MAGA Republicans had no problem with White House visits during the Trump years by B-List singers Ted Nugent, Kid Rock and Kanye West – but they are freaking out when confronted with the possible Biden endorsement by the most popular entertainer in the world. They are also going ballistic about the UAW’s Shawn Fain’s emphatic support of President Biden. As we record this podcast, Biden is a couple of miles from my Macomb County home visiting with some of the 1-million UAW workers and retirees … voters who could be the difference in swing states across the industrial midwest. Also this week: The latest campaign finance reports are in. How much do they signal about the elections? We’ll take a look at some of those reports. The Citizens Independent Redistricting Commission has some new state House maps for southeast Michigan. Will the maps survive federal court scrutiny … and do they shift the balance of political power in our 50-50 state? Secretary of State Benson has a $1-million political war chest - a signal for 2026? Joe Biden continues to draw heat from Michigan Palestinians; meanwhile the only Palestinian-American in Congress, Rashida Tlaib raises $3.6 million in the last three months of 2023. Republicans now say it might be okay to ignore the Supreme Court, using the same logic that was used by the southern states when they succeeded and launched the Civil War. In Flint, there's a new contender for congress: the Mayor. We are joined this week by the Democratic candidate in one of what will be one of the most hotly contested congressional races in the nation – former state Senator Curtis Hertel, who is running to succeed Elissa Slotkin in the House. As Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Director of Legislative Affairs, Hertel led the state through passing bipartisan legislation that cut taxes for seniors and working families, expanded workers’ rights, and won additional new investments in advanced manufacturing that will bring good-paying jobs to Mid-Michigan and across the state. He was also instrumental in passing legislation that repealed the archaic 1931 law that banned abortion in Michigan, even in cases of rape and incest. In the legislature, Hertel led the fight to preserve Michigan’s status as the world leader in auto manufacturing and bring thousands of next-generation electric vehicle jobs to Mid-Michigan by working with Democrats and Republicans to help pass the legislation that won GM’s $6.5 billion investment in the Delta and Orion Township battery cell and electric vehicle plants. =========================== 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 =========================== You really need this for your mourning coffee!

Donald Trump appears to have done what Jeff predicted on this podcast months ago: locked up the nomination for his third attempt to win the national popular vote. But in the process, some new, large chinks in his Mar-A-Lago armor are showing up as some Haley supporters join the never-Trump movement. Trump has already started his annual “the election is stolen” mantra, apparently in anticipation of losing again. Meanwhile, President Biden gets two big boosts to his reelection chances: First: the new numbers about the recession that never was. In fact, the U.S. economy is soaring. Economic growth in 2023 was bigger than in any year of the Trump presidency. Just as important politically: Biden gets a rousing endorsement from the United Auto Workers which could prove critical in Michigan, Wisconsin and maybe even Ohio. We may have a border crisis, but Trump has ordered his supplicants in Congress to sink a bipartisan border bill – because he’s more interested in having a campaign issue than a solution. In Michigan: Governor Whitmer unveils her priorities for 2024 focused on the basics: economic growth, education and the cost of living. Governor Whitmer is flanked by Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist as she delivers her State of the State Address. The Republican National Committee has started to move into the internal chaos that is the state’s GOP. The Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission is working furiously to meet a deadline that’s just days away for coming up with a new, constitutional map for Southeast Michigan legislative districts. Our neighbors in Ohio have launched a war on transgender people, with that state’s Republican Legislature overriding Governor Dewine’s veto of an anti-LQBTQ+ bill. We're joined by Detroit News politics editor Chad Livengood to talk about the politics of Whitmer’s State of the State speech and the prospects of getting her program through the Legislature. 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. =========================== 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 =========================== You really need this for your mourning coffee!

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 ===========================

Trump. Donald Trump. A License to Kill? Donald Trump’s lawyer contends a President has the right to break the law without facing criminal prosecution, even if that means ordering a political assassination. That was just the beginning in an especially active week of lying and sedition by the Orange Menace as he: Resurrected an oldie-but-goodie lie. In 2015 it was Barack Obama who wasn’t a real American eligible to run because he was born in Kenya; in 2016 it was Ted Cruz, challenged for being a Canadian; in 2020 it was California-born Kamala Harris, challenged because her parents were immigrants. Now it’s Nikki Haley who he claims is disqualified because her parents weren’t U.S. citizens when she was born … in South Carolina. Refused to sign an Illinois election pledge not to overthrow the government. Went batshit crazy in a New York courtroom, with the judge finally telling him to (in effect) shut up. Continued to raise millions on his every manifestation of personal grievances. Meanwhile, the first actual voting in the 2024 presidential campaign is Monday: the battle for runner-up. In Michigan: The latest polling shows potentially big trouble for Joe Biden, and a statistical tie in the U.S. Senate race. The circular firing squad once known as the Republican Party has become a total mess with two factions both claiming to be the real Republican Party – with no headquarters, but two separate websites each claiming they are the official website. Leaders of the MAGA-centric party (parties?) want to eliminate primary elections for their ticket, leaving the decisions to a handful of party activists. A federal court has given the Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission just 3 weeks to come up with a new state House map for southeast Michigan. Onetime Trump critic Mike Rogers has done a 180 in hopes of landing a U.S. Senate endorsement. And Bill Schuette Jr. says he’s not running for Congress - a blow to Republican chances to flip Michigan’s 7th congressional district.

