Why The GOP Isn't Able To Win The Popular Vote l FiveThirtyEight Politics Podcast

The November election was the seventh time in eight elections that Republicans lost the national popular vote and was a rare loss for an incumbent president. In this episode, the crew asks why President Trump lost and considers the challenges facing the Republican Party electorally. They also check in on FiveThirtyEight’s newly launched polling average of the Senate runoff elections in Georgia.
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[@danielpeters9110]

They really laid off Clare? What a horrible decision. I am going to really miss the insights and levity she brought to the podcast

[@Kruezoraxe]

She also had no fear of bringing up really unpleasant topics. And her views were always very well considered. Of all the commenters, she had me going "I never thought of it that way" more than anyone else.

[@travcollier]

@Peacetime 420 She worked with them for 5 years. She wasn't some seasonal hire or freelancer. Frankly, I'm surprised that they had the power to fire her without Nate's ok. He's probably regretting not insisting on more control over staff when he signed his contract.

[@travcollier]

@Peacetime 420 no argument there. She should be fine. I just wanted to point out that her layoff wasn't a normal "after the election" thing.

[@KingBobXVI]

@CousinEdward - I have a pretty strong feeling he didn't even mess up, and that the _actual_ votes were closer to the polls than the tallies suggest. The polling error heavily favors Republicans who constantly get caught committing election fraud. I'm pretty confident that there _was_ plenty of election fraud in this election, on the side of Republicans - though just not enough to overcome the massive backlash against Trump. Nothing makes me certain of this more than the _immediate_ rebuttal from the GOP towards Trump's request to "investigate election fraud" when he lost, and quick pivot to the "most secure election in history" narrative. They didn't want to risk a _real_ investigation into election fraud because they clearly know what would have been found.

[@cbroma2007]

This news of losing Clare has hit me hard. What a loss for such a great team.

[@thechicken7092]

Shocked to hear Clare got laid off!! Bring her back please!!

[@KelpShake98]

We want Clare back :'/

[@noly310]

Clare was cool. Also the perfect balance.

[@zhengyangxu1911]

i'm leaving a comment as a peaceful protest to the letting go of Clare Malone. Times may be tough, but getting rid of talent is not a good idea and potentially a betrayal to the audience.

[@siddharthmohanty5731]

Clare was great but talent is expensive.

[@johncostello4565]

So disappointed about whoever fired Clare. She was the best voice on the podcast.

[@louispetitjean1652]

She really grounded the conversations

[@trickyfish100]

Nate's as emotional as I've ever seen him over losing his colleague.

[@TheVistastube]

Yeah, I've never seen Nate like this in any on-screen appearance.

[@vikmanphotography7984]

Sounds almost like she's died

[@TizBaz5]

@@democrrrracymanifest Commander Nata

[@trickyfish100]

@@democrrrracymanifest what makes you say he can't have friends in the true sense?

[@ProuvaireJean]

@@trickyfish100 It's a Star Trek The Next Generation reference.

[@eladiomendez8226]

Clare always brought a fresh perspective and made discussions lively. What a short-sighted layoff. Abc you blew it.

[@shuttlemanjack]

Her perspective will be missed.

[@OriginalOrlaith]

NONONO. i love Clare. she's about half the reason i tune in. ABC bring her back!

[@eralonuva]

I would add that as a woman, it is absolute bullshit to listen to a podcast about the electorate without a woman -- when women are half the electorate.

[@alexpartazana1803]

As a dude, I wanna say that Clare was my favorite podcaster, especially because of her perspective as a woman. Not only was she smart, but funny too. Sad to see her go and I wish her nothing but success.

[@haileydee9954]

@@eralonuva I couldn't agree more!

[@coletheawkwardpanda]

Just here to add onto the pile of Clare-related comments. She was absolutely fantastic and definitely will be missed.

[@connerclark3678]

This makes it sound like she’s dead.

[@natehogan3572]

Clare getting laid off is a real tragedy. Boo on ABC News!

[@natehogan3572]

Also, she wrote some of the best work about the Republican party and her absence on this podcast feels like a real slap in the face.

[@sherrykumar2883]

I’m so sad to hear about Claire 😭

[@WilliamChan]

Kudos to you guys for calling out a questionable decision by your parent company. Hope to see Clare on here in some way again

[@ainxtyan]

Whenever I listen to the podcast, I'm always like "Is Clare on?" ... now, I will always be disappointed. :(

[@tlhuffman]

I am REALLY pissed to hear this about Claire. She was one of the main reasons I watched this podcast.

