nationalism across 36 countries. They discuss their methodological approach to studying such a complex topic across different religions and cultures, the nuances of what it means to be a "religious state" while maintaining democracy, and the stark political polarization in America compared to other nations. 

Want to be a part of the future of Cross Tabs Podcast? Here are a few simple ways to get involved:  

- Subscribe, rate, and review Cross Tabs Podcast on your favorite podcast app   

- Subscribe to Cross Tabs Podcast Substack and suggest Cross Tabs to your audience if you have your own Substack - we’re happy to do the same!   

- Contact Farrah with guest or topic suggestions you’d like to hear about on the show  

Resources 

Religious Nationalism Report  

India Religious Study  

Christian Nationalism in the US  

Western Europe Religious Study  

American Views on China  

Our Guests 

Jonathan Evans is a Senior Researcher on the Religion team at Pew Research Center, approaching nine years with the organization. His work focuses primarily on international religious research, including leading a major project involving 30,000 interviews in India examining the intersection of religion with public life. Evans specializes in studying how religious beliefs, practices, and identities intersect with other aspects of people's lives across different cultural contexts. 

Laura Silver is an Associate Director on the Global Attitudes team at Pew Research Center with eight years of experience conducting cross-national surveys. She specializes in studying global phenomena in comparative contexts and has extensive expertise in American views of China. Silver oversees large cross-national surveys spanning dozens of countries, helping to provide context for how different global phenomena impact countries in varying ways. 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder of The Difference Engine, a strategic research and innovation consultancy. Drawing on her extensive background in research and strategy, she examines how power dynamics and data patterns shape both democratic institutions and market environments, bringing a sharp analytical perspective to the intersection of politics, data, and business. 

Her incisive questioning style and ability to connect political movements with business implications makes Cross Tabs essential listening for political analysts, business leaders, and engaged citizens seeking to understand the forces shaping our political and economic landscapes. 

Learn more about Farrah’s experience helping B2B and B2C companies across various industries turn audience insights into effective strategies at thedifferenceengine.co, and be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn if you’d like to discuss how The Difference Engine can help.

Subscribe to Cross Tabs 

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to Cross Tabs on your favorite podcast platform: 

• Apple Podcasts 
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In this episode of Cross Tabs, Farrah Bostic speaks with political strategist Rachel Bitecofer about Democratic Party messaging failures and what effective opposition looks like in 2025. Bitecofer emphasizes that Democrats must stop being selective about which battles to fight and instead mount consistent, visible resistance that frames Republicans as extremists who have harmed working Americans through decades of economic policies. 

Want to be a part of the future of Cross Tabs Podcast? Here are a few simple ways to get involved: 

- Subscribe, rate, and review Cross Tabs Podcast on your favorite podcast app  

- Subscribe to Cross Tabs Podcast Substack and suggest Cross Tabs to your audience if you have your own Substack - we’re happy to do the same!  

- Contact Farrah with guest or topic suggestions you’d like to hear about on the show 

Resources 

‘Hit ‘em Where It Hurts’  

The Cycle (Substack)

‘Politics and the English Language’  

‘The American Voter’   

‘Testing to Destruction’   

"What Is Power For?"   

"Partisanship in the Trump Era"  

Quinnipac Poll

Our Guest 

Rachel Bitecofer is an American political scientist and election forecaster turned political strategist, renowned for her accurate early prediction of the "Blue Wave" in the 2018 midterm elections. Bitecofer has served as a lecturer at Christopher Newport University and as assistant director of the Wason Center for Public Policy, where she conducted polling and election forecasting. She later became a senior fellow at the Niskanen Center, a centrist think tank in Washington, D.C. Her analyses have been featured in prominent media outlets, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and MSNBC. In 2024, she published "Hit 'Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game," advocating for strategic approaches to bolster democratic processes. 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder of The Difference Engine, a strategic research and innovation consultancy. Drawing on her extensive background in research and strategy, she examines how power dynamics and data patterns shape both democratic institutions and market environments, bringing a sharp analytical perspective to the intersection of politics, data, and business. 

Her incisive questioning style and ability to connect political movements with business implications makes Cross Tabs essential listening for political analysts, business leaders, and engaged citizens seeking to understand the forces shaping our political and economic landscapes. 

Learn more about Farrah’s experience helping B2B and B2C companies across various industries turn audience insights into effective strategies at thedifferenceengine.co, and be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn if you’d like to discuss how The Difference Engine can help.

Subscribe to Cross Tabs 

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to Cross Tabs on your favorite podcast platform: 

• Apple Podcasts 
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In this episode of Cross Tabs, host Farrah Bostic speaks with political strategist Mike Podhorzer about what real democracy looks like beyond elections. They discuss how labor unions provide essential counterbalance to corporate power, why judicial supremacy has undermined democratic governance, and how precise language matters when describing political realities. Podhorzer explains that collective power through organizing is the only viable path to resist authoritarianism and restore responsive governance. 

Want to be a part of the future of Cross Tabs? Here are a few simple ways to get involved: 

• Subscribe, rate, and review Cross Tabs Podcast on your favorite podcast app  
• Subscribe to Cross Tabs Podcast Substack and suggest Cross Tabs to your audience if you have your own Substack - we’re happy to do the same!  
• Contact Farrah with guest or topic suggestions you’d like to hear about on the show 

Resources 

Weekend Reading newsletter by Mike Podhorzer 

"The Oligarchs Understand Power, Do We?" by Mike Podhorzer, Weekend Reading 

"Trump Voters Splinter Over His Rapid Shake-Up of Washington" by Eliza Collins, Wall Street Journal 

Presidential Records Act  

Our Guest 

Mike Podhorzer is a leading political strategist and data analyst with extensive experience in labor organizing and electoral politics. He served as the Political Director of the AFL-CIO for over a decade, where he developed innovative approaches to voter mobilization and progressive coalition-building. 