Election law ... and the courts ... dominate politics as we begin 2024: Michigan’s redistricting re-do - what, why, and how! The Supreme Court’s challenge from conflicting decisions on Trump’s ballot access A separate Supreme Court challenge on whether the President is above the law … or, as Nixon famously told David Frost decades ago "but when the President does it, that means that it's not illegal" Also this week: Another candidate steps up to succeed Dan Kildee in Congress, and immediately becomes the Democratic frontrunner Kristina Karamo’s days as Michigan Republican Party chair may be numbered And a new report illustrates how Donald Trump and his family used the U.S. government to rake in millions for their businesses. John Bebow (Bridge Michigan photo) We're joined by award-winning journalist John Bebow. Bebow began his journalism career on a bike delivering newspapers and ended it playing an instrumental role in shaping Michigan’s modern media industry. Bebow, 56, stepped down at the end of 2023 from his role as publisher of Bridge Michigan, a publication that under his leadership won more than 200 state and national awards and was lauded as a national model for economic viability in nonprofit news. He will remain as an executive adviser through 2025. He had crucial roles in some of the biggest changes in Michigan media over the past 25 years, from uncovering corruption in Detroit as a reporter and helping launch the MLive online news site to launching and growing Bridge Michigan and its sister publication, BridgeDetroit. In 2006, Bebow was the first employee of The Center for Michigan, that launched what was then Bridge Magazine in 2011. When the latest round of expansion concludes this month, Bridge and the Center will have more than two dozen full-time employees, with offices in Ypsilanti and Lansing and a more than $4 million annual budget. “It is exponentially more rewarding than any story that ever appeared under my byline,” Bebow said of Bridge’s growth. “It’s so far beyond my wildest dreams, it would have taken me two bottles of Jack Daniel's to have dreamed up the ridiculous success that has happened.” Bebow has had ink in his blood since middle school, when he delivered the Lansing State Journal on a route in his Ingham County hometown of Mason. After graduating from Western Michigan University, he worked at the Lansing State Journal, Traverse City Record-Eagle and Ann Arbor News before joining The Detroit News. There, he covered the mob, corruption in casino development and troubles in the city water department. He deployed to Iraq to cover the war for the News in 2003, and was injured in a military truck mishap. After a stint at the Chicago Tribune, John returned to his home state, where, for the Detroit Free Press, he investigated Baker College. Bebow was part of the launch of MLive, which served as an early model for publications moving stories online. There, he rose to become editor in chief. “Without John Bebow, there is no Bridge Michigan,” said David Egner, CEO of the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. (Bridge photo by Brayan Gutierrez) At Bridge, the former investigative reporter became a prolific fundraiser, a shrewd accountant, and a boss that demanded the best of his employees while sticking to a mantra of “family first,” giving staffers generous time off to deal with family issues. “I have tremendous admiration and respect for my colleagues,” he said. “I lit a lot of fires, (but) I think a lot of that was needed at various points to get to where we are today. It was the product and the impact that were first and foremost.” By almost any measure, those efforts worked. The initial goal of Bridge in 2011 was to reach 10,000 Michigan residents. By 2022, annual readership had swelled to 7.8 million. In 2024, there will be about 20 journalists putting out at least six online editions and five newsletters every we...

Festivus, the holiday created by the folks on the Seinfeld TV show, is this Saturday: the TV-official day for the airing of grievances. For Donald Trump, every day is a day for the airing of grievances — and this week he had plenty of opportunity: Colorado’s Supreme Court threw him off that state’s ballot … for now Nearly a quarter of Trump voters say he shouldn’t be the nominee if he’s convicted of a felony, but another one-third want a president willing to break rules and the law if that gets the job done Trump’s erstwhile attorney Rudy Giuliani files for bankruptcy after a defamation judgment that could next challenge Trump His racist statements about immigrants poisoning America ignite fires (a puzzling statement who's married not one, but two immigrants!). Also this week: Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed felony charges against state House Speaker Lee Chatfield. We’ll talk with one of the reporters covering the story, Clara Hendrickson of the Detroit Free Press The Colorado decision on Trump gives more support to the case now in front of Michigan’s Supreme Court to do the same in our state And a new tally of spending on roads says Governor Whitmer has put $2-billion into her promise to “fix the damn roads” during 2023. And even as we were recording the podcast, more breaking news: a federal Court of Appeals has thrown out parts of Michigan citizen-drawn legislative districts. Mark and Jeff offer their thoughts even as they read the ruling while we record! The perfect gift for the democracy lovers in your life! =========================== 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 ===========================

As their Lord and Master Donald Trump has commanded, Republicans in the U.S. House have officially launched a fishing expedition in hopes of finding something -- anything! -- they can use as an excuse to impeach Joe Biden. It was a straight party-line vote: something that may haunt Republicans next November. Just to give Democrats even more electoral ammunition: The economic numbers continue to shine: a new record-setting high this week for the Dow Jones Industrials, inflation and mortgage rates coming down, gas prices below $3 per gallon, and continuing job growth. Will this translate into improved job performance ratings for the President? The Republican war on women has escalated with a cruel, heartless, unconscionable denial of an emergency abortion for a Texas woman – something that could have killed her. And a new case in Kentucky will keep the GOP’s no-abortions-ever policies in the headlines. New York Democrats get the green flag for gerrymandering their state – which could flip multiple U.S. House seats The Republican war on transgender Americans escalates in Ohio The U.S. Supreme Court agrees to rule on Trump’s claim that he is immune to criminal penalties for anything he did as President Two more state criminal investigations have been launched involving former Republican Speakers of the state House Michigan attorney general investigating $25M grant to ex-House speaker’s aide - Bridge Michigan Dana Nessel’s office probing $2M rocket plan that failed to launch - Bridge Michigan Governor Whitmer, meanwhile, will be sending out state earned income tax credit checks to 700,000 families - and you can never lose by giving people money! The perfect holiday gift for the democracy lovers in your life! =========================== 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 ===========================

Trump finally says it out loud: he's open to being a dictator, but only admits to wanting to be our fuhrer for Day One. This comes as Atlantic magazine devotes an entire issue to the potential end of democracy under a return of Trump, and Liz Cheney warns that if he’s reelected he’ll never leave. Elsewhere in the political ecoshere: There’s another Republican wannabe in the race for U.S. Senator from Michigan – someone with a big personal bank account One potential candidates says “no thanks”, another says “maybe” in the race to succeed Dan Kildee in Congress Michigan’s Republican Party is reported to be on the verge of bankruptcy The GOP battle for second place gets nastier … and low TV ratings But lucky for us: CNN promises two more meaningless debates in the run-ups to the Iowas caucuses and New Hampshire primary Joining the conversation this week is nationally respected political data guru Tom Bonier. Bonier is a veteran Democratic political strategist and CEO of TargetSmart, a political data services firm. Prior to TargetSmart, Tom co-founded Clarity Campaign Labs in 2012 and helped build it into one of the nation’s leading Democratic analytics and research firms. He has spent more than 20 years working in Democratic and progressive politics. Prior to Clarity, Bonier served as Chief Operating Officer at the National Committee for an Effective Congress (NCEC). Throughout his career, Bonier has received numerous awards for his contributions to political campaigning, redistricting, and strategic planning. The perfect holiday gift for the democracy lovers in your life! "Feeble" - the latest from The Lincoln Project. Trump says they used A.I. to make him look bad. The response: no need to do that! =========================== 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 ===========================

