POPULARITY
27 episodes with if you can keep it
6 episodes with if you can keep it
4 episodes with if you can keep it
2 episodes with if you can keep it
6 episodes with if you can keep it
3 episodes with if you can keep it
2 episodes with if you can keep it
2 episodes with if you can keep it
2 episodes with if you can keep it
Big news is happening at a breakneck pace these days. But on the cusp of the 100th day of President Donald Trump's second administration, let's take a pause to go back in time to Sept. 30, 1962.On that day, President John F. Kennedy sent U.S. military forces to protect James Meredith on the campus of the University of Mississippi. Meredith was the first Black student admitted to the school. That night, JFK addressed the nation from the White House.In his address JFK describes a moment when the word of the Constitution no longer prevails, is by most definitions a "constitutional crisis." Some of you think that moment is here. As part of our weekly series on the state of our democracy, "If You Can Keep It," we're posing a big question: Are we in a constitutional crisis?Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
This week's show is sponsored by: EPIC-MRA Public Opinion Research MIRS News Fulton Fish Market Mike Lukovich-Atlanta Journal Constitution The “Underwater” episode of A Republic, If You Can Keep It isn't a tribute to Jacques Cousteau, Lloyd Bridges or the Navy's submariners … but the reality facing Donald Trump as he approaches the 100 day mark. At this point in his administration he's the most unpopular President this century. The only other president whose job approval has been this low after 100 days – Donald Trump in his first term. His 44% net approval is 10-to-20 points below the favorability ratings of Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama … and Joe Biden. There's a lot more in the politi-sphere this week: Another major candidate has joined Michigan Democrats' contest for U.S. Senate; There's a new justice on the Michigan Supreme Court, giving Democrats a 6-1 majority on the officially non-partisan bench; State Republicans have been forced into an awkward 180-degree shift on a controversial proposal for Chinese-owned industrial development in west Michigan; And southeast Michigan braces for an upcoming visit from America's best known convicted criminal – Donald Trump choosing Macomb County to take a bow for what he sees as a hugely successful first 100 days. This episode is sponsored in part by =========================== EPIC ▪ MRA a full service survey research firm with expertise in • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals - Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals - Issue Advocacy Research • Community - Media Relations • Issue - Image Management • Database Development & List Management =========================== ===========================
The Trump administration's efforts to deport migrants it says are gang members have hit several legal roadblocks in recent days. Federal judges and the Supreme Court have blocked the government from deporting more migrants under a seldom used, 18th-century wartime law. El Salvador is now key to this deportation policy. Salvadoran president, Nayib Bukele, has accepted hundreds of people deported from the U.S., including people not from either country. It's holding most of those men at a massive prison meant for terrorists called "CECOT." For this installment of our series, "If You Can Keep It," where we take a closer look at the state of our democracy, we discuss how Bukele runs his country and what he gains from assisting Trump. We also take a closer look at the laws the Trump administration is using to justify its immigration enforcement strategies. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
This week's show is sponsored by: EPIC-MRA Public Opinion Research MIRS News Fulton Fish Market Clay Jones - claytoonz.com This week on ""A Republic, If You Can Keep It" We are still 565 days away from the 2026 general election, but the field of candidates in Michigan is already filling out in what's become the perpetual campaign…and assuming King Donald the FIrst allows us to actually have an election in 2026. We review the list of new candidates for Governor. U.S. Senator and Congress. Also on the Michigan agenda: the responses of the state's top two universities as they struggle with the growing efforts of Donald Trump to control their policies in a way that benefits his MAGA mindset. There's another brewing partisan battle over voter suppression, with a right-wing funded petition effort which promises to solve a problem that doesn't exist: foreigners voting in our elections. And in the Legislature there are signs of hope for at least a partial solution to our decades-long pothole problem. Leaders of the two parties are actually talking instead of just launching hyper-partisan stink bombs. We begin with very open steps being taken by Trump to establish the first Monarch-run governance here since before the American revolution. Donald Trump is using the financial, legal and military power of the federal government to extort, intimidate and bully his way to a government where only he makes decisions… even as hundreds-of-thousands take to the streets in opposition. Attacking freedom of thought on college campuses Turning the White House Press Room into a right-wing dominated haven for suck-ups Extorting law firms into providing legal backing for his agenda Defying court orders, including two rulings from the Supreme Court Leaving the door wide open for “disappearing” American citizens into El Salvador Gulags Hijacking sensitive/classified data from across the government, apparently to favor Musk and other billionaire-benefiting businesses Weaponizing the IRS, FCC and DOJ This episode is sponsored in part by =========================== EPIC ▪ MRA, a full service survey research firm with expertise in • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals - Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals - Issue Advocacy Research • Community - Media Relations • Issue - Image Management • Database Development & List Management =========================== ===========================
The Trump administration is threatening to pull billions of dollars in funding from top universities across the country.Last week, it froze $1 billion meant for Cornell University and $750 million meant for Northwestern University. The two schools are currently being investigated for alleged antisemitism on campus.And last month, the administration canceled $400 million in grants and contracts for Columbia University also over allegations of antisemitism on campus. President Trump has since targeted other universities including Brown, Harvard, and Princeton.We continue our "If You Can Keep It" series with a look at the higher education funding under the Trump administration. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
This week's show is sponsored by: EPIC-MRA Public Opinion Research MIRS News Fulton Fish Market This week on ""A Republic, If You Can Keep It" Thousands demonstrate against Trump's destruction of the government and economy. Is this a replay of the movements that brought Civil Rights laws in the 1960's, the end of the VietNam war in the 1970s, and the birth of the GOP rightward leap via the Tea Party in the 2009 and the women's movement of the 2010s? Governor Whitmer has reinforced talk of a 2028 presidential run with a high-profile speech in Washington this week … paired with a one-on-one meeting with Donald Trump. Was she measuring the curtains in the Oval Office? Penguins are breathing a sigh of relief as Trump blinks on his one-man demolition of the economy. But the slingshot economic tactics are a political threat to the reelection campaigns of Republicans nationwide and in Michigan - with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee now targeting 3 Republican-held districts in our state. One of those Trump-backing Republicans, Congressman John James, says he's running for Governor, meaning his 10th district congressional seat is a definite flip opportunity for Democrats. We'll be joined by the latest Democratic candidate for that job, Macomb County assistance prosecuting attorney Christina Hines. Trump is weaponizing the once respected DOJ by ordering criminal investigations into two critics in the private sector: Chris Krebs and Miles Taylor. Online rumors fueled by Indivisible warn Trump may invoke the Insurrection Act to shut down protest rallies across the nation Mallory McMorrow's media rollout for her Senate campaign goes national: multiple MSNBC appearance plus "The Daily Show" Larry Sabato's initial House election projections show Democrats with a slight advantage, with 5 Michigan congressional districts in play One of the most-watched congressional races in the nation next year will be centered in Macomb County and Michigan's 10th district. With John James running for Governor, the swing district is a definite coin toss. Democrats will have a competition in the primary. Last month we talked with Alex Hawkins, the first announced candidate. Joining the race in the last week: Christina Hines. A graduate of the University of Michigan and Wayne State Law School, Hines ran for Macomb County Prosecutor in 2024 against sitting prosecutor Peter Lucido, with Lucido receiving 57% of the vote while Hines held 43%. Prior to that, she served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Wayne County before heading up the Special Victims Unit in Washtenaw County. This episode is sponsored in part by =========================== EPIC ▪ MRA, a full service survey research firm with expertise in • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals - Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals - Issue Advocacy Research • Community - Media Relations • Issue - Image Management • Database Development & List Management =========================== ===========================
The nation's health administration is the latest target of the Trump administration's effort to dismantle the federal bureaucracy. That's after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. slashed 10,000 jobs at the Department of Health and Human Services early last week.Entire offices were eliminated during the layoffs. Some of those positions, Kennedy says, will need to be reinstated. Experts warn that these sweeping job cuts at the HHS will affect drug approvals, disease tracking, and vital biomedical research.We continue our series "If You Can Keep It" with a look at what these actions mean for our public health - and the health of U.S. democracy. We discuss the latest on the dismantling of the HHS and how staff cuts at the department might change the way the U.S. delivers health services.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
