Cygnal Pulse Podcast

Socialism is now favorable with a third of voters, but 61% of self-identified socialists can't define the word. Pollsters Brent Buchanan and Mitch Brown break down Cygnal's September National Voter Trends poll of 1,500 likely 2026 general-election voters: what's really driving socialist identity (it's housing, not age), why 88% of voters feel something negative about politics while only 25% feel anything positive, and how Democratic intensity hit a 32-month high just as Republican intensity hit a 32-month low. Plus, a look at the Voter Reachability Index our team used to measure whether paid communication can physically reach a voter, and why the swing voters campaigns...

A special mini episode with Brent Buchanan and Nick Weinstein breaking down how fast data centers went from a niche local issue to a national political fight. Awareness has spread widely without any change in how close voters actually live to one. A key takeaway: proximity builds support, not opposition. Voters nearest to real data centers are the most positive based on our data, while the erosion is happening among people with no direct experience to ground the fear against. Which means the fight is won or lost on trust built before the opposition organizes, not after. Want the full...

The most populist voters in America are the least likely to vote. The most certain voters are the most Democratic. And a quarter of Trump's 2024 coalition is no longer locked in, though almost none of it went to the Democrats.

Those three findings come out of two new measures Cygnal is debuting this month, the Turnout Score and the Populism Index, built on our August National Voter Trends poll of 1,500 likely midterm voters. Together they explain more about how this midterm breaks than party ID does.

Brent Buchanan and Nick Weinstein walk through what each one...

In this episode, Brent Buchanan and Alex Tarascio break down Cygnal's latest national voter poll, which reveals that GLP-1 medications have become a mainstream part of the healthcare conversation. The data shows that more than one-third of likely voters are currently using, have used, or are considering GLP-1s, challenging the perception that these medications are only for affluent consumers or cosmetic weight loss. The discussion explores who is using GLP-1s, why they're using them, and what voters think about safety, Medicare coverage, and the future of access to these treatments.

Cygnal's July NVT poll (1,500 likely voters, fielded right after July 4th) shows Democrats up to D+6 on the generic ballot, but the real story is underneath. The GOP coalition is leaking, the persuadable middle is shrinking, and Congress is cratering across the board. The one figure trending up? Zohran Mamdani, rising with the same voters drifting from the GOP. Gas prices are hitting Republican turf hardest - men, rural, small-town, Trump '24 voters. But there's common ground too: 83% back the bipartisan housing bill, no subgroup below 70%. And despite it all, voters aren't checked out, they blame politicians, not the system...

Pollsters Brent Buchanan and John Rogers are back with Cygnal's June national survey — and while the horse race hasn't moved much, the mood has. Voters are feeling the economic squeeze, Dems have clawed back the inflation advantage, while the GOP still wins on security. Plus: what America's 250th reveals about the left-right divide on patriotism and where the real Republican opportunities are heading into November.

Special Mini Episode | Live from Pubkey DC

Four years in. Hundreds of honorees.One conversation to tell the story behind it. 

ARRO founder Chris Lane joins Brent Buchanan and Chris Kratzer live at Pubkey DC (right before the 2026 ARRO 30 Under Thirty Award Reception) to talk about how this initiative started, how it's grown, and where it's headed. Plus, personal advice for the next generation of political operatives.

The fundamentals are flashing red for Republicans — but it's not a blue wave yet. In this month's National Voter Trends poll of 1,500 likely midterm voters, Pollsters Brent Buchanan and Mitch Brown break down why GOP losses are drifting to "undecided" rather than across the aisle, what voters are really saying about cost of living (and why "the economy is strong" falls flat), and how a single ballot tweak on criminal illegal immigrants produces a jaw-dropping 25-point swing. Plus, early 2028 signals from Vance and Rubio reveal two very different paths for the post-Trump coalition.

