Podcast | Why Washington state matters more in the 2020 presidential race

Usually the contest is decided by the time Washington voters weigh in. That’s likely not the case this year. 

Table of panelists at a desk

Political strategist Crystal Fincher, center, University of Washington professor Mark A. Smith, center-right, and Democratic state party chair Tina Podlodowski, right, answer questions from Crosscut Talks host Mark Baumgarten and Crosscut reporter Melissa Santos, center-left. (Matt M. McKnight)

There is a lot at stake in the 2020 presidential election, especially for Democrats. And in Washington state, 2020 marks a big change for the party. Instead of relying on caucuses to weigh in on the primary race, the party voted last year to pick its delegates based on the state's primary election. That primary is being held on March 10, which means that Washington Democrats could have a real impact on a race that is still far from over. 

For the latest episode of the Crosscut Talks podcast we gathered political leaders and researchers, including state Democratic party chair Tina Podlodowski and pollster Stuart Elway, to discuss the issues and debate the merits of the remaining Democratic candidates.

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