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Chuck Todd begins with newly released data showing an economic slowdown and why it could potentially spell doom for Trump's presidency. He compares it to Biden's chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, an event that permanently eroded Biden's public support, and predicts that Trump's presidency could end in major economic hardship.Then, political journalist Ron Fournier joins Chuck to explain why Michigan has emerged as America's ultimate political bellwether, driven by a populace that feels deeply let down by traditional politics and is hungry for alternatives to the two-party system. Fournier highlights Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's potential independent gubernatorial run as a test case for whether effective local governance can translate into statewide success, noting that even Trump voters are giving Duggan serious consideration due to his impressive record revitalizing Detroit's brand and economy. The conversation explores Michigan's uniquely competitive political landscape, featuring three viable gubernatorial candidates and the strategic advantages of running against the political duopoly in an era where voters are increasingly dissatisfied with the status quo.The discussion delves into the broader implications for both parties, including whether Governor Gretchen Whitmer damaged her standing with the Democratic base by being cordial to Trump, and whether Democrats have lost by enough to engage in meaningful soul-searching or if they'll remain trapped in a cycle of swing elections that prevent real reform. They examine rising political stars like Abdul El-Sayed and Mallory McMorrow, the possibility of Elissa Slotkin mounting a presidential campaign, and how Michigan's labor unions could shape future political outcomes. They also address the crisis facing journalism, from the collapse of traditional business models to the disconnect between national media and local communities, while celebrating Detroit's remarkable transformation through sports venues and urban development that mirrors the city's broader political and economic renaissance.Finally, he answers listeners' questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment!Timeline:00:00 Introduction03:30 Voters say they want independent candidates but don't vote for them05:30 Michigan Democratic senate primary overview06:45 Do new troubles spell the beginning of the end for Trump?08:30 Bad economy could be Trump's “Afghanistan withdrawal”11:45 Trump can't “outspin” a bad reality 14:45 Voters wanted the Trump 1.0 economy, not the current one16:00 Presidents preside over the prior president's economy18:15 Trump's tariff authority could be overturned in court20:00 Data shows a slowing economy25:00 Politicizing health agencies and the fed are terrible ideas27:15 Trump has turned the GOP into a kleptocratic party29:00 Trump's parallels with Nixon31:00 Fractures in GOP over trade policy?33:00 Protectionism doesn't work in the modern economy35:00 Trump's presidency will end in economic hardship36:45 Ron Fournier joins the Chuck ToddCast! 37:45 Michigan will be the bellwether for American politics 39:15 What makes Michigan the bellwether? 40:45 The people of Michigan feel let down by politics 42:15 Can Mike Duggan break through as an independent? 43:15 Trump voters are taking a serious look at Duggan 45:15 Duggan's effective record in Detroit means he could win 47:00 Detroit's brand has made a comeback 50:00 Michigan has three viable, qualified candidates for governor 52:00 Running against the duopoly is a strong strategy for Duggan 54:45 Is there a case to be made against Gretchen Witmer? 56:30 It's tough for Benson to run against Whitmer now, that could change 58:30 You have to run against the status quo in American politics 59:45 Whitmer hurt her standing with the base by being cordial to Trump 1:01:45 Whitmer may not want to run for president 1:03:15 Have the Democrats lost by enough to do any real soul searching? 1:06:00 We're stuck in a cycle of swing elections that prevent real reform 1:07:30 Democrats all trying to model themselves after Beshear and Shapiro 1:09:15 Abdul El-Sayed is a candidate to watch 1:10:45 Mallory McMorrow's prospects? 1:12:15 Will Michigan Republicans face tough primary races? 1:13:15 Elissa Slotkin gearing up to run for president? 1:15:45 If Duggan wins in Michigan, would his next move be a presidential run? 1:18:30 The vast majority of the public is dissatisfied with our current politics 1:20:00 Shocking but not surprising that media bosses aren't standing up for journalists? 1:22:15 The business model for news has been upended 1:24:45 Journalists need to provide a valuable service in order to build trust 1:27:45 Major news networks need local affiliate connection 1:29:15 "All the President's Men" created a disconnect for journalists 1:32:00 Feeling good about the Detroit Lions? 1:33:30 Stadiums transformed downtown Detroit 1:35:15 Which labor union will make the difference politically in Michigan?1:38:15 Chuck's thoughts on interview with Ron Fournier 1:38:45 More humiliation for the Washington Nationals 1:42:15 Nats ownership is completely incompetent 1:45:00 Advice for recent grads in a tough economy? 1:49:45 What 5 amendments would you make to the constitution? 1:54:30 Where is the public outcry over the gerrymandering battle?
