From 2024 to 2026: What Comes Next, with CNN’s Ron Brownstein

From 2024 to 2026: What Comes Next, with CNN’s Ron Brownstein

From Democracy in Color with Steve Phillips by Democracy in Color

January 15, 2026 · 54 min

About this episode

Ron Brownstein returns to discuss the implications of voter behavior and the Trump coalition for the upcoming elections.

In our first episode of the year, veteran journalist Ron Brownstein returns to offer a cogent analysis about the larger ongoing, existential battle over the identity of this nation and the fears and anxieties animating the Trump coalition. Ron, Steve and Sharline discuss voter behavior in the 2024 election cycle, from racial and gender dynamics in the presidential contest to the economic conditions that impacted turnout for both Democrats and Republicans. Ron explains what led to Democrats’ resurgence in 2025 and he breaks down why Trump’s approval rating will be a key factor in how the party performs this fall, particularly in key Senate races. REFERENCES: Ronald Brownstein - @RonBrownstein CNN Portfolio

People in this episode

Host: Steve Phillips

Guest: Ron Brownstein

Topics covered

  • voter behavior
  • Trump coalition
  • racial dynamics
  • gender dynamics
  • economic conditions
  • Senate races

Keywords

  • voter turnout
  • Trump approval rating
  • Democrats resurgence
  • 2024 elections
  • Senate races
  • racial dynamics
  • gender dynamics

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: CNN

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