Full Interview: Frank Luntz on Why Trump is Beating Biden (with Elex Michaelson)

We're joined by long-time pollster and strategist Frank Luntz. Luntz, a pioneer of the televised focus group, is behind such political language as "climate change," "border security," and "death tax."
Luntz discusses the current state of the 2024 race, his advice for President Biden and Former President Trump, the threat to both posed by the independent candidacy of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and the future of California Governor Gavin Newsom.
"The Issue Is: with Elex Michaelson" is California's statewide political show. Watch more at TheIssueIsShow.com

[@wheressteve]

I can't help but feel that in a room full of random Franks, this Frank is not the brightest Frank in the room.

[@kickinghorse2405]

"I'm the one who left [California]. I can't afford to live here any more." ( . . . said the guy just after starting he "only" owns a house in California.)

[@jonieneryder7268]

Aren’t They fudging the numbers for job report ?

[@TheJimprez]

YES! The USA plays with its stats. Like when it shows unemployment numbers. We use REAL unemployment in Canada. So it reflects reality. And it's always a bit higher than the US one, because yours is skewed by being VERY liberal with exceptions, and descriptions of what is considered unemployed.. Just like the debt load... If Americans only understood how much they owe... Or what they consider HOMELESS, like sleeping on a bench is having a home, so is having one night a week in a shelter. Its just lies, but when telling the truth might mean less votes, your politicians lie... Mine just tell us the problem, their solution, and how much it'll cost us to fix. WAY different mindset...

[@SIoyvenheaven1T800m101]

The economy is terrible. Inflation is up. Median income is down. Labor force is down. Those are all irrefutable facts.

[@TheJimprez]

The question is... WHERE do you live. States have lots of self determining powers in the USA. And California has just a bit less people than the whole of Canada to deal with. It's also the only sunny State with a left-thinking government and lots of public services... Those services got SWAMPED by the increase in people ending up in California to be homeless. BECAUSE it's warm, and they get freebies (that overload the budget with so many needing them!!) Good intentions that became abused, or just became a shining light for every destitute person in the USA, and show how bad it is. The State needs to push up its taxes to meet the spendings, the productive (working) citizenry is being overburdened, businesses get outrageous tax bills, and everybody is miserable... My take on the California situation, is good intentions gone bad, and NOBODY willing to be the bad person who pulls the switch. What those REGULAR, out of luck homeless people need is a place to stay and a job, what the addicted ones need, is a place to all be taken to, supervised, and either healed or taken AWAY from mainstream society (for EVERYBODY'S safety). We have the same in Vancouver. Every Canadian homeless person who can, goes there. It's the only place they won't freeze, and it has freed drug use for a pilot project that went completely off-rails, and is just now getting tuned with some needed restrictions on drug use (especially WHERE it's tolerated). Being compassionate is all good, and I love it. BUT, not when it pulls everybody down with the problem you are trying to fix. We need a concerted, sane, managed, way to take care of those poor people, WITHOUT burning our own house down to do it. We USED to have that. Before deinstitutionnalisation, we had tens of thousands of Canadians in mental institutes. Some were great, some were run by creeps, but we didn't let people who clearly could NOT deal with life, try to go about it on their own. It was sometimes a heartless place to be, but those institutions PROTECTED their patients from the dangers of life, AND protected the rest of us, from the few dangerous ones that were stuck in them. There were a LOT less homeless and addicted people roaming the streets back then. .

[@SIoyvenheaven1T800m101]

@@TheJimprez The economy is terrible in the states. Not just inflation either. Median household income has fallen since Chairman Joke Briben was installed.

[@kansas6263]

Yet Frank says the exact opposite. He’s a liar.

[@SIoyvenheaven1T800m101]

@@kansas6263 The economy is even in worse shape since I made this post.

[@angelfan4eva1010]

A business man is not what this state needs. Just a candidate who isn’t bought by big business

[@Gabreyes093]

He’s bought by foreign adversaries

[@griffincontracting]

​@@Gabreyes093 Trump will sell out to anyone who's buying.

