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Authenticity, Electability, and the Road to 2028 | Maya Rupert
Tuesday, 16 June, 2026
One of the most common—and least examined—words in politics is authenticity. We hear it constantly when discussing candidates, campaigns, and electability. But who gets to be seen as authentic? And are all candidates judged by the same standard? In this episode of The Margin, Jen Taylor-Skinner speaks with political strategist Maya Rupert, author of The Real Ones: How to Disrupt the Hidden Ways Racism Makes Us Less Authentic. Together, they explore how race, gender, and unconscious bias shape perceptions of authenticity in politics—and why those perceptions can have real consequences for candidates and campaigns. Drawing on examples ranging from Kamala Harris and Barack Obama to Donald Trump and Jasmine Crockett, Rupert argues that authenticity is often less about honesty than about who voters and the media are willing to see as credible, relatable, and trustworthy. As the 2026 midterms approach and attention begins to shift toward 2028, this conversation offers a timely look at the hidden standards that continue to shape American politics. The Margin is a special election series from The Electorette and URL Media exploring the races, issues, and voters that will shape the future of American democracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
