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Practically PoliticalAuthor: Dave Spencer, Ashley Davis, Kurt Bardella
Pragmatism is Patriotism. The goal of Practically Political is to engage and motivate citizens who are fact- and issue-oriented, invite conversation, respect differences of opinion, believe in compromise and put sound policy before partisanship. Whether youre a Republican, Democrat or Independent, if your bottom line is to get our government working again to serve the best interests of all Americans, then please join us in making our voices heard. This is not the time to give into hopelessness, anger or despair; its a critical opportunity to redefine what democracy really means. Language: en Genres: Government, News, Politics Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Trump's Election Nationalization Push & Melania's Documentary Success
Episode 113
Monday, 9 February, 2026
In this episode of Practically Political, hosts Ashley Davis and Dave Spencer tackle two major conversations dominating the political and cultural landscape: Donald Trump's controversial push to nationalize elections and the surprising success of Melania Trump's documentary.You'll discover an in-depth analysis of Trump's election nationalization proposals and whether this represents serious policy intentions or political theater. The hosts examine the SAVE Act (requiring proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections), the seizure of ballots in Fulton County, Georgia, and what these moves mean for the 2026 midterms. You'll learn about the constitutional implications, the pushback from both parties, and how this issue connects to ongoing debates about election integrity and federal versus state control of voting.This week's guest, Carrie Sheffield, returns to provide her perspective on these contentious issues. Carrie offers firsthand insights from attending Melania Trump's documentary screening at the Kennedy Center, sharing observations about the media's dismissive coverage versus the film's actual commercial success and cultural impact.The conversation explores the broader question of celebrity influence in politics and culture. You'll hear a frank discussion about whether celebrity endorsements actually move voters, examining everything from Beyoncé's campaign appearances for Kamala Harris to why Melania's documentary resonated with church groups and book clubs despite mainstream media criticism. The hosts debate the double standard in how political figures and their families are covered depending on their party affiliation.Key topics covered include:• Trump's election nationalization rhetoric and the SAVE Act requirements for proof of citizenship• Whether Republicans are genuinely concerned about losing the Senate in 2026• The distinction between foreign election interference (2016 Russia concerns) and domestic election fraud claims (2020)• Why Tulsi Gabbard's involvement in the Georgia ballot seizure matters• Melania Trump's documentary success and what it reveals about media bias• The effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) of celebrity political endorsements• How cultural and political divides are affecting personal relationships• The upcoming DHS funding shutdown and how the SAVE Act factors into negotiationsCarrie Sheffield brings valuable conservative perspective to these discussions, having attended exclusive political events and maintained connections across the political spectrum. Her insights help balance the conversation as the hosts navigate these polarizing topics with their signature approach: political discussion by adults, for adults, without the shouting.This episode exemplifies Practically Political's commitment to substantive political conversation that acknowledges different viewpoints while maintaining civility. Whether you lean left, right, or somewhere in between, you'll find thoughtful analysis that goes beyond partisan talking points.Connect with Practically Political:• Subscribe on YouTube for video episodes• Follow on Instagram and X (Twitter) for updates and clips• Leave a review to help others discover the showPractically Political releases new episodes weekly, covering the intersection of politics, policy, and culture with honesty, humor, and a commitment to treating listeners like the adults they are. If you're tired of political podcasts that prioritize heat over light, this is your alternative.
