A Break Down with Pat Garofalo and the Craig-Flanagan Ad War

A Break Down with Pat Garofalo and the Craig-Flanagan Ad War

Becky Scherr [https://x.com/aleryrl] and Michael Brodkorb [https://x.com/mbrodkorb] open with an update ahead of the first anniversary of Speaker Melissa Hortman’s assassination attempt, noting Vance Bolter’s guilty plea and a reported deal to avoid the death penalty in exchange for two consecutive life sentences plus 40 years in federal prison. They are then joined by former Minnesota Rep. Pat Garofalo, now a Star Tribune contributing columnist, to discuss his debut piece “Minnesota, I Love You, But You’ve Gone Astray. [https://www.startribune.com/mn-waste-fraud-government-spending-social-services/601854604?utm_source=gift]” Garofalo argues the state has followed blue-state policy models, overspent following the 2023-24 DFL trifecta, and lost its cooperative political culture. He calls for divided government, stronger leadership, and greater accountability after years of fraud. He cites permitting delays and structural flaws in paid family leave as examples of policy gone wrong. The episode closes with a breakdown of Democratic U.S. Senate primary tensions, including Tom Emmer’s tweet about Angie Craig, pro-Flanagan and pro-Craig ad volleys, and what the infighting means for the general election. 00:00 — Welcome, Episode Preview, and the Hortman Anniversary: Opening remarks and a somber update ahead of the first anniversary of Speaker Melissa Hortman’s assassination attempt, including Vance Bolter’s guilty plea and sentencing deal. 02:20 — Welcome Pat Garofalo and Inside His Star Tribune Column: An introduction to former Rep. Pat Garofalo’s debut Star Tribune column, the argument that Minnesota has gone astray, and the spending and cultural shift that followed the 2023-24 DFL trifecta. 10:43 — Fraud Fallout, Accountability, and the Case for Divided Government: How years of fraud and overspending have eroded voter trust, why Garofalo argues divided government is the answer, and the shift from an honor system to meaningful accountability. 15:07 — Paid Leave, Permitting, and Pipeline Delays: A common-sense critique of paid family leave’s structural flaws, permitting and mining bottlenecks, and the real economic costs of pipeline delays. 26:23 — GOP Primary Dynamics and Minnesota’s Political Tradition: Voter decision-making, GOP primary stakes, turnout and extremes, national warning signs, and what a reset of Minnesota’s cooperative political tradition could look like. 31:29 — Hortman’s Legacy and Hosts React to Garofalo: A reflection on the political violence legacy of the Hortman assassination attempt, followed by Becky and Michael’s reaction to Garofalo’s column and interview. 37:48 — Emmer Hugs Craig and the Flanagan vs. Craig Ad War: An analysis of Tom Emmer’s tweet about Angie Craig, the pro-Flanagan and pro-Craig ad volleys, and what the infighting reveals about the DFL Senate primary. 53:08 — Primary Outlook and Wrap Up: A final assessment of where the DFL Senate primary stands and closing thoughts from the hosts. The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky [https://bbbreakpod.com/] will return with a new episode next week! Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe [https://michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

A Break Down on the GOP's Post-Convention Chaos

Becky Scherr [https://x.com/aleryrl] and Michael Brodkorb [https://x.com/mbrodkorb] are joined by GOP strategist Preya Samsundar [https://x.com/psamsundar] to break down the MN DFL and GOP state conventions. They recap Senator Amy Klobuchar’s first-ballot DFL Senate endorsement and discuss the DFL’s comparatively quiet governor and U.S. Senate activity, including Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s endorsement push. The focus shifts to the chaotic MN GOP convention: Adam Schwarze wins the Senate endorsement on the sixth ballot, while the governor endorsement stretches to 10 ballots with a voting anomaly, a revote, and a prolonged delay before Kendall Qualls secures the endorsement. Becky, Michael, and Preya debate whether the anomalies mattered, criticize party communications and Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Alex Plechash’s statement suggesting candidates need not abide by endorsements, discuss the postponed Lincoln Reagan Dinner, and assess Speaker Lisa Demuth’s decision to run in the primary and the broader impact on party unity and election-integrity narratives. 00:00 — Welcome, Episode Preview, and DFL Convention Recap: Opening remarks, an introduction to guest Preya Samsundar, and a recap of the DFL convention including Klobuchar’s first-ballot Senate endorsement and updates on the governor and lieutenant governor races. 07:17 — GOP Senate Endorsement: Why Delegates Picked Schwarze: How the GOP convention opened, why delegates moved to Adam Schwarze over Royce White and Michele Tafoya, and what the sixth-ballot outcome reveals about the field. 11:19 — Governor Endorsement Timeline and Clicker Chaos: A breakdown of the 10-ballot governor endorsement, a clicker malfunction and a voting anomaly, the revote drama, and the prolonged delay before Kendall Qualls secured the endorsement. 18:41 — Debating What Really Happened: A detailed debate over the anomalies, election integrity concerns, delegate dynamics, and what the voting irregularities mean for the party’s credibility on fraud and election issues. 42:00 — Chair Statement Fallout and Communication Meltdown: Criticism of Republican Party of Minnesota Chairman Alex Plechash’s statement suggesting candidates need not abide by endorsements, the breakdown in party communications, and the dispute between the chair and executive committee. 50:58 — Lincoln Reagan Dinner Rumors and Demuth Goes Primary: The postponed Lincoln Reagan Dinner and what it signals, followed by a breakdown of Speaker Lisa Demuth’s decision to bypass the endorsement and run in the primary. 59:16 — Endorsement Process Debate, Gaslighting, and Momentum vs. Conspiracy: A broader debate over the endorsement process, criticism of denialism and gaslighting around the clicker controversy, and whether the party can channel the convention’s energy rather than conspiracy. 01:21:04 — Primary Fallout, Fixing a Broken Party, and Wrap Up: The messaging implications of the primary fallout, what it will take to repair party unity, and closing thoughts from the hosts and Preya Samsundar. The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky [https://bbbreakpod.com/] will return with a new episode next week! Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe [https://michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

