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.

All Episodes

Pro Politics with Zac McCrary

Rebecca Katz, General Consultant for Ruben Gallego & John Fetterman, on Running & Winning Tough Races

December 03, 2024 • Zac McCrary

Rebecca Katz, founder of New Deal Strategies, is coming off her second consecutive cycle as General Consultant on signature Democratic Senate wins - including Ruben Gallego in Arizona and John Fetterman in Pennsylvania. In this episode, Rebecca talks in depth about both of those races and the lessons to be mined for Democrats in the future. And she also discusses her early days on Capitol Hill, important lessons learned working for high profile figures like John Edwards and Harry Reid, and much more with one of the most successful operatives working in Democratic politics.

IN THIS EPISODE

Rebecca's roots in a politically-engaged family in Philadelphia, PA...

Interning on the Hill for her hometown member, Congressman Chakah Fattah...

How Rebecca gravitated toward the communications department on campaigns...

How she's a different political operative coming out of Philadelphia...

How Rebecca knew she didn't want to stay in Washington...

Rebecca's front row seat to the chaotic 2004 Iowa Democratic caucus as part of John Edwards' 2004 Presidential campaign...

Rebecca's take on John Edwards' raw political talent...

Rebecca recalls an incredibly awkward job interview with Senator Harry Reid and how she ultimately ran the Reid War Room to oppose the Bush Administration...

Rebecca's first intersection with John Fetterman in 2015 and how his underdog 2016 Senate loss set him up to subsequently win two statewide races...

Inside Fetterman's 2022 Senate race over Dr. Oz despite the candidate dealing with serious health complications...

Rebecca helps launch Ruben Gallego's 2024 AZ Senate race...

How Gallego overperformed the presidential race by 8 points en route to an important win...

What other campaigns can learn from Gallego's success among Latino voters...

What led Rebecca to start her firm, New Deal Strategies...

Rebecca on the role that a General Consultant plays on campaigns...

What Rebecca looks for when hiring new staff...

Rebecca's most unusual work habit...

AND Americans Coming Together, Max Baucus, Central High School, Clark University, Andrew Cuomo, Dean kids, The Fels Institute, JFK Jr., Ted Kennedy, Kari Lake, David McCormick, Jim Messina, Middle Seat, New Jersey Summers, Cynthia Nixon, John Roberts, Bernie Sanders, Allyson Schwartz, Kyrsten Sinema, Snookie, Students for Choice, Harris Wofford...& more!