General Discussion

Dan Osborn, the Independent Senate Candidate Who Could Tip Nebraska

David Remnick talks with the veteran, mechanic, and union leader, who is running in a closely watched race against a Republican incumbent in a deep-red state.

https://www.newyorker.com/podcast/the-new-yorker-radio-hour/dan-osborn-the-independent-senate-candidate-who-could-tip-nebraska

As control of the Senate hangs in the balance, many eyes are on Dan Osborn, of Nebraska. He’s a dream candidate for the Democrats: a mechanic in the food-processing industry, a former president of his local union, and a veteran of the Navy and the Army National Guard.

But Osborn isn’t a Democrat; he’s running as an independent. Polls show a close or tied race with the Republican incumbent, Pete Ricketts, an heir to a financial fortune. David Remnick talks with Osborn about leading a strike at a Kellogg’s plant, how Donald Trump’s tariffs are affecting voters in an agricultural state, and Osborn’s decision to not caucus with either party if he wins the seat.

Further reading:

“Can the Democrats Take Back the Senate?,” by Amy Davidson Sorkin

The New Yorker Radio Hour is a co-production of WNYC and The New Yorker.