Trial Balloon - Free Version-logo

Trial Balloon - Free Version

News & Politics Podcasts

Rise above the political chatter with Trial Balloon, a new podcast from Chris Riback and Taegan Goddard. This is the free version. The paid version offers more episodes and a private feed. See trialballoon.fm for more information.

Location:

United States

Description:

Rise above the political chatter with Trial Balloon, a new podcast from Chris Riback and Taegan Goddard. This is the free version. The paid version offers more episodes and a private feed. See trialballoon.fm for more information.

Language:

English


Episodes
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The Candidate or the Couch

9/30/2024
Corruption in the “Greatest City in the World.” And who are these "undecided" voters? Links we discussed: Eric Adams IndictedThe Undecided Voters Who Could Decide the ElectionKamala Harris Casts Herself as Pro-Business PragmatistSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's NewsletterTrial Balloon Live

Duration:00:26:33

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The Bully Pulpit

6/7/2024
Trump threatens to prosecute his political rivals... Why even a felony conviction won't upend this race... And does the bully pulpit still exist? Links we discussed: Trump Says He Has ‘Every Right’ to Prosecute His RivalsEven a Felony Conviction Likely Won’t Upend This RaceTrump’s Vows Put Rule of Law on the BallotHow Much More Warning Do Voters Need?Democrats Must Make Trump’s Guilty Verdict KnownSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Duration:00:24:25

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Catch and Kill

4/26/2024
The Trump trial and the split screen campaign. And Mike Johnson's power is backed by Democrats. Links we discussed: The Split Screen for the Next 6 WeeksTrump Is Already TestifyingTrump Is a Pretty Weak StrongmanBeing Stuck in a Courtroom Is Just What Trump NeededChaos and OppressionSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Duration:00:22:21

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Boxed In On Abortion

4/14/2024
Arizona's abortion ruling is a disaster for Trump and Republicans. Stubborn inflation is a problem for Biden and Democrats. Can red states knock Biden off the ballot? Links we discussed Trump Flails on AbortionFed May Not Cut Interest Rates This YearRed States Threaten to Keep Biden Off the BallotSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Duration:00:24:02

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Watching Fox News

3/29/2024
Does watching Fox News make you less informed? Could the House flip to Democratic control? Does RFK Jr. hurt Biden or Trump more? Links we discussed Those Who Don’t Watch Fox Less Likely to Vote for TrumpDemocrats Need to Be Ready If GOP Loses ControlBiden Holds Small Lead NationallyRFK Jr. the SpoilerSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Duration:00:26:23

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Which GOP Candidates Were Worse: 2016 or 2024?

3/15/2024
Which set of candidates were worse — 2016 or 2024? What do the polls really say eight months before the election? Does RFK Jr. matter? Links we discussed There’s Plenty of Time for Biden to Catch UpDemocracy Dies In Trumpian BoredomWhy RFK Jr. Should Hurt Trump More Than BidenDemocrats Go to War Against Third Party CandidatesSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Duration:00:26:24

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Trumpification

3/7/2024
The Trumpification of the Republican Party is now complete. Links we discussed Mitch McConnell’s Legacy Is Donald TrumpMitch McConnell Surrenders to TrumpMcConnell to Step Down as GOP LeaderTrump Pushes Steve Daines to Run for Senate GOP LeaderJohn Thune Soft Launches Bid for Senate GOP LeaderCornyn Talked to Trump About Running for Senate LeaderSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Duration:00:24:39

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Biden Isn't Going Anywhere

2/16/2024
No one is replacing Biden on the ticket. Trump takes over the RNC. Democrats get a big win on Long Island. Links we discussed One in Five Believe Taylor Swift ConspiracyReplacing BidenWhy Trump Needs to Take Over the RNC So QuicklyJon Stewart ReturnsBiden Campaign Joins TikTokSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Duration:00:22:06

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One Year On

2/2/2024
Trial Balloon celebrates its first year with Taylor Swift. And then we unpack how Joe Biden was handed a gift by Republicans on immigration. Links we discussed Taylor Swift (The GOP’s Version)Lankford’s Make-or-Break Moment on the BorderQuote of the DayBiden Campaign Builds Big Fundraising LeadWhy Trump Needs Nikki Haley Out NowSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Duration:00:26:39

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Rolling to the White House

1/19/2024
Is Donald Trump rolling to the White House or is he in trouble? Democracy and immigration are the toughest issues. Links we discussed Can Anyone Stop Trump’s March to the Nomination?Trump Could Wrap Up Nomination By End of FebruaryEven the Battle for Second Turned Out Well for TrumpTrump Holds Solid Lead Over Biden in GeorgiaSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Duration:00:21:12

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14th Amendment Mailbag

1/5/2024
Should Democrats try to disqualify Trump from the ballot? Or will it backfire? Links we discussed: Trump Set to Appeal 14th Amendment CasesSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Duration:00:28:08

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Bankrupt

12/22/2023
Trump's eligibility in question. Rudy's moral bankruptcy leads to his financial bankruptcy. It's too early to worry about the horse race polls. Links we discussed: The Immediate Impact of the Colorado RulingWhat Do Biden’s Poor Numbers Really Mean?Some more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Duration:00:31:32

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A Dictator for 'Just One Day'

12/8/2023
The House GOP's majority shrinks further. Donald Trump knew exactly what he was saying. Nikki Haley is number two. Links we discussed: The Inflation DisconnectScared of Chris ChristieSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Duration:00:19:04

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Thanksgiving Mailbag

11/22/2023
We discuss Biden's chances, Trump's retribution, flipping congressmen, ranked choice voting, and our friend in Copenhagen. Some links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Duration:00:24:48

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One Year Out

11/10/2023
What the 2023 off-year elections mean for 2024. And what Joe Manchin not running for re-election means for Joe Biden. Links we discussed: The Polls Weren’t That BadThe Road to 2024An Off-Year Blue WaveWho Knew Taking Away Rights Was So Unpopular?Some more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Duration:00:35:11

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It's a Later Problem

10/26/2023
Republicans finally settle on a House Speaker but he wasn't really vetted. Meanwhile, Trump's co-defendants are flipping. Links we discussed: The House Considers Mike JohnsonMike Johnson Is Trump’s Perfect SpeakerThe Speaker Candidates to WatchSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Duration:00:28:26

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Divided We Fall

10/13/2023
The political realities of the terrorist attack on Israel and it's not your father's Republican party anymore. Links we discussed: Father Strips Down at School Board MeetingThe Politics of Israel’s ResponseSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Duration:00:22:06

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The Divided Side Usually Loses

9/29/2023
Republicans running for president have a debate train wreck while Republicans in the House are about to shut down the government. Links we discussed: Republican MathReaction to the Second Republican DebateSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireGet 20% off an Annual MembershipChris Riback's Newsletter

Duration:00:27:35

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Kevin McCarthy Had a Plan

9/15/2023
Kevin McCarthy struggles to hang onto his job, while Mitt Romney quits his. Links we discussed: Romney Lets Loose in Exit InterviewImpeachment Probe Changes McCarthy’s MathMcCarthy Dares Conservatives to Oust HimSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Duration:00:23:07

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The Age Question

9/1/2023
Mitch McConnell’s second freeze means age may be an even bigger factor in next year’s election. Links we discussed: Mark Thompson Helped Steady 2 News Outlets. Can He Do the Same at CNN?Capitol Physician Clears McConnell to Do JobFeinstein Silent in Her Sad and Messy Final ChapterBiden’s Age vs. Trump’s CrimesSome more links: Taegan Goddard's Political WireChris Riback's Newsletter

Duration:00:26:16