The Horse Race

Dec 04 2024 351 ep. 33 mins 12

The Horse Race Podcast artwork

A weekly podcast on Massachusetts politics, policy and elections. Hosted by Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith.

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Episode 330: Mass. ends MCAS

Dec 04 2024 41 mins

This week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith break down the property tax drama that has the state legislature and Mayor of Boston Michelle Wu abuzz. Then, Boston Globe Reporter Mandy McLaren shares how the elimination of MCAS is impacting high school graduation requirements. Plus, Historian and former Horse Race producer John Gee offers his perspective on the futur

Episode 329: Bloopers: Everybody dunks on Dunkin'

Nov 27 2024 6 mins

This week on The Horse Race, Steve and Jenn continue their Thanksgiving tradition with a special episode of mispronunciations and outtakes, featuring Dunks' infamous potion macchiato and a poll on America's favorite turkey sides.

Episode 328: Turkeys and Turnout

Nov 20 2024 37 mins

This week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith are joined by Senior Research Director of the MassINC Polling Group and Horse Race Western Mass correspondent Rich Parr to unpack trends in voter turnout. Then, Boston Globe Reporter Tiana Woodruff shares her perspective on the rightward shift among some Black voters.

Episode 327: A Commonwealth, If You Can Build It

Nov 13 2024 36 mins

This week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith are joined by Ben Forman, Research Director at MassINC, to discuss how gateway cities in Massachusetts can address the housing affordability crisis. Then, a take on polling accuracy in the 2024 Presidential Election.

Episode 326: Blue State, Red Shift

Nov 05 2024 34 mins

This week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith unpack results and polling from the 2024 Presidential Election. They're joined by Senior Research Director of the MassINC Polling Group and Horse Race Western Mass correspondent Rich Parr to discuss demographic and regional voter trends to the right. Plus, how did the ballot questions' outcomes compare to polling predict

Episode 325: Margin of Terror

Oct 30 2024 32 mins

This week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith discuss how polls today compare to previous presidential elections, and taste test Dunkin's newest spooky drink: the potion macchiato. Then, state house reporter for GBH News Katie Lannan reveals what Beacon Hill lawmakers think about Ballot Question 1 and 2.

Episode 324: The Ballot Hymn of the Republic

Oct 20 2024 32 mins

This week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith delve into the arguments in favor and against the ballot questions facing Massachusetts voters on November 5. They also examine state auditor Diana DiZoglio's recent audit of the Legislature, and what it means for ballot question 1.

Episode 323: The Apple of my AI

Oct 17 2024 35 mins

This week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith share their thoughts on the role of AI in local journalism, and comment on the Melrose Robocast. Plus, Senior Research Director of the MassINC Polling Group and Horse Race Western Mass correspondent Rich Parr discusses reasons polls can be wrong.

Episode 322: Don't Shoot the Aquifer

Oct 03 2024 30 mins

This week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith give their take on the 2024 vice-presidential debate, and the MBTA advancements overshadowed by a derailment. Then, Cape and Island's Climate Reporter Eve Zuckoff shares her on-the-ground perspective of the Massachusetts National Guard's proposal to build a machine gun range on Cape Cod.

Episode 321: Ballots: Yea or Neigh

Sep 26 2024 27 mins

This week on The Horse Race, Steve Koczela and Jennifer Smith unpack the latest poll on ballot questions, the State Legislature, the Warren v. Deaton race for senate, and the presidential race. Then, an exclusive first look on national fall foliage rankings. Spoiler alert: Massachusetts should be first!