The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky

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The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky A weekly podcast that breaks down politics, policies, and current events.

09/02/2025

On this new episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr talk with Representative Zack Stephenson, who provides insights into the newly announced power-sharing agreement between Republicans and Democrats in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

The conversation covers the recent challenges faced by the Minnesota House, including the standoff over seating Representative Brad Tabke, legal battles, and the unprecedented decision to deny quorum.

They also discuss the implications of the new agreement, future budget concerns, and the dynamics of bipartisan cooperation in a closely divided legislature.

Next, Michael and Becky analyze the results of a recent KSTP poll on the Minnesota House of Representatives legislative standoff.

Join them for this detailed episode, and stay tuned for a lively discussion on the upcoming Super Bowl.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:21 Interview with Representative Zack Stephenson
01:41 Power Sharing Agreement Breakdown
02:45 Controversies and Legal Challenges
05:39 Details of the Agreement
07:51 Future Implications and Reflections
21:47 Minnesota's Budget and Economic Concerns
28:47 Closing Remarks and Super Bowl Predictions
32:37 Policing Membership in the Legislature
33:30 The Role of Republicans in the Legislative Process
35:25 Reflections on Recent Legislative Events
36:28 Speaker Demuth's Optimistic Message
36:57 Challenges and Optimism in the Legislature
41:56 Poll Results and Public Opinion
49:40 Recall Petitions and Legislative Accountability
54:15 Fundraising and Political Strategy
59:35 Governor Walz's Future and Political Speculations
01:02:18 Super Bowl Plans and Final Thoughts

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a bonus episode later this week!

09/02/2025

In this bonus episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, host Michael Brodkorb discusses the ongoing legislative standoff in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

House Republican Majority Leader Harry Niska shares the latest developments and discusses a lawsuit filed by the House Republicans against Secretary of State Steve Simon.

Next, Democratic pundit Julius Hernandez offers his perspective on the standoff between Republicans and Democrats in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Get an in-depth look at the legal battles, the political maneuvers, and the constitutional arguments shaping this intense political scene.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:47 Interview with Republican House Majority Leader Harry Niska
01:07 Details of the Legislative Standoff
03:47 Legal Actions and Quorum Issues
06:42 Discussion on Legislative Procedures
14:21 Interview with Democratic pundit Julius Hernandez
17:31 Debate on Quorum and Legislative Power
31:27 Election Results and House Rules
32:03 House Membership and Rules Compliance
33:23 Special Treatment and Political Dynamics
36:00 Power Sharing and Legislative Responsibilities
37:41 Debate on House Authority and Membership
41:46 Compromise and Political Strategy
46:37 Concluding Remarks and Final Thoughts

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week!

03/02/2025

On this new episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr welcome Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth to discuss recent political developments in Minnesota.

The episode explores the Minnesota Supreme Court's recent ruling on Governor Walz's writ of special election, the ongoing quorum dispute, and the dynamics within the Minnesota House.

Speaker-designate Demuth shares her perspective on the importance of following the law, the Democrats' refusal to attend legislative sessions, and the challenges surrounding committee hearings disrupted by protests.

Tune in for a comprehensive breakdown of Minnesota's political landscape.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:23 Special Guest: Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth
01:18 Supreme Court Ruling Recap
02:17 Residency Requirement Controversy
03:47 Governor's Special Election Call
06:41 Democrats' Absence and Quorum Dispute
09:44 Power Sharing and Legislative Challenges
20:41 Constitutional Crisis or Opportunity?
29:08 Protests and Safety Concerns
30:42 Ensuring Safety Amidst Protests
32:02 Law Enforcement and Leadership Response
34:15 Addressing Public Safety Concerns
38:24 Republican Initiatives and Legislative Goals
40:29 Challenges in Government Operations
43:25 Future Legislative Plans and Expectations
45:56 Interview Reflections and Analysis
57:10 Breaking News and Final Thoughts

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a bonus episode later this week!

03/02/2025

On this new episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr talk with Representative Brad Tabke of Minnesota House District 54A about the ongoing legal and political issues surrounding his election and the current standoff at the Minnesota House of Representatives.

The episode delves into the controversy surrounding missing ballots, the recount process, and Dakota County Judge Tracy Perzel's detailed and extensive ruling yesterday, which determined that Representative Tabke won the 2024 election.