Podhorzer is known for his insightful analysis of political power structures and his advocacy for strengthening democratic institutions through organized labor. He now writes the ‘Weekend Reading’ newsletter, where he examines the relationships between collective power, democracy, and economic justice. His work focuses on how ordinary Americans can build meaningful political influence to counter the outsized power of wealthy interests in our political system. 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder of The Difference Engine, a strategic research and innovation consultancy. Drawing on her extensive background in research and strategy, she examines how power dynamics and data patterns shape both democratic institutions and market environments, bringing a sharp analytical perspective to the intersection of politics, data, and business. 

Her incisive questioning style and ability to connect political movements with business implications makes Cross Tabs essential listening for political analysts, business leaders, and engaged citizens seeking to understand the forces shaping our political and economic landscapes. 

Learn more about Farrah’s experience helping B2B and B2C companies across various industries turn audience insights into effective strategies at thedifferenceengine.co, and be sure to connect with her on LinkedIn if you’d like to discuss how The Difference Engine can help.

Subscribe to Cross Tabs 

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In this episode of Cross Tabs, host Farrah Bostic unveils five key areas the show will tackle this season: deep dives into local political transformations, the historical evolution of polling and surveys, the shift of campaign messaging from Madison Avenue to K Street, lessons from history about how other countries built democracies after surviving and overcoming authoritarianism, and a look forward into what kinds of democracies can be built when we're not steeped in Constitutional nostalgia. Drawing on her background in political science, law, and market research, Farrah aims to help listeners understand the systems that drive political change and imagine new possibilities for democracy's future. 

Want to be a part of the future of Cross Tabs Podcast? Here are a few simple ways to get involved:

- Subscribe, rate, and review Cross Tabs Podcast on your favorite podcast app 

- Subscribe to Cross Tabs Podcast Substack and suggest Cross Tabs to your audience if you have your own Substack - we’re happy to do the same! 

- Contact Farrah with guest or topic suggestions you’d like to hear about on the show 

Resources 

‘On Freedom’ by Timothy Snyder 

‘How Rights Went Wrong’ by Jamal Greene  

‘Just Evil Enough’ by Emily Ross and Alistair Croll  

Behind the Bastards podcast hosted by Robert Evans

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to Cross Tabs 

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to Cross Tabs on your favorite podcast platform: 

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Here are just a few recent stories:

"What we all lose in Trump and Musk's attack on government data" (Axios, February 7, 2025)

"Thousands of U.S. Government Web Pages Have Been Taken Down Since Friday" (NY Times, February 2, 2025)

"Archivists Work to Identify and Save the Thousands of Datasets Disappearing From Data.gov" (404 Media, January 30, 2025)

"CDC Data Are Disappearing" (The Atlantic, January 31, 2025)

This episode is an encore presentation of a conversation I had last summer with Connie Citro, an investigator on the American Statistical Association's paper, "The Nation's Data at Risk". We discussed the need for government-collected data, the threats facing (and now in full view of) the nation's statistical agencies, and ways you can support the agencies in their work.

Here are a few resources if you want to gain access to archived data, or want to support organizations that are acting to defend the agencies and preserve their — our — data.

• The American Statistical Association
• The Data Rescue Project
• The Census Project
• Friends of the Bureau of Labor Statistics
• The CDC Foundation 

Our Guest 

Connie Citro is a distinguished expert in federal statistics with over four decades of experience in the field. She served for many years as the director of the Committee on National Statistics at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, where she now continues as a senior scholar. Throughout her career, Citro has been involved in numerous studies on critical statistical issues, including decennial census methodologies, poverty measurement, and the American Community Survey. Her extensive knowledge and experience make her a leading voice in discussions about the health and future of the U.S. federal statistical system.  

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn. 

Subscribe to Cross Tabs 

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to Cross Tabs on your favorite podcast platform: 

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Authors Alistair Croll and Emily Ross join Farrah to discuss their new book Just Evil Enough, which examines how challenger brands and political movements can effectively compete against established powers. The conversation spans practical examples from Burger King's "Whopper Detour" campaign to AOC's social media prowess, while exploring the critical difference between gaining attention and converting it into results. The discussion provides fresh insights into how Democrats might approach the election cycle by adopting more effective fighting tactics and embracing strategic norm breaking. 

Resources 

Just Evil Enough by Alistair Croll and Emily Ross  

Lean Analytics by Alistair Croll   

Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky   

Black Pill by Elle Reeve   

The Unaccountability Machine by Dan Davies   

Running from Office by Jennifer Lawless  

'In Tense Call, Governors Push Schumer to Fight Harder Against Trump’ - New York Times  

Data Void Techniques - Data & Society 

Our Guests 

Alistair Croll is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and technology industry veteran. He co-authored the influential book Lean Analytics and has founded multiple companies in data analytics and digital governance. As a sought-after advisor and conference chair, he operates at the intersection of technology, business strategy, and behavioral science. Croll frequently speaks on innovation, digital transformation, and the societal impact of emerging technologies. His latest book, Just Evil Enough (co-authored by Emily Ross), builds on his expertise in analytics and behavioral psychology to explore how underdogs can effectively challenge established systems. 

Emily Ross is a brand strategist and technology marketing expert who leads brand strategy for social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). She founded Inkvine, a consultancy specializing in deep tech and complex technology marketing. Ross serves on the SXSW startup panel and has built her career helping organizations like UNICEF and emerging startups translate complex innovations into compelling narratives. Her expertise spans behavioral science, digital culture, and subversive marketing strategies. 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to Cross Tabs 

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In this episode, Pew Research Center's Richard Wike and Patrick Moynihan share insights from their extensive global democracy study spanning 31 countries, explaining how they measure democratic satisfaction across different cultures and political systems and the fascinating regional patterns that are revealed, like the north-south divide in European attitudes and America's uniquely high levels of political polarization. They share their methodological approach to conducting cross-national surveys and touch on upcoming new research on global views about free speech and inequality. 

