Modern political campaigning has become a massive data operation. In the US, candidates from both parties frequently use data to try and better understand voters, in hopes of swaying them on election day. But how, exactly, is voter information being acquired, analyzed, and employed to influence voters? Do modeling and targeting really move the needle? And how are political campaigns a microcosm of the data economy, illuminating how data can transform society?

In this episode, Raffi talks to election veterans, data specialists, and former colleagues from his time as CTO at the Democratic National Committee, to talk about how data is utilized in campaigns. Guests include Dan Wagner, CEO of Civis Analytics; political consultant Max Wood; Lindsey Schuh Cortes, CEO of TargetSmart; and Tara McGowan, former political strategist & publisher of COURIER.

To learn more about Technically Optimistic and to read the transcript for this episode: emersoncollective.com/technically-optimistic-podcast

For more on Emerson Collective: emersoncollective.com

Learn more about our host, Raffi Krikorian: emersoncollective.com/raffi

Technically Optimistic is produced by Emerson Collective with music by Mattie Safer.

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