Representative Tapke provides a detailed narrative of the election disputes, the implications of the missing ballots, and the broader political standoff in the Minnesota House.

00:00 Introduction to The Breakdown Podcast
00:18 Controversy in the Minnesota House
01:01 Interview with Representative Brad Tappke
01:53 The Election Day Roller Coaster
02:53 Legal Battles and Recounts
05:08 Court Rulings and Aftermath
10:57 Personal Struggles and Campaign Challenges
13:50 Procedural and Constitutional Issues
19:34 Future of the Legislative Standoff
25:57 Secrecy and Swearing-In Ceremony
27:00 Procedural Implications of a 68th Member
27:38 Potential Consequences and Political Drama
29:02 Constitutional Crisis and Uncharted Territory
29:45 Election Contest and Quorum Dynamics
34:01 Arguments and Statistical Analysis
39:22 Personal Reflections and Political Relationships
43:07 Interview Conclusion and Reflections

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week.

03/02/2025

In this fireworks-filled episode of "The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky," Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr discuss the chaos erupting in Minnesota politics less than 24 hours before the legislative session.

The controversy centers around a secret swearing-in ceremony for House Democrats held over the weekend. Michael and Becky discuss the implications of this event for the 2025 legislative session, the future of Minnesota state politics, and the ongoing debate surrounding the election in House District 54A. They also discuss the Minnesota Senate's recent power-sharing agreement.

Tune in for an in-depth analysis of these significant political events and their implications for Minnesota's legislative future.

00:00 Introduction to the Breakdown Podcast
00:27 Secret Swearing-In Ceremony Controversy
02:37 Implications for Minnesota State Politics
06:00 Historical Context and Precedents
09:53 Democratic Actions and Republican Reactions
13:54 Concerns About Democratic Processes
19:53 Future Implications and Final Thoughts
30:05 Court Process and House Democrats' New Rules
30:39 Legal Cases and Election Issues
32:26 Quorum Controversy and Secretary of State's Role
33:55 House Republicans' Response and Quorum Debate
41:18 Ceremonial vs. Official Roles
47:33 Minnesota Senate's Agreement and House Chaos
50:46 Secret Swearing-In Ceremony and Its Implications
54:59 Predictions and Final Thoughts

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode this week!

Merry Christmas from the Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky! 🎄
28/12/2024

Merry Christmas from the Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky! 🎄

05/11/2024

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr break down:

Michael and Becky dive into the long-awaited election week, featuring a candid interview with former Congressman Joe Walsh. Walsh, a former Tea Party member and outspoken critic of Donald Trump, discusses his political evolution, his support for Kamala Harris, and his experiences on the campaign trail.

The episode also covers the potential implications of the upcoming election results on the Democratic and Republican parties and offers final predictions for the 2024 election. With in-depth political analysis and personal insights, this episode promises a thought-provoking discussion on current politics and future prospects.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:29 Interview with Former Congressman Joel Walsh
01:28 Joel Walsh's Political Evolution
02:41 Campaign Trail Experiences
04:50 Facing Backlash and Challenges
08:11 Reflections and Future of the Republican Party
16:12 Final Thoughts and Predictions
23:10 Becky's Voting Decision
25:54 A Proud Moment
28:16 Election Predictions
33:44 Senate and House Races
41:47 Minnesota's Political Landscape
49:59 Final Thoughts and Football

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new Election Day tomorrow!

01/11/2024

In this special anniversary episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, we dive deep into the latest polls, explore the shifting gender dynamics shaping the 2024 election, and debate the impact of Kamala Harris’ CNN town hall.

This episode unpacks everything from the contrasts between Trump’s controversial Madison Square Garden rally and Harris’ unifying speech at the Ellipse to the influence of suburban voters and potential split-ticket voting in Minnesota.

Join Becky, Michael, and special guests John Rouleau and Julius Hernandez as they reflect on two years of thoughtful conversations and look ahead to the final days of a volatile election.

Don’t miss this insightful and lively discussion that will leave you thinking long after the episode ends!

31/10/2024

On this special bonus episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr break down the following:

00:01:00 - Republicans and Independents for Harris Event

Event Details: Michael describes the panel discussion, emphasizing former Rep. Joe Walsh's enthusiasm and Tom Horner's policy focus.
Sobering Message: Michael reflects on Tom Heffelfinger's remarks about the importance of the upcoming election, calling it a serious and thought-provoking discussion.

