"Polling Power & Political Shifts: Mike Baselice on Turning the South Red"

📌 Episode Description

“Is a poll only as good as the person reading it?”
That’s the question Kent Hance poses as he sits down with renowned pollster Mike Baselice, whose data-driven insights helped reshape the political landscape of Texas and beyond.

In this compelling episode, Kent and Mike dive deep into the art and science of political polling, revealing how numbers can tell stories—and sometimes even predict the future. From Mike’s early days in engineering and real estate to becoming a trusted advisor for figures like Rick Perry, Phil Gramm, and Carol Strayhorn, this conversation is packed with behind-the-scenes anecdotes and strategic revelations.

Listeners will hear:

• How micro-targeting and consumer data revolutionized campaign strategy.
• The story behind the Orvis Manual and its role in flipping Southern legislatures.
• Why voter turnout, not population, is the key to accurate polling.
• The impact of Trump’s endorsements and how they reshaped Republican primaries.
• A hilarious tale about Drexel University’s NCAA debut and a misinformed Louisville player.

Mike shares memorable quotes like:

“It’s better to have one guy hate your opponent than twenty who like you.”
“We don’t base polls on population—we base them on who actually votes.”

Whether you're a political junkie, data nerd, or just love a good story, this episode offers a rare look into the mechanics of modern campaigning and the personalities who drive it.

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🎧 Call to Action

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