[@mariettawilson9256]

@@Gabreyes093. Yeah, Trump Sure Is BOUGHT by BIG MONEY! Yes, voting BLUE is the only way to get rid of the lying GOP’s in controlling Power Over the U.S. Citizens & Country.

[@angelfan4eva1010]

@@Gabreyes093 who is?

[@Gabreyes093]

@@angelfan4eva1010 Trump

[@jjmmac707]

Are you serious, Frank? You are clueless!! What dirt has the SG have on you?

[@jaynook4980]

SG = ?

[@jjmmac707]

SG = Shadow Government

[@harunayahuza7399]

You called Frank a clueless person. But didn't go Far in your arguments. The morning market tells itself.

[@GraceEarney-di6vj]

Fake news alot of people are working 2 and 3 jobs a day to pay bills

[@timothysalinas37]

Well there went any credit frank might have had

[@lorigarza9971]

Agree

[@harunayahuza7399]

Trump needs to Debate Biden for the American public to Judge among them who Fits to be in the White House.

[@bartm_]

I would like to see that. But there is a reason he ducked all the other debates. He has hit that fateful stage where he completely loses himself and his grasp on the topic at hand and speech in general. And then there’s Biden who has a lifelong stutter.

[@Africanknight88]

The economy is doing better?First, for who? Not the average citizen. Have you shopped for cars, food, insurance, rent? This economy is benefiting rich corporations. Not the working class.

[@bdonovable]

Luntz lost a lot of credibility early. He worded his comments in such a way as to not technically be inaccurate but still quite misleading. Doesn't matter how the last few months have been; it matters how the last 3 years have been. A lot Americans have felt the squeeze over the last 3 years. And neither the current nor former president is innocent of the blame. The pandemic lockdowns and international unrest have affected the price of energy which in itself raises the prices on pretty much everything. The Biden justice department and his unconstitutional use of OSHA during the vaccine roll-out have been unprecedented executive abuses of power. The former president overreached a lot too (but in an ineffectual ego-driven sense) whereas Biden administration's aforementioned policies targeted American citizens. The Judicial Branch has "checked" the overreaches of these presidents effectively, but the media only "checks" Trump and does not critique Biden on the issues that matter.

[@jasonrossrealty]

Amen to that my man!!!!

[@Cycle-Breaker]

For the privileged.

[@modernjosephus356]

For Luntzs' stocks

[@Gabreyes093]

Employment rate is low. Jobs are coming to the country under Biden. Inflation is horrible. Trump will make it worse if he passes the tariff for all countries by 10% like he proposed. That would cause everything imported to raise in price. There are positives and negatives

[@jameshudson169]

frank luntz comes across as a nevertrumper.

[@louiseboyd8896]

You've got that right

[@cathynielsen-kolding929]

Trump would trounce Gavin. Lol

[@TimChaney-lr8qu]

Yes he would

[@kennethnguyen3382]

Inflation is down my A@@.

[@raec.9615]

he is delllusional, he has millions and a mansion. he doesnt care about the prices of gas, food etc.

[@niallmacceide4603]

Ha ha. Lumpz is a GOP strategist.

[@jamespurpus88]

Frank is a DEM...nuff said

[@LowellBDennyIII]

Elex and Frank, to correct the historical, literary record: Bobby Kennedy was quoting from George Bernard Shaw when he said “Some men see things as they are and ask why. Others dream things that never were and ask why not.” The line is from Shaw's play, "Back to Methuselah," an opus of a play with one of Shaw's most angry prefaces. He and many of his generation were transformed by the carnage of WWI and the complicity of the elites on both sides.

[@cathynielsen-kolding929]

Enough Biden chaos.

[@TERRI4REAL]

Biden border chaos

[@bartm_]

We’re finally getting some initiatives, investing in the American workforce, lifting the middle class, and you call that chaos. What exactly would you prefer? (Other than another Presidency with a reality TV personality)

[@cathynielsen-kolding929]

@@bartm_ a bit late, and just fluff. Don't you think?