A Break Down on the GOP and DFL Conventions

Becky Scherr [https://x.com/aleryrl] and Michael Brodkorb [https://x.com/mbrodkorb] are joined by DFL strategist Will Davis [https://team-arc.com/team/william-davis/] to preview Minnesota’s GOP convention in Duluth and the DFL convention in Rochester, offering predictions on endorsements, ballot counts, and potential fireworks. They discuss the MN GOP governor’s race, including the field of Lisa Demuth, Kendall Qualls, Mike Lindell, and Patrick Knight; Lindell's residency questions; possible running-mate scenarios; whether a late Trump endorsement could reshape the race; and expected disputes over using clickers versus paper ballots. For the GOP U.S. Senate endorsement, the hosts predict Adam Schwarze over Michele Tafoya and Royce White and briefly touch on the auditor’s contest. On the DFL side, they expect Amy Klobuchar to be endorsed for governor, note that Tim Walz is skipping the convention, and react to Angie Craig skipping the Senate endorsement as delegates align behind Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, with platform fights as the likeliest DFL flashpoint. 00:00 — Welcome, Convention Preview, and Why It Matters: Opening remarks, an introduction to guest Will Davis, and a breakdown of why conventions matter and how DFL and GOP convention cultures differ. 04:55 — The GOP Governor’s Field and Endorsement Forecast: An overview of the Republican governor’s race, who is likely to get endorsed, Lindell’s residency questions, and running-mate rumors. 18:45 — The Trump Endorsement Wildcard and Ballot Rules: Whether a late Trump endorsement could reshape the GOP governor’s race, plus a breakdown of ballot rules, the clicker versus paper ballot dispute, and source code conspiracy talk. 32:01 — GOP Senate Endorsement: Tafoya vs. Schwarze: How convention clickers work, a detailed breakdown of the Tafoya versus Schwarze matchup, and predictions for the GOP auditor race. 40:46 — Walz Skips the DFL Convention: Why Tim Walz is sitting out the DFL convention, what it signals, and the broader implications for the party heading into the fall. 45:27 — Klobuchar, the LG Pick, and Angie Craig’s Decision: Grumbling about Klobuchar within the DFL, lieutenant governor pick scenarios, and reaction to Angie Craig skipping the Senate endorsement. 55:46 — DFL Platform Fight, Final Watchlist and Wrap-up: The likeliest DFL flashpoint heading into Rochester and a final convention weekend watchlist for both parties. Wrap-up and closing remarks from the hosts and Will Davis. The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky [https://bbbreakpod.com/] will return with a new episode next week! Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe [https://michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