[@Sowar]

Clare was the heart of the podcast. ABC management must be nuts.

[@jamesdenton6370]

What the HELL?! Claire was a highlight, why the hell was she fired?!

[@lonesaiyan27]

probably came down to the math, she was probably being paid a lot and they didn't have it in the budget

[@faye_faye]

I really, really liked Clare on these podcasts! She offered great insights and contributed such a good vibe. I hope you're able to bring her back for some of these

[@bob3ironfist]

Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaan. Need Claire back.

[@GospelTangents]

That sucks about Claire. She was awesome, and I will miss her. Good luck Claire. I hope you land on your feet!

[@lucasleanza9762]

@tom tuker That is kind of a tough stance, especially considering this involves a life. It is ok to believe their analysis of the polls isincorrect, but to actively comment and wish negativity on the workers seems a bit wrong.

[@manufactured_reality]

@tom tuker looks like someone is still mad Trump lost.

[@SingAboutSwayze]

@tom tuker Trump. By a historic landslide blowout, per Kellyanne Conway: twitter.com/KellyannePolls/status/803336493469204481

[@danbuchman7497]

@tom tuker I’m sorry you feel this way and pray for you. I hope almighty God comes into your heart to open it and experience his love. ✌️

[@manufactured_reality]

@tom tuker lmao

[@christopherbrand5360]

Really hope y’all can bring Clare Malone back in some capacity. She brings a valuable perspective and complements the podcast panel. Really appreciate the candid discussion of the situation.

[@darkroastordeath]

Two big absences from this podcast: Clare Malone and Galen’s mustache. One of these I miss dearly while the other is Galen’s mustache

[@alowry2002]

LOL

[@lizard_1001]

Best comment award goes to you

[@Dan9873]

I shall miss them both...

[@Kahrash]

Very sad that Clair was laid off. Someone of her talent and intelligence won't go long without work.

[@lallivasich8037]

C’mon ABC, don’t make a mistake like this! Bring Clare back!! We love her!!!

[@Maggophonie]

Whoever makes decision at ABC seriously needs to re-evaluate their priorities. Clare ALWAYS added some unexpected angle or insight to the conversation, which is exactly what makes great news.

[@tungru1]

ABC laid Clare off without input from nate and Co? Hot garbage.

[@dominicholcomb668]

I MISS CLARE

[@jamesdenton6370]

Please please please find a way to bring her on, she was such an important voice

[@jbnelson]

BRING CLARE BACK

[@ariainlerah7771]

☹ very sad Claire won't be on the show anymore!

[@seanoconnor851]

Actually so upset over claire being let go. I’ll be on the lookout for her next stage in her career!

[@trickyfish100]

Nate and Perry are wonderful, but I will miss Clare loads!

[@michaelprovenza7575]

Sad and disappointed about Clare, I signed up for her newsletter and hope they can work her back on the podcast somehow.

[@everettjohnston8259]

I cant believe that. Clare if your reading this, you are amazing! You will be great at your next gig.. ABC big mistake, huge bummer guys

[@simonweiwang]

+1 for that.

[@Clefargle]

Claire was great, will be missed

[@chessplayer0106]

Wtf why did they fire Clare? She provided so much value we need a female voice on the podcast. Boooo!

[@JM-fh2em]

Laid off as apart of ABC staff reductions. No reason based on performance. It's fair in the sense if ABC were going to lay off people it was probably arbitrary just the like numerous other people from ABC News that were laid off.

[@Keil253]

It's tragic that ABC let Clare go. I think it's tragic that they made this decision. Please get her back!

[@dp6386]

Clare Malone has been a charming, witty, and insightful presence on the pod and a talented, thought-provoking writer for the 538 website. She’s touched the lives of so many people through her work, and in a year full of injustices, this one hurts. I really, really hope she is still able to join the pod, similar to how Geoff Foster still joins 538’s sports pod (Hot Takedown) even though he’s no longer a 538/ABC employee. Either way, best wishes for whatever Clare's bright future holds.

[@AlokMalik18]

Missing Clare! Without her it’s too plain. She was the spice of this podcast. Please get her back!

[@lucasleanza9762]

I found this podcast recently and to be completely honest Claire was a main reason I sticked around. Her voice (kind of an odd mix of enthusiasm and calmness at the same time) was extremely necessary to balance the fast-paced commentaries from the rest of the team. I truly hope she comes back and that ABC reconsiders!