Trump administration unfreezing millions in funds for Kentucky public schools, Gov. Beshear asks Trump to oppose rescheduling of marijuana, a Kentucky city could become home to an A.I. data center, Kim Davis agains seek to overturn nationwide right to same-sex marriage, and how Louisville is working to attract people to live and work in the Derby City.
Bob Babbage joins Kruser to talk about Gov. Beshear putting himself in the political spotlight, independent voters souring on Donald Trump, and KET will be covering the Fancy Farm events this year after receiving some private funding. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sentencing day for a former LMPD detective involved in the Breonna Taylor raid, protests lead to a Covington officer under investigation, Sec. Adams goes to Washington to discuss human trafficking, Gov. Beshear's feature in Vogue magazine adds to speculation about his political future, and a Kentucky college is hard at work on a 3D-printed concrete house.
Kentucky spends $1,000,000 in taxpayer funds on buying distillery equipment for a company that is in part ran by a major Beshear donor. The senate campaign fundraising reports are out, and it is causing many politicos to count out Cameron. I'll discuss why I think they are wrong to do so this early in the race. The 6th district congressional race is starting to heat up and get interesting.
Two more candidates jump into the Congressional race in Kentucky's 6th district, Gov. Beshear talks about his winning strategy in South Carolina, two Kentucky congressmen praise Trump's signing of the HALT Act, Congressman Massie is pushing to make the Epstein files public, and a group serving adults with disabilities is expanding its mission.
Gov. Beshear says the state will be out hundreds of millions of dollars for disaster relief without federal aid, a program is working to provide law enforcement officers with life-saving equipment, Renee Shaw goes one-on-one with Somerset Mayor Alan Keck, and a Kentucky soft drink teams up with KSU to offer a Kentucky-centric beverage.
Andy Beshear, the governor of Kentucky, joins Tyler Foggatt to discuss the damage that President Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill” will cause in rural America. Beshear paints a picture of how Democrats can win back voters without compromising on issues such as abortion or trans rights, what the party can learn from Mamdani's victory in the New York City mayoral primary, and the importance of communicating with the public using everyday language. This week's reading: “Donald Trump, Zohran Mamdani, and Posting as Politics” by Kyle Chayka “The Texas Floods and the Lives Lost at Camp Mystic,” by Jessica Winter “Is There Still Time to Be Hopeful About the Climate?,” by Daniel A. Gross “The War on Gaza's Children,” by Isaac Chotiner “4.6 Billion Years On, the Sun Is Having a Moment,” by Bill McKibben To discover more podcasts from The New Yorker, visit newyorker.com/podcasts. To send feedback on this episode, write to themail@newyorker.com. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
More than 100 new laws go into effect Friday in Kentucky, lawmakers provide a tour of the new temporary chambers, Gov. Beshear explains what he's waiting for before deciding if a special session is needed, a cybersecurity expert discusses a troubling trend, and working to prevent adult loneliness among the elderly.
Donors that have given hundreds of thousands of dollars to McConnell (and democrats) throw a big fundraiser for Barr. Nate Morris is seen shooting an ad for a potential senate run. I also discuss how these candidates may find a path to victory. FCPS paid $40,000 for Liggins and two others to travel to Australia. Beshear is under fire from the DOJ over illegal immigrant college tuition rule. We gave $116 million to AESC, and it is not going well.
Congressman Massie takes a step to prevent U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran war, Rep. Grossberg appears before an ethics commission, a candidate for Kentucky's 6th Congressional district picks up an endorsement, Congressman Rogers honors first responders, and Gov. Beshear names a new health commissioner.
"No Kings" rallies were held across Kentucky on Saturday, Kentuckians react to news of apparent politically-motivated violence in Minnesota, the head of the DNC visits Kentucky, and a Democratic state lawmaker facing allegations of harassing women has his latest motion denied.
Kruser talks with Bob Babbage about the Gov. Beshear campaigning for other Democrats and councilwoman Denise Gray choosing to not run for reelection and fan favorite UK coach and recruiter Vince Marrow taking the GM position for in-state rival Louisville in hour 3. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bob Babbage joins Kruser to talk about Donald Trump's immigration policy causing civil unrest in Los Angeles and Gov. Beshear's promoting his fellow Democrats to boost his notoriety within the party. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sen. Bledsoe discusses FCPS' attempt to raise the occupational tax, a bipartisan bill to promote opioid recovery clears the U.S. House, Kentucky's gas tax is falling again, honoring Kentucky officers killed in the line of duty, and feeding children during the summer.
How defunding the Job Corps program would impact Union County, Gov. Beshear renews his push for universal pre-K, the Make America Health Again Kentucky Task Force holds its first meeting, and we answer the question everyone's asking about those noisy cicadas.
