
About this episode
American politics and politicians are decidedly lower-character than they used to be. So, how did we get here? And why have voters seemingly lowered their expectations?
The New York Times’ David French joins the show to discuss Americans’ relationship with low-character politicians like Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump, and how our major political parties have handled candidates like Ken Paxton and Graham Platner in 2026.
Show notes:
David French: The Platner Trap
Get every episode summarized
Each time The Focus Group Podcast publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from The Focus Group Podcast

S6 Ep57: The GOP is MIA in North Carolina (with Chris Cooper)
The Focus Group Podcast

S6 Ep56: Why Ed Markey May Survive a Revolt Against Old Candidates (with Adam Re...
The Focus Group Podcast

S6 Ep55: Sarah Had to Double-Check: “These Are All Trump Voters?” (with Amy Walt...
The Focus Group Podcast

S6 Ep54: MAGA's Future is in Florida (with Will Sommer)
The Focus Group Podcast