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Governor Whitmer may have just that by now as she signs dozens of bills passed in the closing days of the legislative session. Jeff and Mark offer their take on how the successes … and delayed initiatives … of 2023 could impact 2024. They also update the nationally significant congressional race in Michigan’s 8th district in the aftermath of Dan Kildee’s retirement announcement. Also in this week's chat-fest: Donald Trump continues to spend a lot of time in court. In between his $250-MILLION business fraud trial in New York, and his four pending criminal trials in New York, Florida, Georgia and Washington D.C. he also has to focus on keeping his name on the ballot in multiple states, including Michigan.  The circular firing squad that is the Michigan Republican Party continues to take aim on each other. Chairperson-for-now Kristina Karamo has instituted an internal purge in an effort to enforce loyalty to Madame Chair. Donations to GOP drop as worries mount about the party’s finances Kevin Kijewski, Attorney for Alleged MI Fake Elector Clifford Frost, Wants Co-Defendants to ‘Shut Up’ Second Democrat says he was offered $20M to run against Tlaib Michigan anti-property-tax group seeks to get on 2024 state ballot Trump Has a Master Plan for Destroying the ‘Deep State’ Election 2024: Trump says he would renew efforts to replace 'Obamacare' White House Calls Out GOP Obamacare Threat After Trump Suggests He’d Repeal Law Trump hints at expanded role for the military within the US

The latest polling in Michigan is bad news for Joe Biden … and adding to his woes, word that left-wing third-party candidate Cornell West is targeting Michigan. To make things even worse, he had another birthday! This Thanksgiving weekend also brings bad news for embattled Michigan Republican Party chair Kristina Karamo – her days with that title may be numbered. And Peter Meijer’s top campaign opponent in the U.S. Senate race appears to be the Republican Party. Governor Whitmer has set an ambitious timeline for special elections to fill two vacancies in the state House, elections which will likely restore the Democrats’ two-seat majority in that chamber. She also signed legislation which could be the Democrats’ strongest weapon in the 2024 election: The Reproductive Healthcare Act. A lot of potential candidates are saying “no thanks” to running to succeed retiring Congressman Dan Kildee. And the soap opera that is the Michigan State University Board of Trustees is posing a threat to MSU’s national accreditation. Joining the podcast is pollster Bernie Porn of EPIC•MRA public opinion research whose most recent numbers show Biden slipping, Whitmer with continued high numbers, and Elissa Slotkin with a narrow lead in the race to succeed Debbie Stabenow as United States Senator. EPIC•MRA has been measuring voter sentiment in Michigan for more than four decades, and is has the highest rating from the numbers nerds at FiveThirtyEight.com. The "Celebrating 91 Indictments" mugshot mug! It's the perfect Christmas gift that keeps on giving, trial after trial after trial. =========================== 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 big Michigan political story this week: the stunning decision by Flint Congressman Dan Kildee to retire from Congress. We're joined by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Stephen Henderson to discuss the end of a mini-political dynasty and what it means for 2024 in Michigan. The heat keeps building in Republican politics: Trump refers to Americans who disagree with him as Communists, Fascists, Marxists and vermin - rhetoric that mirrors the words of Adolph Hitler 90 years ago;  Republican members of Congress throw insults at each other; One Senator tries to turn a Senate hearing into a cage match, only to have Bernie Sanders play peacemaker; The House ethics committee comes to the shocking conclusion that George Santos is a crook and a liar. Shocking! Trump says it out loud: a 2nd Trump presidency would mean the end of democratic rule as he uses the federal government to shut down dissent Michigan’s presidential primary will be February 27, and Donald Trump likely WILL be on the ballot … despite Mark’s best efforts New Hampshire’s presidential primary will be a month earlier, but the results won’t count in the Democratic delegate count The MAGA-controlled Ottawa County Board of Commissioners is looking at spending $4-million to get rid of the county’s health director Would-be Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Hill Harper claims he has no bank accounts, no income, and no assets … even though he’s loaned his campaign nearly a half-million dollars, owns two homes and at least one business Ohio Republicans are trying to figure out how to cancel the statewide vote in support of a reproductive rights constitutional amendment – another example of MAGA Republicans trying to overturn an election Stephen Henderson and Jeff got together for a deep-dive into Michigan politics and politicians. Henderson won the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for commentary and the 2014 National Association of Black Journalists Journalist of the Year Award while writing for the Detroit Free Press. He is the host of Detroit Today,a weekday talk show that features conversations about inequality of all kinds, democratic and civic participation and great ideas from contemporary books. He is also the host of Detroit Public Television's American Black Journal, a weekly talk show featuring African American perspectives on topics around arts, culture, and community issues important to the city of Detroit, the state of Michigan and the nation. A native of Detroit, Henderson graduated from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School in 1988 and the University of Michigan in 1992. He has worked for the Baltimore Sun, the Chicago Tribune, the Lexington Herald-Leader, and Knight Ridder as a reporter, editorial writer and editor. He was the Editorial Page Editor and a columnist for the Detroit Free Press from 2009 to 2017. The "Celebrating 91 Indictments" mugshot mug! It's the perfect Christmas gift that keeps on giving, trial after trial after trial. =========================== 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 ===========================

Christmas comes early for the now-departed Michigan Legislature, but only after an unprecedented year of major legislation. Ho ho ho! The Legislature is taking an early (and extended) holiday break. With two House members set to resign after being elected Mayors of their hometowns, Democrats and Republicans have a 54-54 split in the state House, meaning an end (for now) of Democrats' state government trifecta. Adding to their early holiday joy, good tidings from Republicans in the form of guaranteed messy and expensive Republican primary for the U.S. Senate as Peter Meijer joins the field, along with more news of internal turmoil for the Michigan Republican Party. Ethics (or a lack of same) make headlines this week. In Washington, Republicans in the Senate make it clear they have no interest in the apparent long-term corruption of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, but Republicans in the House are focused on what is, to now, an evidence-free drive to impeach Joe Biden. In Michigan, a watered-down financial disclosure package clears the state House in a late-night marathon session and is on its way to Governor Whitmer for signing.  Also this week:  Mark Brewer updates us on the legal efforts (in which he is a lead attorney) to keep Insurrection Master Strategist Donald Trump off the Michigan ballot. The U.S. House votes to censure Michigan congresswoman Rashida Tlaib which could well help her in her reelection bid next year. Right to Life is suing to overturn Michigan’s newly approved constitutional amendment guaranteeing women’s reproductive healthcare options Legal arguments have concluded in a federal trial over whether Michigan’s Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission violated the Voting Rights Act in drawing Michigan’s legislative maps.  We're joined in the podcast by Bridge Michigan reporter Lauren Gibbons who has been covering all the legislative action in Lansing, as well as the federal court case on redistricting. Lauren covers state politics and policy for Bridge Michigan. Prior to joining Bridge's Capitol team, she worked at MLive, where she led coverage of the state Legislature and the redistricting process, and before that covered the state Senate for MIRS News. She has covered the ins and outs of Michigan politics for nearly a decade and has won awards both for her political coverage and her work documenting the Larry Nassar sexual abuse case. Lauren grew up in the Lansing area and graduated from Michigan State University, majoring in journalism and history. She lives in Ferndale, and her party tricks include Irish dancing and telling friends what political districts they live in without looking. Reach her at lgibbons@bridgemi.com or on Twitter @LaurenMGibbons. =========================== 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 ===========================

