How to Win 2024

MSNBC

How do you win an unprecedented election that could see a criminally indicted ex-president take on the current Commander in Chief? How do you win crucial down-ballot races that will ultimately shape the power dynamics for whoever wins the White House? And how do you win over voters – of ANY party -- when mistrust in leadership is at an all-time high? Our hosts, Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri, are two of the most well-respected voices in American politics today and have some ideas. Listen to “How to Win 2024” wherever you get your podcasts. read less

Our Editor's Take

The How To Win 2024 podcast offers a detailed discussion of the 2024 presidential election. Hosts Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri analyze the campaign for the White House. Both women look back at high-level political careers. McCaskill is a former Missouri senator. Palmieri served between 2012 and 2015 as the White House Director of Communications. The show explores the 2024 election through analysis and debates with guests. Will Joe Biden have a second term as president? Can Donald Trump be successful in his re-election campaign?

This podcast considers both Democrat and Republican perspectives, although the hosts are Democrats. While it discusses views from across the political spectrum, the discussion focuses on social problems. Each episode considers issues that are vital to many Americans. These include employment, healthcare, and reproductive rights. They also analyze the other hopeful presidential candidates' campaigns. The show talks about key votes in states such as Ohio, Washington, Georgia, and Florida. There are conversations about the wider global context of the election. These include the war in Ukraine and relationships with China.

The podcast hosts' backgrounds give them insight into the political process. Together, they have decades of experience in politics. Their expertise is obvious in these episodes. The hosts discuss the election campaign with confidence. Some episodes only feature the hosts, while others invite guests to speak. Guests include Ron Klain and Steve Kornacki, among others.

How To Win 2024 releases new episodes weekly. Each episode is about 30 minutes long.

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On the Trail and on Trial

On the Trail and on Trial

An extraordinary phase of the 2024 race unfolding this week as Donald Trump finds himself stuck in a Manhattan courtroom and the focus of historic Supreme Court arguments, while President Biden sprints across a major battleground state. Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri zero in on that stunning split screen and what it could mean for the presidential race. Plus, Claire and Jen talk to constitutional law professor Michele Goodwin about the chipping away of reproductive freedom and how that could also shape the election.Further reading: Here is the map Jen mentioned, showing where reproductive rights stand, state by state.

Episodes

On the Trail and on Trial

On the Trail and on Trial

An extraordinary phase of the 2024 race unfolding this week as Donald Trump finds himself stuck in a Manhattan courtroom and the focus of historic Supreme Court arguments, while President Biden sprints across a major battleground state. Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri zero in on that stunning split screen and what it could mean for the presidential race. Plus, Claire and Jen talk to constitutional law professor Michele Goodwin about the chipping away of reproductive freedom and how that could also shape the election.Further reading: Here is the map Jen mentioned, showing where reproductive rights stand, state by state.

Trials and Tribulations

Trials and Tribulations

"We have our jury,” announced Judge Juan Merchan late Thursday as the historic trial against the former president continues. Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri explore the heart of the case and underscore the finer points of jury selection (voir dire) with former US attorney and law professor Joyce Vance. Plus, a look at Biden’s three-day stop in Pennsylvania and Speaker Johnson’s big bet on bringing foreign aid votes to the floor this weekend.

Bringing the 1800s into 2024

Bringing the 1800s into 2024

This week, as Biden announced a new student debt relief plan, Trump waffled on his reproductive rights position. Former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri drill down on the implications of both for 2024. Then, MSNBC’s All In host Chris Hayes stops by to talk shop about a new recurring series on his Why Is This Happening? podcast. Claire, Jen and Chris highlight the unique moment we’re in: for the first time in over a century, we have two candidates that have presidential records to compare and contrast.

BONUS: The Stakes of Immigration with Aaron Reichlin-Melnick

BONUS: The Stakes of Immigration with Aaron Reichlin-Melnick

As a bonus for listeners, we’re sharing the first episode of a special series from “Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast,” called “WITHpod 2024: The Stakes.” For the first time since 1892, we have an election in which both candidates have presidential records. It’s a unique chance to take a hard look at what both Joe Biden and Donald Trump have actually done as president. Chris Hayes talks to experts about both candidates’ records on specific policy areas. This week, Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy director at the American Immigration Council, joins to unpack immigration policies under Trump vs. Biden, the state of the asylum system, and more. Follow and listen to the whole series: https://link.chtbl.com/withpod_tsfd