This month's National Voter Trends poll of 1,500 likely midterm voters is flashing warning signs that the political media isn't talking about. Brent Buchanan and Nick Weinstein break down why voters blame both government and corporations for high prices — and what that means for Republican economic messaging. They dig into a stunning finding on immigration: nearly half of Democrats actually support deporting criminal illegal immigrants, putting Democratic leaders wildly out of step with their own base. Then there's the working-class brand problem Republicans don't want to admit — moderates still trust Democrats more by 31 points. Add in Iran's growing economic blowback, a Boom...

In this episode of Pulse Pod, Cygnal pollsters Brent Buchanan and Alex Tarascio break down what the data is really telling us about the 2026 political environment. New polling reveals a collapse in trust toward corporate America across every demographic—Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike—reshaping how voters think about power, accountability, and the economy. At the same time, a surprising countertrend emerges: optimism about the American Dream is rebounding, driven largely by a major shift among Hispanic voters. The conversation also dives into the midterm landscape, showing where Republicans hold strong issue advantages—and why they’re still losing the communic...

Pulse Pod 86 breaks down the latest National Voter Trends (NVT) data and why Republicans are entering the midterm cycle with a clear advantage. Brent Buchanan and John Rogers unpack MAHA’s surge to 77% support and its stunning 10-point impact on the generic congressional ballot, the GOP’s trust edge across every major issue, and the growing bipartisan consensus behind conservative policies like voter ID, domestic energy production, and welfare work requirements. The episode also explores the collapse in trust in mainstream media, rising parental concerns around social media, and mounting voter anxiety over AI and data centers—closing with a winner...

In this fast-paced January Pulse Pod, Brent and Mitch break down the biggest shifts in Cygnal’s latest National Voter Trends poll. From Trump’s +6 image rebound and a more optimistic national mood (+9) to voter reactions on Venezuela, immigration, and the “Karens on ICE” divide, this episode covers the data driving early 2026 momentum. The team also digs into capitalism vs. socialism perceptions, changing economic priorities, and why financial stress remains high even as macro indicators improve. Packed with quick hits, sharp insights, and surprising voter shifts, this is your one-stop snapshot of where America stands heading into this midterm year.

Domestic > Foreign: Where Voters Want Trump Focused - Pulse Pod 84 delivers a rapid-fire breakdown of December’s biggest voter shifts: a modest uptick in national mood, Trump’s image rebounding, and Democrats in Congress sliding. 

Pollsters Brent and Nick hit the core issue dominating everything—affordability—from rising bills to the housing squeeze and the surge of “aspirational homeowners.” They connect immigration, news habits, domestic vs. foreign focus, and fentanyl concerns into one clear theme: voters want leaders zeroed in on cost of living and problems at home.

The episode wraps with how emotional...

🔥 Pulse Pod special just dropped on Brent Buchanan's NEW book! 

CEO Brent Buchanan, alongside VP Chris Kratzer, unpacks the insights behind his #1 Amazon bestseller in Elections America’s Emotional Divide: Navigating the Powerful Decision-Making Forces Impacting Politics, Policies & Personal Choices. 

Tune in for:
➡️ What inspired Brent to write this and why now?
➡️ The emotional forces shaping politics and personal choices
➡️ A deeper look into the diploma divide
➡️ Why authenticity and truth matter more than ever
➡️ What leaders can do to unite a fractured nation and point others to an optimisitc future

Cygnal Pollsters Brent Buchanan and Alex Tarascio break down Cygnal’s November NVT poll, highlighting how GOP strengths on law, order, and border security stand out with voters. They discuss why the “socialist” label isn’t gaining traction, and how Republicans can win back economic voters by focusing on affordability and tax relief or risk losses in 2026. The episode covers immigration, tax burdens, and voter mistrust of AI—ending with a look at how the GOP can reset the narrative and build momentum heading into the midterms.