Gov. Beshear says it's likely he'll call a special session to deal with recent storm damage, a look at the investigation into Kentucky's medical cannabis program, new guidance regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, Lexington's first-ever riverfront park, and a city unveils its first flag.
Reaction to the House passing Trump's tax and budget plan, Gov. Beshear gives an update on the storm cleanup, family members of a tornado survivor talk about his long road to recovery, a Kentucky mother discusses a new state law intended to protect road crews as millions of people prepare to hit the road for the Memorial Day weekend.
Beshear's podcast is doing awful. He can't even break 2,000 video views with guest like Coach Calipari. That leads to the question, what is Beshear's sponsors exactly paying for?Auditor Ball sues Beshear over failure to implement new laws.Cameron gets charged with an ethic violation from his 2023 campaign. The timing seems odd and points to political motivations.
Gov. Beshear declares a state of emergency ahead of more severe weather, we look at how Mercer County is still recovering from last month's flooding, Congressional Republicans reject a bill backed by President Trump, and a pediatrician talks about a KY school's decission to ban energy drinks.
Walmart says prices are expected to go up because of tariffs, how tariffs are impacting Kentucky retailers, Kentucky's Auditor sues the Beshear administration over 2024 legislation, more rounds of severe weather are expected in Kentucky, and catch up with actor and Lexington-native Josh Hopkins.
A new report says 2025 is so far the wettest year on record for the state of Kentucky, why Mammoth Cave National Park could soon get bigger, and who Gov. Beshear is reportedly encouraging to run for Kentucky's Sixth Congressional District.
Journalists from around the state discuss the news of the week with host Bill Bryant, including the latest political news from Frankfort and Washington D.C. Guests: John Cheves, Lexington Herald-Leader; Sylvia Goodman, Kentucky Public Radio; and Sarah Ladd, Kentucky Lantern.
Beshear's quest for President is not going so well as he keeps running into the "nobody really cares" potholes in the road. Barr makes some mistakes in his early start for Senate. Scott Jennings is a rumored 3rd candidate.Why can't we get away from Mitch McConnell in Kentucky?
Dr. Reilly joins Larry to talk about Trump's meeting with the new Canadian Prime Minister, Gov. Beshear's jab at Trump during the Derby, and a new "woke right" movement on the rise. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A non-profit is helping parents talk to their kids about substance use, Gov. Beshear says he's working to improve efficiency at the state's regional driver licensing offices, Murray State University has a new president, vaccine rates fall in Kentucky, a Boone County mother is speaking out after her teenage daughter died by suicide, and the newest KSP graduates are celebrated.
Kentucky sees a 30% drop in fatal drug overdoses, Gov. Beshear discusses Medicaid funding on Fox News, Congressman Barr picks up more endorsements, a report says Kentucky has slipped when it comes to teacher pay, a Louisville communications strategist and Air Force veteran recollects 9/11, and sampling dishes to better understand how your local food system works.
Police troopers came to the church to fulfill Gov. Beshear's threat to target anyone who attended a church service against his in-person worship ban. Constitutional expert, lawyer, author, pastor, and founder of Liberty Counsel Mat Staver discusses the important topics of the day with co-hosts and guests that impact life, liberty, and family. To stay informed and get involved, visit LC.org.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recounts his heroin addiction during annual drug summit in Nashville, FEMA denies Kentucky's request for certain flood aid, a soybean farmer discusses impact of Trump's tariff policies, Churchill Downs pauses a major renovation project because of tariffs, and a state representative announces a run for Congress.
The following political analysis is from Business-Industry Political Action Committee (BIPAC) Senior Political Analyst Jim Ellis. BIPAC is an independent, bipartisan organization. It is provided solely as a membership benefit to the organization's 200-plus member companies and trade associations. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of any particular member or organization.
Bob Babbage joins Kruser to talk about Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez campaigning together, Gov. Beshear's new podcast, and Andy Barr's pursuit of Mitch McConnell's seat. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Auditor Allison Ball launches an investigation into the state's medical cannabis program, Gov. Beshear talks about the flood response, an increase in calls to the state's gambling hotline, helping low-income Kentuckians go on to college, and Kentucky has a new poet laureate.
We're back from a spring break hiatus. We've got KY Senate finance deadlines, issues with KSP, RFK Jr idiocy, bad Beshear poll numbers, and more!
Louisville's mayor says flooding cleanup is on track ahead of the Kentucky Derby Festival, Buffalo Trace Distillery reopens to visitors on a limited basis, Kentucky's Senate President praises Trump's executive orders related to coal, a ceremonial swearing-in for Kentucky first woman to lead to the state supreme court, and some young Kentuckians are bucking the trend by choosing to stay on the farm.