This week's show is sponsored by: EPIC-MRA Public Opinion Research MIRS News Fulton Fish Market This week on ""A Republic, If You Can Keep It" Republicans everywhere are reassessing after stumbling in a couple of Florida special elections that should have been slam dunks, and losing a State Supreme Court election in a Wisconsin landslide A day later by a stunningly trade war launched by the worst graduate in the history of the Wharton School of Economics. There was a Standing-Room-Only crowd as Democrats headlined a Town Hall in the heart of Macomb County, an event taking full aim at MIA Congressman John James. Last week, it was the most unqualified national security team ever assembled Signaling its stunningly consistent ineptness, with the revelation that at least one of them is conducting official business on Gmail. This week, it's RFK Jr. who, by advocating quack medicine while firing actual real scientists, accelerates a growing measles outbreak that's spreading from ground ZERO in Texas. Homeland Security ineptly condemns people to an indefinite stay in an El Salvador hell hole with no proof they've done anything wrong. And the U.S. Senate race has its first major candidate. We talk with state Senator Mallory McMorrow The first announced candidate for U.S. Senator is state Senator Mallory McMorrow. She exploded into the national spotlight in 2024 after an emotional response to very public personal attacks on her by Republican state Senator Lana Theis went viral. She is an ardent supporter of policies protecting reproductive rights, empowering local communities, and making Michigan a business- and family-friendly state. McMorrow is the Senate Majority Whip, serving her second term in the Michigan Senate. Prior to her election to the Senate she worked for more than a decade in product design, media and advertising with companies like Mazda, Mattel, Gawker Media, Hearst and other global brands. McMorrow hit the ground running during her first term in the Michigan Senate, winning policy changes such as ending Michigan's tampon tax, helping struggling businesses during the coronavirus pandemic, and protecting certain individuals (including domestic violence survivors) by creating an address confidentiality program. She earned her bachelor's degree in industrial design from the University of Notre Dame and resides in Royal Oak with her husband, Ray, their daughter, Noa, and their rescue dog, Detroit. At 38, she is the youngest person on the list of potential Senate candidates in either party. Ann Telnaes - antelnaes.com This episode is sponsored in part by =========================== EPIC ▪ MRA, a full service survey research firm with expertise in • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals - Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals - Issue Advocacy Research • Community - Media Relations • Issue - Image Management • Database Development & List Management =========================== ===========================
A November 2024 Pew Research survey found that nearly-half of Democrats are pessimistic about the party's future, compared to only 13 percent of Republicans. The 2024 election was a rude awakening for leaders on the left, many of whom are grappling with how to shift the public perception of the party. In this latest edition of "If You Can Keep It," we get at the heart of this political moment and ask the questions that really matter about the state of our democracy.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
On the 2024 campaign trail, Donald Trump vowed to end a regulatory crackdown on the cryptocurrency industry. Crypto was part of the deluge of first-week executive orders from the new administration. Trump established a working group on digital asset markets that is chaired by his new crypto AI Czar David Sacks. Trump meanwhile made crypto moves for himself that could potentially put billions in his pocket.For this week's installment of our series "If You Can Keep It," we take a closer look at of this and why it matters to you. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1aLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
The first week of President Trump's new term ended with a late-night purge of around 17 federal inspectors general on Friday. The exact total is still unclear. Trump said the move was a, quote, "very standard thing to do." But federal law requires a 30-day notification to Congress before inspectors general can be removed from their posts. Also, in the first week of his second term – four Democratic-led states filed a lawsuit to stop President Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship. On Thursday a federal judge in Seattle temporarily halted the implementation of the order, calling it, quote, "blatantly unconstitutional." Our series, "If You Can Keep It," cuts through political noise to consider the state of our Democratic Republic and what matters to you. We discuss the IG purge, take a closer look at the legal challenges to Trump's early moves, and how the Constitution guides our understanding of executive power today. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Heartland's Tim Benson is joined by Yuval Levin, the director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he also holds the Beth and Ravenel Curry Chair in Public Policy, to discuss his new book, American Covenant: How the Constitution Unified Our Nation―and Could Again. They chat about the Constitution's true genius and reveals how it charts a path to repairing America's fault lines. They also discuss the Constitution's exceptional power to facilitate constructive disagreement, negotiate resolutions to disputes, and forge unity in a fractured society.Get the book here: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/yuval-levin/american-covenant/9780465040742/?lens=basic-booksShow Notes:The Atlantic: Yuval Levin – “What's Wrong With Congress (And How to Fix It)”https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/06/congress-reform-filibuster-constitution/678604/Commentary: Tal Fortgang – “We Are the Reformers We've Been Waiting For”https://www.commentary.org/articles/tal-fortgang/american-covenant-constitution/The Dispatch: Ben Rolsma – “The Constitution That Binds Us”https://thedispatch.com/article/the-constitution-that-binds-us/Law & Liberty: Charles C.W. Cooke – “A Roadmap—If We Want It”https://lawliberty.org/book-review/a-roadmap-if-we-want-it/Law & Liberty: John G. Grove – “The Latent Wisdom in Our Constitution”https://lawliberty.org/book-review/the-latent-wisdom-in-our-constitution/Law & Liberty: Mark Landy – “How the Constitution Unifies the Country”https://lawliberty.org/book-review/how-the-constitution-unifies-the-country/Law & Liberty: Scott Yenor – “Can Our Constitutional Order be Revived?”https://lawliberty.org/book-review/can-our-constitutional-order-be-revived/National Review: Matthew J. Franck – “The Constitution We Still Need”https://www.nationalreview.com/magazine/2024/08/the-constitution-we-still-need/Washington Examiner: Michael M. Rosen – “Yuval Levin's constitutional glue”https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/premium/3064559/constitutional-lore/Washington Free Beacon: - Robert P. George – “A Constitution, If You Can Keep It”https://freebeacon.com/culture/a-constitution-if-you-can-keep-it-2/The Washington Post: Ramesh Ponnuru – “The Constitution was supposed to be a uniter, not a divider”https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/06/18/yuval-levin-american-covenant-review-essay/
Heartland's Tim Benson is joined by Yuval Levin, the director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he also holds the Beth and Ravenel Curry Chair in Public Policy, to discuss his new book, American Covenant: How the Constitution Unified Our Nation―and Could Again. They chat about the Constitution's true genius and reveals how it charts a path to repairing America's fault lines. They also discuss the Constitution's exceptional power to facilitate constructive disagreement, negotiate resolutions to disputes, and forge unity in a fractured society.Get the book here: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/yuval-levin/american-covenant/9780465040742/?lens=basic-booksShow Notes:The Atlantic: Yuval Levin – “What's Wrong With Congress (And How to Fix It)”https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/06/congress-reform-filibuster-constitution/678604/Commentary: Tal Fortgang – “We Are the Reformers We've Been Waiting For”https://www.commentary.org/articles/tal-fortgang/american-covenant-constitution/The Dispatch: Ben Rolsma – “The Constitution That Binds Us”https://thedispatch.com/article/the-constitution-that-binds-us/Law & Liberty: Charles C.W. Cooke – “A Roadmap—If We Want It”https://lawliberty.org/book-review/a-roadmap-if-we-want-it/Law & Liberty: John G. Grove – “The Latent Wisdom in Our Constitution”https://lawliberty.org/book-review/the-latent-wisdom-in-our-constitution/Law & Liberty: Mark Landy – “How the Constitution Unifies the Country”https://lawliberty.org/book-review/how-the-constitution-unifies-the-country/Law & Liberty: Scott Yenor – “Can Our Constitutional Order be Revived?”https://lawliberty.org/book-review/can-our-constitutional-order-be-revived/National Review: Matthew J. Franck – “The Constitution We Still Need”https://www.nationalreview.com/magazine/2024/08/the-constitution-we-still-need/Washington Examiner: Michael M. Rosen – “Yuval Levin's constitutional glue”https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/premium/3064559/constitutional-lore/Washington Free Beacon: - Robert P. George – “A Constitution, If You Can Keep It”https://freebeacon.com/culture/a-constitution-if-you-can-keep-it-2/The Washington Post: Ramesh Ponnuru – “The Constitution was supposed to be a uniter, not a divider”https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/06/18/yuval-levin-american-covenant-review-essay/
That was the week that was... In the main event, the Prosecuting Attorney loses to the convicted criminal. On the national undercard: Republicans are winning on points, with the possibility of a full takeover in Washington depending on a dozen or so congressional races. Closer to home: Michigan provides a mixed message: Trump carries the state by 80,000 vote Elissa Slotkin shows how to buck the headwinds and moves to the U.S. Senate Democrats hold one hotly contested U.S. House seat but lose another The narrowly divided state House goes from a 2-vote Democratic majority to a 6-vote GOP advantage Democrats add to their majority on the state Supreme Court Back in 1992 James Carville famously preached during the Clinton campaign “It's the economy, stupid”. The nation had experienced high inflation during the George H.W. Bush administration, and Carville's mantra proved the winning strategy for Bill Clinton. Flash forward 32 years, another bout of inflation thanks to the Covid pandemic … and again, the voters punish the ruling party. It is part of the story of the Trump victory, but more complex than that. Mark and Jeff offer their thoughts on the election that turned the political world upside down. This last week brings to mind a couple of TV shows: the mid-1960s political satire program “That Was the Week That Was”, and more recent “House of Cards.” The latter starred a criminal President who even murders his political and media opposition. Reality has now exceeded fantasy. Next up in the bizarre world of Trump-era politics: the President-elect could be sentenced to prison for his 34 felony convictions in New York. Meanwhile, we stand by the name of this podcast: A Republic, If You Can Keep It. These days Franklin's warning is a one-weel-at-a-time proposition. We will continue in our mission to rightsize Michigan and national politics over the coming months. Ben would have it no other way. Chris Britt - Creators =========================== This episode is sponsored in part by EPIC ▪ MRA, a full service survey research firm with expertise in • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals - Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals - Issue Advocacy Research • Community - Media Relations • Issue - Image Management • Database Development & List Management
Hamas fighters killed over 1,200 people in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. In response, the Israeli government launched airstrikes and a ground invasion in Gaza, killing almost 42,000 people so far according to Palestinian health authorities.Despite repeated attempts, the United States has failed to broker a ceasefire – in both Gaza and now at Israel's northern border as its military targets the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.Typically, each week leading up to Nov. 5, we focus on the stakes of this election, for people, our country, and our democracy. Today's episode of "If You Can Keep It" takes a look at the stakes of the U.S. election for the people of a Middle East in conflict.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