Resources 

Freedom House  

Economist Intelligence Unit  

V-Dem  

International IDEA  

World Values Survey  

‘Economic Inequality Seen as Major Challenge Around the World’ - Pew Research Center (Richard Wike et al)  

‘What Can Improve Democracy’ - Pew Research Center  

‘What the World Thinks in 2002’ - Pew Research Center  

2022 Political Polarization Study - Pew Research Center  

31-Country Democracy Study - Pew Research Center  

Global Attitudes Project - Pew Research Center  

‘The Danger of Deconsolidation: The Democratic Disconnect’ - Roberto Stefan Foa, Yascha Mounk 

Our Guests 

Patrick Moynihan is associate director of international research methods at Pew Research Center. Before joining Pew, he served as survey methodologist at the U.S. Department of State and as senior polling analyst at ABC News. He holds a doctorate in sociology from SUNY Stony Brook and has extensive experience in survey design, polling methodology, and election research. 

Richard Wike is director of global attitudes research at Pew Research Center, where he studies international public opinion on topics like democracy, globalization, and America's global image. His research has been featured in major publications including The Atlantic, Foreign Affairs, and The Guardian. He holds a doctorate in political science from Emory University. 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to Cross Tabs 

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Author and theorist Grafton Tanner draws surprising connections between streaming algorithms, dead malls, and political messaging to explain how nostalgia is strategically deployed to influence behavior. Through analysis of cultural touchstones like Forrest Gump and Mad Men, he examines why some forms of nostalgia successfully drive engagement while others fall flat, and questions whether our current obsession with the past threatens our ability to imagine new futures. 

Resources 

‘The Hours Have Lost Their Clock’ by Grafton Tanner  

‘Foreverism’ by Grafton Tanner  

‘Millennials Rising’ by Neil Howe and William Strauss  

Our Guest 

Grafton Tanner is the author of Foreverism, The Hours Have Lost Their Clock: The Politics of Nostalgia, The Circle of the Snake: Nostalgia and Utopia in the Age of Big Tech, and Babbling Corpse: Vaporwave and the Commodification of Ghosts). His work focuses on nostalgia, technology, and the rhetoric of neoliberalism, and his writing has appeared in such venues as NPR, The Nation, the Los Angeles Review of Books, Jacobin, and Real Life. He is the host of Delusioneering, a three-episode audio series about the myths of capitalism. Currently he is writing a book on the re-emergence of exorcism in the late twentieth century. 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to Cross Tabs 

Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to Cross Tabs on your favorite podcast platform: 

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In this thoughtful conversation, political strategists Natalie Lupiani and Shannon join host Farrah Bostic to dissect what went wrong in the Democratic campaign and what it means for the future of American politics. They examine how the Democrats' reliance on outdated campaign tactics, failure to engage meaningfully with communities between election cycles, and misreading of voter priorities contributed to their loss. The discussion offers particularly valuable insights into the party's struggles with economic messaging, identity politics, and the challenge of connecting with voters who feel increasingly disconnected from traditional political institutions. 

Resources 

'Kamala Harris Crushed Donald Trump...and Voters Noticed’ episode of The Bulwark’s Focus Group Podcast  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEpOQw35Vaw 

‘Democrats Have a Better Option Than Biden’ NYT article by Ezra Klein https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/16/opinion/ezra-klein-biden-audio-essay.html  

'Gen Z’s Vision of Success? Nearly $600,000 a Year’ Yahoo! Finance article by Cara Michelle Smith  https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gen-z-vision-success-nearly-103005295.html  

Our Guests 

Shannon-Janean Currie is a Vice President of Benenson Strategy Group, with over a decade of experience in research and messaging, specializing in minority audiences and disenfranchised communities. Her work combines quantitative and qualitative methods to help organizations like the ACLU, Fwd.us, and The National Urban League connect with and uplift communities. Known for her groundbreaking studies on Black America and criminal justice reform, Shannon is deeply committed to advocacy, mentorship, and counter-polarization efforts. 

Natalie Lupiani, is an opinion researcher and strategic consultant with over a decade of experience crafting data-driven strategies for campaigns, branding, corporate culture, and communications. She has partnered with Fortune 500 companies like Pfizer, Toyota, and AT&T, as well as nonprofits and advocacy groups, leveraging insights from domestic and international research to drive impactful decisions. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Natalie is passionate about supporting service members through her professional work and volunteer efforts with organizations like TAPS. 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn.

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Natalie Jackson, political analyst and pollster, shares insights from her work on down-ballot campaigns and her recent National Journal article examining voter engagement. Drawing on focus group research and polling data, she discusses how campaigns must adapt messaging for different districts, why negative partisanship strategies don't always work, and the challenges women face in gaining recognition as polling experts despite often leading the actual research teams. 

Resources 

National Journal https://www.nationaljournal.com/search/?a=Natalie%20Jackson  

Financial Times (FT) chart https://www.ft.com/  

Kaiser Family Foundation polling https://www.kff.org/2024-survey-of-women-voters-dashboard-june-initial-survey/  

Sarah Longwell's focus groups https://www.thebulwark.com/s/thefocusgroup   

YouGov polls https://today.yougov.com/politics/articles/50960-how-americans-have-reacted-to-donald-trumps-2024-victory   

AAPC post-election event https://theaapc.org/education-events/2024-post-mortem-event-2/   

FiveThirtyEight Politics podcast https://fivethirtyeight.com/podcasts/  

Our Guest 

Natalie Jackson, PhD, is Vice President at GQR. She has spent nearly two decades developing extensive expertise in survey research, methodology, and political polling. Her research on how people form opinions, as well as on the election polling and forecasting landscape has appeared in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes, and she has a weekly column on data politics called Leading Indicators at National Journal. 

Prior to joining GQR, she was Director of Research at PRRI and Managing Director of Polling at Just Capital. Earlier in her career, she held senior and management positions at the Marist Institute for Public Opinion and The Huffington Post. She is an active member for the American Association for Public Opinion Research, serves on the council for the National Capitol Area Political Science Association, and co-chairs the Careers Diversity Committee for the American Political Science Association. She is on the editorial boards of Social Science Quarterly and PS: Political Science and Politics. 

