Pro Politics with Zac McCrary

Political pollster Zac McCrary interviews interesting people who work in and around the political industry. Guests come from a multitude of backgrounds and specialties within the political industry, and span the partisan spectrum. This is not a podcast for partisan squabbling or punditry about the latest issue in DC - it is hearing directly from successful people in the industry...their stories, experiences, and advice. This is a podcast for anyone who works in politics, hopes to work in politics, or wants to get up close to see how things really work in the world of professional politics.

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Pro Politics with Zac McCrary

How Beshear Kept the Bluegrass State Blue, with Beshear '19/'23 Manager Eric Hyers

November 14, 2023

Eric Hyers, manager of both Andy Beshear's '19 and '23 gubernatorial races, goes deep on last week's election of Governor Beshear in Kentucky. Eric talks his initial theory of the race, key strategic decisions from both campaigns, how the Beshear campaign fought back against transgender attacks and leveraged the issue of abortion against GOP nominee Daniel Cameron. In addition to getting under the hood of the 2023 race, Eric outlines his path to politics, experiences helping Democrats win in red states, theories on effective campaign management and much more.

IN THIS EPISODE

Eric's early days in political organizing and how that prepped him to run campaigns...

Eric weighs in on the three traits of effective campaign managers...

What Eric has learned about fostering the right relationship between a candidate and campaign manager...

Eric's memories of helping elect Governors Gina Raimondo and Steve Bullock...

Why the office of Attorney General makes a good launching pad for Democrats running for higher office...

The Eric Hyers' 101 of Kentucky politics...

How Eric entered the political world of Andy Beshear...

How Andy Beshear ousted GOP incumbent Matt Bevin in 2019...

How Governor Beshear talked Eric into managing the 2023 re-elect as well...

Eric's theory of the race when it kicked off in early 2023...

Eric breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of GOP nominee Daniel Cameron...

How the Beshear campaign responded to attacks on transgender issues...

How the Beshear campaign went about targeting securing Trump / Beshear voters...

The strategic decision to communicate on the issue of abortion exceptions...

The messaging importance of Governor Beshear always "showing up" for Kentucky...

What Eric can report about the turnout dynamics of the 2023 race...

Eric's most unusual work habit...

AND 17% approval ratings, 20,000 yard signs, Rocky Adkins, Steve Beshear, the Brent Spence Bridge, bus tours, David Cicilline, Cincinnati suburbs, complete jerks, crisis governors, DraftKings, John Edwards, GPS Impact, getting to yes, Greg Gianforte, Kirsten Gillibrand, good luck gourds, Mandy Grunwald, Jack Harlow, Bill Hyers, Nicole Kayner, Patrick Kennedy, Colin Lauderdale, managing multiple humans, Mitch McConnell, The Mountain Parkway, playoff beards, primetime players, Pulaski VA, red to pink, Saratoga Springs, setting a tone at the top, Josh Shapiro, Skidmore College, spreadsheet guys, TV Andy, Erin White, Williams College, Fred Yang....& more!