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A special Pulse Pod episode is here, and it’s one you won’t want to miss! Brent Buchanan dives into his upcoming book America’s Emotional Divide: Navigating the Powerful Decision-Making Forces Impacting Politics, Policies & Personal Choices. This conversation explores why authenticity and truth are what people crave, why sometimes culture often outweighs the economy in shaping decisions, and how emotions—especially anger and anxiety—drive voting behavior. Brent also touches on the “Trump effect,” the role of social media and podcasts in reshaping political influence, and why these tools were so effective in past elections. Most importantly, h...

Cygnal's Pulse Pod Ep. 82 Democrats New Theme Song: "Breaking the Law!" w/ Pollsters Brent Buchanan and Chris Lane - Join us for the latest episode of Cygnal's Pulse Pod as we dive into the most recent political trends and public opinion shifts that are reshaping America's political landscape. Our data-driven analysis reveals some surprising developments that you won't want to miss.

Our Pollsters’ Top Five: 

New Issues Emerging: This is the first time this decade, or about the time of Trump’s entrance into American political life, the top issue has not been inflation and the econom...

Cygnal's Pulse Pod Ep. 81 Women Under 55 vs. Everyone Else: America’s Deepening Divide w/ Pollsters Brent Buchanan and John Rogers - Join us for the latest episode of Cygnal's Pulse Pod as we dive into the most recent political trends and public opinion shifts that are reshaping America's political landscape. Our data-driven analysis reveals some surprising developments that you won't want to miss.

Highlights:
Parental and reproductive concerns: it’s back-to-school season and a quarter of parents of PreK-12 students say political interference (24%) in their children’s education is the issue they are most concerned with. Physical safety...

Cygnal's Pulse Pod Ep. 80 69% of Americans reject race-based redistricting; views on the American Dream on life support; and the Fed Under Fire w/ Pollsters Brent Buchanan and Mitch Brown - Join us for the latest episode of Cygnal's Pulse Pod as we dive into the most recent political trends and public opinion shifts that are reshaping America's political landscape. Our data-driven analysis reveals some surprising developments that you won't want to miss.

Highlights:
Democratic doldrums: Despite continue attacks against him, Donald Trump’s image remains resilient; since Liberation Day in April, unfavorable views tow...

Cygnal's Pulse Pod Ep. 79 - “Karens” Freak Out Over ICE Raids as Hispanic Support for Deportations Surges: NVT Poll w/ Pollsters Brent Buchanan and Nick Weinstein - Join us for the latest episode of Cygnal's Pulse Pod as we dive into the most recent political trends and public opinion shifts that are reshaping America's political landscape. Our data-driven analysis reveals some surprising developments that you won't want to miss.

Highlights:
Spike Alert: For the first time since September 2022, threats to democracy (18%) has overtaken inflation and the economy (17%) as the top priority among li...

Cygnal's Pulse Pod Ep. 78 - Record Number Say Nation is on Right Track; Voters Back Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ for Tax Relief and Border Security: Poll w/ Pollsters Brent Buchanan and Alex Tarascio - Join us for the latest episode of Cygnal's Pulse Pod as we dive into the most recent political trends and public opinion shifts that are reshaping America's political landscape. Our data-driven analysis reveals some surprising developments that you won't want to miss.

Highlights:
Big and Beautiful: Parents (+11 net support), swing voters (+9), and those earning under $75k (+5...

Cygnal's Pulse Pod Ep. 77 - AOC More Popular than Schumer, Trump Image Improving, GOP Decimating Dems on Key Issue Trust: NVT Poll w/ Pollsters Brent Buchanan and John Rogers - Join us for the latest episode of Cygnal's Pulse Pod as we dive into the most recent political trends and public opinion shifts that are reshaping America's political landscape. Our data-driven analysis reveals some surprising developments that you won't want to miss.

Highlights:
First 100 Days: despite complete saturation of negative news coverage (92%), President Trump and Congressional Republicans outpace Democrats’ favorability/trust maintaining an edge...

