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

Karen Defilippi, Democratic Campaigns, & The Launch of Versus Media Group

March 11, 2025 • Zac McCrary

Send us a text

Karen Deflippi is launching Versus Media Group, after nearly 20 years in politics - including running campaigns, being a House Chief of Staff on the Hill, senior positions at Emilys List and the DCCC, and her current role as a media consultant for Democratic candidates and progressives causes. In this conversation she talks her path in politics from a Catholic family in swing Western PA to helping run some of the most impactful political organizations in the country and now putting a stamp on campaigns as a media consultant.

IN THIS EPISODE

Karen grows up in a "social justice" Catholic family in Western PA...

Why Karen's initial goal of being a Naval fighter pilot wasn't in the cards...

The moment Karen realized she wanted to work full-time in political campaigns...

Memories of Hillary Clinton 2007-2008 primary campaign...

Karen's stints working on Capitol Hill, including as Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Debbie Dingell...

Karen spends 3 memorable cycles at Emilys List, from 2016-2020...

What structural barriers do women candidates still face running for office?

Inside how Karen has tackled candidate recruitment at both Emilys List and the DCCC...

Karen takes on the challenge as Deputy ED at the DCCC ahead of the difficult 2022 midterm...

Karen on tell-tale signs that a campaign may be in need of intervention...

How Democrats exceeded expectations in the '22 midterms...

Why Karen took on the role of media consultant as her next challenge & her favorite race she worked in 2024...

The Launch of Versus Media Group...

The evergreen advice Karen gives to anyone interested in working in politics...

Karen's strangest work habit...

AND Kelly Ayotte, basic sponges, Berlin Rosen, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Bill Clinton, Angie Craig, Sharice Davids, Deaniacs, John Dingell, framed post-it notes, giat Trump signs, Jared Golden, Maggie Hassan, Chrissy Houlahan, the Iowa State Fair, John Kerry, Ellen Malcolm, Nancy Pelosi, Project 314, Stephanie Schriock, Mikie Sherrill, sleep hygiene, Abigail Spanberger, Sunday staff meetings, Susan Wild...& more!