Brady Carlson hosts this run-down on the latest in Primary politics, including behind-the-scenes stories from reporters, tales and trends from the trail, and "only in New Hampshire" moments the rest of the country is missing out on.
On our first podcast of the primary, we look at the week's avalanche of political ads. Then, two seasoned primary watchers weigh in on the celebrities (and non-celebrities) candidates call upon in the primary's waning weeks. Finally, a public radio host who's interviewed hundreds of primary candidates shares her strategy to get them to open up.
Listen to the episode:
The Ad Avalanche: Presidential campaigns and super PACs have spent over $50 million on TV ads in New Hampshire and Boston media markets. But how much of a difference is that record spending going to make with voters? Political scientist Brendan Nyhan of Dartmouth College explains what ads can and can’t accomplish, and as thanks, we run a negative ad against him.
Music: “Animal Prince” by Mascaras; “Morbid Imagination” by Kai Engel; “Desert Masks” by Mascaras
Here’s Chuck Norris, So Vote For Me: When candidates can’t be in New Hampshire themselves, they send family, political allies and plain old famous people on their behalf. NHPR’sDan Barrick and Josh Rogers revisit some memorable surrogate visits (Chuck Norris!) and ask if we’re in a surrogate lull this primary season.
Music: “City in Ruins” by Mascaras
Asking For A Friend: Reporters get to ask candidates lots of questions, both serious and strange. Sometimes they even get answers. Daymond Steer of the Conway Daily Sun talks about asking Hillary Clinton how she’d handle UFOs as president, and Laura Knoy of NHPR’s The Exchange shares some pro tips on getting candidates to a) answer her questions, b) sing for her, and c) ask for dates on the air.
Music: “NewYorican” by Mascaras; “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by Laura Knoy and Wesley Clark (sort of)