Podcast Summary: "Middle Huggers" - The Blueprint with Jen Psaki

Introduction: Stable Polling and the 2024 Race [01:10 - 04:10]

Claire McCaskill welcomes Michael Steele to discuss the current state of the 2024 election. Both describe themselves as "middle huggers," indicating a centrist approach within their respective political parties. They highlight the remarkable stability in polling across swing states, a rarity as elections near. McCaskill notes, "This race has been stable for weeks and weeks and weeks," emphasizing the importance of strategic closing campaigns as millions have already voted early.

Polling Integrity and Voter Engagement [04:10 - 07:24]

Michael Steele cautions listeners against over-reliance on polling data, suggesting that some Republican poll manipulation inflates Trump's numbers. "The only thing that really matters is that you vote," Steele asserts, urging voters to participate regardless of polling fluctuations. He further explains, "The polls would be what the polls are," emphasizing the unpredictability and potential biases within current polling methodologies.

Campaign Strategies: Trump vs. Harris [07:24 - 11:43]

The hosts analyze the differing strategies of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Steele praises Harris for her disciplined campaign, highlighting her plans to address January 6th and promote unity. He states, "She has run the most disciplined campaign I've ever seen," contrasting it with Trump's less structured approach. Conversely, he criticizes Trump's campaign style as disorganized and disengaged, noting, "He cannot dance," and questions Trump's ability to lead effectively given his rumored health issues and diminishing public composure.

Guest Segment: Lauren Underwood on Healthcare and Maternal Health [16:17 - 36:33]

Congresswoman Lauren Underwood joins the conversation to discuss significant healthcare initiatives. She explains the formation of the Black Maternal Health Caucus and the development of the "Momnibus" bill, aimed at reducing preventable maternal deaths. Underwood underscores the personal impact of the Dobbs decision on reproductive rights, stating, "We are all touched by this horrific Supreme Court decision." She also highlights legislative successes such as the $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for seniors, reflecting on how these policies prioritize middle-class families and healthcare affordability.

Impact of the Dobbs Decision on Voter Behavior [22:38 - 29:47]

Underwood elaborates on how the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision has mobilized younger voters, particularly women, who are now more engaged in the democratic process. She observes, "We cannot sustain this," referring to the nation's current trajectory, and emphasizes the need for policies that affirm personal freedoms and healthcare rights. Underwood notes the decision as a catalyst, stating, "It clarifies in the minds of young voters, does this person stand with us?"

Prescription Drug Costs and Medicare Reforms [29:47 - 36:33]

The conversation shifts to recent Medicare changes, including a significant reduction in out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs. Underwood explains the benefits, saying, "You now will benefit from a $2,000 out of pocket cap on the total cost of your prescription drugs every year," and encourages seniors to take advantage of these reforms. She stresses the importance of these measures in making healthcare more affordable and accessible, asserting, "This is transformative for seniors in this country."

Normie Republicans Rejecting Trump [36:58 - 52:16]

In the latter half of the episode, McCaskill and Steele address the phenomenon of moderates within the Republican party distancing themselves from Trump. Steele discusses the challenges and implications of this shift, noting the potential for bipartisan cooperation in future administrations. He remarks, "We want an America where the leadership of the country recognizes that there's a table that Claire McCaskill and Michael Steele can sit at," highlighting the hope for more inclusive political discourse.

They also touch upon early voting trends, suggesting that Republican early voting may not overwhelmingly favor Trump supporters. Steele advises against panic over early voting numbers, emphasizing the significance of broader voter turnout. He states, "If you've not voted yet, get your behind to a poll either early, you know, mail in ballot, or same day, but participate."

Closing Remarks [51:26 - 52:16]

McCaskill and Steele conclude by encouraging voters to participate early and engage others in the voting process to ensure a fair and decisive election outcome. They reiterate the importance of unity and proactive voter engagement in shaping the nation's future, with Steele emphasizing, "The more we are in this game, the harder it is to make up the lie about fraud and rigged systems."

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Steele [03:03]: "The only thing that really matters is that you vote."

• Lauren Underwood [22:38]: "We cannot sustain this."

• Lauren Underwood [27:03]: "The Dobbs decision has been a catastrophic failure of policymaking for women my age."

• Michael Steele [32:37]: "The single most popular thing that we've done is the $35 insulin for seniors."

• Michael Steele [49:18]: "It's easy to say, oh, the system was rigged when the margin to win is 22,000 votes in your state and 30,000 votes in that state. It's harder when it's 100,000, 200,000 thousand votes in those battleground states."

This episode of "Middle Huggers" provides a comprehensive look into the dynamics of the upcoming 2024 election, emphasizing the importance of voter participation, the impact of recent Supreme Court decisions on voter behavior, and the evolving strategies within both major political parties. Through insightful discussions and expert guest perspectives, McCaskill and her co-hosts outline a blueprint for understanding and navigating the complexities of the current political landscape.