A Playbook Full of Silver Linings

A Playbook Full of Silver Linings

Tensions are elevated as protests continue in Israel and Trump is scrambling for cash. This week, former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri offer Team Biden the strategy of walking and chewing gum at the same time. Then, Daria Dawson, Executive Director of America Votes, joins to highlight how the organization is working to mobilize voters this fall. Lastly, Claire and Jen break down the ripple effects both Florida Supreme Court decisions will have on abortion access, now and in the longer term. The stakes are incredibly high for reproductive rights. Content warning: In this episode, there is discussion about the rape and incest exceptions in the Florida six-week abortion ban that might be triggering for some listeners, so please listen with care.For further reading: Here is a map showing where reproductive rights stand, state by state.And here is the Vanity Fair article Jen was talking about: Inside the Terrifyingly Competent Trump 2024 Campaign.

What’s Past is Prologue for Presidential Norms

What’s Past is Prologue for Presidential Norms

As we get closer to Trump's first criminal trial, Former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri sit down for a conversation with NBC News presidential historian Michael Beschloss on how former president Trump has changed long held presidential traditions, and how history will judge this time. The focus then shifts to compare and contrast how former presidents have worked with (or against) the American legal system when they have been accused of crimes or impeached in Congress.Note: This conversation was recorded on Friday, May 22.

Spoiler Alerts and Deepfakes

Spoiler Alerts and Deepfakes

Five more states held primaries this week, and former Vice President Pence joined the growing list of Trump’s former cabinet members that just can’t back him in 2024. Former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri analyze the trends and the importance of Biden’s effort to court Latino voters. Then, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes stops in to share what his team is doing to expose the use of generative A.I. to spread misinformation in our elections. Plus: why we need to pay attention to RFK Jr’s candidacy.

What the Polls Actually Say

What the Polls Actually Say

President Biden and Vice President Harris are hitting the road. Former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri weigh in on the post-State of the Union tour, including the Veep’s stop at an abortion clinic in Minnesota. And they get into Majority Leader Schumer’s direct call for new elections in Israel. Then, NBC’s Director of Elections, John Lapinski stops in to pull apart how to think about polling in 2024. And Claire and Jen shine a light on former Trump voters who are looking elsewhere.

Live Coverage: State of the Union

Live Coverage: State of the Union

President Joe Biden delivered his third State of the Union address Thursday night. Listen here for the full speech followed by expert analysis from MSNBC’s political team, led by Rachel Maddow.For more political coverage, visit msnbc.com.

A Third-Party Run Helps an Army of Extremists

A Third-Party Run Helps an Army of Extremists

Though 2024’s Super Tuesday issued few surprises, there were nuanced insights for Democrats and troubling signs for Trump. Former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri look at lessons learned from the 15 state contests. Then, Third Way’s Matt Bennett joins to detail No Labels' well publicized gathering that is not opened to the public, to decide if they’ll enter a third-party candidate into the race. Finally, Claire and Jen shine a light on Project 2025- a Christian nationalist agenda laying the groundwork behind the scenes in preparation for a Trump 2nd term.Note: We reached out to No Labels for comment. As of the time of publication they have not responded.

Live Coverage: Super Tuesday Results

Live Coverage: Super Tuesday Results

Voters in 16 states cast their ballots in presidential primaries across the country this Super Tuesday. As expected, Joe Biden and Donald Trump won the majority of their respective party’s delegates while Nikki Haley struggled to pick up wins. Listen here to a portion of the coverage as Rachel Maddow and MSNBC’s political team analyze the results in real time as polls close.This portion of the conversation was pulled from the 9:00-11:00pm ET hours. For more results, check out msnbc.com.

Live from 92NY!

Live from 92NY!

On a special “How To Win 2024’ edition, live from the 92nd Street Y, MSNBC’s Katy Tur hosts former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Communications Director Jen Palmieri to talk about Biden’s record, Trump’s base of support and what's at stake in the coming presidential election. Among the issues they touch on: the war in Gaza, the Alabama IVF ruling, the immigration stalemate, and the Supreme Court decision to hear Trump’s immunity claim. Plus: questions from the audience bring some somber moments and lots of laughter.

A Super, Stupor Tuesday

A Super, Stupor Tuesday

With Michigan and South Carolina in the rear view, former Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Comms Director Jen Palmieri digest the results from their unique perspective, diverging from much of the media coverage. And onward to Super Tuesday with former Lt. Governor and Republican National Committee Chair Michael Steele. They talk about Nikki Haley’s odds, the departure of Ronna McDaniel and Mitch McConnell from GOP party leadership, and how to think about the tumult among Republicans in the House.EVENT ALERT: Join us Tonight! February 29 at 8pm for a special live edition of the “How to Win: 2024” podcast at the 92NY. We will join Katy Tur, host of MSNBC’s Katy Tur Reports, to breakdown what to expect on Super Tuesday and make sense of the earlier-than-expected start to the general election. You can get your tickets or join us online for this special event at 92NY.org/events.

