GovExperts Insights

John Vinson | The Evolution of Political Polling

In this episode of GovExperts Insights, host Chris Britton talks with John Vinson, Senior Vice President at Ragnar Research, about how political polling is adapting to new technology, shifting voter behavior, and a fragmented media landscape—and what campaigns, candidates, and citizens should take from the numbers.Vinson draws on nearly a decade of campaign experience and years of polling leadership to explain how research drives modern campaign strategy: building message plans, testing attacks, targeting persuadables, and directing limited resources. He also breaks down a critical distinction in today’s polling environment—how private, client-funded polling differs from public surveys built for headlines.“Accuracy is our currency—Election Day is our report card.” — John VinsonKey InsightsFrom landlines to mobile-first research: Polling now relies heavily on mobile phones, expanding contact windows and requiring new outreach methods to reach representative voters.Fragmented media raises the stakes: Polls must measure not only what voters think, but where they’re getting information as audiences splinter across platforms.Benchmarks vs. brushfires: Early benchmark polls shape message strategy; late-cycle “brushfire” polls test whether ads and field efforts are actually moving voters.Regression testing and message impact: Ragnar uses regression tools to identify which messages shift opinions—so campaigns invest in what moves numbers, not noise.“Don’t trust polling you don’t pay for”: Vinson explains how incentives differ between campaign polling and media polling, and why methodology (live calling, mobile reach, stratification) still matters.Covid’s political aftershocks: The pandemic reshaped issue priorities, fueled school board activism, and shifted party registration patterns in states like Florida and Tennessee.About John VinsonJohn Vinson is Senior Vice President at Ragnar Research, one of the nation’s leading political and corporate polling firms. After nearly a decade working on campaigns nationwide, he moved into polling in 2019—bringing both campaign and research perspectives to survey design, message testing, and strategy.Why It MattersIn a crowded, fast-moving information environment, high-quality polling offers a disciplined read on what voters actually think. Reliable research helps leaders set priorities, refine messages, and avoid costly missteps. And for citizens, understanding polling methods makes it easier to separate meaningful insights from headline noise.Follow GovExperts Insights on LinkedIn or Spotify and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Peter Pomerantsev | Propaganda and How It Shapes Our World

In this episode of GovExperts Insights, host Chris Britton sits down with Peter Pomerantsev—author, documentary producer, and senior fellow at Johns Hopkins University—to examine how propaganda distorts reality during wartime and what it takes to preserve truth when information itself is weaponized.Pomerantsev discusses his work documenting alleged war crimes tied to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and why even a negotiated peace could leave profound legal and moral questions unresolved. Central to the conversation is The Reckoning Project—an initiative that blends journalism and law to preserve evidence, confront state-sponsored denialism, and ensure facts endure long after the fighting stops.“We need evidence that lasts longer than propaganda.” — Peter PomerantsevKey InsightsIdentity and propaganda are deeply linked: how regimes exploit uncertainty to impose new narratives and identities.Russian propaganda adapts to each audience: different messaging across Europe, the U.S., Africa, and Latin America—yet a consistent core claim that Russia is the victim and the West is to blame.The Reckoning Project bridges journalism and prosecutions: detailed testimonies that support public storytelling and future war-crimes cases—so evidence doesn’t disappear.Ukraine’s identity has strengthened: increased unity and civic cohesion since 2014 and 2022 despite attacks on language, culture, and sovereignty.Child deportations as a totalitarian tactic: separating children from families to break cultural continuity and reshape a nation.Disinformation now enables war crimes: false “pretexts” spread before attacks may become part of future legal accountability efforts.About Peter PomerantsevPeter Pomerantsev is a leading thinker on propaganda, narrative, and political identity. He is the award-winning author of How to Win an Information War and Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible, and his work explores how authoritarian systems manipulate truth to evade accountability.Why It MattersWars may end on paper, but accountability rarely does. This conversation explores how modern conflict blurs the line between combat, propaganda, and crime—and why courts, evidence, and legal standards may be among the last institutions capable of anchoring truth when political narratives diverge from reality.Follow GovExperts Insights on Spotify or LinkedIn and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Jessica Melugin: An Exclusive Look Into The World of Antitrust

In this episode, GovExperts Insights host Chris Britton is joined by the Director of The Competitive Enterprise Institute, Jessica Melugin, who is an expert on technology policy, antitrust and competition in digital markets, and the impact of regulatory interventions on innovation and free-market economics. Read more about our interview with Jessica Melugin here: Jessica Melugin: An Exclusive Look Into The World of Antitrust [https://govexperts.com/jessica-melugin-an-exclusive-look-into-the-world-of-antitrust/] Read more about The Competitive Enterprise Institute here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Competitive Enterprise Institute [https://cei.org/]

Free It Or Fund It? The Pitfalls of Privatizing Air-Traffic Control

In this episode, Andrew Langer joins us to discuss one of the biggest questions facing U.S. aviation: Should the FAA modernize air-traffic control—or move toward privatization? We cover the FAA’s staffing crisis, the risks exposed during government shutdowns, and the national-security implications of outdated ATC technology. Andrew walks through the pros and cons of privatization, what modernization would require, how other nations have approached reform, and what’s at stake for the future of America’s airspace. Topics include: • FAA workforce shortages • System modernization and technology gaps • Privatization debates and global examples • Shutdown impacts on aviation safety • Congressional inaction and potential solutions A must-listen for anyone interested in aviation policy, transportation infrastructure, or federal reform.

Larry Berlin: Policy, Risk, and the Price of Growth

In this episode of GovExperts Insights, host Chris Britton sits down with Larry Berlin—angel investor, startup mentor, and former CFO—to unpack how public policy shapes innovation, risk, and investment.From taxes and tariffs to labor laws and regulation, Berlin explains how uncertainty—not just higher rates—changes startup math, discourages innovation, and drives companies to relocate. Drawing from decades of experience in finance, fintech, and venture mentoring at the University of Chicago Booth School’s New Venture Challenge, he shares practical advice for founders, investors, and policymakers alike.💡 Topics include:Why policy uncertainty raises the cost of capitalThe hidden startup killer: compliance and labor lawsHow states act as “laboratories of democracy”The role of boards in policy foresightDeregulation, innovation, and long-term growthBerlin’s message is clear: predictability is the best policy for entrepreneurship.🎧 Listen and Subscribe:Visit https://govexperts.com/insights/Follow GovExperts Insights on LinkedIn, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.Keywords: Larry Berlin, Chris Britton, GovExperts Insights, startup policy, angel investing, regulation, economic policy, entrepreneurship, deregulation, compliance, innovation, capital markets, University of Chicago Booth.