Natalie received her PhD in political science from the University of Oklahoma and was a postdoctoral associate at the Duke University Initiative on Survey Methodology. Her BA in political science and history is from West Texas A&M University. She enjoys life in Washington, DC with her cats, but you might also find her hiking in Alaska or the Hudson Valley of New York. 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn. 

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Brian Schaffner, professor at Tufts University and Co-Director of the Cooperative Election Study (CES), joins Farrah on Cross Tabs to discuss the evolution of political polling methodology. He shares insights from running one of the largest academic election surveys, which interviews 60,000 Americans during election years. The conversation covers innovations in online polling, the science of predicting voter turnout, and how political campaigns are increasingly embracing data-driven decision making. Schaffner addresses common misconceptions about polling accuracy and explains why it takes months after an election to fully understand voting patterns and demographic shifts. 

Resources 

Tufts University Cooperative Election Study (CES) https://tischcollege.tufts.edu/research-faculty/research-centers/cooperative-election-study 

Interactive Visualization Tools from CES https://tischcollege.tufts.edu/research-faculty/research-centers/cooperative-election-study/ces-quick-tools 

QAnon and Conspiracy Beliefs Report by Brian Schaffner https://www.isdglobal.org/isd-publications/qanon-and-conspiracy-beliefs/ 

Financial Times, “Democrats join 2024’s graveyard of incumbents” https://www.ft.com/content/e8ac09ea-c300-4249-af7d-109003afb893 

Mike Podhorzer’s Weekend Reading “Is this What Democracy Looks Like?” https://www.weekendreading.net/p/is-this-what-democracy-looks-like 

Our Guest 

Brian Schaffner is the inaugural Newhouse Professor of Civic Studies in the Department of Political Science and Tisch College at Tufts University. He is also Co-Director of the Cooperative Election Study, the largest academic survey of the American public and a core resource for academic researchers and the news media for understanding public opinion and American elections. 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn.

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This episode features Daveed Gartenstein-Ross and Eleanor Ross of Valens Games, who discuss their work creating sophisticated political and national security simulations. They share insights on using AI to democratize game design, the importance of incorporating humor and humanity into serious scenarios, and how simulations can help bridge social divisions by encouraging participants to see issues from multiple perspectives. The conversation touches on applications ranging from academic teaching to corporate decision-making, highlighting how games create safe spaces for practicing high-consequence choices. 

Resources 

Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey Moore https://a.co/d/5IJOIdS    

War Game (Documentary) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26681810/   

Providence (Platform) http://providence.valensgames.com/

Acceleration (Game) https://valensglobal.com/what-we-do/simulations-hub/wargames-simulations/  

Our Guests 

Daveed Gartenstein-Ross is the founder and CEO of Valens Games, pioneering the use of immersive simulations and AI-powered game design in national security, politics, and organizational decision-making. A counterterrorism expert who previously led the drafting of the Department of Homeland Security's 2019 counterterrorism strategy, Gartenstein-Ross transitioned from teaching at Georgetown University's Security Studies Program to developing innovative educational gaming experiences that help participants challenge assumptions and think differently about complex challenges. 

Eleanor Ross joined Valens Games after first experiencing their work as a student at Duke University, where she participated in and then team-led national security simulations. With a research background and plans to enter government service, Ross was drawn to Valens Games' unique approach to learning and now helps develop immersive exercises that build cognitive empathy and critical thinking skills. She specializes in creating engaging narratives and characters that make complex scenarios more approachable and meaningful for participants. 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn.

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Dr. Rachel Bitecofer, political analyst and author of Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts, joins Farrah Bostic to break down why Democratic campaign strategies are fundamentally flawed and what actually moves voters. Drawing from her experience as a pollster and strategist, Bitecofer explains how Republicans have mastered "negative partisanship" messaging while Democrats continue to waste resources on micro-targeting and policy-focused campaigns that don't reach or resonate with most voters. She argues that Democrats must adopt more effective branding and messaging strategies that speak to voters' immediate concerns and fears, rather than assuming an informed and engaged electorate that doesn't exist. 

Resources 

Hit 'Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game by Rachel Bitecofer - https://a.co/d/9gcRHxM  

It Was All a Lie by Stuart Stevens - https://a.co/d/hDkoAoJ  

Virginia Governor Poll Study (2019-2020) by Rachel Bitecofer - https://cnu.edu/wasoncenter/surveys/2019-10-07-va-leg-1/  

Partisan Response Study by Rachel Bitecofer - https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3414607 

The Next Level Podcast featuring Sarah Longwell -  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-level/id1647085571  

Blueprint Research - https://blueprint2024.com/about/ 

Our Guest 

Rachel Bitecofer is a political analyst, strategist, and author of Hit Them Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game. After a career in academia where she taught political science and ran a survey research center, Bitecofer shifted to focus on reforming Democratic campaign strategy. Known for her theory of negative partisanship and accurate electoral predictions, she argues that traditional Democratic campaign approaches fundamentally misunderstand voter psychology and behavior.  

Unlike conventional pollsters and analysts, she emphasizes that most voters are largely uninformed about politics and make decisions based on emotional triggers rather than policy positions. Bitecofer has worked with the Democratic National Committee to implement more effective messaging strategies and regularly provides commentary on political campaigns and electoral dynamics.  

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn.

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We also discuss insights from the latest poll data, including a shift in enthusiasm among young Democrats after Kamala Harris joined the ticket, the gender gap in candidate perceptions, and the role of factors like candidate characteristics and social media in shaping youth opinion.

We also discussed challenges in measuring the impact of media consumption and events on young voters' opinions in the current information landscape, and get Anil's perspective on the future of youth polling and what he'll be watching for in the upcoming election.

Throughout the conversation, we explore the complexities of understanding and reaching the youth electorate, as well as the importance of qualitative research to complement polling data.

After the interview, Farrah shares some reflections on the last 2 weeks of the polling landscape — and why you should avert your gaze to other more pressing matters: like defending the votes that are already being cast.