"I know nothing, I see nothing, I hear nothing!" We Know Nothing sums up the testimony so far from Don Junior and Eric Trump in the New York civil trial over business fraud … a trial that could put the Trump Organization out of business. In coming days we’ll likely hear more pleas of ignorance from one-time White House aide Ivanka Trump and her Daddy, as the former President testifies in court under oath for the first time. And it comes one year from Election Day 2024. 365 days after we set  our clocks back over the weekend, America will have the chance to set our nation back generations by returning Donald Trump to the Oval Office. In Michigan, more action on a boatload of Democratic legislative priorities, some even garnering the rarest of all achievements: bipartisan support. On the list: Ambitious laws to reduce the state’s carbon footprint Compromise legislation easing the red tape surrounding seeking an abortion And comprise legislation implementing last year’s statewide vote on ethics reform Senate Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) Also this week:  Growing talk that Peter Meijer will join the GOP race for the U.S. Senate which is very bad news for Mike Rogers, even as the DeVos family dumps 46-thousand-dollars into the Rogers campaign; The U.S. House tables a resolution of censure targeting Rashida Tlaib; And the most important story of the week: the apparent end to the weeks-long UAW strike against the Big 3 domestic automakers, with strong hints of unionization efforts at Tesla and foreign manufacturers.  We're joined this week by Senator Majority Floor Leader Sam Singh who is deeply involved in just about every key issue facing lawmakers. As Floor Leader, Singh is the traffic cop for legislation in the Senate. He’s also lead sponsor of some of the most critical legislation facing the Legislature this year. Singh, an East Lansing Democrat, was Democratic Leader in the last of his three terms in the state House. He is also a former Mayor of East Lansing. Singh’s state Senate district includes his alma mater, Michigan State University, which is dealing with multiple leadership crises right now. =========================== 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 =========================== "Addled Trump Confuses Sioux City and Sioux Falls; Ivanka Ordered to Testify" - A Closer Look (Late Night with Seth Meyers)

This episode is sponsored in part by EPIC•MRA Public Opinion Research Nick Pigeon leads the non-partisan Michigan Campaign Finance Network - Lansing's "follow the money" non-profit. In Georgia, three of Donald Trump’s attorneys have flipped - pleading guilty, getting no jail time, but agreeing to testify against the 15 remaining defendantsin the state’s RICO conspiracy case … including Donald Trump. In Washington, Trump’s chief of staff has reportedly flipped in exchange for immunity from federal charges – a deal that signals he’s got some bombshells to reveal. And in Michigan, one of the accused fake electors has flipped, signaling very bad news for the remaining 15 defendants including former state Republican co-chair Meshawn Maddock. In Washington, House Republicans have set the stage for flipping control back to Democrats in 2025. By unanimous vote, Republicans have entered 100% MAGA mode, fully under the thumb of Donald Trump, as a virtually unknown back-bencher becomes the least qualified and potentially most dangerous Speaker of the House in a century.  In other news: Michigan’s top two universities are mired in scandals growing out of athletics – scandals that could topple MSU’s board chair, UM’s football coach … and maybe even the concept of electing the boards that run those two schools North Carolina’s latest gerrymander virtually guarantees GOP control of a 50-50 state by making legislative and congressional elections irrelevant Georgia legislators are ordered to make their maps a little less skewed Justice Clarence Thomas is back in the news for all the wrong reasons – another favor from a friend who forgave Thomas’s quarter-million-dollar motor home loan out of the goodness of his heart Michigan legislators are finally grappling with implementing anti-corruption disclosure legislation that some are calling half-hearted. We are joined by one of those critics, Nicholas Pigeon of the non-partisan Michigan Campaign Finance Network. =========================== 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 ===========================  

This episode is sponsored in part by EPIC•MRA Public Opinion Research Rep. "Gym" Jordan - the latest to fall in the U.S. House "Who Wants to Be Speaker" Reality Show Jim Jordan keeps going downhill in his quest to win the worst job in government. He’s now lost 3 votes and 1 closed-meeting secret ballot with more Republicans opposing him each time. Jeff and Mark do a deep dive into the political implications in Michigan for the 2024 federal elections in our state. Also this week: Trump lawyers Sydney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro have flipped in the Georgia RICO case – bad news for fellow Georgia defendants Donald Trump, Mark Meadows and Rudy Giuliani. Mike Rogers tries to distance Senate campaign from his anti-abortion record The new campaign finance reports show two fundraising juggernauts in Michigan - Elissa Slotkin and John James. 3Q 2023 House fundraising reports roundup 3Q 2023 Senate fundraising reports roundup First-term congressman Shri Thanedar is a target for Detroit Democrats in the 2024 primary Surprise surprise: a major Republican donor is backing ultra-left presidential candidate Cornel West. And we also have an exclusive first-person update on covid in Michigan. Cases, hospitalizations and deaths from covid are continuing to decline – but we have proof positive covid hasn’t disappeared. Jeff Timmer is in Day Five of a nasty case of covid, but managed to find his podcast microphone: a real trooper! In the words of philosopher Yogi Berra, "it ain't over until it's over" ... and for Jeff and his wife, it ain't over! =========================== 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 ===========================  

This episode is sponsored in part by EPIC•MRA Public Opinion Research Rep. "Gym" Jordan - the latest to fall in the U.S. House "Who Wants to Be Speaker" Reality Show Jim Jordan keeps going downhill in his quest to win the worst job in government. He’s now lost 3 votes, with more Republicans opposing him each time. Jeff and Mark do a deep dive into the political implications in Michigan for the 2024 federal elections in our state. Also this week: Trump lawyers Sydney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro have flipped in the Georgia RICO case – bad news for fellow Georgia defendants Donald Trump, Mark Meadows and Rudy Giuliani. Mike Rogers tries to distance Senate campaign from his anti-abortion record The new campaign finance reports show two fundraising juggernauts in Michigan - Elissa Slotkin and John James. 3Q 2023 House fundraising reports roundup 3Q 2023 Senate fundraising reports roundup First-term congressman Shri Thanedar is a target for Detroit Democrats in the 2024 primary Surprise surprise: a major Republican donor is backing ultra-left presidential candidate Cornel West. And we also have an exclusive first-person update on covid in Michigan. Cases, hospitalizations and deaths from covid are continuing to decline – but we have proof positive covid hasn’t disappeared. Jeff Timmer is in Day Five of a nasty case of covid, but managed to find his podcast microphone: a real trooper! In the words of philosopher Yogi Berra, "it ain't over until it's over" ... and for Jeff and his wife, it ain't over! =========================== 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 ===========================  