Live Coverage: South Carolina Primary Results

Live Coverage: South Carolina Primary Results

The results of South Carolina’s Republican primary are in, with NBC’s Decision Desk calling the race for former President Donald Trump within moments of polls closing. Though she lost in her home state, Nikki Haley vowed to continue to Super Tuesday in her concession speech. Listen here as MSNBC’s political team, led by Rachel Maddow, analyzes the results in real time.

Abortion and Guns and Russia, Oh My!

Abortion and Guns and Russia, Oh My!

After a week that saw the Alabama Supreme Court decide that frozen embryos are children and Joe Manchin decide against a third-party run, Senator Claire McCaskill and former White House Comms Director Jen Palmieri dig into the week's ups and downs through their unique strategy lens. They also welcome Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas to detail a healing community in the wake of gun violence in his city, and how to approach common sense gun reform solutions. Plus: a spotlight on Russia’s continued efforts to put their thumb on the scale of the 2024 election, as pro-democracy advocates mourn the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Let’s Talk About Biden’s Age

Let’s Talk About Biden’s Age

Getting into their campaign mode three-point stance, Senator Claire McCaskill and White House Comms Director Jen Palmieri shift gears to look at the biggest news of the week from their unique comms and strategy lens. And after last week’s report from Special Counsel Hur that's put a spotlight on Biden, veteran prosecutor Andrew Weissmann talks about the politics of what should not have been a political report. Then, Claire and Jen rip off the band aid to speak directly about Biden’s age and candidacy, and what to say when people ask if Dems should be looking to another candidate for President.Subscribe to the How to Win newsletter! With the 2024 election season off to a dramatic start, now is the perfect time to get expert analysis on key races sent straight to your inbox, including insights from the network’s top talent, like How to Win host Jennifer Palmieri. Click here to sign up.

Live Coverage: SCOTUS Ballot Disqualification Hearing

Live Coverage: SCOTUS Ballot Disqualification Hearing

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments today in the unprecedented ballot disqualification case that could see former President Donald Trump removed from the primary ballot in Colorado. Listen here as MSNBC’s political team, led by Rachel Maddow, offers their expert analysis.

After a week of epic fails from the House and Senate GOP on Mayorkas and immigration, Sen. Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri highlight the significant chasm between Biden and Trump’s campaign coffers. Like Biden, the country’s economic picture is pretty rosy, so why does their guest, economist Jason Furman, think Biden is trailing Trump on the economy? And why does Nikki Haley keep insisting the presidential race comes down to her vs. Kamala Harris? Claire and Jen dig in.Subscribe to the How to Win newsletter! With the 2024 election season off to a dramatic start, now is the perfect time to get expert analysis on key races sent straight to your inbox, including insights from the network’s top talent, like How to Win host Jennifer Palmieri. Click here to sign up.

Is it a Caucus or is it a Primary?

Is it a Caucus or is it a Primary?

Former Senator Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri dig into the week's biggest stories from the campaign trail including Nikki Haley's new “Grumpy Old Men” ad campaign and Liz Cheney trolling on X. Also, this week, the House impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas takes shape, despite conservatives like Alan Dershowitz saying it’s a bad idea. Jon Ralston, founder and CEO of The Nevada Independent, also stops by to look ahead to the complicated primaries in Nevada. Plus, they shine a spotlight President Biden's intensified campaign efforts that include a $250 million ad blitz and a shift in tone on border issues.And subscribe to the How to Win newsletter! With the 2024 election season off to a dramatic start, now is the perfect time to get expert analysis on key races sent straight to your inbox, including insights from the network’s top talent, like How to Win host Jennifer Palmieri. Click here to sign up.

Dark Money and Bidenology

Dark Money and Bidenology

With the New Hampshire primary in the rearview, Senator Claire McCaskill and Jennifer Palmieri break down what the results from the Granite state mean for Nikki Haley, Donald Trump and Joe Biden. And NBC’s resident Biden-ologist Mike Memoli stops in for a look at what the Biden re-election campaign is up to, and what core issues he needs to address with voters. Plus: A spotlight on the No Labels effort to get a third-party candidate on the ballot without disclosing donors or who they will put forward as their nominee.