[@camofrog]

BRING BACK CLARE! These videos are way less interesting without her.

[@ChemicalArts]

I will subscribe to the Claire Malone channel.

[@mr_bigbux]

BOO. shame on ABC Claire was my favorite of the bunch, she always had the most insightful commentar and had the most charisma. Hope she lands a better gig.

[@zacharyspahr5508]

Bring back Claire!

[@nineplusten]

What a tone deaf decision by ABC to lay off Clare.

[@PurpleGhost666]

Why would Abc do something like that, has the whole country gone mad.

[@nhall129]

I’m so sad to hear about Clare I hope she’s able to come back to the podcast at least, and i know im not the only one who feels the that way

[@HermSezPlayToWin]

Poor Clare, tough to get let go before the holidays like that. 🙁

[@ahamed4152]

Harry and Clare podcast is what we want.

[@johndileonardo5824]

Clare was the perfect foil for the rest of you. Nobody wants a one-way ticket to Nerdtown!

[@acestriker1000]

Horrible decision! Claire is a breath of fresh every time she’s on-this will unfortunately diminish this show a great deal

[@Karina-Loves-Andreas]

That's actually pretty accurate. She really put balance into the show, made it much more interesting. I'm pretty pissed about this--will likely find other podcasts to listen to.....

[@travcollier]

Hey, she's a nerd too! But you are right about the good foil part. These podcasts did diversity right... Not just superficial, but peers who have different perspectives but a shared respect.

[@ZZ-yv5ux]

The fact that ABC fired the only woman on the show is sickening.

[@7איעך]

Nothing to do with womanhood.

[@jaclatoya]

Oof. It really hurts to lose Clare. I didn't realize how attached I got to y'all through the stressful time of the election. The laughs I got from hearing Clare taking the piss out of Nate were invaluable. I'm sure she'll go on to do great things and ABC is foolish to miss out on it.

[@remyscreepycorner5135]

Losing Clare is heart breaking, that really really sucks

[@magatears9803]

Wait...does ABC employ Chris Christie? Can we lay him off and get Clare back???

[@pj828]

Bring Back Clare!! She's Great!!

[@buncha3arrows195]

Sad to see Claire go, I hope she's doing okay

[@pertonpwr]

:( idk if i can watch this anymore without clare :( :(

[@vincentconnolly7226]

“Stick around and give us a chance” I guess the unsubscribes have been more significant than ABC news expected.

[@michaelessig6376]

Not really Intrested in watching without Claire. And I typically visit abcnews.com from this site.

[@brentfry5540]

I think Clare added a lot to FiveThirtyEight. I took your poll and already told you I’d pay $10 a month for your content. Go ahead and do it and bring her back!

[@cpotisch]

What poll?

[@brentfry5540]

@@cpotisch I was referring to the lengthy questionnaire on a header at the website a couple of weeks ago. Seemed like a marketing deal that was trying to explore why you read FiveThirtyEight (sports or politics), which features you use most and if you would pay for any of it.

[@TheObeeOne]

Definitely a hole without Clare- but we appreciate you guys' coverage throughout this whole shitstorm of an election season. Just another reminder that the media landscape has been hit hard by COVID in a way that I hope can heal next year. Stay safe, keep up the good work, we appreciate the effort you all put in.

[@eldabys]

CLARE!!!!! NO!!!!!!! thats actually insane. she was the best part of this podcast and I loved all of her reporting. I hope she finds a way to come back to this podcast.

[@3rdrevant]

Do you need a petition for Clare? Legitimately asking here.

[@QuintinFirelyte]

Wow. No more Clair. That’s really sad. She was a huge reason I looked forward to this podcast. Clair brought balance, insight and fresh perspective to the discussion. Bad move IMHO.

[@tomcocox]

Clare was the best. Hope she does well!

[@peterflom6878]

They are the Bonnie and Clyde of insider trading

[@MisterSparkles]

Claire is the reason I listen to 538. Very sad to hear this news.

[@SouthCountyDreaming]

Claire's perspective is unique on the podcast. Can you do a GoFund account or a patreon and bring her back as a contractor, perhaps? We want her back!

[@DalaiRibeiro]

I will miss Claire. :(

[@andrewfowens]

CLAAAAAAARE

[@vhaidrenarmani7340]

Clare was the reason I started watching these podcasts in the first place... her commentary and perspective is always spot-on. You guys really need to get her back, massive mistake letting her go. This decision was completely tone-deaf.