This episode is sponsored in part by EPIC•MRA Public Opinion Research The ultra-right-wingers in the U.S. House tried to shut down the federal government and failed … but they have managed to shut down the House of Representatives. As we record this podcast, nobody can muster up the votes to take what’s the worst job in government: Speaker of the House of Representatives. Also this week: A new court filing says Michigan’s fake electors were operating under orders from Donald Trump … and they knew it. RFK Jr., once the darling of Trump-Loving MAGAs when he was running as a Democrat, is now the enemy because he’s running as an independent. The field of candidates lining up to run for congress against John James is growing The first poll in the GOP primary race for U.S. Senate shows James Craig with a sizable lead over Mike Rogers  The shooting death of a Lansing political activist while canvassing raises the question: is the fear factor a new controlling political dynamic? The Legislature isn't making headlines, but continues to move forward on most ... but now all ... of Democratic priority issues =========================== 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 ===========================  

This episode is sponsored in part by EPIC-MRA Public Opinion Research 7th District Congressional Candidate Curtis Hertel Jr. talks about GOP Chaos in D.C. and his campaign in what could be the most expensive congressional race in the U.S. Thanks to Bidenomics, there are help wanted signs everywhere, and now, there’s even a help-wanted sign at the House of Representatives to fill a sudden vacancy for Speaker. Qualifications: an ability to get along with certifiable crazies AND get laws passed without the support of the Democratic Senate or President Biden. Also this week: Former Detroit Police Chief James Craig will try again to get enough valid signatures to get on the statewide ballot, this time for U.S. Senate Donald Trump is in court facing a fine and sanctions that could sink his business … and have already deflated his claims that he’s a hugely successful businessman. The UAW strike continues with Shawn Fein identifying more strike targets to turn up the heat on the domestic Big 3, and poses an increasing threat to Michigan’s economy President Biden shifts administration policy on border security, much to the frustration of Republicans fearful they can no longer ride the issue. We're joined joined by the Democrat seeking to hold onto what will be the most contested Democratic seat in Congress next year: Elissa Slotkin’s 7th. Our guest is Curtis Hertel Jr. Hertel’s political roots are local: beginning as a county commissioner, followed by county register of deeds, and then two terms in the state Senate. Most recently he was Governor Whitmer’s chief legislative liaison. Hertel comes from one of Michigan’s leading political families. His father, Curtis Sr., was Speaker of the state House; two of his uncles also served in the state Legislature, with one of them moving on to Congress; his brother currently serves in the state Senate. Just to round things out, his wife Elizabeth is the state’s director of Health and Human Services. Delivers! (YouTube) =========================== 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 ===========================  

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 ===========================

This podcast is sponsored in part by EPIC-MRA Opinion Research This week: Economist Dr. Charles Ballard on twin challenges – the UAW Strike and pending U.S. government shutdown Michigan’s economy is staring down the business end of a double-barrelled shotgun: the UAW strike which is causing huge losses for the state’s signature industry, and a looming shutdown of the federal government. We take a deep dive into the political and economic impact on Michigan with our guest, senior economist Dr. Charles Ballard. Also this week: Donald Trump is coming to Michigan to pretend he supports unions at an event scheduled to compete with the Fox TV reality show “Republicans Who Won’t Be President,” a.k.a. The 2nd GOP presidential debate… One of those master debaters, Senator Tim Scott, says the way to handle a strike is fire the strikers, a sign that he’s not looking for any union endorsements… Convicted bribe recipient and former state House Speaker Rick Johnson accepted in-kind services in lieu of cash… and,  The upcoming state GOP leadership conference is missing one thing: GOP leaders =========================== 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 ===========================

A foundation of our democratic system is that we elect the people who run our governments. But there’s an ominous trend developing in Republican-run states: elections only count when they win. We be focus on examples of this growing menace to the world’s oldest democratic government. The worst example (out of so many): Wisconsin. The highly gerrymandered GOP majority has: Stripped Governor Evers and Attorney General Paul of many of the powers held by their predecessors; Openly discussed impeaching newly elected Supreme Court justice for saying she thinks gerrymandering is bad; Voted to fire the state's elections director who refused to back up claims of a stolen election Also this week: Jocelyn Benson says she won’t kick Donald Trump off the Michigan ballot…unless the courts stop her; The U.S. House is in chaos with Matt Gaetz calling Speaker Kevin McCarthy pathetic, and lying like a dead dog; A government shutdown looms as the Cuckoo Caucus takes over because investigating Joe Biden is what Donald Trump is demanding; Democrats in the state Legislature are poised for a battle over abortion rights with a bill allowing Medicaid to pay for abortions We are recording this podcast hours before the UAW strike deadline in its contract negotiations with GM, Ford and Stellantis. Obviously the economic and political impact is bigger in Michigan than anywhere in the country … but we don’t know what’s going to happen. Wait until next week…

This podcast is sponsored in part by EPIC-MRA Opinion Research The bargaining between the prosecutors and various Trump-related defendants is ratcheting up, even as Trump’s numbers in the GOP nomination race also are moving up. But will Donald Trump even appear on the ballot if there’s a Republican presidential primary in Michigan? That question is up in the air with a potential lawsuit challenging Trump’s eligibility, and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson stuck in the middle of a very sticky and unprecedented legal situation. Also on our agenda this week:  Michigan Democrats are turning up the heat on Republicans over reproductive healthcare rights with a new package of bills aimed at keeping the government out of these decisions.  Courts in two states have thrown out congressional district maps because of Republican gerrymandering. A couple of candidates make it official: Mike Rogers is moving back to Michigan to run for the Senate, and Carl Marlinga is looking for a rematch with John James. We're joined this week by author and Lincoln Project Adviser Stuart Stevens. Stu has worked at the top level of more presidential and senatorial campaigns than just about anyone. His first presidential effort: the Bob Dole campaign in 1996. His book The Big Enchilada is a chronicle of George W. Bush's 2000 campaign. Other campaigns on his resume include Mitt Romney, Governor Haley Barbour, Governor Tom Ridge, Senator Thad Cochran, Senator Dick Lugar, Senator Mel Martínez, Senator Chuck Grassley, Senator Roger Wicker, Senator Jon Kyl, Governor Bill Weld, Governor Paul Cellucci, Governor Bob RileySSS Stevens is also a prolific writer. It Was All A Lie: How The Republican Party Became Donald Trump is his eighth book; his ninth book, The Conspiracy to End America Five Ways comes out October 10. He has also written extensively for dramatic television series, starting with Northern Exposure and including I’ll Fly Away, K. Street, Commander in Chief and others. =========================== 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 ===========================

