Inside Golden State Politics
Bill Boyarsky and Sherry Bebitch Jeffe, two experienced California political experts, argue about politics from Los Angeles to Sacramento to Washington.
Bill Boyarsky is former city editor of the Los Angeles Times and was also a columnist, bureau chief and political reporter for the newspaper. Previously, he reported on politics for the Associated Press in Sacramento.
He is the winner of three Pulitzer Prizes for team reporting.
Bill is the author of two biographies of Ronald Reagan, a biography of Jesse M. Unruh; Inventing L.A.: The Chandlers and Their Times, and, with co-author Nancy Boyarsky, Backroom Politics.
Sherry Bebitch Jeffe is a retired professor of the practice of public policy communication at the Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California.
Sherry has been political analyst for KCAL-TV, NBC4 Los Angeles NBC's "Today" show and the BBC, where she was an analyst on American politics for programs in London, Scotland and Wales. In 2006, she was a nominee for the Los Angeles Area Emmy Award for NBC4’s news feature, “Decision 2005: A Voter’s Guide.
She has also appeared on MSNBC, CNN, Spectrum News 1 and Al Jazeera English and on radio shows in the United States and internationally.
Sherry has a Ph.D in government from Claremont Graduate University and a master's in political science from Rutgers, where she was a fellow at the Eagleton Institute of Politics.
Episodes
273 episodes
Lincoln-Douglas: Where Are You?
We dig into the California gubernatorial and Los Angeles mayoral debates. The candidates skimmed over the issues. In the end, there were no winners.
"Politics And Poker"
We share our observations about the disappointing California governor's debate. We argue about the impact of prediction markets on the American political process.
A Conservative View
Longtime California Republican strategist Jon Fleischman guides us through the messy California governor's race and offers his views on the future of the California Republican party.
And The Beat Goes On...And On!
We watch the campaigns for California governor and L.A. mayor dive into mud wrestling, a sport that leaves everybody dirty.
Polls, Damn Polls, and the Governor's Race
Mark DiCamillo, director of the Berkeley Institute Of Governmental Studies poll, shares his thoughts on the state of polling and the governor's race. Could California elect its first Republican governor in decades?
"All Politics Is Local"
We explore the unexpected electoral challenge to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass by Councilmember Nithya Raman. Are the Democratic Socialists a new force in Los Angeles politics?
Everything But Epstein and Iran
We're so overwhelmed with news that we'll skip Epstein and the Iran War. We discuss the controversial voter ID legislation. We talk about the mayors of Los Angeles and New York and their solutions to the housing problem. ...
Iran War And Governor's Race Occupy California Politics
We check in on the status of the California governor's race and the war in Iran.
The State Of The Union Analysis: Gloom And Doom
President Trump's State Of The Union speech-- little in the way of policy but lots of politics.
Colbert vs. Trump! Bass vs. Raman?
Did the Trump administration's attempts to muzzle late night hosts backfire? Also, we take a look at the final field of the Los Angeles mayoral race.
Election Law Warfare
UCLA Law School Professor Richard Hasen, a renowned expert on election law, guides us through an analysis of proposed election law reforms.
Let the Games Begin—Er, Continue
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass tells ICE to get out of Los Angeles. The arrest of two reporters heightens concern over freedom of the press.
California's a Test Case Again: Fire Chief, Trump, Tabloid Journalism
We discuss Trump's proposal to take over reconstruction of SoCal's wildfire- damaged areas. We ponder the arrival of the tabloid Caliornia Post.
"As The World Turns"--On Trump
Real estate developer Rick Caruso announces his exit from California electoral politics. The world watches Trump go TACO.
California's Budget Roller Coaster
H.D. Palmer, deputy director of California's Department of Finance, walks us through Gov. Gavin Newsom's 2026-27 budget proposal. He's optimistic about the plan but concedes there are uncertainties.
From Monroe To Donroe: Manifest Destiny Meets Strongman Presidency
Journalist and author Pilar Marrero takes us on a political tour of her Venezuela homeland's stormy present and uncertain future.
Covered California: Golden State Health Care Threatened
Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered Califormia, the state-based Obamacare marketplace, walks us through the current health care crisis.
Health Care Chaos: The Nation's And Trump's
We examine the rocky road toward health care reform. We discuss the concerns being raised about Trump's health. We take a quick glance at the continuing saga of political frenemies Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris.
Political And Other Wars
We look at the Caifornia governor's race. We discuss whether the attacks on suspected drug boats constitute war crimes. We're appalled by the incredible rudeness President Trump displays toward women reporter...
"Turkeys Of The Year" Awards
We announce our annual "Turkeys Of The Year" Awards. We debate whether Trump's power has eroded after the Epstein files vote defeat.
Circling The Drain
We make our way through the political thicket paralyzing Washington and reflect on California's role in it
Great Day For Women, Bad Day For The GOP
We examine the havoc caused by the shutdown and its impact on the elections and on Trump's favorability rating.
Elections 2025: A Preview Of The 2026 Midterms
A look at the upcoming elections in New Jersey, Virginia, New York and California.