A Break Down on the Session End, Guns, and Fraud

Becky Scherr [https://x.com/aleryrl] and Michael Brodkorb [https://x.com/mbrodkorb] recap Minnesota’s just-ended 2026 legislative session, which concluded on time with a relatively quiet compromise, including an HCMC bailout with broader hospital funding, car tab and property tax relief, anti-fraud measures highlighted by a new Office of Inspector General, and a $1.2 billion bonding bill. They also note what failed to pass, including sports betting, new taxes, and several progressive priorities. They discuss how voters may view the session’s outcome, the political implications for both parties, and whether Senator Amy Klobuchar’s gubernatorial run influenced a drama-free finish. The hosts then break down gun-control legislation that passed the Senate but stalled in the tied House, the House DFL sit-in, and debate whether House Speaker Lisa Demuth should have allowed a floor vote. The episode concludes with a breakdown of multiple fraud developments, including whistleblower testimony, new indictments, a federal strike force and reporting tools, Amy Bock’s Feeding Our Future sentencing of over 40 years, and a Minnesota press conference announcing 15 indictments tied to another $90 million in suspected fraud. 00:00 — Introduction & Episode Highlights: Opening remarks, a birthday milestone for Becky, and a preview of the episode’s main topics. 02:17 — Session End; What Passed and What Didn’t: A rundown of the legislative session’s close, including the HCMC bailout, hospital funding, car tab relief, anti-fraud wins, the bonding bill, and what failed to cross the finish line. 19:33 — Voter Reaction and the Klobuchar Factor: How voters are processing the session’s outcomes and what Senator Klobuchar’s positioning means for the broader political landscape. 23:56 — The Gun Control Fight and the House Sit-In: A breakdown of the gun control showdown, the House sit-in, whether Republicans should allow a vote, and the political fallout, including outside spending and attack ads. 33:27 — Political Theater, Gun Votes, and Analysis of Speaker Lisa Demuth: Examining the political theater around gun votes and an early assessment of Speaker Demuth’s leadership style and positioning. 37:58 — What GOP Delegates Want and the Fighter Question: A look at delegate sentiment heading into the Republican Party of Minnesota’s state convention and the debate over what kind of candidate Republicans need to win. 45:24 — Fraud News, Federal Crackdown, and Comms Lessons: Breaking down the latest fraud developments, a federal crackdown, and what the press conference response reveals about messaging strategy. 51:48 — Political Fallout, Election Targets, Bigger Indictments, and Wrap Up: The downstream political consequences, likely election targets, what bigger indictments could mean, and closing thoughts. The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky [https://bbbreakpod.com/] will return with a new episode next week! Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe [https://michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

A Break Down on Klobuchar's Fraud Plan, Moderate Brand

Becky Scherr [https://x.com/aleryrl] and Michael Brodkorb [https://x.com/mbrodkorb] return after Michael’s week off due to health issues before breaking down Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s first major gubernatorial campaign rollout: a Sunday St. Paul press conference and “Get Results and Make Government Accountable” [https://www.amyklobuchar.com/priorities/get-results-and-make-government-accountable/] anti-fraud agenda, framed as a break from the status quo and a prosecutor-led push for oversight and jail time in major cases. They compare Klobuchar’s approach with the Minnesota House Fraud Prevention & State Agency Oversight Committee's [https://www.house.mn.gov/comm/docs/PBkehwf-FEOo19Pitj0Z8A.pdf] detailed report and debate whether Republicans can translate dense findings into voter-friendly messaging, including how the issue may affect down-ballot races. They then examine the ongoing question of whether Klobuchar is truly a moderate, including her redistricting stance, bipartisan brand, and voting patterns. The episode also covers continued local resistance to Minnesota’s new state flag. It concludes with criticism of President Donald Trump’s claim that he doesn’t think about Americans’ financial situation, along with a discussion of gas prices heading into the election. 00:00 — Introduction & Episode Highlights: remarks, a kidney stone update from the hosts, and a preview of the episode’s main topics. 04:34 — Klobuchar’s Fraud Rollout and the Walz Question: Breaking down Klobuchar’s move to front the fraud story, how Walz is distancing himself from the issue, and the messaging dynamics at play. 16:57 — The Fraud Committee Report: A detailed look at the committee’s findings, whether Klobuchar’s rollout stole thunder from Republicans, and what the report means politically. 29:04 — Is Klobuchar Actually a Moderate? Examining the gap between Klobuchar’s moderate brand and her actual voting record, including her redistricting stance, gerrymandering positions, bipartisan wins, and progressive flashpoints. 39:06 — Persona Versus Record: A deeper interrogation of whether Klobuchar’s moderation is real or performative, and what her voting history reveals about her actual positioning. 49:10 — The State Flag Backlash Fallout: A break down of the political backlash over the state flag redesign. 01:00:40 — Trump, Affordability, and Gas Prices: Analyzing Trump’s positioning on affordability issues, gas price trends heading into the election, and what it means for voters. 01:07:48 — Closing Thoughts and Courting Harry: Michael makes a plug for Courting Harry [https://www.historytheatre.com/2025-2026/courting-harry], which opens Saturday at the History Theatre [https://www.historytheatre.com/2025-2026/courting-harry] and explores the lifelong friendship and political divide between Minnesota-born U.S. Supreme Court justices Harry Blackmun and Warren Burger. The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky [https://bbbreakpod.com/] will return with a new episode next week! Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe [https://michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]