[@bartm_]

@@cathynielsen-kolding929 Nope. Substantial moves. And things take time. That’s why you never blame or credit incoming administrations for things until well into their term. Example; the economic recovery under Obama began under the previous administration. But after 3 years arguably the Obama Administration did well to keep the momentum and not undermine it. So both should share in the credit ultimately.

[@wesleywillis5933]

When has there been a presidential election that was not all negative, always about the candidates and nothing about the issues or their accomplishments??

[@carlengel8501]

Trump lower? Joe has gone after all his money. Struggling Lutz

[@bartm_]

Joe has been, whether him specifically or his staff, working on student loan forgiveness, infrastructure projects, negotiating with Congress, arguing about Israel, and pushing for Ukraine aid. He hasn’t in any way been involved in New York, Georgia, Arizona or any other state law. Nor has he commented or been involved in the federal case against his opponent. Biden may be rooting for a particular outcome, but he has no influence over it. To say different is to fall for bad faith and obvious talking points from people who likely despise you and have an interest in keeping you blinded with anger.

[@louiseboyd8896]

Trump lower? Bingo....TDS

[@cathynielsen-kolding929]

I have had it waiting for Joe and I can't stand Harris! What a joke. And guess who else likes Loyalty??? I watch from overseas. I hope to come home to a safer better America.

[@owen6820]

That is so weird he has like a shrine in house dedicated to US Presidents

[@mandy2tomtube]

Lutz more than anyone got trump elected

[@nickzaccheo9294]

They f***** him up at that end segment.... showing his house off to the public... 🤣🤣😂😂 This is NOT ok folks...

[@jamiepaulzine6725]

Actually dementia joe has gone lower and that has been since day one by insulting half the country

[@goldenboy7819]

This guy leans left, you can tell.

[@louiseboyd8896]

Of course

[@dwaynegregory599]

lol frank is Democrat pundit

[@lilmoi8820]

Face it, Biden sucks.

[@cathynielsen-kolding929]

We don't want a new Job. Who cares if he sells Bibles or sneakers? So What?

[@bartm_]

Anyone who reads a Bible or the constitution. But otherwise no one else.

[@dsm19581]

😂. What universe does Frank Luntz live in? “The economy is great!” Where do these two clowns grocery shop?

[@louiseboyd8896]

It's amazing how deep TDS is engrained....

[@tracyvaught8399]

the economy might be good for the rich but go to the store in Indiana and buy gas your a Moron and thats an insult to Morons

[@InzidenzPanik]

They say you need to listen different opinions to beat the echo chamber but geesh listening to 2024 Maga talking points is cognitive self harm. You think one guy is too old yet you pick another old guy who has proven to be way more disfunctional.

[@Shineon83]

Dude in the top left “square” of undecideds looks like Mark Zuckerberg 😂

[@jimhayes8989]

What a load of BS

[@brandonlorch6825]

Frank Luntz is a damn joke

[@TheCreoleVegan]

Wow simply Wow

[@user-xq1cf3pe5b]

They need to have a debate! Can Biden even do that?

[@bartm_]

He can. The other guy doesn’t seem to sure he can. Avoided them so far.

[@sarahpalmer411]

If you actually listened to him, you’d know he is an excellent speaker. Trump fell asleep in the courtroom on the first day of his criminal trial. Biden is transforming our country, creating jobs and infrastructure. Trump did very little good while in office, mostly he was chaotic and terrifying. We need a leader who isn’t a sociopath like Trump.

[@cathynielsen-kolding929]

It's crazy to see that Trump actually does live America. Even though he is crazy. And who has done it for no pay??? He LOVES America. Niw its action over personality. Joe could be insited, too. Where is Tara Reed? She needs to come back. Why not.

[@keithjustus2292]

If this guy thinks the economy is good he clearly hasn't been to food lion

[@ofosuheneedmund7822]

Hypocrite at it's highest!!!!

[@louiseboyd8896]

Yep.....word....👍

[@christinapankey1415]

His last name is dunce

[@jamiepaulzine6725]

Newson has a horrible record btw

[@aidasanchez2028]

My vote goes for Trump!!! We need him back!!! Viva Trump

[@emcallis57]

We don't need or want him, and we voted him out in 2020. Why are we doing this again?

