How did Francesca Hong lose Wisconsin’s Democratic primary for governor after leading David Crowley by 31 points in the final Marquette poll?

Matt Diemer and Laura Rodriguez-Carbone examine Crowley’s extraordinary campaign comeback, his endorsement from outgoing Gov. Tony Evers, the financial collapse of Sara Rodriguez’s campaign, millions in outside spending, and the absence of endorsements from Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

But Democratic establishment involvement is only part of the explanation. Matt and Laura debate Hong’s campaign decisions, her past comments about Thanksgiving and policing, and whether progressive candidates sometimes weaken popular economic policies with language that alienates voters they need to win.

The discussion then turns to the larger challenge facing Democrats: how to fight for universal healthcare, working people, public education, and economic reform while building a broad coalition that is comfortable with patriotism and proud to carry the American flag.

The episode closes with a warning about political polling. Hong finished almost exactly where Marquette’s final poll placed her. The poll’s major failure was David Crowley, who rose from 7% to nearly 40% after several candidates withdrew and Democratic leaders consolidated behind him.

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