Are the Democrats ready to win back Congress?
4/3/202639 min
Excitement has been building among some Democrats after the party won a special election in Florida last week in a district that includes Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in Palm Beach. This win, along with several others recently, suggests the party may have the momentum heading into November’s midterm elections, when they’ll be looking to reclaim control of the House, and possibly even the Senate. Despite the optimism, some Democrats are cautious about the party’s progress as frustration builds over internal divisions within the party.
In today’s episode, Justin and Sumi sit down with key Democratic advisor Jim Messina, who was deputy chief of staff to Barack Obama and the mastermind behind his successful 2012 presidential campaign. He gives his thoughts on how the party needs to approach the midterm elections and the main contenders to take over leadership of the party.
HOSTS: * Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter * Sumi Somaskanda, BBC chief presenter
GUEST: * Jim Messina, former deputy chief of staff to Barack Obama
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This episode was made by Emma Close with Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The series producer is George Dabby. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsSpeaker 00:00
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Justin Webb· Host0:35
Are the Democrats really back as a political force in the United States? They've been knocked sideways by Donald Trump, but they seem to be fighting back and crucially winning elections. Can they win in the biggest of the elections, the midterms in November? Welcome to Americast.
Jim Messina· Guest0:54
[upbeat music] Americast. Americast from BBC News.
Donald Trump· Soundbite1:00
You hear that sound? Oh, I think when I hear that sound, it reminds me of money.
Jon Ossoff· Soundbite1:05
We didn't start this war, but under President Trump, we are finishing it.
Ana Lydia Mejia· Soundbite1:09
This is a big cover-up, and this administration is engaged in it.
Jim Messina· Guest1:13
This guy has Trump derangement syndrome.
Jon Ossoff· Soundbite1:15
I have four words for you. Turn the volume up.
Justin Webb· Host1:20
[soft music] Hello, it's Justin in the worldwide headquarters of Americast in London, England.
Sumi Somaskanda· Host1:27
Hello, it's Sumi joining from my