Kari Lake was right about ASU's collusion. What now?

Kari Lake was right about ASU's collusion. What now?

Author: The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com August 20, 2025 Duration: 28:28
It's been three years since the 2022 gubernatorial debate went from a discussion to a debacle and the Arizona Republic just received the public records. The reports show behind-the-scenes deliberations involving ASU President Michael Crow and some of his top aides over how to handle known election denier Kari Lake.  Since reporting has come out, ASU, Kari Lake and even Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen have commented on the complicated situation and on what comes next. And it raises complex journalistic questions, too. This week on The Gaggle, a politics podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, a Republic reporter joins us to discuss her story about the 2022 debate and what happens now that it's been exposed. Then, an attorney who advocates for free expression on college campuses, talks about whether ethical and even legal lines were crossed, and where journalists, politicos and the public all go from here.  ⁠Read Stacey Barchenger's article here⁠ Email us! thegaggle@arizonarepublic.com Leave us a voicemail: 602-444-0804 Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Guest: ⁠Stacey Barchenger, Robert Corn-Revere⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mary Jo Pitzl⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Ron Hansen⁠⁠⁠ Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amanda Luberto⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every Wednesday morning, The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast cuts through the noise to focus on a single issue shaping life in the state. Hosted by The Arizona Republic’s national political reporters Ron Hansen and Stephanie Murray, and produced by Amanda Luberto, this isn't just a recap of headlines. Instead, the conversation goes deeper with a guest-a politician, a journalist, or another key public figure-to unpack the real-world implications of a policy, a vote, or a debate. You’ll hear how decisions made at the capitol or in city halls ripple out to affect communities, schools, and wallets. The discussion is grounded in the expertise of the Republic’s newsroom, offering clarity and context that’s often missing from the daily churn. For anyone trying to understand the forces directing Arizona’s future, this weekly podcast provides an essential, focused look at the mechanics of state politics and government, making the complex both accessible and relevant. It’s a straightforward guide to what’s happening, who’s involved, and why it all matters for your day-to-day.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Gaggle: An Arizona politics podcast
Podcast Episodes
How Republicans can keep control using Arizona [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:07
Currently, Republicans have only a seven-seat advantage over Democrats, and that is likely to shrink by two seats after this year's special elections to fill vacancies. Republicans are standing strong behind Trump, but D…
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Duration: 27:22
At the 100-day mark of Trump's second term, his approval ratings are the lowest for any newly elected president in over 50 years and economic warning signs are pointing toward a recession. This should be a clear sign tha…
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Duration: 23:32
National economic uncertainty is impacting Arizona lawmakers and their budget deadline. But this year, there may be good reason to push to the last minute. Fluctuating tariff policies and Congress' want for billions in s…
Thin Red (Party) Line: Infighting in the GOP over stolen valor bill [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:15
Arizona's purple-state status has made residents accustomed to arguing at the state Capitol. But this time, the feud is between Trump-supporting Republicans and themselves. A bill that would criminalize false claims of m…
Why Attorney General Mayes won't back down against Trump [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:06
Probably more notably than any other Arizona politician, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is opposed to President Donald Trump. Currently, she involved in 11 lawsuits challenging the administration and she is still pu…
How Trump's education restrictions are unfolding in Arizona [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:58
For some politicians, like Arizona Superintendent Tom Horne, Trump's attacks on DEI, transgender students and dismantling the Department of Education come as good news. It follows rhetoric that he's been pushing for year…
The reality of the Arizona Diamondbacks stadium situation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:36
The Arizona Diamondbacks have been trying to revamp Chase Field for years now. So far, that journey has left them without the proper funds to renovate the 27-year-old stadium. A new amendment to House Bill 2704 proposes…
Inside the drama unfolding in Scottsdale City Council [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:09
Scottsdale residents voted in a new mayor and new City Council in the 2024 election. Almost immediately, the new faces at City Hall started kicking up dust in a city that calls itself “The West’s Most Western town.” Elim…
How federal Medicaid cuts would impact Arizonans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:21
Congress is looking to make room for trillions in tax cuts that are titled to corporations and the wealthy. Now, America's health-care program for the disabled, pregnant women and low-income earners is up for possible la…