[@aidasanchez2028]

@@emcallis57 Trump will win this time. He is best choice for our Country! 😁 have a wonderful day chiquitín!!!

[@pamhiers6087]

ENOUGH of paying double for everything. The economy is good for those earning $100,000+

[@rudyluzaguilar8184]

Trump ❤❤❤ we need you no war n crime ✝️

[@louiseboyd8896]

Right off the bat....so Luntz doesn't like Trump?

[@tammyburruss9244]

You are crazy. Our country is in the toilet.

[@lucillegil5306]

Trump 2024 ! Asian immigrants here

[@kevinfowler6065]

You absolutely described how I feel, and the societal “meanness” that makes me ache

[@saralee4thewin]

Wow he is not a very smart man. Over turning an election is not the most anti democratic thing!?!?

[@aidasanchez2028]

What do you talking about….

[@bartm_]

@@aidasanchez2028 The former President of the United States attempted to interfere in the peaceful transfer of power a few years back and incited a mob of diehard fanatics to rush the United States Capitol in Washington DC to “fight like hell”. The result was several deaths and scores of arrests, indictments, convictions, and sentences to federal prison. The former president himself has been indicted and awaits multiple trials. It’s kind of a big deal. It’s been on the news.

[@WhatsCookingTime]

Actually Frank all of the best presidents didn't act appropriate

[@louiseboyd8896]

How true

[@Dan-dz1ws]

We Americans need a strong president like trump

[@ImArnold-zq5zo]

Why,its so obvious

[@LizaPersson]

00.10.18 to 00.11.19

[@bradsexton2326]

First of all the economie is terrible and the inflation is getting high and trump talking about the immigration issue and the economy right now and Frank lunts is delusional in this bubble

[@hamlddastjerdi6216]

PRESIDENTS TRUMP 2024 please people support president TRUMP Till we win the election it is very important election

[@bartm_]

No. Just no. The ELECTION is for a president. Why would anyone choose a dictator. That’s completely counterintuitive.

[@user-uh7hr9kg1n]

There is something about Trump that makes u listen to him and say he's actually right. Biden is not convincing enough. He lacks the passion and astuteness. Trump's repetitive, short and bold sentences catch attention easier. Its like watching an ad that is quick, catchy and straight forward.

[@louiseboyd8896]

He's a darn good communicator....

[@markfalcoff1743]

I find it disturbing that both men speak of Newsome as "Gavin". Is he a chum of theirs?

[@tonyrichardson8107]

Frankly ‘

[@jeffreydavid999]

The economy is not good. When you don’t have to worry about groceries, you say lies like that.

[@TimChaney-lr8qu]

No way newsome would win-he can't even run California

[@pamhiers6087]

Frank, sure hope you're learning something from these messages. You are living in Rich Man/cool aid world. What the heck happened to you?

[@kalemginsberg6668]

Biden is an interesting politician. Always counted out. I do like the theory approach, but you can never count out the secret ballot. People were afraid to say they supported Trump, now they are afraid to say they don't.

[@godisrockministries.8608]

You could actually make a better argument the other way round.

[@TheJimprez]

What polls have you been watching???

[@brianmcpeake2509]

I've never heard Frank speak until today. What a breath of fresh air. This is how politicians should speak and discuss topics .

[@ronaldjackson9521]

Trump full speed ahead

[@courtneybrubaker9738]

He doesn’t look like he’s gonna make it.

[@primetime4700]

Sad to see. Many bad points. So Sad to see.

[@otiskirkland168]

Bro, Joe Biden is putting in work. It's Donald trump in his Shenanigans.

[@SIoyvenheaven1T800m101]

You’re working OT for that ChiCom bot. You get an extra egg roll!

[@RegenerateYourLife]

This guy is not really aware of higher consciousness.

[@ACR7791]

The thing is Trump being Trump is what we like. He is strong and funny💕

[@sandragomez4757]

I agree 💯%

[@jaynook4980]

I like how he’s made everyone so angry at each other & dissolved all trust in civil society. My kind of anarchist ❤

[@kansas6263]

Trumps gone “lower” Frank? Who is prosecuting who? Give me a break. How can someone sit there and say America is in good shape? Frank is the last guy that should be conducting focus groups. Such a liar. Frank is partially responsible for how divided and angry this country is.

