The New York Times political reporter Astead Herndon went speed dating in a swing state to ask daters fun questions like: How early do you tell a prospective date whether you lean red or blue? When do you talk about your stances on issues like abortion or gender equality? It’s hard enough to find someone you click with. Then add election-year tensions into the mix, and things get even more complicated. Today: Our host Anna Martin speaks with Astead Herndon, host of the weekly politics podcast “The Run-Up" about the not-so-distant worlds of politics and dating.
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Anna Martin: From 'The New York Times,'
I'm Anna Martin.
This is 'Modern Love.'
And today, we have a little treat for you.
I'm here with my colleague Astead Herndon.
Hey, Astead.
Astead Herndon: Hey, Anna. Thank you for having me.
Anna Martin: So, Astead, you're a political reporter here at 'The Times.'
And you're the host of 'The Run–Up,'
which is our weekly politics show.
And you're here because you recently went to a speed dating event.
Not for yourself; for reporting purposes.
I want to be very clear about that.
And, Astead, you went to this event to find out
how are single people bringing politics into their search for love,
and do their political beliefs influence who they decide to date?
I cannot wait to talk to you today.
But I got to ask first,
as a political reporter,