This week's podcast is underwritten in part by EPIC-MRA While assorted Republicans are getting booked, arraigned, found liable for slander and generally spending millions on defense attorneys, Joe Biden and Gretchen Whitmer are talking about “what’s next.” For Biden - what’s next is a battle with pharmaceutical companies over prices; for Whitmer - an ambitious agenda for a fall legislative session where she has the smallest possible majorities in both chambers. Michigan’s new congressional and legislative maps, in effect for just one election cycle, face a growing challenge in federal court. Onetime Congressman Mike Rogers apparently will get into Michigan’s U.S. Senate race, but first he has to move back to Michigan from Florida and register to vote; Rogers may be joined in the race by another former congressman - Peter Meijer - who is "exploring" a candidacy. And the broken Michigan GOP gets another national profile (in the New York Times) … and it ain’t pretty. We're joined this week by a Michigan legislator who – through no fault of her own – has become a national symbol of the growing political power of suburban moms: Senator Mallory McMorrow. McMorrow gained sudden national attention as a result of her ardent support of policies protecting reproductive rights. She became an overnight sensation for a floor speech standing up against false, bigoted, homophobic attacks on her and her colleagues. Her legislative focus also includes empowering local communities, and making Michigan a business- and family-friendly state. Senator McMorrow is the Senate Majority Whip and serving her second term in the Michigan Senate. She has a deep affinity for the automotive industry after working for more than a decade in product design, media and advertising with companies like Mazda, Mattel, Gawker Media, Hearst and other global brands. Since becoming a state Senator she has won victories on 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. =========================== 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 ===========================

The battle for 2nd place in the Republican presidential campaign gets launched … with nobody winning. While the GOP's Wannabe Eight gathered in Milwaukee, the Defendant in Chief appeared in two new prime time specials, “Live at the Fulton County Booking” and “Conversations with a Fired Talk Show Host on a Failing Website." Representative Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) Also this week: the MAGA-inspired effort to recall a half-dozen state House members bogs down; and the UAW negotiations with the Big Three have major implications for the nation and Michigan's economy. We're joined this week by a state legislator at the center of two major issues: gun safety, and added protections for victims of sexual abuse. Representative Julie Brixie’s district includes the MSU campus: site of a tragic mass shooting, and the starting point for the nightmare of Larry Nassar. Rep. Brixie has been active in community service for 25 years. With a Master’s degree in crop and soil sciences with a specialization in environmental toxicology, Brixie began as a citizen activist on environmental issues in the township. In 1998, she was named to the Meridian Township Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission.  A year later she was elected to the Meridian Township Board, where she served her community for 18 years – two terms as a Trustee and three terms as Treasurer. She is now in her third term in the state House, where she serves on the Appropriations Committee, chairing the subcommittee on Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources.  

In December 2020, Rudy Giuliani brought his Big Lie circus to the Michigan House Oversight Committee in a session that was quickly mocked on Saturday Night Live. That appearance and what he said is part of the 19-defendant criminal racketeering indictment issued in Georgia, part of a major Michigan presence in the latest criminal proceeding against Donald Trump. With 19 defendants and 30 unindicted co-conspirators in the latest indictment, the obvious question is: will any of them flip? But there are other things going on in politics. Really there are. This week marks the one-year anniversary of Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, a law that doesn’t really do much about inflation but has already had a huge impact on the nation’s manufacturing sector and creating a once-in-a-lifetime assault on climate change, as well as cut healthcare costs and guarantee that the biggest of the big corporations pay income taxes. The President is building his reelection campaign around this law in addition to the huge infrastructure bill which has sprouted orange barrels nationwide and the CHIPS Act which is bringing the manufacturing of all-important microchips back to the U.S. Will campaigning on policy work better than counting on running against a serial criminal? Bernie Porn Democrats finally go on the offensive as Republicans continue their efforts to tie Joe Biden to his son’s misdeeds. Democrats want to talk about the hundreds-of-millions the Trump family collected while The Donald was in the Oval office. And we’ve got some movement in the state’s U.S. Senate campaign – also part of the polling we will look at. But Mark and Jeff begin in Georgia. Trump has a Grand Slam of four criminal indictments this year, totaling 91 felony counts. Does anybody care? Joining the conversation is Michigan's top pollster, Bernie Porn of EPIC-MRA. He provides new numbers on the top races, plus some insights into what will be a rocky and unprecedented 2024 campaign. The Georgia 19. Who will flip first? =========================== 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 ===========================

Bridge Michigan state capitol reporter Jonathan Oosting Not guilty, not guilty, not guilty, not guilty: it’s being said so much by Republicans these days, it might have to be included in the platform of the onetime “law and order” party. We update the status of various investigations and pre-trial activities of the once Grand Old Party.with Bridge Michigan reporter Jonathan Oosting who has been looking at some questionable sweetheart funding for a buddy of former Michigan House Speaker Jason Wentworth. The 16 fake Michigan electors have all had their initial dates in court; Michigan Democrats could temporarily lose their 2-vote majority in the state House; Michigan looks at paying for roads through a pay-by-the-mile plan; and Mike Rogers looks like he’s ready to rejoin the campaign trail a decade after leaving Congress.  And we can't overlook the latest revelations about the many rich friends of Justice Clarence Thomas who apparently can't resist the urge to lavish him with outrageously expensive vacations and excursions to sports events. Jonathan Oosting was named 2021 Journalist of the Year by the Michigan Press Association. He covered the state Capitol for The Detroit News and MLive before joining Bridge in September of 2019. He is in his 11th year of covering the shenanigans in downtown Lansing. He has two masters degrees: English Language and Literature from Grand Valley, and Journalism from Michigan State. He's from Grand Rapids, lives in Lansing and loves spending time Up North. =========================== 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 ===========================  

