Podcast / See How They Run / Oct 19, 2024

How to Win (or Lose) Wisconsin

On this episode of See How They Run, Ben Wikler and John Nichols on the very particular, very important swing state.

The Nation Podcasts
The Nation Podcasts

Here's where to find podcasts from The Nation. Political talk without the boring parts, featuring the writers, activists and artists who shape the news, from a progressive perspective.

How to Win (or Lose) Wisconsin | See How They Run
byThe Nation Magazine

On this episode of See How They Run, Ben Wikler and John Nichols join D.D. Guttenplan to discuss how the election will turn out in the very particular, very important swing state of Wisconsin.

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadogreenmattress.com

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Vendors sell campaign-related merchandise before the start of a rally hosted by Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump at Dodge County Airport on October 06, 2024, in Juneau, Wisconsin.

(Scott Olson / Getty Images)

With just a few weeks to go until the 2024 election, both parties are throwing everything they’ve got at the key battleground states that will decide whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris gets to reside in the White House in January. And today, we’re going to take a look at the state that Trump recently called “the toughest of the swing states to win”: Wisconsin. It’s a state that has long defied easy categorization—the birthplace of the Republican Party and sewer socialism; the political home of Bob La Follette and Joe McCarthy; the place that gave us Scott Walker and Tammy Baldwin. And Trump and Harris are both desperate to win it.

So what do we need to understand about Wisconsin right now? Where are the places that will decide whether it turns red or blue? And are the Democrats doing enough to keep Trump at bay? To discuss all of that, we’re joined by two Wisconsin all-stars: Ben Wikler, chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, and The Nation’s resident badger, John Nichols.

The Nation Podcasts
The Nation Podcasts

Here's where to find podcasts from The Nation. Political talk without the boring parts, featuring the writers, activists and artists who shape the news, from a progressive perspective.

Subscribe to The Nation to Support all of our podcasts

D.D. Guttenplan

D.D. Guttenplan is a special correspondent for The Nation and the host of The Nation Podcast. He served as editor of the magazine from 2019 to 2025 and, prior to that, as an editor at large and London correspondent. His books include American Radical: The Life and Times of I.F. Stone, The Nation: A Biography, and The Next Republic: The Rise of a New Radical Majority.

More from The Nation

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani looks on as New York Governor Kathy Hochul speaks during the grand opening of the Urban League Empowerment Center in Harlem, New York City, on November 12, 2025.

Mamdani's Socialism—and Us; Plus, Football and Concussions Mamdani's Socialism—and Us; Plus, Football and Concussions

On this episode of Start Making Sense, Bhaskar Sunkara analyzes the constraints New York’s new mayor will face, and Dave Zirin comments on brain injuries among football players.

Jon Wiener

US investor and philanthropist Alexander Soros, son of Hungarian-US investor and philanthropist George Soros, speaks during a ceremony to accept on behalf of his father the 2025 Civil Rights Prize of the Sinti and Roma, on October 23, 2025, in Berlin, Germany.

Liberal Philanthropy and the Fight for Democracy, With David Callahan  Liberal Philanthropy and the Fight for Democracy, With David Callahan 

On the latest Nation Podcast.

D.D. Guttenplan and David Callahan

Reframing Resistance, Live From NYC Climate Week

Reframing Resistance, Live From NYC Climate Week Reframing Resistance, Live From NYC Climate Week

It’s the season finale of A People’s Climate.

Shilpi Chhotray

Cooling vent fans are seen on the roof of a Digital Realty data center in Ashburn, Virginia. on November 12, 2025.

Data Centers Are a Climate Enemy Data Centers Are a Climate Enemy

On this episode of Tech Won't Save Us: Ketan Joshi on how data centers are a climate justice issue.

Paris Marx

Trump Condemns Marjorie Taylor Greene, Praises Mamdani—Plus, Alice Waters on “a School Lunch Revolution”

Trump Condemns Marjorie Taylor Greene, Praises Mamdani—Plus, Alice Waters on “a School Lunch Revolution” Trump Condemns Marjorie Taylor Greene, Praises Mamdani—Plus, Alice Waters on “a School Lunch Revolution”

On this episode of Start Making Sense, Harold Meyerson comments on Washington politics, and the founder of Chez Panisse describes her project for kids.

Jon Wiener

Moses Malone

Moses Malone Gets Biblical Moses Malone Gets Biblical

On Edge of Sports: Paul Knepper on his new book on Moses Malone, and Arya comes back to talk all things NBA.

Dave Zirin

x