00:07:00 - John Kelly's Revelations about Trump

John Kelly's Claims: Becky outlines John Kelly's claims that Trump praised Hi**er and admired authoritarian leadership styles.
Response to the Claims: Michael shares his struggle with the timing and content of these revelations but acknowledges the credibility of Kelly's account, given his stature.

00:11:00 - Balancing Free Speech and Political Discussion

Challenges of Discussing Controversial Statements: Michael and Becky reflect on the difficulty of navigating such severe topics in political discourse without being hyperbolic.

Trump's Denial: Becky expresses skepticism about Trump'sdenial, believing Kelly's statements to be more credible.

00:16:00 - The Importance of Voting

Voting Encouragement: Michael emphasizes the importance of voter participation and the privacy of the ballot box, encouraging listeners to vote regardless of their candidate preference.
Personal Reflections: Michael shares personal experiences with judgment and criticism based on his political endorsements.

00:20:00 - Minnesota Politics and Election Implications

Impact of Trump and Royce White: Becky and Michael discuss how having Trump and Royce White on the ticket might affect down-ballot races in Minnesota.
Potential for Split-Ticket Voting: They explore whether voters might support Harris-Walz at the top of the ticket while opting for Republican candidates in the state legislature for balance

00:24:00 - Uncertainty of the Election Outcome

Unpredictability of the Election: Michael and Becky express uncertainty about the election results, noting this cycle's unique and volatile nature.
Excitement and Anticipation: Becky shares her excitement for the upcoming election and the potential surprises in critical races, including Minnesota's 2nd Congressional District.
00:28:00 - Closing Remarks

Thank You and Farewell: Becky and Michael wrap up the bonus episode, promoting future episodes and encouraging listeners to stay engaged with the election.

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week.

31/10/2024

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by Ryan Wilson, the Republican-endorsed candidate for State Auditor in 2022, to break down the following:

00:01:00 - Ryan Wilson's Op-Ed and Suburban Voter Appeal

Discussion of the Op-Ed: Ryan explains why he wrote the op-ed supporting Trump-Vance, countering Michael's prior piece supporting Harris-Walz.
Key Policy Points: Ryan emphasizes how the Trump-Vance agenda supports the economy, family values, and public safety, targeting suburban families and middle-class voters.

00:04:00 - Economic Policy Debate

Economics Policies: Ryan argues that the Trump-Vance ticket offers strong economic policies to support the middle class and job creation. At the same time, Michael criticizes Trump's financial track record and praises Harris-Walz's economic approach.

00:10:00 - Public Safety and Immigration

Public Safety and Crime Policies: Ryan defends the Trump-Vance campaign's focus on law enforcement and immigration policies, including border security and addressing the fentanyl crisis.
Michael's Counterpoint: Michael questions Trump's immigration promises, arguing that previous campaign promises, like building the wall, were not fulfilled.

00:17:00 - First Amendment and Free Speech

Protecting Free Speech and Religious Liberties: Ryan discusses the importance of protecting First Amendment rights and highlights the Trump administration's record in defending free speech and religious freedoms.
Michael's Critique: Michael points out inconsistencies in Trump's rhetoric around free speech, including attacks on the media.

00:24:00 - Reflections on Civil Discourse and Bipartisanship

Importance of Constructive Dialogue: Michael, Becky, and Ryan reflect on the importance of respectful political conversations and agree that the episode provides a model for bipartisan discussion.

00:27:00 - Michael's Trip to a "Republicans for Harris" Event

Michael's Pennsylvania Experience: Michael shares his experience attending a "Republicans for Harris" event, meeting Vice President Harris, and engaging with other Republican supporters.
Challenges of Being a Republican for Harris: He reflects on the personal challenges of supporting Harris in a polarized political climate.

00:40:00 - McDonald's and the Presidential Race

McDonald's in the Campaign Spotlight: Becky and Michael discuss the odd controversy surrounding Kamala Harris' McDonald's work history and Trump's staged event at a McDonald's drive-through.

McDonald's Response: They highlight McDonald's public statement distancing the brand from political endorsements.
00:50:00 - Football Pick 'em League Update

League Update: Becky and Michael update their football pick-'em league standings and engage in friendly banter about their competition.

00:53:00 - Closing Remarks

Wrap-Up: Michael and Becky reflect on the importance of meaningful conversations and look forward to future episodes, including a potential bonus episode.