This has been a very very very very very bad week for Donald Trump … and Matt DePerno … and former Representative Daire Rendon … and the Michigan Republican Party.  Spoiler alert: it's another week of our true-crime podcast. But for six state House Democrats who were targeted for recall It was a pretty good week with the state Board of Canvassers rejecting the proposed recall petitions (all of them ably represented by their lawyer, Mark Brewer!) The podcast was recorded minutes after Donald 'Jail-Adverse" Trump was arraigned for the third time this year on felony criminal charges. Joining the conversation as we mark a truly momentous moment in U.S. political history is longtime Trump critic Rick Wilson. A former member of the Republican Party, Rick has produced televised political commercials for governors, U.S. Senate candidates, Super PACs, and corporations. He left the Republican Party following the 2016 United States presidential election, and in late 2019 went on to co-found The Lincoln Project. In 2018, Rick released his first book, Everything Trump Touches Dies, in which he laments the re-alignment of the Republican Party behind Trump. The book reached number one on the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list. Wilson's second book, Running Against the Devil: A Plot to Save America from Trump – and Democrats from Themselves, was published in January 2020. He now hosts the podcast “Rick Wilson’s The Enemies List.” =========================== 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 ===========================  

We’re on indictment watch again this week. By the time you are listening to us, Donald Trump could be completing his 2023 "indictment hat trick", this time for his leadership of efforts to steal the 2020 election. In addition to his two already issued criminal indictments, he’s also facing a court date in the continuation of his losing civil battle with rape victim E. Jean Carroll … and he might get the indictment grand slam as Georgia prepares to step in. Sam Inglot - Executive Director, Progress Michigan In Michigan, Attorney General Dana Nessel appears on the verge of issuing multiple indictments for tampering with election tabulators. The likely targets are her 2022 GOP opponent Matt DePerno, along with former state representative Daire Rendon and Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf. There’s no question the takeover of state government by Democrats - the first total control for the party in 40 years - has brought about a lot of change in Michigan law, changes that are being noticed nationwide. We talk aboutt what to expect in Chapter 2 of this governance story with the new Executive Director of Progress Michigan, Sam Inglot! =========================== 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 =========================== Stories We're Following This Week New charges against Trump in Mar-a-Lago classified documents case. Here's what to know - AP News Democrats plot middle-class message to retake economic high ground - The Washington Post July is already the warmest month on record, scientists calculate - AP News 60% of the US population under extreme weather advisories | AP News Whitmer signs energy bills to advance Democrats' climate goals - Detroit Free Press Federal infrastructure, clean energy spending is powering the economy and lifting GDP - The Washington Post Q2 GDP stronger than expected: - Fox News GDP Grew at 2.4% Rate in Q2 as US Economy Stayed on Track - The New York Times Biden signs an order designed to strengthen protections for sexual assault victims in the military - AP News Larry Nassar survivors sue Michigan State over released documents - Detroit Free Press 2023 Michigan State University shooting - Wikipedia Larry Nassar - Wikipedia Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer expands teacher union rights, critics say it sets back students - Bridge Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs law to make Michigan 22nd state to ban conversion therapy - Bridge Michigan ‘I have been indicted,’ says suspect in Michigan vote machine tampering probe - Bridge Michigan Former Michigan GOP co-chair pleads not guilty to fake elector charges - Bridge Michigan Voters Largely Oppose Conservative Amendments to Defense Spending Bill - Data for Progress How Supreme Court Justices Make Millions From Book Deals - The New York Times How George Santos Used Political Connections to Fuel Get-Rich Schemes - The New York Times Republicans Reframe 2024 as a Race Versus Harris – Not Biden - The Messenger The GOP’s lengthy impeachment and censure lists - The Washington Post Alabama’s Proposed Congressional Map Is Still Biased Against Black Voters - FiveThirtyEight Trump wants to see Biden impeached, and other Republicans are quick to pile on - AP News DeSantis Faces Swell of Criticism Over Florida’s New Standards for Black History - The New York Times The Steep Cost of Ron DeSantis’s Vaccine Turnabout - The New York Times In a new post, John F. Kennedy’s grandson, Jack Schlossberg, slammed his cousin RFK Jr.

What a week: Donald Trump on the cusp of another criminal indictment - if you’re keeping score, it would be his third… 16 of the more prominent names in the Michigan Republican Party are indicted for the Fake Electors plot… And Marjorie Taylor Greene appears in a Biden campaign commercial – supporting his record of accomplishment. As much as we wanted to focus on BarbenHeimer, we’re also look at possible criminality by still another former Republican state House speaker … and a brazen attempt by the very broke Michigan Republican Party to force a do-over of 2022’s state House election. We're joined by the Detroit Free Press’s outstanding political reporter Clara Hendrickson, who maintain her equilibrium despite a very wild week! Clara covers Michigan politics with a focus on the governor's office and the state Legislature. She has previously covered voting rights, election administration and redistricting in Michigan.  She came to The Detroit Free Press by way of Report for America – an initiative of The GroundTruth Project – to fact-check Michigan issues and politics in partnership with PolitiFact during the 2020 election. She previously worked as a research analyst at the Brookings Institution and freelance journalist in Washington, D.C. At Brookings, she wrote on a range of public policy issues, including rising regional inequality, domestic and international efforts to regulate “Big Tech” and the financial challenges confronting local newsrooms. Her journalism has appeared in Boston Review, Democracy Journal, The Atlantic and Politico Magazine. She has also contributed feature articles for the non-profit outlet DCist, such as the impact on service workers of eliminating late-night public transportation routes and efforts to provide residents affordable exercise options in neighborhoods that don’t have a gym. Hendrickson holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Pennsylvania where she was an op-ed columnist for The Daily Pennsylvanian, frequently covering labor and income disparity issues on campus and in Philadelphia. Attorney General Dana Nessel announces indictments of 16 Republican "Fake" presidential electors. President Biden celebrates his "endorsement" from MGT!                   =========================== 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 =========================== News Stories We’re Following This Week Michigan Politics and Policy Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel Charges 16 ‘False Electors’ with Election Law and Forgery Felonies - Attorney General's Office Transcript: Attorney General Nessel's statement on the Fake Electors indictments Trump's fake electors in Michigan face criminal charges - Detroit Free Press GOP officials call Nessel's Trump elector charges a 'witch hunt,' defend slate - Detroit News Opinion | Michigan indicts alleged plotters in fake elector scheme. Here’s what it means. - The Washington Post What we know about the 16 Michigan Trump electors facing charges- Detroit News Records: Wentworth secured $6.8M grant to dredge lake where former aide lives - Bridge Michigan Michigan: Double payment concerns suspended $25M Clare health campus grant - Bridge Michigan Five Michigan House Democrats, one Republican face recall threats - Bridge Michigan Mayoral bids could shake up Dems' majority in Michigan House - Detroit Free Press Michigan GOP bank accounts down to $93K, recording reveals - Detroit News