Our Guest:

Anil Cacodcar, is an undergraduate student at Harvard and Chair of the Harvard Public Opinion Project, which runs the nation's largest poll on the political opinions and civic attitudes of young Americans. He studies both Economics and Human Developmental & Regenerative Biology.

Resources:

The latest Harvard Youth Poll

Harvard Public Opinion Project

"Americans under 21 first voted 50 years ago. It didn’t go as expected." The Washington Post

US Elections Project

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn.

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In this episode, Farrah talks to John Sides, a political scientist and professor at Vanderbilt University. Sides discusses the difficulties in surveying young voters, the limitations of issue-importance questions in polls, and his ideal dataset for studying voter behavior across election cycles. He emphasizes the need for more nuanced interpretations of polling data and forecasts, urging us all to embrace uncertainty while still finding value in the data. 

Resources 

Good Authority

By John Sides:

• 'Another viral gender gap graph doesn’t tell the whole story’
• 'What voters say is important doesn’t actually affect their vote' 

Our Guest 

John Sides is a distinguished political scientist and professor in the Department of Political Science at Vanderbilt University. His research focuses on political behavior, public opinion, and the dynamics of American elections. Sides is also a co-founder of Good Authority, a publication that brings academic insights to bear on current political issues. Previously, he was a founding editor of The Monkey Cage, a popular political science blog that was later published by The Washington Post.  

Sides is known for his data-driven approach to analyzing political trends and his ability to communicate complex political concepts to a general audience. He has authored several books on American politics and elections, including The Gamble and Identity Crisis, which examined the factors behind Donald Trump's 2016 election victory. 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn. 

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In this episode, host Farrah Bostic explores the fascinating relationship between journalism and polling, inspired by the book Lost in a Gallup, with its author, Professor W. Joseph Campbell. We discuss the historical evolution of polling from its early days, marked by the Literary Digest's infamous 1936 failure, to the upstart methodologies of Gallup, Roper, and Crossley. The conversation highlights the love-hate relationship between journalists and pollsters, exploring the mutual benefits and tensions that have shaped their interactions over decades. We also examine major polling failures, including the 1948 Dewey-Truman election, and the complexities of modern polling methods. The episode emphasizes the human desire for prediction and the underlying challenges of accurately gauging public opinion in an ever-evolving media landscape.

Our Guest

W. Joseph Campbell is a former newspaper and wire service journalist who reported from four continents in an award-winning twenty-year career. He is currently professor emeritus at American University's School of Communication, and is the author of Lost in a Gallup (2020), Getting It Wrong (2010, 2017), and 1995: The Year the Future Began (2015) among other works.

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn.

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Who better to talk through these polls, PACs, and policy positions than cryptoresearcher Molly White. She joins me to break down the way the industry is trying to persuade through polls, and why we need more journalists and politicos to bring a much higher level of scrutiny to industry polling.

Resources

• Citation Needed - a newsletter featuring explainers of developments in the cryptocurrency industry. We talked about this article.
• Web3 Is Going Great - a project to track examples of blockchains/crypto/web3 technology projects that aren't going very well.
• Follow the Crypto
• "The Black Investors Who Were Burned by Bitcoin", The Atlantic
• Pew Research report on crypto
• Adam Tooze on crypto & the GOP

Our guest

Molly White is a researcher, software engineer, and prominent critic of cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based projects. She is best known for her website Web3 is Going Just Great, which documents only some of the many disasters in the cryptocurrency and web3 industries, and for her Follow the Crypto election spending tracker.

Your Host

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn. 

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• Substack

In this episode of Cross Tabs, Farrah Bostic interviews Lakshya Jain, a co-founder of the elections blog Split Ticket. Jain offers insights into the intricacies of election modeling, discussing the limitations of polls, the importance of cross-tabs, and the value of embracing uncertainty in forecasts. He also touches on the recent shift from Joe Biden to Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee, exploring how this change has reshaped polling data and electoral predictions. 

Resources 

Split Ticket: https://split-ticket.org

Split Ticket's Presidential Polling Aggregator

We Dug Into the 2024 Polling Crosstabs. What We Found Was Stunning. (Lakshya Jain and Harrison Lavelle in Politico)

How #electiontwitter took over the political prediction game (Financial Times)

How The Times/Siena Poll Is Conducted (The New York Times)

Pollster Ratings (FiveThirtyEight)

Silver Bulletin 2024 presidential election forecast

Our Guest 

Lakshya Jain is a machine learning engineer who analyzes political data in his free time. He handles modeling, data pieces, and presidential ratings for Split Ticket. Jain graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA in 2019 and an MS in 2020, majoring in computer science. He currently works in the tech industry. His political analysis and writing have appeared in prominent publications such as The New York Times, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and The Bulwark. 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn. 

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In this episode of Cross Tabs, Farrah Bostic 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. 

Resources 

"The Limits of Education Essentialism" by Mike Podhorzer

"The Two Nations of America" by Mike Podhorzer

"As Go Unions, So Goes America" by Mike Podhorzer

Know Your Enemy podcast episode The Bomb Power

Cook Political Report podcast episode What Polls Miss - And What We Should Focus On Instead

Our Guest 

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. 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn.

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• How not to be a crosstab truther
• Why elections aren't really that much like markets
• How forecasts predict the past
• Why campaigns don't need one single message to win the whole thing
• And what you should do with your energy and effort if you're not using forecasts to earn a living.

Tune in to gain a nuanced understanding of polling, forecasting, and political marketing as we head towards the election.

There are 69 days to the 2024 election.

Recommended Reading:

"Mad Poll Disease Redux: Harris-Walz Edition" Weekend Reading by Mike Podhorzer

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn.

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In this episode of Crosstabs, Farrah speaks with Dr. Michael McDonald, a professor of political science at the University of Florida. Dr. McDonald, known for producing the country's voter turnout rates, shares his expertise on the complexities of polling methodologies, the impact of demographic shifts on voting patterns, and the critical need for standardized election data collection across the United States. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the limitations of voter files, the challenges of predicting turnout, and the potential benefits of a national identity card for solving voter registration issues. 