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode this week.

31/10/2024

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr break down the following:

00:04:00 - JD Vance's Visit to Minnesota

Discussion of Vance's Appearance: Becky and Michael analyze JD Vance's private fundraising event and press stop at the 3rd Precinct in Minneapolis.

Campaign Strategy Criticism: They debate the need for more public events and the absence of enthusiasm, suggesting that the Trump-Vance campaign focuses on raising money rather than engaging with voters in Minnesota.

00:12:00 - NBC Poll and Presidential Race Analysis

Discussion of Poll Results: Becky and Michael discuss the latest NBC poll showing a neck-and-neck race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
Gender Gap in Support: They highlight the significant gender divide in voter support, with Harris leading among women and Trump leading among men.

00:22:00 - Swing State Polling and Election Predictions

Analysis of Swing State Trends: Michael and Becky discuss the tight polling margins in swing states and the possibility of an "October surprise."
Flip-of-the-Coin Election: Michael predicts the race will remain very close until Election Day, emphasizing the volatility of daily polling shifts.

00:30:00 - Impact of Abortion on the Election

Abortion as a Key Issue: Becky and Michael explore how abortion remains a top issue for voters and the divide between pro-choice and pro-life voters.
Public Sentiment on Healthcare Decisions: Michael shares insights on Republican voters supporting Harris-Walz due to concerns over government involvement in healthcare decisions.

00:35:00 - Campaign Stops and Strategy

Trump's Focus on Non-Swing States: The discussion shifts to Trump's recent events in New York, California, and Illinois, with Michael critiquing the targeting of non-competitive states.
Missed Opportunities: Becky argues that Trump's strategy ignores the potential impact of campaign rallies in swing states for voter engagement.

00:45:00 - The Role of Social Media in Campaigning

Social Media Influence: Becky and Michael discuss how social media, especially TikTok, shapes campaign narratives and voter outreach.
Michael's TikTok Journey: Michael shares his experience joining TikTok and its potential as a platform for political messaging.

00:50:00 - FEMA, Misinformation, and Relief Efforts

Follow-Up on FEMA and Misinformation: Becky reflects on a conversation with Bryan Strawser about misinformation targeting FEMA workers and the challenges of relief efforts.
Impact of False Narratives: Michael emphasizes the importance of accurate information in disaster response to prevent dangerous situations.

00:55:00 - Football Pick 'em League and Friendly Competition
League Update: Becky and Michael update their football pick-'em league standings and engage in friendly banter about their competition.

01:05:00 - Closing Remarks

Final Thoughts: Becky and Michael reflect on the significance of the upcoming election and encourage listeners to stay engaged.

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode this week.

🚨LIVE STREAM TODAY: The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will be LIVE TODAY at noon with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Sc...
15/10/2024

🚨LIVE STREAM TODAY: The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will be LIVE TODAY at noon with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr for an action-packed episode of political insights, debate, and straight talk!

From the latest election buzz to policy updates, they’re diving deep into the hottest political stories that matter.

Click here to watch live today -> https://mbrdkrb.com/3U7QBrW

11/10/2024

🚨BONUS EPISODE ALERT!🚨A new bonus episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky is out! Michael Brodkorb and Bryan Strawser debunk misinformation about FEMA and emergency relief. Watch below!

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by guests Rep. E...
10/10/2024

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by guests Rep. Elliott Engen and Julius Hernandez to break down the following:

00:01:00 - Panel Introductions

Introduction of Guests: Michael introduces Representative Elliott Engen, a Republican from White Bear Lake Township, and Julius Hernandez, Director of Advocacy for the Institute of Digital Humanity. They briefly discuss their personal history working together on a campaign in 2020.

00:03:00 - Importance of Bipartisan Conversations

Setting the Tone: Michael emphasizes the importance of civil discourse between Republicans and Democrats during the election cycle. He praises the platform for fostering conversations between people of differing political views.

00:04:00 - Representative Elliott Engen's Campaign Experience

Campaign Insights: Representative Engen shares his experience campaigning in 2020, highlighting the shift in voter concerns from abortion and post-Roe issues to a broader frustration with both political parties.

00:06:10—Frustrations with Political Parties

Julius's Perspective: Julius Hernandez shares the similar frustrations he hears from voters, particularly regarding economic concerns and the fear of extreme policies from both parties.

