Ahead of Tuesday night’s Democratic gubernatorial primary debate, Steve Scaffidi and Kristin Brey speak with moderators and UpFront co-hosts Matt Smith and Gerron Jordan to preview the debate. Matt and Gerron walk through the debate’s format, explaining that the hour-long event will feature all five remaining candidates, no opening statements, no commercial breaks, and a conversational format designed to move beyond rehearsed talking points. They also discuss the challenge of balancing time while giving candidates opportunities to engage directly with one another and explain how they would lead Wisconsin.
Smith and Jordan explain the logistics behind organizing the televised debate, including scheduling around network programming and coordinating with five campaigns while early voting is already underway. Matt shares details from his recent interview with Congressman Mark Pocan, who warns Democratic candidates against relying too heavily on out-of-state political consultants instead of connecting directly with Wisconsin voters. The group also discusses Governor Tony Evers’ endorsement of David Crowley, questioning how impactful it has been, before turning to the broader state of the race and the large number of undecided voters still up for grabs. Matt and Gerron agree that Crowley’s return to the race and Francesca Hong’s rise have become defining storylines, making the primary one of the most unpredictable Wisconsin has seen in years.
You can check out more from Point Taken on the podcast page or on the YouTube playlist.
You can also subscribe to the Extra Points weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, polls, and book recommendations.