In this "If You Can Keep It" discussion, we're turning to some consequential races you might not be keeping front of mind: those concerning state supreme courts. And in 33 states this November, voters will decide their state supreme court's justices.Make no mistake, these courts are influential, deciding cases related to their respective state constitutions and electoral questions like whether legislative districts are gerrymandered. And they decide cases related to other major issues at stake around the country.We look at how the races for state supreme courts this year might determine the fates of reproductive access, electoral maps, and more.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
In this edition of If You Can Keep It, we're focusing on campaign donations – where those funds come from and where they go.New data from the Federal Election Commissions reveals how much the campaigns have raised and spent for the month of August. It was the first full month of fundraising for Vice President Kamala Harris since she became the Democratic nominee. How did she do?You might also be inundated with texts and emails from election campaigns asking for contributions. We discuss how those contributions are spent and answer your questions. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Going into the beginning of July, we take stock of the Supreme Court's recent term, including a rush of a dozen cases it released in the last week.The Supreme Court considered controversial topics this summer, including Donald Trump and presidential immunity, charges against Jan. 6 rioters, emergency abortion care, gun rights for people with a history of domestic violence, interactions between the government and social media companies, and the discretion that federal agencies can have in implementing laws.As part of our weekly politics series "If You Can Keep It," we hear from our legal experts about what the court's decisions mean for the country and for the stakes of this election.Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
The first presidential debate will be held on June 27th, 2024 and the Republicans are heading to Milwaukee (a city Donald Trump recently called “horrible” and crime-ridden). Lilly Goren and Susan Liebell had a wide ranging discussion including analysis of the upcoming debate, summer conventions, party platforms, and polling with three experts. Dr. Julia Azari is Professor of Political Science at Marquette University and a prolific media commentator on politics. Her scholarship focuses on the American presidency, political parties, political communication and American political development. Her most recent public facing pieces on are “Making sense of the 2024 election:When nothing seems to make sense, social science can still help” and “Checking in on Biden and Political Time.” Dr. Jonathan Bernstein is a political scientist who focuses on US politics, Political Parties, Congress the Presidency, Elections, and Democracy. He is now co-writing Good Politics/Bad Politics (a “plain newsletter about government and elections in the U.S.”) with Julia and David S. Bernstein. He recently wrote “How Debates Work. And all the things they don't - and shouldn't – do” and “Trump Acts Like an Idiot. Don't Blame It on Age.” Dr. Seth Masket is Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center on Politics at the University of Denver. He writes about political parties, American Politics, polarization, nominations, state legislatures, social networks, campaigns and elections. He can be found on Substack as Tusk and recently published “When debates are no longer automatic:Why Biden and Trump are debating and what they hope to get out of it” and “The Republican State Party Network: A deeper dive into party platforms, with some raised eyebrows at Michigan.“ During the podcast, we mentioned: Julia Azari and Seth Masket's June 27 live-blog of the first Presidential Debate will be at Arena. Follow them on social media for updates on what will be a GREAT conversation. Nat Cohen, “If Everyone Voted, Would Biden Benefit? Not Anymore.” New York Times, 6/15/24 (on infrequent voters) Seth Masket, “It's not just Texas State GOPs veer to the extremes on policy and democracy.” 6/7/24 (on extremism in state party platforms) Erika Franklin Fowler, 6/19/24 Bluesky post on advertising when candidates are well-known The Heritage Foundation's Project 2025: The Presidential Transition Project available here and summarized on Jenn White with Todd Swillich on podcast 1A, “If You Can Keep It” (on conservative nationalist “platform” that is not authored by GOP). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
The first presidential debate will be held on June 27th, 2024 and the Republicans are heading to Milwaukee (a city Donald Trump recently called “horrible” and crime-ridden). Lilly Goren and Susan Liebell had a wide ranging discussion including analysis of the upcoming debate, summer conventions, party platforms, and polling with three experts. Dr. Julia Azari is Professor of Political Science at Marquette University and a prolific media commentator on politics. Her scholarship focuses on the American presidency, political parties, political communication and American political development. Her most recent public facing pieces on are “Making sense of the 2024 election:When nothing seems to make sense, social science can still help” and “Checking in on Biden and Political Time.” Dr. Jonathan Bernstein is a political scientist who focuses on US politics, Political Parties, Congress the Presidency, Elections, and Democracy. He is now co-writing Good Politics/Bad Politics (a “plain newsletter about government and elections in the U.S.”) with Julia and David S. Bernstein. He recently wrote “How Debates Work. And all the things they don't - and shouldn't – do” and “Trump Acts Like an Idiot. Don't Blame It on Age.” Dr. Seth Masket is Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center on Politics at the University of Denver. He writes about political parties, American Politics, polarization, nominations, state legislatures, social networks, campaigns and elections. He can be found on Substack as Tusk and recently published “When debates are no longer automatic:Why Biden and Trump are debating and what they hope to get out of it” and “The Republican State Party Network: A deeper dive into party platforms, with some raised eyebrows at Michigan.“ During the podcast, we mentioned: Julia Azari and Seth Masket's June 27 live-blog of the first Presidential Debate will be at Arena. Follow them on social media for updates on what will be a GREAT conversation. Nat Cohen, “If Everyone Voted, Would Biden Benefit? Not Anymore.” New York Times, 6/15/24 (on infrequent voters) Seth Masket, “It's not just Texas State GOPs veer to the extremes on policy and democracy.” 6/7/24 (on extremism in state party platforms) Erika Franklin Fowler, 6/19/24 Bluesky post on advertising when candidates are well-known The Heritage Foundation's Project 2025: The Presidential Transition Project available here and summarized on Jenn White with Todd Swillich on podcast 1A, “If You Can Keep It” (on conservative nationalist “platform” that is not authored by GOP). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science
The first presidential debate will be held on June 27th, 2024 and the Republicans are heading to Milwaukee (a city Donald Trump recently called “horrible” and crime-ridden). Lilly Goren and Susan Liebell had a wide ranging discussion including analysis of the upcoming debate, summer conventions, party platforms, and polling with three experts. Dr. Julia Azari is Professor of Political Science at Marquette University and a prolific media commentator on politics. Her scholarship focuses on the American presidency, political parties, political communication and American political development. Her most recent public facing pieces on are “Making sense of the 2024 election:When nothing seems to make sense, social science can still help” and “Checking in on Biden and Political Time.” Dr. Jonathan Bernstein is a political scientist who focuses on US politics, Political Parties, Congress the Presidency, Elections, and Democracy. He is now co-writing Good Politics/Bad Politics (a “plain newsletter about government and elections in the U.S.”) with Julia and David S. Bernstein. He recently wrote “How Debates Work. And all the things they don't - and shouldn't – do” and “Trump Acts Like an Idiot. Don't Blame It on Age.” Dr. Seth Masket is Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center on Politics at the University of Denver. He writes about political parties, American Politics, polarization, nominations, state legislatures, social networks, campaigns and elections. He can be found on Substack as Tusk and recently published “When debates are no longer automatic:Why Biden and Trump are debating and what they hope to get out of it” and “The Republican State Party Network: A deeper dive into party platforms, with some raised eyebrows at Michigan.“ During the podcast, we mentioned: Julia Azari and Seth Masket's June 27 live-blog of the first Presidential Debate will be at Arena. Follow them on social media for updates on what will be a GREAT conversation. Nat Cohen, “If Everyone Voted, Would Biden Benefit? Not Anymore.” New York Times, 6/15/24 (on infrequent voters) Seth Masket, “It's not just Texas State GOPs veer to the extremes on policy and democracy.” 6/7/24 (on extremism in state party platforms) Erika Franklin Fowler, 6/19/24 Bluesky post on advertising when candidates are well-known The Heritage Foundation's Project 2025: The Presidential Transition Project available here and summarized on Jenn White with Todd Swillich on podcast 1A, “If You Can Keep It” (on conservative nationalist “platform” that is not authored by GOP). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies
The first presidential debate will be held on June 27th, 2024 and the Republicans are heading to Milwaukee (a city Donald Trump recently called “horrible” and crime-ridden). Lilly Goren and Susan Liebell had a wide ranging discussion including analysis of the upcoming debate, summer conventions, party platforms, and polling with three experts. Dr. Julia Azari is Professor of Political Science at Marquette University and a prolific media commentator on politics. Her scholarship focuses on the American presidency, political parties, political communication and American political development. Her most recent public facing pieces on are “Making sense of the 2024 election:When nothing seems to make sense, social science can still help” and “Checking in on Biden and Political Time.” Dr. Jonathan Bernstein is a political scientist who focuses on US politics, Political Parties, Congress the Presidency, Elections, and Democracy. He is now co-writing Good Politics/Bad Politics (a “plain newsletter about government and elections in the U.S.”) with Julia and David S. Bernstein. He recently wrote “How Debates Work. And all the things they don't - and shouldn't – do” and “Trump Acts Like an Idiot. Don't Blame It on Age.” Dr. Seth Masket is Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center on Politics at the University of Denver. He writes about political parties, American Politics, polarization, nominations, state legislatures, social networks, campaigns and elections. He can be found on Substack as Tusk and recently published “When debates are no longer automatic:Why Biden and Trump are debating and what they hope to get out of it” and “The Republican State Party Network: A deeper dive into party platforms, with some raised eyebrows at Michigan.“ During the podcast, we mentioned: Julia Azari and Seth Masket's June 27 live-blog of the first Presidential Debate will be at Arena. Follow them on social media for updates on what will be a GREAT conversation. Nat Cohen, “If Everyone Voted, Would Biden Benefit? Not Anymore.” New York Times, 6/15/24 (on infrequent voters) Seth Masket, “It's not just Texas State GOPs veer to the extremes on policy and democracy.” 6/7/24 (on extremism in state party platforms) Erika Franklin Fowler, 6/19/24 Bluesky post on advertising when candidates are well-known The Heritage Foundation's Project 2025: The Presidential Transition Project available here and summarized on Jenn White with Todd Swillich on podcast 1A, “If You Can Keep It” (on conservative nationalist “platform” that is not authored by GOP). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/politics-and-polemics
