In this episode of Across the Aisle, John Ashford is joined by veteran California political strategist and public affairs expert Kelly Calkin to unpack one of the most unpredictable and consequential California primaries in recent memory. From the emergence of Javier Becerra as the Democratic frontrunner to the collapse of several high-profile campaigns, they explore how a chaotic election season reshaped the race for governor and what it may signal for the future of politics in the nation's most populous state.

The conversation examines California's deep Democratic advantage, voter turnout challenges, the rise and fall of major candidates, the increasingly anti-establishment mood among voters, and the battles that will define November's elections. Along the way, Ashford and Calkin discuss Los Angeles politics, the influence of Nancy Pelosi, Gavin Newsom's national ambitions, and why political observers across the country should be paying close attention to California.

Whether you're a political professional, policy watcher, or simply interested in understanding where American politics may be headed next, this episode provides an insider's look at the forces shaping the Golden State.

Topics discussed:

• California's 2026 gubernatorial race
• Javier Becerra vs. Steve Hilton
• The collapse of several major Democratic campaigns
• Voter turnout and enthusiasm trends
• Los Angeles mayoral politics
• The future of Gavin Newsom and national Democratic politics
• What California's elections may tell us about the country

Across the Aisle is produced by The Hawthorn Group and features conversations with policymakers, strategists, journalists, and thought leaders examining the issues shaping public affairs and American politics.

One of the nation’s most respected nonpartisan election analysts and founder of the Cook Political Report, Charlie joins John Ashford for a wide-ranging conversation on today’s closely divided electorate, the growing role of turnout over persuasion, and why many of the stories dominating the news cycle may matter less than they appear.

The discussion explores the structural realities facing both parties in the House and Senate, how changes in media consumption are influencing public opinion, and why small shifts among a narrow band of voters can have outsized consequences in modern elections.

Grounded in data, history, and decades of experience, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at where American politics stands—and where it may be headed next.

In this episode of Across the Aisle, John Ashford speaks with former Texas Public Utility Commissioner Jimmy Glotfelty — founder of the Office of Electricity at the U.S. Department of Energy and a leader in transmission expansion and grid reliability.

They discuss:

• The difference between cloud data centers and AI training loads
• Why ERCOT could see tens of gigawatts of new demand by 2030
• How battery storage is changing reliability dynamics
• Whether nuclear can meet near-term demand
• The reality of supply chain constraints in gas and nuclear technologies
• Affordability pressures and what consumers should expect
• Why Texas remains committed to grid independence

As AI-driven load growth accelerates and markets debate reliability, transmission, and permitting reform, this conversation offers a grounded look at what is realistic — and what is not — for the next phase of American energy development.

Takeaways

• Social media monitoring provides real-time opinion-based analysis, capturing dynamics and momentum rather than just attitudes.
• AI-driven conversational persuasion outperforms traditional political advertising, focusing on relatability and emotional mirroring.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Across the Isle Podcast
• 06:07 Advantages of Social Monitoring
• 12:21 Process of Social Media Monitoring
• 18:50 Impact of AI on Politics
• 24:35 Recent Findings and Surprises

Graham Allison, Ph.D., is the Douglas Dillon Professor of Government at Harvard University where for years he was Dean of the Kennedy School of Government, with time off to serve as Assistant Secretary of State. Author of the seminal work on presidential decision making, Essence of a Decision, he has more recently authored – and briefed the Premier of China and the President of the United States – Destined for War, analyzing the threat of an emerging power to an established and dominant power.

In this episode, we talk about China and Russia, as well as everything from the prospects of war in Venezuela to the prospects of peace in Gaza.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of Political Uncertainty

03:08 International Developments and Their Impact

05:54 The Situation in Venezuela and Potential Conflict

09:02 The Role of Congress in Foreign Policy

12:10 Reassessing U.S.-China Relations

14:51 Trump's Approach to China and Global Dynamics

18:05 The Complexity of U.S.-China Rivalry

20:59 The Ukraine Conflict and Diplomatic Challenges

24:00 Final Thoughts on Global Security and Future Prospects

Joined by Hawthorn’ staff and a rotating roster of thought leaders from both sides of the aisle, John takes listeners inside the rooms where strategy, regulation, and leadership intersect. Expect smart, civil, and deeply informed discussions about the real-world forces driving outcomes in energy, infrastructure, technology, and public affairs.

Episode 1: What the 2026 Elections Mean for Business and Industry

The premiere episode unpacks the 2025 election results — from Democratic gains in New Jersey and Virginia to historic upsets in Georgia’s Public Service Commission races.

Guests Skip Cimino and Craig Lesser join to discuss what these results mean for energy policy, economic development, and the future of bipartisan cooperation.

Subscribe to stay informed — and join us as we cross divides, connect perspectives, and explore the ever-evolving relationship between politics, business, and the public interest.

Learn more at hawthorngroup.com