Cygnal's Pulse Pod Ep. 76 - Dems Struggle as Trump Maintains Strong Approval, Even in Light of Tariffs: NVT Poll w/ Pollsters Brent Buchanan and Chris Lane - Join us for the latest episode of Cygnal's Pulse Pod as we dive into the most recent political trends and public opinion shifts that are reshaping America's political landscape. Our data-driven analysis reveals some surprising developments that you won't want to miss.Highlights:
Trump Holds Steady: the President’s job approval remains steady at 47 percent, unchanged from March. He has gained some ground among Independents to counterbalance some lo...

Cygnal's Pulse Pod: 48% Support Trump Negotiating Settlement to War in Ukraine as Optimism at Home Rises - Join us for the latest episode of Cygnal's Pulse Pod as we dive into the most recent political trends and public opinion shifts that are reshaping America's political landscape. Our data-driven analysis reveals some surprising developments that you won't want to miss.

Highlights:

Top Priorities: ‘Threats to democracy’ rose five points to an all-time high (22%) while concerns about inflation and the economy ticked up by two points remaining the number one priority. Trump’s massive action to curtail ill...

Cygnal's Pulse Pod: LIVE from Dubai, New Data Shows Middle Easterners WAY More Positive About the U.S. Than Americans - Join us for this special episode of Cygnal's Pulse Pod as we dive into our recent poll in the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar) presented by Pollsters Brent Buchanan and Alex Tarascio. This survey breaks down interesting views on international affairs and optimism about the direction of America among other key issues.

A Couple Episode Highlights:

Global Direction: generally speaking, 59 percent of respondents said things in the...

Cygnal's Pulse Pod: Trump's Surprising Surge and America's Shifting Landscape - Join us for the latest episode of Cygnal's Pulse Pod as we dive into the most recent political trends and public opinion shifts that are reshaping America's political landscape. Our data-driven analysis reveals some surprising developments that you won't want to miss.

Episode Highlights:

Black Men Love Trump: We'll explore the unexpected political realignment as Trump makes significant inroads with historically Democratic-leaning constituencies. A staggering 42% of black men now approve of Trump's job performance.

Top Issues: Discover...

In this special BONUS episode of the Cygnal Pulse Pod, President and Founder Brent Buchanan, together with Vice President Brock McCleary, discuss insights into the latest data shifts as the 2024 election cycle reaches its final stretch. Our experts take a deeper dive into the data in this podcast episode and illuminate pivotal trends and changes in voter behavior, offering a timely examination of the data’s implications for the current political landscape with just days to go until Election Day. Listen now and SUBSCRIBE!

On the latest episode of the Cygnal Pulse Pod, Cygnal Pollster, Founder, and President Brent Buchanan sits down with our Director of Innovation Noah Wyhof-Rudnick to discuss key takeaways from the data presented in October's national voter survey from NVT Live. Listen to expert opinion and analysis on how the election is shaping up as we are now under 4 weeks until Election Day. This is the perfect listen if you were unable to join our online panel to discover new key insights.

In this new episode of the Cygnal Pulse Pod, our pollsters and data experts reflect on key data from our latest poll on all the battleground districts nationwide after the second Presidential debate wrapped. Listen to VP of Polling Brock McCleary and Director of Polling Mike Yelovich to gain a comprehensive understanding of the prevailing political winds shaping these KEY districts as we edge closer and closer to November and discover questions asked live during the presentation. This is the perfect listen if you were unable to join our Battlegrounds Zoom Presentation!

In this new episode of the Cygnal Pulse Pod, our pollsters and data experts reflect on key data from our latest poll on all the battleground districts nationwide after the second Presidential debate wrapped. Listen to VP of Polling Brock McCleary and Director of Polling Mike Yelovich to gain a a comprehensive understanding of the prevailing political winds shaping these KEY districts as we edge closer and closer to November and discover questions asked live during the presentation. This is the perfect listen if you were unable to join our Battlegrounds Zoom Presentation!

On the latest episode of the Cygnal Pulse Pod, Cygnal Pollster Chris Lane sits down with our Director of Innovation Noah Wyhof-Rudnick to discuss key takeaways from the data presented in August's national voter survey from NVT Live. Listen to expert opinion and analysis on how the election is shaping up as we edge closer to November. This is the perfect listen if you were unable to join our online panel to discover new key insights.