The first presidential debate will be held on June 27th, 2024 and the Republicans are heading to Milwaukee (a city Donald Trump recently called “horrible” and crime-ridden). Lilly Goren and Susan Liebell had a wide ranging discussion including analysis of the upcoming debate, summer conventions, party platforms, and polling with three experts. Dr. Julia Azari is Professor of Political Science at Marquette University and a prolific media commentator on politics. Her scholarship focuses on the American presidency, political parties, political communication and American political development. Her most recent public facing pieces on are “Making sense of the 2024 election:When nothing seems to make sense, social science can still help” and “Checking in on Biden and Political Time.” Dr. Jonathan Bernstein is a political scientist who focuses on US politics, Political Parties, Congress the Presidency, Elections, and Democracy. He is now co-writing Good Politics/Bad Politics (a “plain newsletter about government and elections in the U.S.”) with Julia and David S. Bernstein. He recently wrote “How Debates Work. And all the things they don't - and shouldn't – do” and “Trump Acts Like an Idiot. Don't Blame It on Age.” Dr. Seth Masket is Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center on Politics at the University of Denver. He writes about political parties, American Politics, polarization, nominations, state legislatures, social networks, campaigns and elections. He can be found on Substack as Tusk and recently published “When debates are no longer automatic:Why Biden and Trump are debating and what they hope to get out of it” and “The Republican State Party Network: A deeper dive into party platforms, with some raised eyebrows at Michigan.“ During the podcast, we mentioned: Julia Azari and Seth Masket's June 27 live-blog of the first Presidential Debate will be at Arena. Follow them on social media for updates on what will be a GREAT conversation. Nat Cohen, “If Everyone Voted, Would Biden Benefit? Not Anymore.” New York Times, 6/15/24 (on infrequent voters) Seth Masket, “It's not just Texas State GOPs veer to the extremes on policy and democracy.” 6/7/24 (on extremism in state party platforms) Erika Franklin Fowler, 6/19/24 Bluesky post on advertising when candidates are well-known The Heritage Foundation's Project 2025: The Presidential Transition Project available here and summarized on Jenn White with Todd Swillich on podcast 1A, “If You Can Keep It” (on conservative nationalist “platform” that is not authored by GOP). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Almost two years ago, The Supreme Court ruled in the Dobbs case, overturning Roe v. Wade and declaring that access to abortion is not protected in the United States Constitution.A lot has happened in the time since then. Nationwide, citizens are arguing in the courts, legislatures, and ballot boxes over whether abortion should be banned, and if so, under what circumstances.For this week's installment of our weekly politics series, "If You Can Keep It," we take a closer look at abortion and politics. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Super Tuesday might be over, but election season is just ramping up.President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump held dueling campaign rallies in Georgia over the weekend.We continue our election series, "If You Can Keep It," and dig into some of the biggest political stories of the week. For this installment, we discuss the Georgia primary and check in with local election officials.The state's elections have a sordid history with one of the candidates almost certainly set to stand come November.We discuss what Georgia tell us about the general election and the state of our democracy more broadly. Want to support 1A? Give to your local public radio station and subscribe to this podcast. Have questions? Connect with us. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Self-described "stable genius" D. J. Trump cleverly labels Iowa's #1 cash crop as "non-liquid gold." This week, on A Republic, If You Can Keep It: 17% of Republicans in the corn-rich state of Iowa have spoken. Their message: Trump really won in 2020, but half of them don't want Trump in 2024. Trump doubles-down on his contention that a President has a license to kill Michigan Republicans prepare for their presidential-delegate-selection convention – but can they afford the room rental? We may have a new contender in the race for the U.S. Senate nomination - as new polling shows the leader is some dude named “undecided.” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson steps into the redistricting controversy The U.S. Supreme Court sidesteps the first in a series of anti-transgender Americans lawsuit A new statewide poll shows Biden with a narrow lead over Trump - is it an outlier? We start with the headline of the week - from Mother Jones: Florida Man Facing 91 Criminal Counts Wins Iowa Caucuses =========================== This episode is sponsored in part by EPIC ▪ MRA, a full service survey research firm with expertise in: • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals - Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals - Issue Advocacy Research • Community - Media Relations • Issue - Image Management • Database Development & List Management ===========================
Host Reed Galen is joined by Lincoln Project Senior Advisors Trygve Olson and Jeff Timmer. They discuss the current state of the Republican party (especially the House GOP who's going on 3 weeks without a Speaker), the national security and foreign policy strength/leadership of President Joe Biden, and how to counter MAGA messaging targeted at Bannon-line voters. Plus, what recent news out of Michigan says about the GOP as a whole. If you'd like to hear more from Jeff Timmer, check out “A Republic, If You Can Keep It” and if you'd like to hear more from Trygve OIson, check out his weekly segment on “The Todd Allbaugh Show”. For more from Reed Galen, be sure to subscribe to “The Home Front”. If you'd like to ask a question or share a comment with The Lincoln Project, send an email to podcast@lincolnproject.us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This podcast is sponsored in part by EPIC-MRA Opinion Research This week's guest: Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Flint) on the mess that is the House GOP An alternate title for this week: the “We All Feel a Little Dumber” edition of A Republic, If You Can Keep It. We are dumber for having listened to 2 hours of 7 people auditioning for 2nd place in the Republican presidential rankings – a race that looks like the 1973 Belmont Stakes when the second-place horse finished 31 lengths behind Secretariat. We're recording on Friday morning … about 36 hours before it's likely the federal government will go into shutdown mode. We are joined by one of the top Democrats in the U.S. House, Congressman Dan Kildee, to talk budget, impeachment, Kevin McCarthy and the UAW strike. Also this week: Joe Biden and Donald Trump both make Michigan visits: one of them to support union workers, the other at the invitation of the owner of a non-union auto supplier. What's left of the official Michigan Republican Party held a leadership conference on Mackinac Island missing party leaders, but with fringe conspiracy-spouting crazies well represented. Both of Michigan's senators have joined in calls for the resignation of indicted New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez. And a New York court has hit Donald Trump where it hurts most: ruling that Trump isn't nearly as rich as he has claimed…with the potential of $250-million in fines for years of ongoing business fraud by Trump and his two oldest sons. Congressman Dan Kildee is chief deputy whip in the Democratic caucus, and serves on the committee that is responsible for tax legislation - Ways and Means - and the committee responsible for allocating tax money - Budget. A native of Flint, Congressman Kildee is in his 6th term in the House. He was first elected to public office at the age of 18 when he successfully ran for the Flint School Board. Since then he served 12 years on the Genesee County Commission, and 12 years as county treasurer before his election to Congress. He became nationally known for creating the nation's first community land bank, a non-profit corporation which restores blighted properties in Genesee County. The concept has been copied nationwide. The MAGA threat to our democracy President Biden speaks at a tribute to Sen. John McCain - Full speech =========================== EPIC ▪ MRA is a full service survey research firm with expertise in: • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals - Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals - Issue Advocacy Research • Community - Media Relations • Issue - Image Management • Database Development & List Management ===========================
In this podcast, we go back to September 10, 2019, when Supreme Court Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch came to the Reagan Library to discuss his book, A Republic, If You Can Keep It. Let’s listen.
In this podcast, we go back to September 10, 2019, when Supreme Court Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch came to the Reagan Library to discuss his book, A Republic, If You Can Keep It.Let's listen.
The U.S. Constitution (Federalist Papers Pt.2 & The 14th Amendment) & Leadership w/ Libby Unger & Dorollo Nixon, Jr.--- We The People of the United States A Reading of the 14th Amendment Never Bet Against America The Importance of Equal Protection Evolution and Access Applies to All A Legal Interpretation of the 14th Amendment Government Doesn't Get to Take a Position on Culture Free Speech, Free Worship, and Free Association One of the Hardest Things to Do With Power is to Give It Up Getting Out of the Rough and the Weeds in the US A Common Interpretation of the 14th Amendment The Turn of the Cultural Tides The Supreme Court and Who Puts Caesar Back in the Box On Websites and Affirmative Action How Do Leaders Construct and Express a Doctrine of Optimism Optimism is a Belief "A Republic. If You Can Keep It." ~ Dr. Benjamin Franklin Staying on the Path ---Links to episode references: The National Constitution Center - https://constitutioncenter.org/the-constitution/amendments/amendment-xiv/clauses/702 AP Essay on President Andrew Jackson - https://ap.gilderlehrman.org/essay/andrew-jackson-and-constitution Wendell Barry Profile in The New Yorker - https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-new-yorker-interview/going-home-with-wendell-berry Episode #36 (Bonus) - The Declaration of Independence - https://share.transistor.fm/s/20ea798f Episode #64 - The King James Bible, The U.S. Constitution and the Role of the Civil Magistrate - https://share.transistor.fm/s/56176d3b Episode #27 - The U.S. Constitution with Dorollo Nixon - https://share.transistor.fm/s/6afa8940 --- Pick up your copy of 12 Rules for Leaders: The Foundation of Intentional Leadership NOW on AMAZON! Check out the 2022 Leadership Lessons From the Great Books podcast reading list! --- Check out HSCT Publishing at: https://www.hsctpublishing.com/. Check out LeadingKeys at: https://www.leadingkeys.com/ Check out Leadership ToolBox at: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/ Contact HSCT for more information at 1-833-216-8296 to schedule a full DEMO of LeadingKeys with one of our team members. --- Leadership ToolBox website: https://leadershiptoolbox.us/. Leadership ToolBox LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ldrshptlbx/. Leadership ToolBox YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJvVbIU_bSEflwYpd9lWXuA/. Leadership ToolBox Twitter: https://twitter.com/ldrshptlbx. Leadership ToolBox IG: https://www.instagram.com/leadershiptoolboxus/. Leadership ToolBox FB: https://www.facebook.com/LdrshpTlb
