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While Peter Schorsch holds many titles — blogger, consultant and editor-in-chief of Florida Politics, the most influential political website in the Sunshine State — the one of which he’s proudest is “husband and father.” That’s what makes his new podcast so exciting. Peter’s co-host is a woman every bit as accomplished as he is: his wife, Michelle Todd Schorsch. “He Said, She Said” has Peter and Michelle — previously a respected political consultant, now the CEO of the bustling Schorsch household — discussing the driving topics of the day, especially how politics really goes down in Florida. But the political talk is just a jumping off point to a wide-range of subject matter, from the latest in pop culture to some very strong opinions on family life and parenting. Listen in to hear how one political couple balances it all.


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10/01/2019 | Episode 027 | 1:13:02

He Said, She Said: Remember Benjamin Todd. With former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn

Remember Benjamin Todd. With former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn

On this episode of He Said, She Said, Peter and Michelle return after a brief hiatus following the unexpected passing of Michelle's father, Benjamin Todd. They welcome their friend and former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn for a wide-ranging episode on topics both local and national. They talk Tampa politics and how they've grown up over the years, Buckhorn's future plans and even a bit about Rays baseball. Buckhorn shares his thoughts on the direction of the Democratic Party nationally and what lessons the party can learn from the 2018 Florida gubernatorial race.

Key Insights

  • Today's guest is a throw back to He Said, She Said's very first episode. Peter and Michelle welcome former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn.
  • Peter sings Tampa's praises and talks with former Mayor Buckhorn about how Tampa has become a top tier Sun Belt city.
  • Michelle, Peter and Mayor Buckhorn talk Tampa Bay notoriety, the divide between rural and urban areas in Tampa Bay, the state of Florida and the rest of the country.
  • Buckhorn argues, "It's the urban areas in America that have led this country out of the recession. It's where the jobs are created, it's where the opportunities are being developed, it's where the entrepreneurs want to live, it's where the investors are investing. It is the urban areas that are fueling our growth."
  • What's driving the urban-rural divide? Peter says fundamental dividing line is race. Projects like the New York Times' 1619 are helping readers see the pervasive effects of racism and slavery that remain today.
  • Buckhorn believes that the state legislature should stop what he calls "over reach" in attempts to curb city legislation. "Not every city in the state of Florida is uniform or wants the same set of policies," he says.
  • What is Buckhorn up to now? He's currently in the processing of choosing his "next act," after spending the summer in Ireland and North Carolina, Buckhorn sent his oldest daughter off to college at Penn State. "I've got a decade worth of honey-do's to do," he said. "But I'm starting to get antsy."
  • Buckhorn says the best preparation for the end of his mayoral career was having lost before and spending "eight years in the political wilderness" after that loss. Now, he's spending his days out of the spotlight while Mayor Jane Castor hits her stride.
  • Buckhorn's future: He hopes to stay in the city-building business, whether that be through a national organization or a financial institution.
  • Buckhorn talks Rays baseball, stadium building and the biggest challenges for the Tampa Bay region, transportation and water.
  • Buckhorn describes himself as a centrist Democrat, and argues that nominating someone from the far-left wing of the party will end the same way as the Florida gubernatorial race in 2018.
  • Michelle, Peter and Mayor Buckhorn talk 2020 candidates, Biden and Mayor Pete as the future of the Democratic party.
  • Winners this week: Jane Castor for her first 150 days; Ron & Casey DeSantis for the announcement of their 3rd child
  • Loser this week: Joe Gruders, Chairman of Florida GOP
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About the host

While Peter Schorsch holds many titles — blogger, consultant and editor-in-chief of Florida Politics, the most influential political website in the Sunshine State — the one of which he’s proudest is “husband and father.” That’s what makes his new podcast so exciting. Peter’s co-host is a woman every bit as accomplished as he is: his wife, Michelle Todd Schorsch. “He Said, She Said” has Peter and Michelle — previously a respected political consultant, now the CEO of the bustling Schorsch household — discussing the driving topics of the day, especially how politics really goes down in Florida. 


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