A tale of two Senate candidates
Sep 3, 2026 · 18m
Summary
NPR hosts analyze two pivotal Senate races in Georgia and Michigan, where Democrats John Ossoff and Elissa Slotkin face uphill battles in states that voted for Trump. Ossoff leverages constituent service and anti-Trump sentiment in Georgia, while Slotkin struggles to unify the party in Michigan after a contentious primary. The episode contrasts these strategies with their Republican opponents’ challenges, highlighting how candidate quality and national sentiment shape these competitive contests.
Topics discussed
Sponsor message from EasyCater
Introduction to Georgia and Michigan Senate races
Ossoff's constituent service strategy vs. El-Said's primary fallout
The importance of constituent service in swing states
Ossoff's viral rallies and attacks on Trump
Ad breaks for Rinse, Shortwave, and Throughline
Republican opponents: Mike Collins and Mike Rogers
Campaign finances and the impact of anti-Trump sentiment
Conclusion and final sponsor messages
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