In this episode of Passing Judgment, political science professor Michael Genovese joins host Jessica Levinson to explore the complexities of predicting presidential elections, highlighting the electoral college's impact and the importance of swing states. Voter priorities on economic issues and the limitations of presidential power are also examined, alongside the role of media influence and hyperpolarization. Jessica and Michael dissect these intricate dynamics, the strategic significance of key battleground states, and the potential influence of celebrity endorsements on voter turnout in this episode of Passing Judgment. Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss: 1️⃣ Presidential Election Complexity: Genovese highlights the unique nature of U.S. presidential elections, describing them as 50 individual races due to the electoral college. Winning requires state-specific strategies, especially targeting battleground states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan. 2️⃣ Economic Priorities and Presidential Power: Both Genovese and Levinson underscore that while the economy remains a top voter concern, the president's actual influence over economic conditions is limited. 3️⃣ Celebrity Influence on Young Voters: Additionally, the significant influence of social media on voter registration, particularly among younger demographics, is discussed. Follow Our Host and Guest:  @LevinsonJessica