[@keithclanton7634]

🥱....again?

[@modernjosephus356]

Luntz mad. Lol

[@Traderbear]

In Spanish even better Basta!

[@Briancrobinsonspeaks]

Fantastic interview! Love Frank Luntz. Very smart and straightforward. Is it too late to nominate Gavin Newsome?

[@TimChaney-lr8qu]

Newsome would lose

[@genesickler7717]

All of these reasons are why people are looking to RFKJR

[@SIoyvenheaven1T800m101]

Vote Trump or don’t vote at all.

[@dirtnastybeats550]

@@SIoyvenheaven1T800m101worried dude? 😂

[@johnjenkins202]

Luntz always pulls towards the Republicans while pretending to be unbiased. He hasn’t changed.

[@tinamclaughlin1991]

Please...... Not digging this guy.

[@saralee4thewin]

Your truths aren't truths only opinions.

[@user-sp7bg1kr5j]

We want a honest President. We want Roberr F Kennedy Jr and Shanahan not Trump or Biden. ❤ You say enough!

[@ronaldjackson9521]

4 yrs ago 401ks were doing well. Biden sucks rent doubled

[@bartm_]

You like Reagan’s policies, that speaks volumes about what you want America to be. And it should scare those you talk to. Everything else is a matter of opinion and up for discussion and debate.

[@SIoyvenheaven1T800m101]

Reagan’s policies were great for America, bad for commies like yourself. No wonder you hate America so much. You’re jealous of capitalism 🇺🇸😎👍🏻

[@sandragomez4757]

This guy is delusional. These are relatively good times? Really? What planet is he on? Just met a lady at a park living in her car due to high rent & inflation!

[@Gabreyes093]

One anecdotal observation does not reflect the extent of the country’s economy

[@joeuser633]

@@Gabreyes093it works on idiots though and that’s about half the country.

[@Gabreyes093]

@@joeuser633 it’s partially why we are in the shiteshow we are today. That and just an overall lack of understanding about how government works

[@sugarhillmanor5945]

This man talks nonsense

[@mariettawilson9256]

Trump doesn’t help Americans, but Convinced many of them he does.! Vote Blue for American Freedoms..!

[@edjackson4986]

You’re nuts

[@mariettawilson9256]

@@edjackson4986 Well, anyone that loves Trump is Certainly goofy NUTS.! And We Sane Americans definitely Know That. Gee, did Trump say something about a Blood Bath?!

[@mikewilson5332]

I agree

[@mariettawilson9256]

@@mikewilson5332 Yep, Trump is Sure way Off Track when it comes to stabilizing America!

[@SIoyvenheaven1T800m101]

Have fun getting deported. 🤣😂😆

[@greghanna7753]

RFK is currently my ENOUGH candidate until further notice.

[@susanw2869]

RFK Jr ... Make Polio Great Again

[@Speck79]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂👎🏻 🇺🇲Vote!💙👍🏻

[@jamiepaulzine6725]

Vote ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@user-cm8co5nx4k]

As long as it’s a real businessman and not a fraud and brat like Trump.

[@saralee4thewin]

Trump needs to let the Republicans pass the border bill!

[@SIoyvenheaven1T800m101]

You’re the epitome as to why not everyone should be allowed to vote.

[@saralee4thewin]

@@SIoyvenheaven1T800m101 you don't think they should pass the border bill?? I think it is a good start. The Republicans just have to vote for it. Mike Johnson should bring it to the floor and stop listening to trumpy.

[@SIoyvenheaven1T800m101]

@@saralee4thewin Kiddo, the “border bill” has nothing to do with the border and everything to do with dumping our money overseas. Chairman Joke Briben can close the border right now. You don’t need a “border bill” to enforce the border. You’re what they call a “useful idiot”.

