How the Democrats Did It

President Trump is primarily responsible for the Republican shellacking on Tuesday. But to get over the finish line in so many places — across the Midwest and deep into the South – Democrats had to run the right candidates, and those candidates ran very different campaigns.

So how exactly did those Democrats do it? Michelle Goldberg, my colleague at New York Times Opinion, did amazing work this past year covering the biggest races — traveling to Texas, Michigan, Maine and other states, meeting with the candidates, and getting a sense of their campaigns on the ground. She joins me for a deep dive into the most exciting — and shocking — wins, and what they reveal about the new Democratic Party that will emerge out of this election.

Mentioned:

“Republicans Are Worried About Gina Hinojosa. In Texas, I Saw Why.” by Michelle Goldberg

“He’s Young, Talented and Openly Religious. Is He the Savior Democrats Have Been Waiting For?” by Michelle Goldberg

“Why Everyone Wants Jon Ossoff to Run for President” by Michelle Goldberg

“The Populist Left Has a Theory. We’re All About to Test It.” by Michelle Goldberg

Book Recommendations:

“Good People” by Patmeena Sabit

“The Feast of the Goat” by Mario Vargas Llosa

“The Man Who Loved Dogs” by Leonardo Padura

Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com.