In this new episode of the Cygnal Pulse Pod, our pollsters and data experts reflect on key data from our latest poll on all the battleground districts nationwide after the first Presidential debate wrapped. Listen to VP of Polling Brock McCleary and Director of Polling Mike Yelovich to gain a comprehensive understanding of the political dynamics shaping these key states, follow the national trends until election day, and discover questions asked live during the presentation. Be on the lookout for new battlegrounds data in September up to election day!

On the latest episode of the Cygnal Pulse Pod, Cygnal Pollster Mitch Brown sits down with our Director of Innovation Noah Wyhof-Rudnick to discuss key takeaways from the data presented in June's national voter survey from NVT Live. Listen to expert opinion and analysis on economic data and party realignment trends that will be the key in messaging to voters in 2024. This is the perfect listen if you were unable to join our online panel to discover new key insights as we gear up for November.

In this new episode of the Cygnal Pulse Pod, our pollsters and data experts reflect on key data from our latest poll on all the battleground districts nationwide. Listen to VP of Polling Brock McCleary and Director of Polling Mike Yelovich to gain a comprehensive understanding of the political dynamics shaping these key states, follow the national trends until election day, and discover questions asked live during the presentation. Be on the lookout for new battlegrounds data in July up to election day!

On the latest episode of the Cygnal Pulse Pod, Cygnal Pollster Mitch Brown sits down with our Director of Innovation Noah Wyhof-Rudnick to discuss key takeaways from the data presented in April's national voter survey from NVT Live. Listen to expert opinion and analysis on economic data and party realignment trends that will be the key in messaging to voters in 2024. This is the perfect listen if you were unable to join our online panel to discover new key insights as we gear up for November.

In this new episode of the Cygnal Pulse Pod, our pollsters and data experts reflect on key data from our latest poll on all the battleground districts nationwide. Listen to VP of Polling Brock McCleary and Director of Polling Mike Yelovich to gain a comprehensive understanding of the political dynamics shaping these key states, follow the national trends until election day, and discover questions asked live during the presentation. Be on the lookout for new battlegrounds data in May and throughout the election year!

On the latest episode of the Cygnal Pulse Pod, Cygnal Pollster Chris Lane sits down with our Director of Innovation Noah Wyhof-Rudnick to discuss key takeaways from the data presented in February's national voter survey from NVT Live. Discover expert analysis on Biden's image rating change over the last few months, a head-to-head match up of Trump and Biden, how the crisis at our southern border has impacted voters' top priorities, and more. This is the perfect listen if you were unable to join our online panel to discover new key insights as we...

In the latest episode of the Cygnal Pulse Pod, our pollsters and data experts will reflect on key insights from our latest poll on all the battleground districts nationwide. Listen to Brock McCleary and Noah Wyhof-Rudnick to gain a comprehensive understanding of the political dynamics shaping these key states, follow the national trends until election day, and discover questions asked live during the presentation. Be on the lookout for new battlegrounds data throughout the election year!

On the latest episode of the Cygnal Pulse Pod, Cygnal's VP of Polling Brock McCleary sits down with our Director of Innovation Noah Wyhof-Rudnick to discuss key takeaways from the data presented in December's national voter survey from NVT Live, our last webinar of the year. Discover expert analysis on voters' stance on wrong track/right direction, state-by-state top priorities, presidential ballot, and more. This is the perfect listen if you were unable to join our online panel to discover new key insights as we edge into the '24 election year.

On the latest episode of the Cygnal Pulse Pod, President and Founder of Cygnal Brent Buchanan sits down with our Director of Innovation Noah Wyhof-Rudnick to discuss key takeaways from the data in November's national voter survey from NVT Live. This is the perfect listen if you were unable to join our online panel to discover new key insights exactly one year out from the 2024 election.