Want to stay informed?
Check out our curated list of podcasts, substack newsletters, and websites
Today we're inundated with political news and commentary, much of it inaccurate, unoriginal, or exaggerated. That's why CGB has done the research to help you cut through the noise. Choose the sources that match your interests, and let the updates come to you. Whether you want to gain insights from up-and-coming leaders, learn ways to resist authoritarianism, or follow the latest congressional polls, you can find quality sources below.
SUBSTACK NEWSLETTERS
Analysis and reporting on politics and culture from seasoned, mostly former Republican, commentators, offering a moderate, broadly center-right perspective that invites disagreement and debate
Unflinching journalism in defense of democracy, offering an alternative to corporate media, led by former Washington Post opinion columnist Jen Rubin.
Hopium Chronicles with Simon Rosenberg
Simon Rosenberg, a veteran Democratic Political Analyst, Strategist and Commentator with prior senior roles at the DNC and DCCC, shares his expertise emphasizing what should make us hopeful.
Letters from an American
A newsletter about the history behind today's politics. Written by historian Heather Cox Richardson (‘84).
The Message Box
Analysis and insight about polls, events and trends from Dan Pfeiffer, co-host of Pod Save America and Obama’s former communication director.
Searching for Hope with Trygve Olson
Democracy, life lessons, and strategy from democracy activist and Lincoln Project senior advisor Trygve Olson.
Strength In Numbers with G. Eliott Morris
Independent, data-driven analysis of politics, public opinion, and elections, from data journalist and former ABC News Editorial Director of Data Analytics G. Elliott Morris.
Stop the Presses
How right-wing extremism has exploited the weaknesses in American journalism, and what we can do about it with Mark Jacob, the former metro editor of the Chicago Tribune and former Sunday editor of the Chicago Sun-Times.
With Mike Podhorzer, former political director of the AFL-CIO, offering insights on election data, political strategy, and how to respond to the ongoing democratic crises in the Trump era.
Political Analysis and Strategy
PODCASTS
The Downballot
A deep diveup and down the ballot and across the country, hosted by publisher David Nir and Jeff Singer, chief writer of the Morning Digest.
Hear from voters of all stripes, with commentary by Sarah Longwell. founder and publisher of The Bulwark, longtime Republican political strategist and never Trumper.
Hacks on Tap
Democratic and Republican strategists share behind-the-scenes political insight: David Axelrod, Obama’s former chief political strategist, Obama press secretary Robert Gibbs, and Mike Murphy, who advised Republicans John McCain, Jeb Bush, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Website Apple Spotify
Pod Save America
Four former Obama aides, Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor, invite guests for straightforward talk about politics.
Website Apple Spotify
That Trippi Show
Long-time Democratic political consultant Joe Trippi gives wisdom, with an upbeat tone, about how to win elections and has a mellow tone, but his focus on upbeat news is very encouraging.
Apple Spotify
Election Landscape and Forecasting
SUBSTACK NEWSLETTERS
Sabato's Crystal Ball
From the nonpartisan UVA Center for Politics: Follow ratings on the races and keep tabs on state and national elections around the country. Produced by Larry J. Sabato, the director of the Center for Politics.
WEBSITES
Cook Political Report
Nonpartisan analysis and House, Senate, Governor, and Electoral College race ratings. Produced by Editor-in-Chief Amy Walter and Senior Editor David Wasserman.
Inside Elections
Nonpartisan analysis from Nathan L. Gonzales, Elections Analyst for CQ Roll Call, via articles, podcast, and newsletter
Take Action
SUBSTACK NEWSLETTERS
Weekly update from the DNC Grassroots Team
In this weekly newsletter, Jessica Craven, content creator and host of the Practivist Podcast, gives you easy, effective political actions for creating positive change, and electing more Democrats.
Today’s Edition
Former lawyer Robert Hubbell finds encouraging, positive news about the political scene and offers actions you can take.
We (the People) Dissent
Acclaimed author K. Starling’s bulletin board about upcoming protests, boycotts, call campaigns, and strikes
Protecting Democracy / Legal Case Analysis
SUBSTACK NEWSLETTERS
Brennan Center for Justice Newsletters
Choose from a variety of pro-democracy emails written by legal experts.
Marc Elias, the attorney and voting-rights expert who won over 60 lawsuits against GOP voter suppression efforts, on cases that will affect voting rights.
PODCASTS
Defending Democracy
From Democracy Docket: attorney and voting-rights expert Marc Elias covers voting rights, redistricting, and the current legal cases.
Website Apple Spotify
Lincoln Project Founder,Attorney George Conway ‘84 explains the ins and outs of Trump’s legal cases to the Bulwark’s Sarah Longwell.
Lawfare
Perspective from experts, policymakers and opinion leaders about national security, law, and policy. Founded by former Washington Post editorial writer Benjamin Wittes, Harvard Law School professor Jack Goldsmith, and University of Texas at Austin professor Robert Cheney.
Website Apple Spotify
The Status Kuo
Accessible legal analysis from Jay Kuo, an appellate litigator and two-time Tony Award winner.
Stay Tuned with Preet
Former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara ‘90 and guests break down legal topics in the news.
Website Apple Spotify