[@swiftflight7927]

Georgia Runoffs are incredibly interesting, which is surprising.

[@dp6386]

First non-Clare comment I've encountered!

[@joannawarrens5117]

I miss Clare. I hope she can appear on the podcast in the future.

[@chriscampion6721]

Who do we contact at ABC to voice our displeasure with the choice to let Clare go? I submitted to the ABC news contact us but that seems like an empty void, throw us a real person to contact about this.

[@danbuchman7497]

First, Claire was one of the main reasons for following 538 (sorry guys). Her wit, intelligence, and reasoning really held this show together. From my perspective, she is irreplaceable. Why has 538 been hiring people to then get rid of your top (in my opinion) contributor? To Disney, forget about my ever spending my pennies on your products. Boy, I’m really pissed off about this!

[@BrendanBeckett]

So they bought 538 and decided to get rid of one of the main members? I hate corporate BS.

[@gregorybupp]

How could they layoff Clare?! Fellow viewers, please consider contacting ABC News and letting them know the mistake they made! I have.

[@claudiav.942]

Big mistake by ABC. Clare was insightful, respectful, smart, funny, she was usually the only female in the politics section of the podcast which helped us get through an election year of mammoth proportions. This is very upsetting. Ugh.

[@stuknight5369]

Sad to see 538 lost Clare. Bad call by ABC

[@luanjot1]

Silver lining is that VERY RARELY you see the whole internet agreeing on something: CLAIRE ROCKS!

[@stephenleblanc4677]

ABC just has to deal with the reality that there are WAY TOO MANY WOMEN providing election and news analysis on TVm right? That must be the issue.

[@AmThe8055]

This is a genuinely crazy decision. So sad to hear this. -random person who obsessively listened to the podcast, of which Clare Malone was the best part

[@elliquinn8198]

I am so sorry to hear that Clare Malone was let go. I really appreciated her work both here and on the website. I only wish that decision makers appreciated her work half as much as you did.

[@jbradleymusic]

Literally last week I was saying I come to listen to Perry and Clare. What a drag.

[@temptemp633]

Claire cast aside in that way... Wtf. Most bosses and landlords are the pure scum of our time.

[@ykendall9836]

So now, all men in this techie world when people claim they want to encourage women into STEM fields?

[@alexjin5232]

Lol she was a good contributor to the pod but she’s a journalist, what does STEM have anything to do with it?

[@lanrito]

This was just depressing. WHY NO CLARE?! WHY?! JUST A BUNCH OF DUDES!!!! Nate, why would you give up staffing rights to ABC?! You should have stayed at the NYTimes.

[@Elmateo74]

Saddned to learn about Clare. The world (I'm not american) will miss Clare Malone. Fivethirtyeight will not be the same without her. Also: this was not a proper send off, we need a greatest hits Clare Malone tribute episode.

[@zackglenn2847]

Deeply unfortunate to be missing Clare. Wishing her the best!

[@ToniTad]

What! They laid off Clare? I am so disappointed...her insights were excellent...What could have motivated this? This podcast is my go to for sanity...and Clare was a huge part of it.

[@BlueTrain77]

The podcast just won’t be the same without her. I’m not going to abandon the show because I still love what the three remaining members have to offer. But her loss is huge and was a terrible move by ABC. I wish her all the best.

[@craigiedema1707]

Very sad to see Clare go - her recent article "How Trump Changed America" is a piece of writing for the ages.

[@C_C_SEA]

Love - and shall greatly miss - the wonderful Care Malone and her salient presence on @FiveThirtyEight. Whoever - whatsoever media/policy org - scoops her up will be HUGELY benefitted by her considerable talent and expertise. Go well, dear ma'am ✨🖖✨💯

[@bethwoodward9437]

It’s a shame ABC laid Claire off. She always added such interesting perspective to the podcast, and wasn’t afraid to go against the grain of what the others were thinking. She brought a lot of energy and vitality to the podcasts.

[@maxikim7240]

Oy!! Not Claire Malone! Oaff, what a loss.

[@barivius]

Very sorry to hear about the layoff. Clare made a real positive impact this election season.

[@Ralphie-x7m]

Guys I am really disappointed about Clair. I'm taking a sabbatical. Thx

[@brendanmclaughlin9727]

Sad to hear the news about Claire. As an outsider i've always appreciated her take on US politics ( Brendan UK)

[@holmbjerg]

Clare will be dearly missed.