Resources 

Voter Turnout Gap in Surveys

Performance of American Elections Survey

Election Lab at UF

Current Population Survey Voter and Registration Supplement

Cooperative Election Survey

US Election Project (Michael McDonald’s Substack newsletter)

Our Guest 

Dr. Michael McDonald is a professor of political science at the University of Florida and a renowned expert on American elections. He is best known for producing the United States Elections Project, which provides the country's most authoritative voter turnout statistics. 

Dr. McDonald's work on early voting patterns and election administration has been widely cited in academic research and media coverage. His expertise extends to redistricting, voting rights, and the analysis of precinct-level election data. With a career spanning decades, Dr. McDonald has become a go-to source for understanding the complexities of the American electoral system and voter behavior. 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn.

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Dr. Camille Burge-Hicks, Associate Professor of Political Science at Villanova University, discusses the evolution of political polling and its impact on Black communities. She shares insights on the importance of qualitative research in understanding voter motivations, the need to update outdated survey measures, and the potential for emotional factors to influence voters. The conversation also touches on the challenges of accurately representing diverse populations in polls and the responsibility of both pollsters and the public in interpreting survey results. 

Resources 

Polling and the Public by Herbert Asher

Historic Firsts by Evelyn Simien

The Philadelphia Negro by W.E.B. Du Bois and Isabel Eaton

National Survey of Black Americans

National Black Election Study

National Black Politics Study

Collaborative Multi-Racial Post-Election Study (CMPS) 

Data Black Public Opinion Polls

Our Guest 

Dr. Camille Burge-Hicks is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science at Villanova University. Her research focuses on political psychology, race and ethnicity in American politics, and the role of emotions in shaping political behavior. Dr. Burge-Hicks is particularly interested in exploring how group identities and emotional experiences influence public opinion and political decision-making among Black Americans and other minority groups. Her forthcoming book, Fired Up, Ready to Go: Pride, Shame, and Anger in Black Politics, examines the intersection of emotions and racial identity in political engagement.

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn.

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In this episode, Farrah interviews Connie Citro, a senior scholar at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Citro discusses the findings from a recent report, "The Nation's Data at Risk," which assesses the health of federal statistical agencies. She explains the historical development of these agencies, their importance in providing reliable data for both public and private sectors, and the potential consequences of underfunding and political interference. The conversation covers topics such as data sharing between agencies, the impact of non-response on survey quality, and the need for greater public awareness of federal statistics' value. 

Resources 

• The Nation's Data at Risk  
• National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 
• Fundamental Principles for Official Statistics 
• Census Project  
• Principles and Practices for a Federal Statistical Agency  

Our Guest 

Connie Citro is a distinguished expert in federal statistics with over four decades of experience in the field. She served for many years as the director of the Committee on National Statistics at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, where she now continues as a senior scholar. Throughout her career, Citro has been involved in numerous studies on critical statistical issues, including decennial census methodologies, poverty measurement, and the American Community Survey. Her extensive knowledge and experience make her a leading voice in discussions about the health and future of the U.S. federal statistical system.  

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn. 

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In this episode of Crosstabs, Farrah talks to Daveed Gartenstein-Ross and Amal Ali of Valens Games about their innovative approach, going beyond wargaming and scenario planning to more immersive strategic experiences. They discuss how their exercises help leaders break free from cognitive biases, explore alternative futures, and gain insight into complex political and social dynamics. We talk about the potential applications of these techniques to the current political situation, offering listeners a fresh perspective on analyzing and preparing for uncertain futures. 

Resources 

Influence by Robert Cialdini 

Ezra Klein's episode on an open Democratic convention:  

Sarah Longwell's The Focus Group at The Bulwark

Valens Games war games

Our Guests 

Daveed Gartenstein-Ross

Daveed Gartenstein-Ross is the founder and CEO of Valens Games. He is a practitioner, scholar, and entrepreneur whose career has focused on analyzing complex 21st-century challenges and forging laudable solutions to them. Daveed is also the author or volume editor of over 30 books and monographs, including Enemies Near and Far (Columbia University Press, 2022), which examines ISIS and al-Qaeda’s processes of engaging in organizational learning. He is on the faculty at Carnegie Mellon University and Duke University.

Amal Ali

Amal Ali serves as the Senior Vice President of Strategy at Valens Games, where she specializes in engaging with government and public sector clients. Her career spans military service, intelligence work, and strategic consulting. Ali is a military veteran with experience in the U.S. intelligence community, including work at the agency level and supporting Army and joint special operations. Ali's background in intelligence analysis, coupled with her cross-cultural understanding, informs her approach to game design and facilitation at Valens Games. In her role, she focuses on developing immersive exercises that help decision-makers gain new perspectives on complex geopolitical challenges. 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience in research and strategy for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions. Connect with Farrah on LinkedIn. 

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Dr. Ray Block, a professor at Penn State who also studies "truth decay" at the RAND Corporation, brings his expertise in social identity and political involvement to the discussion. He shares insights on the evolving landscape of polling, the importance of community-focused research, and the role of protest in American democracy. Together we explore the nuances of political engagement, offering a fresh perspective on how we understand and measure civic participation.

Resources 

Dr Block's Allegiance and Belonging Study

Google’s work on “Understanding America’s Interested Bystander”

• Presentation at Personal Democracy Forum 2015

African American Research Collaborative: https://africanamericanresearch.us/

Our Guest 

Ray Block Jr., Ph.D., is senior research advisor for the African American Research Collaborative. He has led their research design on a range of polls, including research involving elections, health policy, and African Americans’ policy goals. Block is also the Brown-McCourtney Endowed Career Professor at the McCourtney Institute for Democracy and associate professor of Political Science and African American Studies at Pennsylvania State University. Block received his B.A. in philosophy and political science from Howard University and his Ph.D. in political science from The Ohio State University. 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn. 