00:07:00 - Urban vs. Suburban Political Concerns

Different Priorities Based on Location: Engen and Hernandez compare their campaign experiences, discussing how voters' concerns differ in urban and suburban areas, particularly around issues like abortion and economic stability.

00:09:00—Criticism of Partisan Politics

Engen's Views on Extremism: Engen criticizes the DFL's governance and spending priorities, noting that voters are frustrated with extreme partisanship and seek more moderate solutions.

00:10:00 - Julius Calls Out His Party

Calling Out Democratic Policies: Julius agrees that Democrats made some mistakes in managing the budget surplus and criticizes the DFL for poor handling of public education issues, such as failing schools in Minneapolis.

00:12:00 - Future of the Republican Party

Reforming the GOP: Engen outlines his hope for reforming the Republican Party, focusing on restoring integrity and character, as voters are dissatisfied with the status quo.

00:16:00 - Mailers and Negative Campaign Tactics

Engen's Experience with Negative Ads: Engen shares his frustrations with attack ads and emphasizes his commitment to focusing on policy and solutions rather than engaging in negative campaign tactics.

00:19:00 - Young Voices in Politics

Gen Z and Millennials in Politics: The conversation shifts to the role of younger generations in politics, with both panelists agreeing that Gen Z and millennials tend to be more independent and free-thinking than older generations.

00:22:00 - Public Discourse and Campaign Realities

Political Engagement: Engen and Hernandez reflect on how political rhetoric often disconnects from legislative realities and emphasize the need for more honest and solutions-focused campaigning.

00:25:00 - Social Media and Campaigning

Challenges of Social Media: The panelists discuss the role of social media in campaigns, acknowledging its potential for spreading misinformation and the pressure it puts on candidates to engage in heated discourse.

00:27:00 - Criticism Within Political Parties

Balancing Loyalty and Criticism: Hernandez emphasizes the importance of holding one's party accountable, arguing that constructive criticism strengthens the party and leads to better policy outcomes.

00:30:00 - Extremism on Both Sides

Addressing Extremism: Engen and Hernandez discuss how both parties need to address the rise of extremist figures, with Engen focusing on the GOP's need to distance itself from radical voices and Hernandez pointing out shifts within the Democratic Party.

00:35:00 - Negative Campaigns and Public Service

Negative Campaigns vs. Public Service: The conversation returns to the impact of negative campaigning, with both panelists agreeing that while it may win elections, it ultimately damages public trust and undermines public service.

00:38:00 - TikTok and Social Media Use

Discussion on TikTok: Michael shares his recent experience joining TikTok, and the panelists briefly discuss the role of newer platforms in political outreach, humorously noting their differences in social media use.

00:40:00 - Closing Remarks

Final Thoughts: Michael closes the episode by thanking the panelists for their insights and encouraging civil political discourse. The panelists reflect on maintaining relationships across party lines while staying true to one's values.

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode this week. http://sites.libsyn.com/447771/a-break-down-about-bridging-the-divide-civil-discourse-and-campaign-realities?tdest_id=4118451

03/10/2024

🚨BONUS EPISODE ALERT!🚨A new bonus episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky is out! Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr break down the VP debate between JD Vance & Tim Walz, Melania Trump's surprising abortion stance, and more!

Watch below!

🚨LIVE STREAM TODAY: The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will be LIVE TODAY at NOON with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Sc...
03/10/2024

🚨LIVE STREAM TODAY: The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will be LIVE TODAY at NOON with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr for analysis and commentary on all things political!

Click here to watch live today ->

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will be live at 12 PM TODAY with  Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr for analysis and commentary on all things...

03/10/2024

NEW:🎙️Episode 82 of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr is out! Anna Mathews and Will Davis join them to discuss races, , and the Vance – Walz debate.

Watch below!

🚨LIVE STREAM TODAY: The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will be LIVE TODAY at 1 PM with Michael Brodkorb, Becky Scher...
01/10/2024

🚨LIVE STREAM TODAY: The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will be LIVE TODAY at 1 PM with Michael Brodkorb, Becky Scherr, William Davis, and Anna Mathews at 1 PM on all things political!

Click here to watch live today ->

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will be live at 1 PM on TODAY with  Michael Brodkorb ,   Becky Scherr , Julius Hernandez , and  Anna...

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