I endured tens of minutes of Andy Beshear's first podcast episode, and it is pretty clear he has made a show that no one will actually find entertaining.A four year old was handing out dollar bills to drag dancers at a publicly funded drag show in Kentucky.Nate Morris, Andy Barr, and Daniel Cameron all have senate race news surrounding Trump as the question of who (if anyone) will Trump support in the upcoming senate election.
A child dies after being swept away by floodwaters on his way to the bus stop in Franklin County, state leaders urge everyone to use caution as more rounds of rain are on the way, a state lawmaker criticizes the governor's latest veto relating to school safety officers, and Mark Green with The Lane Report talks about some of the economic trends in the state.
Tornadoes cause damage across Kentucky with more severe weather expected, a longtime member of state government is retiring, Kentucky's U.S. Senators are at odd with President Trump over his latest tariff plan, Beshear sues stop a new law from being implemented, and UofL's new president discusses a new law banning DEI on college campuses.
Severe weather is once again moving into the Commonwealth, a new app to help people stay on top of severe weather, a southern Kentucky school district announces a big expansion, KDE stands to lose millions of dollars in federal funding, and a newly designed bat that's taking MLB by storm is made in Kentucky.
Governor Beshear signs a flood relief bill into law, a Kentucky professor leads an in-depth study into water contaminants, marking Child Abuse Prevention Month in Kentucky, Kentucky joins more than two dozen states suing the Trump administration, and an Eastern Kentucky school district takes a unique approach to protecting its students.
Beshear has decided that the Legislature must give the Beshear Admin a made up amount of money per new bill passed or else Beshear possibly won't follow the new laws. It's like a second veto that takes a bribe to overcome.Pamela Stevenson says there won't be a competitive Democrat Primary for the Senate. If she's right, and Stevenson is the best Dems in KY have, then the real race for the next Senator will be in the Republican Primary.
Lawmakers work to overturn many of Gov. Beshear's vetoes, why 15-year-olds will need to wait before applying for a driver's permit, a Democratic politician holds a town hall in Congressman Barr's district, a shake-up in leadership at UofL, two major Kentucky universities are joining forces, and a behind-the-scenes look Louisville's Muhammad Ali International Airport.
Planned Parenthood hands out explicit coloring books to kids. Is UK asking what animal someone is? Beshear Vetoes some bills. This episode was recorded this morning. Planned Parenthood has since come out and admitted to giving out the books, despite prior statement to the contrary.
Former Gov. Bevin and his adopted son reach a settlement in a protective order case, Gov. Beshear signs bill allowing Kentucky teens to apply for driver permits at 15, Congressman Barr hosts a telephone town hall after declining to attend a town hall in Lexington, Congressman McGarvey says Pres. Trump's tariffs hurt Americans, crews discuss cleanup still underway after deadly flooding in Pike Co.
Gov. Beshear vetoes more than a dozen bills before lawmakers reconvene for the final days of the legislative session, Congressman James Comer says he's lost confidence in public radio, Kentucky's public libraries are reacting to an executive order dismantling funding, and NASA is giving $3 million to a KY-based foundation to fund space-based research on brain cells.
Beshear Vetoes a bill that stops taxpayers funding the gender transition services, hormones, and surgeries for 10,000 - 15,000 Kentuckians that the Beshear Admin says is currently receiving those services and using Medicaid to pay for them. The Media has been heavily pushing a narrative on Matt Bevin when it comes to the treatment of his son Jonah Bevin, but there is more going on with that story. They are hoping you don't read the full articles and ask questions like "What should a parent do in this situation?"
Larry talks with Austin Horn from the Herald Leader about his thoughts on the State General Assembly and takes your calls on Gov. Beshear's decision to to extend the tax filing date for victims of the severe flooding here in Kentucky in hour 2. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hundreds show up to a town hall event that Congressman Barr declined to attend, Congressman McGarvey discusses where the national Democratic party goes from here, Gov. Beshear vetoes legislation that would overturn his ban on conversion therapy, and a worker at Mammoth Cave National Park is let go and then rehired.
Kentucky's Lt. Gov. joins educators and parents to speak against eliminating the Department of Education, Sen. McConnell also discusses education cuts, Congressman Barr defends DOGE, Gov. Beshear vetoes an anti-DEI bill, and why one library is offering a Little Free Shuttle.
Larry talks about the confusion surrounding the newfound disdain for Elon Musk, Gov. Beshear's political future, and asks which team would you rather UK face in the second round all in hour 2. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.