Barack Hussein Obama, President of the United States for eight years, told us during and as he left office that WE THE PEOPLE, and in fact the whole world, lived in the age, the era of POST-TRUTH.That means, said one scholar, that we live in the age of the LIE. If our Federal Government is any indication, that is surely the truth.POST-TRUTH is an adjective defined as relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion that appeals to emotion and personal belief.POST-TRUTH was declared Oxford Dictionary's WORD OF THE YEAR in 2016, thanks in part at least to Barack Obama.The corruption of the truth is certainly happening in Europe. There is a certain teaching at work where students are taught to sneer at the truth because it is no more than an:EURO-NORMATIVE CONSTRUCT.In fact, some university professors have gotten to the point where they argue that any speech which opposes the left-wing narrative is VIOLENCE. In short, certain words anathema to the radical left are viewed as not only hate speech but actual VIOLENCE itself. Therefore, these radical professors state, that to respond with actual violence is merely self-defense! Our world, my fellow Americans, and Christians, has come to that.How then can we function as a people? What can we believe, how do we communicate, if there is no such thing as truth, absolute truth, or:HOW CAN WE LIVE?This new assault, professorial and academic (radical woke) assault on truth has led to violence, riots, destruction of property, assaults on persons, breaking of laws within punity, tearing down of historical statues, burning and pillaging as first fruits of this new age of unaccountability. The mob rules. This unchecked mob action is what Abraham Lincoln called years ago the:MOBOCRATIC SPIRIT. Even then, in the 1860's, Lincoln believed that this radical, unchecked spirit would destroy the American republic if in fact it were left unchecked. There seems to be a sense today of a total lack of accountability, the law of the land is broken within punity, district attorneys fail to prosecute and hold accountable, judges are far too lenient and criminal behavior expands. It is the very beginning of a very tragic day and age, and it has the seedlings of destruction for the very American republic itself. WE THE PEOPLE are threatened internally now more than ever, and much more so than externally.The assault on our institutions, principles, values can well produce what some scholars call a:CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS.Our judicial system, our judges in so many ways ignore the constitution. These judges are labeled:LIVING CONSTITUTIONALISTS.In short, society does not conform to the constitution, but the constitution is interpreted and applied in accordance with the prevailing standards and lifestyles current and contemporary. The battle wages judicially with these judicial renegades and radicals against the strict interpreters, these so-called ORIGINALISTS who believe the constitution should be literally applied no matter the circumstances. These internal threats indeed challenge the very existence of our American republic and remind us of the warning of founder Benjamin Franklin that the founding fathers gave us a republic in the form of a constitution:IF YOU CAN KEEP IT.In many ways today, it looks as though we will not be able to keep it.John Adams, an illustrious founding father, wrote that the constitution so constructed:“WAS MADE ONLY FOR A MORAL AND RELIGIOUS PEOPLE. IT ISWHOLLY INADEQUATE (ADAMS SAID) TO THE GOVERNMENT OF ANYOTHER.”That sentiment was bolstered by first president, George Washington, who warned in his farewell address that:“RELIGION AND MORALITY WERE INDISPENSIBLE SUPPORTS OF A SELF-GOVERNING REGIME”.Free government, free people, freedom itself, depended upon close ties with and strong belief in religion and faith. Our political institutions were invented by men for whom religion was a lodestar, and reason was the holy grail, and civic virtue was an inexhaustible resource.As a result, Thomas Jefferson famously wrote for the original constitutional convention, these words:“WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF EVIDENT: THAT ALL MENARE CREATED EQUAL, THAT THEY ARE ENDOWED BY THEIR CREATORWITH CERTAIN INALIENABLE RIGHTS, THAT AMONG THESE ARE LIFE,LIBERTY, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.”These inalienable rights, essentially God-given, were in fact the lodestar of the constitution, the very pillars of the constitution itself.The founders intended the constitution to be literally interpreted, that The United States would be governed by just laws linked to religion and objective standards of right and wrong. It seems as though little of that applies today. So many of our laws are not enforced. Our constitution is virtually interpreted away, and it is almost impossible for WE THE PEOPLE to know how to live.Strict adherence to the text of the constitution, our history, traditions, and laws have been replaced by a living, organic, current interpretation of right and wrong.Everything WE THE PEOPLE hold dear, believe in, and was part of traditional and historical America is under attack, everything. That includes and, in many ways, especially so religion. Morality is relevant. There are no absolutes, and truth as we have always known it based on fact, right or wrong, has been replaced by emotion and worst of all, personal belief. For Christians, scripture, the Bible is absolute truth, the inspired Word of God. More than ever, WE THE CHRISTIAN PEOPLE, must stand up, defend, and profess a new, energetic and commitment faith to truth, scripture, law abiding living, professing and believing aggressively, publicly, and uncompromisingly in our eternal faith in Jesus Christ. The right to do so is under attack as never before. It should be the duty of every Christian to know the Bible as well as possible, to read and study it daily, and to know the constitution of the United States, to read some part of it and study it daily as well. Otherwise, the freedoms we now enjoy in Christ and Constitution may well be lost and once lost:LOST IN AMERICA FOREVER!
Yes, it's the “March Madness” edition of “A Republic, If You Can Keep It”. This year, the orgy of college basketball is joined by the madness that is Tucker Carlson and Fox News, along with the incredible productivity of the Michigan's new legislative majority in Lansing. That new Democratic majority is moving major legislation at a record-setting pace. Several huge bills have cleared the Legislature in the last few days. Among them: a nearly one-billion-dollar tax cut, mandatory background checks for all gun purchases, an expansion of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act providing basic protections for LGBTQ+ Michiganders, and a $630-million incentive package for the Ford battery plant in Marshall. Other bills moving quickly through the legislature repeal the Snyder-era attacks on unions, repeal Michigan's 1931 abortion law and enact new gun safety laws. Joining the podcast this week: longtime Republican activist Saul Anuzis. Anuzis served as Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party from 2005-2009 and was a candidate for Chairman of the Republican National Committee in 2009 and 2011. Previous positions included working with Newt Gingrich at American Solutions, Jack Kemp's 1988 Presidential campaign, Chief of Staff to MI Senate Majority Leader Dick Posthumus, Chairman of the MI Senate Republican Campaign Committee and serving on the MI House Republican Campaign Committee and most recently as a Senior Advisor to the Ted Cruz for President Campaign in the 2016 cycle. Today, Anuzis is one of the leaders in a bipartisan effort to reform the presidential election process. The United States is the only democracy in the world that makes it possible to finish second in an election… and still win. Two of the last four Presidents lost the popular vote but were elected thanks to the Electoral College. The National Popular Vote initiative would end that giant-sized quirk in our elections. =========================== This week's podcast is underwritten in part by EPIC-MRAEPIC ▪ MRA is a full service survey research firm with expertise in: • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals - Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals - Issue Advocacy Research • Community - Media Relations • Issue - Image Management • Database Development & List Management =========================== Links to Stories We're Following This Week House votes to expand background checks on gun sales - Detroit Free Press Gun reform proposals receive first hearing in Michigan Legislature - WILX TV Michigan voters support lifetime firearms ban for some crimes, poll says - Detroit News Michigan Safety Survey Report - Glengariff Group MSU shooting victim's mom testifies for gun safety laws - Bridge Michigan Democrats mobilize on gun safety bills after flipping state legislatures, governor's offices - The Washington Post Democrats push Michigan gun reforms. Here's what the laws are now | Bridge Michigan Michigan House passes bills to repeal right-to-work - Detroit Free Press Tax relief restored for Michigan retirees, low-income earners- Detroit Free Press Whitmer approves $630 million to support Ford battery plant - Detroit Free Press 5 (mostly) good things to know about Michigan's progress on EVs - Bridge Michigan New Michigan scholarship seeks to fill jobs at state's EV companies - Bridge Michigan Opinion | Ford Is Leaving Tesla in the Dust - The New York Times Michigan Right-to-Work repeal advances to House - Bridge Michigan Michigan House votes to repeal 1931 abortion ban - Bridge Michigan Opinion | Joe Biden: My Plan to Extend Medicare for Another Generation - The New York Times The Programs You'd Have to Cut to Balance the Budget - The New York Times Tucker Carlson amplifies Jan. 6 lies with GOP-provided video - AP News
