California Schemin' (with Jon Favreau) | The Focus Group Podcast

California's U.S. Senate race is a battle royal for small-dollar Democratic donors, between Reps. Adam Schiff and Katie Porter...but they're both boosting certain Republican candidates to gain an advantage in this race. California also has a governor who's scheming to run for president in 2028. Pod Save America's Jon Favreau joins Sarah to discuss California's present Democratic stars and their futures on the national stage.

*From Jon Favreau & Crooked Media:*

*Love the show but hate the ads?*

[lucibjlb]

I'm a huge fan of both the Bulwark and Pod Save America. I don't miss episodes.

[thedylangirl]

As a NorCal Dem, this episode had me grinning. We ARE incredibly well-informed and engaged. We love Tim Miller. The pearls quip had me 💀, Sarah. This is my favorite crossover episode in a while. Thx!

[dondumitru]

A Senate seat does not open up very often in California. You bet the primary voters are engaged on the topic - it's a big deal.

[itsrhin]

OVERJOYED to see this! best teamup of the year so far!!

[Reldas]

Favs and Sarah fangirling over each other is pure dopamine. 🇺🇸

[IphegeniaRose]

There needs to be more Sarah Longwell-PSA crossover shows. This was great.

[kmc]

John is spot on, schiff has been through the ringer, he’s honest, hardline and intelligent, and yes him being involved in Jan 6 committee, the first impeachment of trump, gives him my vote!

[kramnosenhoj]

Bulwark / Crooked Media pair up? Yes, please!

Give me more!!!

[wcwright]

Southern Californian here but not in Mrs. Porter’s district. Porter is smart and does her homework. The reason I voted for Schiff is because of the concern of Trump and attacks on democracy. That is my primary concern this election cycle. Excellent video!

[victorjcano]

Katie Porter Katie Porter Katie Porter Katie Porter She's the mother so many of these politicians needed when growing up.

[FGM]

I like both Schiff and Porter. Schiff is unquestionably anti-Trump. However, Porter is anti Trump as well but she fights hard for the average American. If I lived in California, Porter would have my vote.

[Jemawin]

Lee, Porter, and Schiff are all fine representatives; I was hard pressed to pick among them but ultimately decided on Schiff. Lee has had a long career and would be well into her 80s (as am I now) at the end of this coming Senate term. Katie, on the other hand, has years ahead of her. I see a bright career for her in a future Senate term or, possibly, executive branch run. Her guts coupled with her sparkly personality make her a candidate with bi-partisan appeal. I love her commercials. I am grateful to Schiff for his work on the impeachments and for being relentless in educating the public and protecting our democracy.

[bumblebeemer]

Love the crossovers!

I feel like Porter is better and more needed in the House. That's where America needs her, and it was so baffling to me when she announced her Senate run.

[deebraaslyn]

I am a huge Katie Porter fan. I think we need many more people like her, in our government, at all levels. I also like Schiff, though. I love your focus groups. Fantastic stuff.

[bigonegeorgegrace]

I so appreciate this discussion. Great topic. Great timing. And smart people. Thank you.

[LauraBCReyna]

Me and my husband are native Californians. I voted for Katie Porter, he voted for Adam Schiff. I would have voted for Adam too if Katie hadn't run. They're abt equal in my eyes. Katie got my vote bc she's a woman & we need more women running things, and bc she's different than the usual polished politician. She comes off as a regular, average citizen.

Gavin Newsom used to really annoy me w his OTT slickness at first. I've gotten used to him over the yrs. He seems to have matured & now I feel he truly wants to help ppl. All 3 are "fighters" which is one of the qualities I appreciate, like a lot of Dems.

[arich]

Severely leftist goob here - I was also VERY sus about Newsome, but after learning more about him (especially once I lived in CA) I have to agree - he's incredibly self aware, brilliant, and knowledgeable. I think he could win too because he's got the policy and fight that I'm looking for, the looks and competence and confidence that others are looking for, he knows the game, and he's well known.

I REALLY appreciate that he has been SO pro-Biden in 2024. That really gained my support for him, enough that I'm considering campaigning for him in 2028.

[christys]

Two of my favorite people!! We need a Bulward-Pod Save America perma-podcast...thinking it could be called "Across the Aisle"!

[meeceevee]

LOVE any Bulwark/PSA crossovers! Keep 'em coming!

[constanceplantenga]

I'm Canadian and I know about Katie