Focus groups in political research
Subject in Politics
Focus groups in political research has come up in 1 episode across 1 podcast in TMT, including The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart. 2 people have made recorded remarks about it.
What people said
Sarah LongwellBulwark publisher who runs focus groups
Longwell said polls reveal what voters think while qualitative research reveals why.
“What's interesting, that'll tell you the what. And I'm interested in the why”
The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart: A Bulwark Against Trump (Finally) with Sarah Longwell (Nov 5, 2026) · Listen from 53:24
Longwell explained that she uses like-minded groups because people speak honestly when they don't fear judgment from others present.
“the number one way to get people to tell you the truth is for them to not feel like the people around them are going to judge or fight them”
The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart: A Bulwark Against Trump (Finally) with Sarah Longwell (Nov 5, 2026) · Listen from 30:37
Jon StewartAmerican comedian seen watching the Knicks with street crowds
Stewart said he generally distrusts consultants and focus-group practitioners as cynical but views Longwell as an idealistic exception.
“I fucking hate consultants and focus group people because it always feels cynical”
The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart: A Bulwark Against Trump (Finally) with Sarah Longwell (Nov 5, 2026) · Listen from 1:11:03
Podcasts
- The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart · 1 episode
Episodes
A Bulwark Against Trump (Finally) with Sarah LongwellThe Weekly Show with Jon Stewart · Nov 5, 2026 · 1 h 26 min
Jon Stewart and Bulwark publisher Sarah Longwell celebrate Democrats' 2026 midterm sweep, discussing focus-group insights, MAGA media, her political journey, and the Democrats' next steps.
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