The horror of this week at Michigan State University casts a cloud over our state, and especially the campus just five miles east of the Capitol building. It was the 67th mass shooting in the first 46 days of 2023. As we recorded this week's podcast, a memorial service was gathering in the center of the East Lansing campus in remembrance of Arielle Anderson, Alexander Verner and Brian Fraser … and with prayers for five more students hospitalized at Lansing's Sparrow Hospital. Brian Fraser, Alexandria Verner and Arielle Anderson =========================== This week it's the “Perry for President” (be still, my heart) edition of “A Republic, If You Can Keep It”. Yes, Perry Johnson thinks he's ready to be America's Quality Guru in Chief … along with the somewhat more qualified but equally unlikely to win former South Carolina Governor, Nikki Haley. Maybe a Perry - Nicki ticket? Also this week, Michigan Republicans head to their state convention this weekend secure in the knowledge their next chairperson will be an Election Denier. The pre-convention activities begin, appropriately, with a Matt DePerno fundraiser at The Nut House (a sports bar across the street from the convention hall). We're joined this week by President Ron Bieber, who has served at president of the Michigan AFL-CIO since 2015. Bieber joined UAW Local 730 in 1978, after hiring into the General Motors Metal Fabricating plant in Wyoming, Michigan. He was elected to his first union position at the age of 23, and moved up the ranks, being appointed to the UAW International staff in 1992. In 2009, Bieber was promoted as an Administrative Assistant to the UAW President and named the Director of the UAW CAP Department. In this position, his responsibilities included the administration of the Political, Retired Workers and Civil Rights departments of the UAW. Ron currently serves on the boards of the Economic Alliance of Michigan, the Michigan Association of United Ways, and the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition. =========================== This week's podcast is underwritten in part by EPIC-MRAEPIC ▪ MRA is a full service survey research firm with expertise in: • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals - Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals - Issue Advocacy Research • Community - Media Relations • Issue - Image Management • Database Development & List Management =========================== Links to stories we're following MSU shooting victims remembered: Alexandria Verner, Arielle Anderson, Brian Fraser - The Washington Post Twitter: "A survivor of the 2012 Sandy Hook elementary school shooting is a student at Michigan State University Oxford High student survives second shooting at Michigan State - The Washington Post MSU shooting 2023: ‘We cannot keep living like this:' Dems vow gun reform | Bridge Michigan Opinion | Michigan State shootings are a reminder: We must take the guns away - The Washington Post This week in politics Michigan House OKs Democratic tax plan as tensions hit Capitol Minority Leader Hall, Michigan Republicans Set To Turn Their Backs On Inflation Relief - Michigan Democratic Party Insider: Wentworth-linked nonprofit spent $137,000 on travel President Perry Johnson? Michigan businessman launches long-shot campaign | Bridge Michigan Finley: Perry Johnson's bizarro presidential campaign ad aims to shock Perry for Prez Super Bowl ad via Twitter Election deniers vie to lead broke Michigan GOP. Donors aren't happy. | Bridge Michigan Campaign donors love a winner, dump Michigan GOP for Democrats after election | Bridge Michigan National Task Force on Election Crises Report Sanctions for bogus election lawsuits spurs GOP proposal to protect attorneys from punishment - Raw Story
We think that because we're children of the Enlightenment, the way the world is moving is gradually toward liberalism. I think the natural course of the world is away from liberalism and it has only been American power that has sustained this aberration in world history.Robert KaganBecome a Patron!Make a one-time Donation to Democracy Paradox.A full transcript is available at www.democracyparadox.com.Robert Kagan is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute, a columnist at The Washington Post, and among the most influential writers on foreign policy today. His latest book is Ghost at the Feast: America and the Collapse of World Order, 1900-1941.Key HighlightsIntroduction - 0:37American and WWI - 2:37Isolationism and Retrenchment - 16:40Troops in the Rhineland - 31:36Parallels to Today - 42:32Key LinksThe Ghost at the Feast: America and the Collapse of World Order, 1900-1941 by Robert Kagan"A Free World, If You Can Keep It" by Robert Kagan in Foreign Affairs"The Weight of Geopolitics" by Robert Kagan in the Journal of DemocracyDemocracy Paradox PodcastLarry Diamond on Supporting Democracy in the World and at HomeCharles Kupchan on America's Tradition of IsolationismMore Episodes from the PodcastMore InformationDemocracy GroupApes of the State created all MusicEmail the show at jkempf@democracyparadox.comFollow on Twitter @DemParadox, Facebook, Instagram @democracyparadoxpodcast100 Books on DemocracyDemocracy Paradox is part of the Amazon Affiliates Program and earns commissions on items purchased from links to the Amazon website. All links are to recommended books discussed in the podcast or referenced in the blog.Support the show
More than 100 years ago, George Satayana wrote “those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it.” When it comes to political scandals it is especially true. So today, some Michigan political history that may foreshadow one of the first big stories of 2023. Pulitizer Prize-winning reproters Eric Freedman, and Jim, Mitzelfeld, right, celebrate news of their award April 12, 1994 with Detroit News Editor and Publisher Robert H. Giles. The first story in their winning series on the mishandling of spending by the Michigan State House Fiscal Agency was printed in January 1993. Diane Weiss / The Detroit News And that is the investigation of former state House Speaker Lee Chatfield – an investigation that began with accusations of sexual misbehavior and quickly branched out to major misuse of government money, campaign fundraising practices bordering on bribery, and the sometimes toxic intersection of high-powered lobbyists and government decision makers. 29 years ago Lansing was embroiled in a scandal with many of the same overtones of the Chatfield affair. Massive amounts of money were stolen by the powerful and excessively independent director of the state House of Representatives' fiscal agency. Mitzelfeld (left) and Friedman (right) nearly 30 years later, joined by 1990 Pulitzer winner M.L. Elrick of the Detroit Free Press. As has been true with the Chatfield scandal, much of the public's knowledge of the corrupt behavior was revealed by reporters from the Detroit News. The coverage of the 1993 House Fiscal Agency Scandal was led by reporters Jim Mitzelfeld and Eric Freedman. They were awarded a Pulitzer Prize for their reporting … and they join us on a special edition of “A Republic, If You Can Keep It”. (The interview was recorded before we learned that the U.S. Justice Department was assisting in the Chatfield investigation; anything either of our guests say regarding that investigation is solely based on what they had read in the news.) For more information on the two scandals: • The 7 worst political scandals in Michigan history • The Scandal, 20 Years Later - John Lindstrom blog post • Corruption lingers 20 years after legislative scandal erupts - Spartan Newsroom (by Eric Freedman) • Leaders act quickly in fiscal agency scandal. - Free Online Library • U.S. v. MORBERG | 863 F.Supp. 511 (1994) | upp51111272 | Leagle.com • Michigan State Police hand off Lee Chatfield probe to Attorney General | Bridge Michigan • Ex-Speaker Lee Chatfield provided foothold in government for lobbyists - Detroit News • Lee Chatfield traveled the nation as Michigan's speaker, but who paid? • Livengood: Chatfield scandal exposes unchecked influence of lobbyists • Commentary: Tarnished gavels – Is corruption an occupational hazard for House speakers? - Spartan Newsroom (by Eric Freedman) =========================== This week's podcast is underwritten in part by EPIC-MRAEPIC ▪ MRA is a full service survey research firm with expertise in: • Public Opinion Surveys • Market Research Studies • Live Telephone Surveys • On-Line and Automated Surveys • Focus Group Research • Bond Proposals - Millage Campaigns • Political Campaigns & Consulting • Ballot Proposals - Issue Advocacy Research • Community - Media Relations • Issue - Image Management • Database Development & List Management
The recounts show what we all knew: Michigan's elections were fair, and the vote counts accurate. Michigan has a major supporting role in the January 6 final report – with evidence that could put some state Republicans in jail as it details efforts by Donald Trump to overturn Joe Biden's Michigan victory. And two of the top-tier Biden successors, according to the buzz machine, are Michiganders: Gretchen Whitmer and Pete Buttigieg. One of them is reported quietly building a campaign infrastructure if Biden decides not to run. Also in this week's cornucopia of politics and/or political crime news: Final Report of the January 6th Committee Michigan Trump electors invoked 5th Amendment more than 100 times Michigan recount: Big expense, very few changed votes, results show | Bridge Michigan Partial hand recounts of two ballot proposals validate election results Michigan election board certifies recounts upholding proposal win In strategy session, Michigan Republicans say donors abandoned them ("Single, college-educated White women are destroying this country. The research that we have done has proven that." - Cathryn Neracher, an unsuccessful Republican candidate for the state House What Trump told Shirkey, Chatfield to try to get Michigan election overturned Buttigieg 2024 - Punchbowl News The Democrats Have a Deeper Bench Than You Think - The Bulwark How Democrats could use their big Michigan win to set up the 2024 race - POLITICO New Statewide Poll: Inflation Concerns Persist, Voters Optimistic About Democracy - Detroit Regional Chamber Insider: Voters in poll see gun laws as priority for Michigan Legislature How Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Democrats plan to cut Michigan taxes in 2023 | Bridge Michigan Michigan Democrats eye other abortion law changes as Prop 3 set to take effect | Bridge Michigan Read the summary of the Jan. 6 committee report - The Washington Post Trump is accused of using copyrighted images in his NFT collection | The Independent Chatfield scandal helped boost reform effort, but Senate failed us This week's podcast is underwritten by Practical Political Consulting and EPIC-MRA. We thank them for supporting "A Republic, If You Can Keep It" throughout 2022!
Jeff and Mark are traveling this week as we record the "pre-criminal-referrals" episode of the podcast. Jeff is getting the better end of the deal! He's in Nashville where leaders of the Lincoln Project are holding their post-midterm victory lap…beginning planning for 2024..and sampling the hospitality of America's country music capitol. Mark is coming up for air after still another long day of another recount. The futility of the partial recounts of Proposals 2 and 3 being highlighted by a Michigan state Supreme Court ruling, and a federal Appeals Court ruling in Colorado both burying the Big Lie and the attorneys promoting it. Michigan Supreme Court ends suit over 2020 election results in Antrim County | Bridge Michigan Experts: Michigan recounts that won't change outcome show law must change | Bridge Michigan CO District Court Ruling on Election 'Fraud' Lawsuit Elsewhere in political news this week: Livonia clerk was pressured to hand over election equipment Rebound in Confidence: American Democracy and the 2022 Midterm Elections | Bright Line Watch Poll: Many Michigan voters ready to move on from Trump, Biden in 2024 ‘Marshall Law!': Dozens of GOP Politicians Texted Meadows About Overturning 2020 Pete's campaign in waiting - POLITICO 'High level' appointees, lobbyists entangled in Chatfield probe, Nessel's office says Gov. Whitmer says Michigan needs ethics reforms amid Chatfied probe Insider: Michigan lawmakers' farewells warn of money's influence in Lansing Michigan redistricting commission sues for funding, long after finishing maps | Bridge Michigan House GOP reckons with ‘candidate quality' problem after midterms — and ahead of 2024 - POLITICO Michigan GOP official: Shut down ‘by force' public library with LGBTQ books | Bridge Michigan Jan. 6 committee to vote Monday on riot criminal referrals | AP News This week's podcast is underwritten by Practical Political Consulting and EPIC-MRA. We thank them for supporting "A Republic, If You Can Keep It."