[@SIoyvenheaven1T800m101]

@@saralee4thewin Kiddo, the “border bill” has nothing to do with the border and everything to do with dumping our money overseas. Chairman Joke Briben can close the border right now. You don’t need a “border bill” to enforce the border. You’re what they call a “useful idiot”.

[@SIoyvenheaven1T800m101]

@@saralee4thewin Kiddo, the “border bill” has nothing to do with the border and everything to do with dumping our money overseas. Chairman Joke Briben can close the border right now. You don’t need a “border bill” to enforce the border.

[@Shineon83]

Frank Luntz has been 100% RIGHT on his election predictions for over 30 years

[@Dan-dz1ws]

Inflation is not down the rate is it has raised 20 percent since viden got into office

[@richardrowe1538]

No inflation!!! Gas prices are well over $5.00 per gallon in California. Fast food restaurants have raised prices 10% or more. Housing prices and rents continue to rise. The problem, too much governmental spending and governmental deficits into infinity!!! Please look at the other comments on this page. There needs to be term limits for both politicians and federal employees. Balance the budget and shrink government.

[@jaynook4980]

Predatory big business is the problem, they’ve admitted as much. Supply issues persist & now we’re chasing immigrant labor away. Complicated issue for sure

[@susanw2869]

Price gouging and Corporate Greed!

[@bradleyrounds9148]

​@@susanw2869 exxon BILLIONS in quarterly earnings

[@arleenswart5752]

So right about Newsom! He should be the next President of the United States of America!

[@SIoyvenheaven1T800m101]

No he shouldn’t. Anyone that says that should not only not be ever allowed to vote, but deported as well.

[@jamiepaulzine6725]

Have u seen s hole ca

[@bartm_]

@@SIoyvenheaven1T800m101 So you are not in favor of a democracy but rather an authoritarian regime. Perhaps you should consider a different home country as this one has a pretty pesky constitution riddled with democratic ideas.

[@jeffreydavid999]

The lies these idiots tell. He’s not selling Bibles. He’s promoting it for someone else.

[@KingHazel234]

RFK24 third choice best choice not just 2

[@jaynook4980]

RFK is too old & his family doesn’t even support him. Hard pass

[@susanw2869]

RFK Jr ... Make Polio Great Again

[@KingHazel234]

Yea you don’t need every family member to agree with you, idk who the fuck agrees with their family on everything. The fact that y’all go by what the news people say about him making him look bad, should be a warning to you. If you believe everything on tv, then it’s a lost cause. You just got do some research and make your own decision, not go off the shit you see on tv. Vote for however but don’t base a vote from the lies they feed you, you brainless fools. RFk24

[@KingHazel234]

@@jaynook4980 yea idk any family the agrees with each other on everything lol. If they do that’s insane.

[@jaynook4980]

@@KingHazel234 True, but check out the Kennedy family photo with Biden on St Patrick’s Day. Ridin with Biden

[@aa697]

All the Way with RFK Jr. 2024

[@jaynook4980]

Too old & his family doesn’t back him.

[@susanw2869]

RFK Jr ... Make Polio Great Again

[@jeffreydavid999]

Is that chic running for VP or competing for Ms. America?

[@jeffreydavid999]

Of course will debate anyone. That’s not even a question and another example of Frank Duntz’s disingenuousness.

[@Crottedeparis]

Crap

[@RandallMaupin-jp5sh]

Really Frank you don't know sh!t....

[@andrewjamieson4617]

Delusional.

[@brownjuicylucy99]

Not if millions upon millions women who’s rights have been taken away.. do not mess with scorned American women!! Take our rights … we will take Trumps!!!🌊🌊🌊💙💙💙💙💙!!!

[@mariettawilson9256]

Yes! Positively Vote Blue! The Lying Radical Trump GOP are So very good at Conning the uneducated so called patriots!

[@SIoyvenheaven1T800m101]

Lmao Trump is gonna deport you traitor. 😂🤣😆

[@jamiepaulzine6725]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jamiepaulzine6725]

No one took your rights away

[@brownjuicylucy99]

@@jamiepaulzine6725 speak for yourself red💩💩stain on America💙💙💙🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊💙💙!!!