More Thoughts, More Prayers – No Action (Guest: Pollster Celinda Lake)

Another mass shooting with an AR-15 armed shooter brings more thoughts and prayers from NRA-owned politicians … and that’s about all. In Washington. While Republicans in the U.S. House focus on protecting kids from drag queens and classic books … instead of protecting them from being shot in their classrooms … Michigan’s Legislature continues to do just the opposite. Gun safety is the latest issue to move from campaign promises all the way to the Governor’s desk. Also enacted in this hyper-active legislative session: returning union rights to workers and civil rights for all Michiganders regardless of sexual identity or orientation. Joining the discussion this week is Democratic Party pollster Celinda Lake with insights on how Democrats can leverage the MAGA takeover of the Republican Party and reclaim the allegiance of Midwest blue-collar voters. Celinda is one of the Democratic Party’s leading political strategists. She was one of two lead pollsters for the Biden campaign in 2020 and continues to serve as a pollster to the Democratic National Committee (DNC), other national party committees, and dozens of Democratic incumbents and challengers at all levels of the electoral process. Celinda and her firm, Lake Research Partners, are known for cutting-edge research on issues including the economy, health care, the environment, and education. Celinda, a native of Montana—born and raised on a ranch—and one of the political world’s most avid whitewater rafters, holds a master’s degree in Political Science and Survey Research from the University of Michigan and her undergraduate degree from Smith College in Massachusetts, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She is co-author of a must-read book on political strategy, “A Question of Respect.” Celinda teamed up with Republican pollster Ed Goeas to provide a political resource and a compelling case for how the nation reached a moment of massive political divisions, where it needs to go, and what it will take to get there. She also led research on behalf of American Family Values of how the Democrats’ brand in the Midwest is damaged in blue-collar counties. The report concludes that “Democrats have their best opportunity to make progress in these counties in a generation.” =========================== This week’s podcast is underwritten in part by EPIC-MRAEPIC ▪ MRA is a full service survey research firm with expertise in: • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals – Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals – Issue Advocacy Research • Community – Media Relations • Issue – Image Management • Database Development & List Management =========================== Links to Stories We’re Following This Week Democratic Report Explores Blue-Collar Struggles: ‘Our Brand Is Pretty Damaged’ – The New York Times A Question of Respect Path to the Majority: Expanding the Map – Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Opinion | The GOP gains among ‘voters of color’ are overhyped – Perry Bacon/The Washington Post Democratic Report Explores Blue-Collar Struggles: ‘Our Brand Is Pretty Damaged’ – The New York Times Path to the Majority: Expanding the Map – Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Opinion | The GOP gains among ‘voters of color’ are overhyped – Perry Bacon/The Washington Post Benson won’t run for U.S. Senate in Michigan in 2024 – Detroit News Legislature’s three-month sprint reflects sea change in Michigan politics – Detroit News Michigan 1st state in decades to repeal ‘right-to-work’ law – AP News New Laws Enacted so far in 2023 – Legislative Service Bureau Michigan GOP shoots itself in foot linking gun control to Holocaust – Detroit Free Press Michigan GOP slammed for comparing gun reform to Holocaust – AP News Michigan is passing gun safety laws. Most counties may not enforce them – Bridge Michigan Ron DeSantis’ donors and allies question if he’s ready for 2024 – NBC News Right Now, Ron DeSantis Lacks the Killer Spirit to Vanquish Trump – The Daily Beast Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis visiting Michigan in April – Detroit News Senator Peters Named Most Effective Senator by Non-Partisan Group WZMQ19.com The fight over parental rights in schools comes to the House floor – The Washington Post Biden’s Billionaire Tax and Budget Proposals Enjoy Widespread Voter Support – Data For Progress (Marjorie Taylor) Greene’s DC jail visit pulls GOP closer to Jan. 6 rioters – AP News