Lame ducks, federal subpoenas re: Michigan's 2020 election, a Supreme Court hearing on ending democratic elections, another court hearing on the lawyers who pushed the BIg Lie in Michigan, a bizarre farewell speech from the top Republican in state government, and a new wrinkle in the Democratic Party's plans to shift the presidential primary schedule - a shift that could mean even better news for Michigan. And for the last few days Mark has been in the middle of some of some won't-change-anything recounts … which are really an effort to shore up the BIg Lie conspiracy theories from 2020. Jeff Timmer and Mark Brewer sound off on all of these issues ... and more Some links to help you follow all the crazy: Michigan board slams recounts as 'frivolous,' allows them to proceed - Detroit News Michigan recounts of ballot proposals underway: Here's why - Detroit Free Press Georgia becomes major roadblock to Biden's 2024 primary calendar plan - Axios Atlanta Trump's bad week is bad news for his comeback | CNN Politics Georgia Runoff Election Results: Warnock Beats Walker - The New York Times 'Very lame lame duck': Michigan lawmakers wrap up work for the year - Detroit Free Press Michigan GOP's reign in Legislature ends with a whimper: No spending deal | Bridge Michigan Michigan Senate GOP leader warns of push for 'one world governance Special counsel Jack Smith subpoenas Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin officials for Trump communications in Jan. 6 probe - The Washington Post Justice Department special counsel subpoenas Wayne County Officials - Detroit Free Press North Carolina redistricting case before Supreme Court could lead to profound change - The Washington Post How Right-Wing Groups Set the Stage for the Supreme Court to Rig Future Elections – Mother Jones Sen. Gary Peters issues sweeping report on government's COVID response - Detroit Free Press Senate Dems' victorious campaign QB reluctant to run it back - POLITICO Midwestern House Dems push for leaders between the coasts - POLITICO ________________________________________________ This week's podcast is underwritten by Practical Political Consulting and EPIC-MRA. We thank them for supporting "A Republic, If You Can Keep It."
Donald Trump may be drawing a lot of heat for his Ye-Dinner with white nationalist Nick Fuentes at his Mar-A-Lago crime scene, but his acolytes in Michigan appear to be firmly in control of the state's Republican Party. Potential criminal defendant Matt DePerno appears poised to become the new state Republican chair, but he now has opposition from a more traditional Republican: former congressman Pete Hoekstra. Pete Hoekstra plans to run for Michigan GOP chair against Matt DePerno Pete Hoekstra on "Off the Record" 11-23-2022 State Democrats are in the middle of a different battle: the high-stakes debate over which states will go first in the 2024 presidential primary schedule. The lame-duck state Senate, still under Republican control, is cooperating with efforts to convince the Democratic National Committee to move Michigan to the head of the line. Biden pushes South Carolina as first primary state, elevates Georgia and Michigan - The Washington Post Biden seeks overhaul of presidential nominating calendar, bumping Iowa - Detroit Free Press State Senate votes to hold Michigan's 2024 presidential primary earlier Also in Michigan political news this week: Michigan Board of State Canvassers approves 2022 election results Judge blocks release of search warrant documents in Chatfield investigation Dems' bid to install Coleman Young statue in U.S. Capitol wins GOP support Democrats more positive about Biden post-Midterms | Ipsos Mike Lindell announces his bid for RNC chair following an endorsement by Donald Trump Livengood: New senator hopes to avoid becoming Michigan Senate's Joe Manchin Joining the conversation this week are two of Michigan's top political consultants, Amy Chapman and Jon Hoadley. Chapman's political activism dates back nearly 40 years. While earning her B.A. in politics and journalism from New York University in 1983, she worked on the field staff for former Rep. Andrew Maguire (D) of New Jersey in 1980. After graduating, she worked as the deputy field director and assistant to the political director for former California Senator Alan Cranston (D) when he ran for president in 1984. She was Michigan state director of the Obama presidential campaign in 2008, Oregon state director of the Bill Clinton campaign in 1992 and more recently headed up the Michigan Democratic Party's coordinated campaign. Nine years ago Chapman formed Amy Chapman Consulting, based in Madison Heights to "provide strategic guidance, planning and assessment management" for nonprofit foundations and other organizations. Jon Hoadley served three terms in the Michigan House, representing the Kalamazoo area. Hoadley has been involved in LGBT and progressive political advocacy since college, and has worked on political campaigns since 2004. Currently, he serves on the Michigan Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights . Prior to his election to the Michigan Legislature, he became president and owner of Badlands Strategies, a progressive public affairs consulting firm. During this time he managed a local campaign to defend Kalamazoo's local non-discrimination ordinance, and assisted with a similar campaign in Royal Oak. He also managed the campaign to elect Justice Bridget Mary McCormack and worked with the Unity Michigan Coalition. ________________________________________________ This week's podcast is underwritten by Practical Political Consulting and EPIC-MRA. We thank them for supporting "A Republic, If You Can Keep It."
On this week's podcast: In Lansing, Democrats are quickly and quietly putting in place their leadership structure as they prepare to take control of both chambers. In Washington, it's just the opposite for House Republicans who face the prospect of being unable to elect a Speaker of the House. The upcoming resignation of Michigan Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack brings some major changes to the court: a centrist Republican appointee as the new Chief Justice (at least, for awhile) and the first-ever black woman named to McCormack's unfinished term. Elizabeth Clement, a moderate on Michigan Supreme Court, named chief justice | Bridge Michigan Kyra Harris Bolden makes history with appointment to Michigan Supreme Court | Bridge Michigan Newest Michigan Supreme Court member is a young Black mom. How it's historic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's to-do list: gun control, tax cuts, Right-to-Work repeal | Bridge Michigan As Democrats take charge in Lansing, some business leaders sweat their agenda | Bridge Michigan Michigan GOP leader: Bid to probe 2022 election a ‘shameless' stunt | Bridge Michigan Wentworth: House was ready to investigate allegations against Chatfield Biden coming to Michigan on Nov. 29 to tout semiconductor bill Opinion | How the Supreme Court can start to regain Americans' trust in its ethics - The Washington Post Morning Consult National Tracking Poll November 18-20 Joining the conversation this week: Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Nesselwas reelected with an eight-and-a-half point victory over Big Lie promoter and potential criminal defendant Matt DePerno, a definite improvement over her narrow 2.75 point victory over Tom Leonard four years ago. As Attorney General, her visibility rose first when state GOP chairman Ron Weiser referred to her as one of Michigan's “three witches” (along with Gov. Whitmer and Secretary of State Benson), and achieved national prominence when then-President Donald Trump labeled her a “wacky do-nothing." Nessel first achieved legal prominence in 2014 when she successfully argued for the plaintiffs in DeBoer v. Snyder, which challenged Michigan's ban on the statewide legal recognition of same-sex marriage; the case was eventually combined with others and appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States as Obergefell v. Hodges, which led to the nationwide legal recognition of same-sex marriage. In 2016, she founded Fair Michigan, a nonprofit organization that works to prosecute hate crimes against the LGBT community. ________________________________________________ This week's podcast is underwritten by Practical Political Consulting and EPIC-MRA. We thank them for supporting "A Republic, If You Can Keep It."
Welcome to 2024! The dust is still settling from last week's mid-term elections (especially among the shell-shocked GOP), but Donald Trump's inevitable campaign is now official ... greeted by the New York Post headline "Florida Man Makes Announcement" and burying the story on page 26 . Closer to home, Gretchen Whitmer surprised many by making it clear she has no Presidential ambitions. Also this week: 7 policies Whitmer, Michigan Democratic lawmakers will push Democrats big midterm win overshadows loss of Black voices - mlive.com Macomb Democrats steamed about national party snubbing Marlinga Michigan's midterm after redistricting: what results showed US Supreme Court dismisses appeal in Michigan redistricting lawsuit Women, LGBTQ lawmakers to have larger representation in Michigan's upcoming legislature - mlive.com Analysis: Parents rights school board campaigns lost most Michigan races | Bridge Michigan Michigan GOP memo blames Tudor Dixon's performance for lost majorities Trump loyalist Matthew DePerno running to be Michigan GOP chair | Bridge Michigan Michigan GOP party chair race: James Craig out, Matthew DePerno in ‘Canary in the Coal Mine': Did Elissa Slotkin's Win Reveal Trumpism's Self-Defeating Toxicity? - POLITICO Joining the conversation this week is the newly named state Senate President Pro Tem, Jeremy Moss. Moss is completing his first term after serving for four years in the state House. He grew up in Southfield and attended Michigan State University where he participated in several student-led humanitarian aid missions in the US and around the globe, twice traveling to New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to assist with cleanup efforts and spending time abroad in Uruguay to build housing in among the most impoverished areas of South America. Moss's political career began 11 years ago with a successful run for a seat on the Southfield City Council where became the youngest-ever elected official in the city's history at age 25. In the state House he worked across the aisle to pass ten bills that would open up government records to public scrutiny by subjecting the governor's office and state legislature to the principles of the Freedom of Information Act. ________________________________________________ This week's podcast is underwritten by Practical Political Consulting and EPIC-MRA. We thank them for supporting "A Republic, If You Can Keep It."
