Podcast / See How They Run / Aug 31, 2024

The Road to the White House Runs Through Pennsylvania

On this episode of See How They Run, Carrie Santoro and Will Bunch on what it will take for Harris to win the ultimate 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.

The Road to the White House Runs Through Pennsylvania | See How They Run
byThe Nation Magazine

So on today's See How They're Run, we're talking all things Pennsylvania. Where does the race stand there? What are the currents that could shift voters in one direction or another?

To discuss all of this, host D.D. Guttenplan is joined by two of the sharpest Pennsylvanians around: Will Bunch, longtime opinion columnist at the Philadelphia Inquirer, and Carrie Santoro, executive director of progressive advocacy group Pennsylvania Stands Up

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

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

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris greets diners at Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar during a bus campaign tour stop in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, on August 18, 2024.

(Angela Weiss / AFP via Getty Images)

If there’s one thing that Donald Trump and Kamala Harris agree on, it’s that there is no state more crucial for them to win this November than Pennsylvania. It’s simple: Win the Keystone State’s 19 electoral votes, and many different paths to the White House open up. Lose Pennsylvania, and the road to 270 becomes much rockier. That’s why both parties are throwing everything they’ve got at the state.

So on today’s See How They Run, we’re talking all things Pennsylvania. Where does the race stand there? What are the currents that could shift voters in one direction or another? And what does Harris need to do to put the state in her column on Election Day?

To discuss all of this, we’re joined by two of the sharpest Pennsylvanians around: Will Bunch, longtime opinion columnist at the Philadelphia Inquirer, and Carrie Santoro, executive director of progressive advocacy group Pennsylvania Stands Up. 

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 former 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

US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks during a “Defend the Vote” rally at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, on August 28, 2026.

The Story of Justice Democrats—With Usamah Andrabi The Story of Justice Democrats—With Usamah Andrabi

Usamah Andrabi of Justice Democrats joins Fighting Fascism to reflect on the 2026 elections, progressive victories, and the resurgence of the American left.

Aaron Regunberg, Matt DaSilva, and Jonathan Smucker

Reparations as a Climate Solution—With Brea Baker

Reparations as a Climate Solution—With Brea Baker Reparations as a Climate Solution—With Brea Baker

“Those who own the land get to be decision makers over what happens to the land. They get to decide whether they‘re gonna frack and how much they’re going to pollute.”

Shilpi Chhotray and Mindy Ramaker

Presidential candidate and incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil celebrates after the results of the general election day on October 25, 2026, in São Paulo, Brazil.

Lula Wins a Fourth Term, Serbian Students Defeat the Ruling Party, the US Prepares to Escalate the Iran War Lula Wins a Fourth Term, Serbian Students Defeat the Ruling Party, the US Prepares to Escalate the Iran War

Danny and Derek unpack the week’s global news, from elections in Israel and Brazil to political upheaval in Serbia, tensions with Iran, and the wars in Sudan and Ukraine.

Daniel Bessner and Derek Davison

A Flock Safety automated license plate reader surveillance camera in Santaquin, Utah, on September 27, 2026.

Why Communities Want to Stop Flock Cameras—With Jason Koebler Why Communities Want to Stop Flock Cameras—With Jason Koebler

Paris Marx is joined by Jason Koebler to discuss the rise of Flock surveillance cameras, their misuse by police, and the growing bipartisan backlash.

Paris Marx

Halloween decorations are seen outside Flower Bar in Katowice, Poland, on October 25, 2026.

Halloween Origins—With Eleanor Janega and Luke Waters Halloween Origins—With Eleanor Janega and Luke Waters

Eleanor Janega and Luke Waters join the show to explore Halloween’s origins, from medieval beliefs about death and ghosts to costumes, commercialization, and modern traditions.

Derek Davison and Daniel Bessner

President Donald Trump after casting his ballot during early voting on October 24, 2026, in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Defeating Trump’s Attacks on Voting—Plus, the Coming End of the Trump Era Defeating Trump’s Attacks on Voting—Plus, the Coming End of the Trump Era

On this episode of “Start Making Sense,” Rick Hasen explains election protection, and Harold Meyerson analyzes the key Senate contests.

Jon Wiener

x