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In this episode of Crosstabs, host Farrah Bostic continues her conversation with Rich Ratcliff, Chief Trust Officer at Opinion Route. They discuss the challenges of detecting and preventing survey fraud in the digital age, the importance of choosing the right sample partners, and the potential impact of AI – both positively and negatively – on research. Ratcliff emphasizes the need for researchers to embrace new technologies and partnerships to combat fraud while maintaining the human element in market research. Researchers will want to hear Ratcliff’s valuable advice on how to navigate the evolving landscape of online surveys and data collection to ensure our careful designs aren’t undermined by fraudulent respondents. 

Resources 

ResTech Landscape Map: https://www.restecher.com/landscape/ 

"The Sample Bubble in the Form of a Conference Recap" https://www.opinionroute.com/blog/samplecon-2024-highlights-2-2/

"Securing the Survey Link": https://www.opinionroute.com/dataquality/securing-the-survey-link-2/  

Our Guest 

Rich Ratcliff is the Chief Trust Officer at OpinionRoute, a company that delivers accurate data by utilizing expertise in online survey sampling and proprietary technology solutions to simplify research processes, which enables clients to scale and researchers to stay ahead in a dynamic and competitive market. 

Your Host 

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn. 

Stay Connected 

Cross Tabs website & newsletter: https://www.crosstabspodcast.com

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In this riveting episode of Cross Tabs, guest Rich Ratcliff, Chief Trust Officer at OpinionRoute, joins host Farrah Bostic to expose the seedy underbelly of the market research industry. Rich shares his extensive knowledge gleaned from 30 years in the business, including firsthand experience interviewing survey fraudsters. Together, they explore the evolution of sampling methods, the unintended consequences of programmatic sampling, and the critical importance of data quality in an era of widespread survey fraud.

Resources

• Inside the Minds of Survey Fraudsters — Fascinating videos from Ratcliff's interviews with survey hackers about their techniques
• ISO 20252 - https://www.iso.org/news/ref2369.html — The research ISO for quantitative research, which is 50 pages long and important for understanding data quality
• Insights Association — Data Integrity Initiative
• OpinionRoute — an online survey operations company that helps market researchers eliminate the operational surprises and delays that disrupt projects using a blend of technology and human expertise.

Our Guest

Rich Ratcliff is the Chief Trust Officer at OpinionRoute, a company that delivers accurate data by utilizing expertise in online survey sampling and proprietary technology solutions to simplify research processes. This enables clients to scale and researchers to stay ahead in a dynamic and competitive market.

Your Host

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at https://www.thedifferenceengine.co/ , a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn.

• Website & newsletter: https://www.crosstabspodcast.com -- Sign up for our newsletter to receive exclusive content, episode highlights, and behind-the-scenes insights delivered to your inbox.

In this episode, Farrah Bostic speaks with Andrew Mercer, a senior research methodologist at the Pew Research Center. Mercer shares his expertise on the intricacies of political polling, including the rise of mixed-method surveys, the impact of bogus responding in online, opt-in sample, the nuances of question design, and the importance of transparency. The conversation offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to navigate the world of political polling (or other survey research) with a more critical eye.

Resources

National Public Opinion Reference Survey – Pew Research

Study on PartyID by Pew Research Center

How Public Opinion Polling Has Changed in the 21st Century - Pew Research

Online opt-in polls can produce misleading results, especially for young people and Hispanic adults - Pew Research

Our Guest

Andrew Mercer is a senior research methodologist at Pew Research Center. He is an expert on probability-based online panels, nonprobability survey methods, survey nonresponse, and statistical analysis. His research focuses on methods of identifying and correcting bias in survey samples. He leads the Center's research on nonprobability samples and co-authored several reports and publications.

He also served on the American Association for Public Opinion Research's task force on Data Quality Metrics for Online Samples. He has authored blog posts and analyses, making methodological concepts such as margin of error and oversampling accessible to a general audience.

Prior to joining the Center, Mercer was a senior survey methodologist at Westat. He received a bachelor's degree in political science from Carleton College and a master's and doctoral degrees in survey methodology from the University of Maryland. His research has been published in Public Opinion Quarterly and the Journal of Survey Statistics and Methodology.

Your Host

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into practical strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn.

‌

• Website & newsletter: https://www.crosstabspodcast.com — Sign up for our newsletter to receive exclusive content, episode highlights, and behind-the-scenes insights delivered to your inbox.

In this episode of Cross Tabs, Aaron Zitner, editor and reporter in the Washington Bureau of the Wall Street Journal, joins host Farrah Bostic to discuss the Wall Street Journal's polling program. Zitner shares insights on the shifting coalitions, voter turnout patterns, and issue priorities that could decide the election, and offers advice on how to be a savvy consumer of polls in a highly unpredictable political environment.

Resources

• Poll: Election interest hits new low in tight Biden-Trump race (NBC News)
• Five Takeaways From the WSJ Swing-State Poll (Wall Street Journal)
• Survey of Consumers (University of Michigan)
• What Happened™ In 2022 (Catalist)
• Harvard Youth Poll

Our Guest

Aaron Zitner is a reporter and editor in The Wall Street Journal's Washington bureau, focusing largely on how politics are driven by demographic and economic change. He also reports on trends in polling. Earlier, he was the Journal's national politics editor.

Previously, Aaron was deputy chief of the Washington bureau for the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and other Tribune newspapers. He helped lead presidential campaign coverage for the Los Angeles Times and served as the paper’s White House and Washington economics editor.

Your Host

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at https://www.thedifferenceengine.co/ and connect with Farrah at https://www.linkedin.com/in/farrahbostic/.

Stay Connected

• Website & newsletter: https://www.crosstabspodcast.com

Sign up for our newsletter to receive exclusive content, episode highlights, and behind-the-scenes insights delivered to your inbox.

Mentioned Resources:

"We Gave Four Good Pollsters the Same Raw Data. They Had Four Different Results." by Nate Cohn for The Upshot at the New York Times.