It's down to the last days and hours until Election Day. With more than 1.1-million votes already cast, the turnout likely will come close to the record mid-term election of 2018. The outcome is definitely in doubt: will the polls showing close-but-comfortable leads for the top of the Democratic ticket mean Michigan Democrats successful overcome the historic headwinds of a mid-term, or will the election deniers leading the state's GOP ticket pull off historic upsets? Add to it continuing false claims of election fraud in 2020 and it's likely that next Tuesday will only be a waypoint in the 2022 election story as any (if not most) losing GOP candidates reflexively shout "rigged election" and "vote fraud". In the podcast, we mention one story that can help combat the claims of vote fraud: Bridge Michigan's Jonathan Oosting does a deep dive into the many levels of security built into the state's absentee voting process. We recommend the article to one and all! Also this week: Cheney tells Slotkin crowd to 'walk away from politics as usual' Barack Obama rallies for Gretchen Whitmer, seeks to boost turnout in Detroit | Bridge Michigan Why early vote returns might produce a 'mirage' on election night in Michigan Tim Michels Says GOP Will 'Never Lose Another Election' in Wisconsin If He Wins Jocelyn Benson: ‘We've delivered on our promises.' Republicans aren't so sure. | Bridge Michigan National issues, pandemic led to partisan Lansing area school board races Poll: Slotkin leads Barrett in tossup race for U.S. House Poll: Where Michigan voters stand on Whitmer, Dixon 1 week before election (Glengarrif Poll) Cygnal Momentum Tracking Poll: Michigan Statewide – 11/1/22 Joining the pre-election conversation is the politics editor of the Detroit News, Chad Livengood. Chad was a political reporter in The News' Lansing Bureau from 2012 through 2016 before becoming a reporter and columnist at Crain's Detroit Business. He rejoined The News' politics team in May 2022. He began his journalism career as editor of Central Michigan University's student paper. His early career included stints covering politics and government in Illinois and Delaware before returning to Michigan, and the Detroit News, ten years ago. ________________________________________________ This week's podcast is underwritten by Practical Political Consulting and EPIC-MRA. We thank them for supporting "A Republic, If You Can Keep It."
We're less than two weeks away from election day; about three-quarters of a million ballots have already been cast, and another million absentee ballots have been issued. November 8 may be Election Day, but the election could well drag on for weeks as losing candidates … at least among the Republican nominees … scream “stolen election”. Some of the highlights of this week in Michigan politics: Barack Obama records TV ad promoting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer 5 clashes in the final Gretchen Whitmer-Tudor Dixon gubernatorial debate Michigan governor final debate: Fact checking Tudor Dixon-Gretchen Whitmer | Bridge Michigan Extremist Leader Boasts of Helping Michigan GOP Governor Candidate Tudor Dixon's Campaign Records: DeVos PAC spent $6.3M on Tudor Dixon bid for Michigan governor | Bridge Michigan FACT CHECK: Tudor Dixon's Ad Covers Up Her Dangerous Agenda to Gut School and Public Safety Funding While Reversing Economic Development  - Michigan Democratic Party Carl Marlinga, John James spar in debate for US House seat Polls Morning Consult weekly tracking poll (national) (October 21-23) CNN Polls shows Whitmer ahead in races for governor Cygnal Poll (October 19-23) CBS YouGov Poll - October 12-14 Michigan's 7th District voters favoring Democratic candidates, but Slotkin-Barrett race tight Joining the conversation this week is Michigan's top non-partisan elections expert, Chris Thomas. Thomas served as the state Elections Director for 36 years under both Republican and Democratic Secretaries of State. In that role he administered Michigan election law, campaign finance act and lobbyist disclosure law and served as Secretary to the Board of State Canvassers. He began his election administration career in 1974 in Washington, D.C. with the Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives and the Federal Election Commission, joining the Michigan Elections office in 1982. In 2013, President Obama appointed Thomas as a Commissioner on the Presidential Commission on Election Administration, which made recommendations to improve the election day experience of America's voters. Thomas earned a B.A. in Political Science from Michigan State University, a M.A. in Urban Affairs from St. Louis University in St. Louis, MO, and a J.D. from Thomas Cooley Law School. ________________________________________________ This week's podcast is underwritten by Practical Political Consulting and EPIC-MRA. We thank them for supporting "A Republic, If You Can Keep It."
Absentee ballots are coming in a record rates with election day just three weeks away – and a lot of Republicans are preparing to scream “rigged election” after they lose since a lot of them, including the GOP's statewide candidates, refuse to say they'll accept the results. On this week's podcast, Jeff and Mark take a deep dive into what may be the most under-appreciated political battle this cycle: the battle for control of the Michigan Legislature. Republicans have dominated the Michigan Legislature for most of the last three decades, dating back to the GOP takeover of the Michigan Senate in 1983 (despite, thanks to gerrymandering, often getting fewer total votes that Democratic candidates). With the end of gerrymandered maps, Democrats are optimistic about flipping control of both the state Senate and House. We're joined by two legislators focused on flipping control of both chambers: Senate Democratic Leader Jim Ananich and Representative Angela Witwer. Ananich is term-limited after representing Genesee County in the Senate for 8 years; Witwer has served four years after flipping a suburban Lansing district in 2018. ________________________________________________ This week's podcast is underwritten by Practical Political Consulting and EPIC-MRA. We thank them for supporting "A Republic, If You Can Keep It."
As we speculated in last week's podcast, Donald Trump spent most of his two-hour diatribe in Macomb County talking about … Donald Trump, dedicating about 5% of his speech to actually supporting the BIg Lie believers leading the GOP state ticket. Also in the political headlines this week: longtime Republican powerbroker Bob LaBrant calls this year's GOP ticket “the most unqualified state-level ticket in recent Michigan history” as he actively supports the entire Democratic statewide slate; the state Legislature takes a small step towards a less chaotic election with bipartisan support for making the counting of Absentee Ballots more timely; and the rhetoric is becoming more heated from opponents of the the Voting Rights and Reproductive Freedom ballot proposals. Early voting has begun and the battleground races in Michigan have the attention of the nation. Four of Michigan's 13 congressional districts are considered tossups.We'll talk with one of the candidates in that spotlight: mid-Michigan two-term Representative Elissa Slotkin. Representative Slotkin defied the political odds in 2018, ousting Republican Congressman Mike Bishop even as Donald Trump was winning in her congressional district. She was reelected in 2020, again in a district carried by Trump, downing challenge Paul Junge. Slotkin was raised on the family farm in Holly. She has been in public service since graduating with a Masters in International Affairs from Columbia University. After graduate school she was recruited into the Central Intelligence Agency. Fluent in Arabic and Swahili, she served three tours in Iraq as a CIA analyst. During the George W. Bush administration, she worked on the Iraq portfolio for the National Security Council. During Barack Obama's presidency, she worked for the State Department and the Department of Defense. Slotkin was acting assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs from 2015 to 2017. In Congress she is recognized as an expert on national security issues, and also for her ability to work across party lines as a member of the bipartisan Problem-Solvers Caucus. ________________________________________________ This week's podcast is underwritten by Practical Political Consulting and EPIC-MRA. We thank them for supporting "A Republic, If You Can Keep It."
Early voting is underway in Michigan. In the race for Governor, Tudor Dixon is finally campaigning, focusing on social wedge issues, but her campaign continues to lack money. She may get some help when the nation's #1 election denier, Donald Trump, brings his Big Lie Tour to Michigan this weekend to talk about himself and maybe help Tudor and the rest of the Republican statewide ticket. The polls are saying that, as of now, it could be a Democratic landslide at the top of the ticket in Michigan. With voting underway, these polling numbers are much more significant than before. The most recent come to us via EPIC/MRA. The company's CEO, Bernie Porn, talks with Mark and Jeff about his latest measure of the electorate.. Then we're joined by former GOP political consultant Tim Miller. He is best known for his role as communications director for the Jeb Bush 2016 presidential campaign and for being an outspoken Republican critic of former U.S. president Donald Trump. Miller was an Iowa staffer for John McCain in the 2008 Republican Party presidential primaries, and later served as national press secretary for the Jon Huntsman 2012 presidential campaign. During the Bush campaign, Miller drew notice as a "vocal critic" of Donald Trump. In 2020, Miller co-founded the advocacy organization Republican Voters Against Trump, which sponsored television and internet advertisements featuring lifelong Republicans explaining their decision to vote for former vice president Joe Biden instead of Trump, and served as its political director. He is now a contributing writer for The Bulwark and ROlling Stone, and a frequent guest commentator on MSNBC and CNN. Miller recently published the best-selling book Why We Did It: A Travelogue from the Republican Road to Hell. ________________________________________________ This week's podcast is underwritten by Practical Political Consulting and EPIC-MRA. We thank them for supporting "A Republic, If You Can Keep It."
This week, Eric Metaxas graciously returns for his third appearance on the podcast to touch base with Pastor Allen about the current state of the nation and his newest book, A Letter to the American Church. Eric weighs in on the overwhelming silence of the church and church leaders, the evil of gender confusion in our schools, and how we need to boldly lead with our faith in every arena of our lives. Eric Metaxas is a bestselling author of Fish Out of Water, Martin Luther, If You Can Keep It, Bonhoeffer, Miracles, Seven Women, Seven Men, and Amazing Grace. He has written more than thirty children's books, including the bestsellers Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving and It's Time to Sleep, My Love. His latest book is Letter to the American Church. He is the host of the Eric Metaxas Radio Show, a nationally syndicated radio program heard in more than 120 cities around the U.S., featuring in-depth interviews with a wide variety of guests. Metaxas speaks to thousands around the U.S. and internationally each year. He was the keynote speaker at the 2012 National Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC, an event attended by the President and First Lady, the Vice President, members of Congress, and other U.S. and world leaders. For more information about Eric Metaxas, visit ericmetaxas.com; facebook.com/ericmetaxas; or Twitter: @ericmetaxas. To support this ministry and help us continue to reach people all around the world, click here: allenjackson.com/podcastdonate
Eric Metaxas is the host of The Eric Metaxas Show, a nationally syndicated daily radio show heard on 300 outlets nationwide and aired on television on TBN. Metaxas is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Is Atheism Dead?, Fish Out of Water, Martin Luther, If You Can Keep It, Bonhoeffer, Amazing Grace, and Miracles. His forthcoming book is Letter to the American Church which comes out today! Eric joins Mike to discuss the importance of standing up to the evil that we see around us & so much more. Go to ericmetaxas.com to order Eric's new book: “Letter to the American Church” .See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the first “Constitution Day” - September 17, 1787 - Benjamin Franklin had a pretty dire warning and prediction that went far beyond his more famous quote of “if you can keep it.” The post A Republic. If You Can Keep It. first appeared on Tenth Amendment Center.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
