Realclearpodcasts

The inaugural edition of “In the Arena” features RealClearPolitics’ polling experts David Byler and Sean Trende discussing the numbers race, RCP co-founder and publisher Tom Bevan speaking with Republican National Committee chief strategist Sean Spicer; and reporters Caitlin Huey-Burns and James Arkin setting the scene in Ohio, a state considered a must-win bellwether in modern-day presidential contests.

As the primary season transitions into the general election, the parties converge on their conventions to settle final differences and rally around the nominee. RCP discusses with Kyle Downey, press secretary to the 2012 GOP convention.

Trailhead - Episode 8: Running Mates by RealClearPolitics

Candidates often attack the press - but they also rely on them to get their message out during a primary. RCP talks with Jason Noble, chief political reporter for the Des Moines Register; and Sasha Issenberg, reporter for Bloomberg Politics and author of "The Victory Lab."

Behind the candidate and behind the scenes, vast teams make the campaign work. RCP discusses with Doug Stafford, former chief strategist for Rand Paul; and Lanhee Chen, a former policy adviser to Marco Rubio.

For character witnesses in a presidential primary, candidates turn to a cast of elected officials and other prominent supporters to vouch for their bona fides. But a good surrogate can be hard to find. RCP discusses with Rep. Jeff Duncan, a South Carolina Republican, who campaigned on behalf of Ted Cruz.

Glistening wheat fields, fluttering American flags, young children on a playground: Campaign ads can be formulaic — but they aren’t always. RCP discusses with Liz Mair of Make America Awesome PAC; and Will Ritter, Poolhouse co-founder and former Marco Rubio media consultant.

Fundraising is the lifeblood of a campaign, but where do super PACs fit in a primary? RCP discusses with Charlie Spies, former attorney and treasurer for Right To Rise, the pro-Jeb Bush super PAC; and Caroline Wren, former finance director at Security Is Strength, the pro-Lindsey Graham super PAC.

The campaign trail often leads to diners and BBQ joints, where candidates attempt to showcase their everyman authenticity. RCP discusses with Tom Rath, former adviser to John Kasich; Tommy Stevenson, owner of Tommy’s Country Ham House; and Hogan Gidley, former adviser to Mike Huckabee.

Debates are a hallmark of the primary process, with extremely high stakes: some candidacies die on debate stages, while for others the stage is a launchpad. How do debates come together, and why do they matter? RCP discusses with Steve Duprey, RNC debates committee chairman; Mo Elleithee, executive director of Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Policy; and Michael Steel, former campaign adviser to Jeb Bush.