"Mad Poll Disease Redux" by Mike Podhorzer at Weekend Reading

"A Cure for Mad Poll Disease" by Mike Podhorzer at Weekend Reading

"The Newsroom is Not a Safe Space" by Ben Smith at Semafor

"Terrible Food and Such Small Portions" by Mike Podhorzer at Weekend Reading

You should definitely subscribe to Weekend Reading! Find it here: https://www.weekendreading.net/

And don't forget to subscribe to the Cross Tabs podcast at https://www.crosstabspodcast.com/

You can follow me on most social platforms at @farrahbostic

Or email me with questions or comments at farrah@crosstabspodcast.com

Coming soon: a YouTube channel!!

Pollsters use voter file data - public records about who voted - to identify registered and likely voters. This data is used to shape election strategies and predict outcomes. Our guest reveals how raw voter rolls are transformed into powerful tools for micro-targeting and predictive modeling that campaigns rely on.

In this episode of Cross Tabs, host Farrah Bostic and guest Paul Westcott, Executive Vice President at the political data firm L2, discuss the complex process of collecting, cleaning, and enriching voter data. Westcott shares fascinating insights into how L2 builds comprehensive voter profiles by combining public records with consumer data, enabling campaigns to identify and persuade key voter segments. The conversation also explores the challenges of polling methodology in an era of declining response rates.

Resources

"Hacking the Electorate: How Campaigns Perceive Voters" by Eitan Hersh

"Race and ethnicity data for first, middle, and surnames" by Kosuke Imai

L2 Voter Mapping tool

LiveRamp

AAPOR (Association of Public Opinion Researchers)

Our Guest

Paul Westcott is the Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing at L2, where he has significantly expanded the company's footprint across various industries, including academia, consumer research, corporate government affairs, automotive, media, and B2C marketing. With over 300 U.S. Representatives and Senators utilizing L2, Paul has helped make the company the largest provider of constituent contact data to Congress. Prior to L2, Paul worked in media for NBC News, Fox News Channel, and iHeartMedia, where he created and hosted a daily talk show and podcast covering news and politics. Learn more about L2 at l2-data.com and connect with Paul on LinkedIn.

Your Host

Farrah Bostic is the founder and Head of Research & Strategy at The Difference Engine, a strategic insights consultancy. With over 20 years of experience turning audience insights into effective strategies for B2B and B2C companies, Farrah helps business leaders make big decisions across various industries. Learn more at thedifferenceengine.co and connect with Farrah on LinkedIn.

Stay Connected

Website & newsletter: crosstabspodcast.com

Sign up for our newsletter to receive exclusive content, episode highlights, and behind-the-scenes insights delivered to your inbox.

With extensive experience in qualitative and quantitative research, these experts discuss the nuances of understanding undecided voters, the impact of question wording and order, and the critical role of transparency in building trust in polling results. They also share their pet peeves about the public discourse surrounding polls and offer advice for consumers navigating the deluge of political polling data.

Mentioned resources:

• Echelon Insights “Do Voters Have The Wrong Kennedy In Mind?”: Do Voters Have The Wrong Kennedy In Mind?
• Harvard Youth Poll 46th Edition - Fall 2023
• Dan Balz “Collision 2012: The Future of Election Politics in a Divided America”: Amazon Link - Collision 2012: The Future of Election Politics in a Divided America
• Benenson Strategy Group: Benenson Strategy Group | Strategic Consultants | United States

Don't forget to hit subscribe in whatever app this is!

Here are all the ways to keep in touch:

• Subscribe to our newsletter on our website, CrossTabsPodcast.com
• Follow Farrah on instagram and threads at @farrahbostic
• Or follow Farrah for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farrahbostic/

No punditry. No predictions. Just the polls and how to make sense of them.

AUDIO NOTE: It's all Farrah's fault that the audio is not quite as nice as normal. Reminder not to disturb the Volt 2 during recording. (oops)

Don't forget to hit subscribe in whatever app this is!

Here are all the ways to keep in touch:

• Subscribe to our newsletter on our website, CrossTabsPodcast.com
• Follow Farrah on instagram and threads at @farrahbostic
• Or follow Farrah for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farrahbostic/

No punditry. No predictions. Just the polls and how to make sense of them.

Don't forget to hit subscribe in whatever app this is!

Here are all the ways to keep in touch:

• Subscribe to our newsletter on our website, CrossTabsPodcast.com
• Follow Farrah on instagram and threads at @farrahbostic
• Or follow Farrah for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farrahbostic/

No punditry. No predictions. Just the polls and how to make sense of them.

Don't forget to hit subscribe in whatever app this is!

Here are all the ways to keep in touch:

• Subscribe to our newsletter on our website, CrossTabsPodcast.com
• Follow Farrah on instagram and threads at @farrahbostic
• Or follow Farrah for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farrahbostic/

No punditry. No predictions. Just the polls and how to make sense of them.

Mentioned links:

Jill Lepore's "Politics and the New Machine" [The New Yorker]

Jill Lepore's "The Problems Inherent in Political Polling" [The New Yorker]

What Was Nate Silver's Data Revolution? [The New Yorker]

"Polls' Representative Samples Often Merit Skepticism" [Wall Street Journal]

"How Public Polling Has Changed in the 21st Century" [Pew Research Center]

All in with Chris Hayes, December 21, 2023 [MSNBC]

NY Times/Siena College Poll, December 2023 [New York Times]

"From Which River to Which Sea? College Students Don't Know, Yet They Agree With the Slogan" [Wall Street Journal]

YouGov Poll Links(December 2023):

https://today.yougov.com/topics/politics/survey-results/daily/2023/12/20/edc6d/1

https://today.yougov.com/topics/politics/survey-results/daily/2023/12/20/edc6d/3

https://today.yougov.com/topics/politics/survey-results/daily/2023/12/20/edc6d/2

Suffolk University Iowa Poll (January 2024)

"Ann Selzer Is The Best Pollster In Politics" [FiveThirtyEight]

AAPOR Analysis of the 2016 Campaign [AAPOR]

"Trump lost, but he won millions of new voters. Where did they come from?" [Washington Post]

The Focus Group Podcast [The Bulwark]