For a second time, physical violence breaks out at a Michigan Republican Party leadership meeting … this time, complete with criminal charges pending. And speaking of Republican criminals, the federal investigation into Trump’s efforts to steal the 2020 election now involves testimony from Jocelyn Benson as the investigation spreads to Michigan, Arizona and Georgia. Donald Trump’s apparent “get out of jail free” strategy is to get elected President or, at worst, get one of his MAGA wannabes elected so they tell the Justice Department to back off. It’s another challenge for a court system under increasing fire for political manipulation, conflicts of interest and outright corruption. We talk about a credibility crisis for the 3rd branch of government with former Michigan Chief Justice Bridget McCormack. McCormack served on the Michigan Supreme Court from 2013 to 2022, first as an associate justice, and as chief justice from 2019 to 2022. Previously she was a professor at the University of Michigan Law School where she served as Michigan Law’s associate dean for clinical affairs, clinical professor of law, and co-director of the Michigan Innocence Clinic, a non-DNA clinic representing wrongfully convicted Michigan prisoners. McCormack also launched and worked in a pediatric advocacy law clinic focusing on children with health problems, and a domestic violence clinic. She retired from the Supreme Court at the end of 2022 and became President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Arbitration Association in February. Her first campaign featured an online ad that went viral with 1.9 million views. "Walk and Talk the Vote" was a reunion of the West Wing cast focusing on her candidacy. The production was organized by her younger sister Mary – one of the stars of the iconic series – complete with West Wing stars including Martin Sheen, Brad Whitford, Allison Janney, Lily Tomlin and Joshua Malina. =========================== 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 =========================== News Stories We’re Following This Week Courts Under Fire Bridget McCormack Bio Data for Progress Polling on SCOTUS Supreme Court Term Limits - Brennan Center for Justice The Trump Documents Case Puts the Justice System on Trial - The New York Times Trump Lawyers Seek Indefinite Postponement of Documents Trial - The New York Times Trump centers campaign on his prosecution, vilifying legal system - The Washington Post Alito Took Unreported Luxury Trip With GOP Donor Paul Singer - ProPublica Justice Alito Defends Private Jet Travel to Luxury Fishing Trip - The New York Times The Elite Circle Clarence Thomas Entered That Led to the Supreme Court - The New York Times Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor's staff prodded colleges and libraries to buy her books - AP News Supreme Court justices and donors mingle at campus visits. These documents show the ethical dilemmas - AP News Justices teach when the Supreme Court isn't in session. It can double as an all-expenses-paid trip - AP News Senate panel plans to move forward on Supreme Court ethics bill after Alito report - POLITICO Doughty's social media injunction undoes election disinformation efforts - The Washington Post After 303 Creative Decision, Large Majority of Voters Say Business Owners Should Not Be Able to Deny Services Based on Personal Beliefs How Supreme Court decisions are activating a generation of young voters - The Washington Post Michigan Policy and Politics

This week's guest: House Ethics Committee Chair Erin Byrnes (D-Dearborn). Michigan has some of the weakest government ethics and openness laws in the nation. After years of empty promises, Democrats in the Legislature are moving on a comprehensive reform package. Joining the podcast is the chair of the state House Ethics Committee, Dearborn Representative Erin Byrnes. After weeks of a U.S. Senate race with just one prominent candidate, both parties are seeing some movement. Detroiter Hill Harper has launched his pre-announcement campaign for the Democratic primary; a former Congressman and Wall Street millionaire are moving towards running on the Republican side. The national drumbeat for a Whitmer presidential campaign continues to build, even as the Governor firmly commits to backing President BIden’s reelection. And we’ve got some interesting developments in two of Michigan’s most closely contested congressional districts. =========================== 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 =========================== News Stories We’re Following This Week Michigan Policy and Politics Insider: Lawmakers say 'pieces in place' for transparency overhaul - Detroit News Actor Hill Harper poised to challenge Slotkin in Michigan Senate primary - POLITICO Michigan Senate Race Poised to Draw More Candidates Soon - Time GOP former congressman eyeing Michigan U.S. Senate seat - Detroit News Michigan Democrats move to remove GOP Senate candidate from party - Detroit News Hertel resigns as Whitmer legislative affairs director, fueling speculation of congressional run ⋆ Michigan Advance Kristina Karamo feuds with co-chair, as Michigan Republican civil war worsens - Bridge Michigan Ex-Michigan GOP budget chair: Karamo opposed party spending limits - Detroit News Prosecutor describes 'multiple crimes' in Michigan voting equipment probe - Detroit News Moms for Liberty's focus on school races nationwide sets up political clash with teachers unions - AP News Democrats' new primary calendar remains unresolved. The party insists that's OK - AP News The D.N.C. Has a Primary Problem - The New York Times Macomb County, Prosecutor Peter Lucido hit with discrimination lawsuit - Detroit Free Press Critic of Chinese battery plant once lobbied for Chinese company - Detroit News Why Not Whitmer? - The Atlantic Why Gretchen Whitmer Has What It Takes for a White House Run - Vanity Fair Bypassing Biden: Democrats Think of What Could Have Been - POLITICO Biden’s hydrogen bombshell leaves Europe in the dust - POLITICO National Policy and Politics Biden versus the bad news bros (Economic Fakerism) - New York Times Republican opposition to LGBTQ rights erupts in backlash to Pride month - The Washington Post The Supreme Court rejects Biden’s plan to wipe away $400 billion in student loan debt - WILX TV FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces New Actions to Provide Debt Relief and Support for Student Loan Borrowers - The White House Poll: 61% support Biden's Student Loan Debt Relief Plan - Data for Progress Voters Not Happy with SCOTUS - Data for Progress Ex-GOP Ohio House speaker sentenced to 20 years for role in $60M bribery scheme; appeal expected - AP News The Mysterious Case of the Fake Gay Marriage Website, the Real Straight Man, and the Supreme Court - The New Republic Judge limits Biden administration in working with social media companies - AP News Trump-appointed judge botches facts - The Washington Post

This week's guest: Trygve Olson from the Lincoln Democracy Institute on growing violence in politics. We now have an audio tape of Donald Trump committing a felony: sharing classified military information that he stole from the White House and giving the details to people with no security clearance. Despite that, Oakland Republicans hand him a certificate for a made-up award as "Man of the Decade" which Trump immediately "humbly" included in a fundraising email. Back in the real world, the administration launches an all-out campaign promoting Bidenomics ... with some snark aimed at Republicans who "voted no but take the dough." The Supreme Court wraps up this term with positive results on voting rights, and reversing precedent on affirmative action in college admissions. In Michigan, a new state budget is now on the Governor’s desk — on time and balanced, with major new funding for education, and tax cuts for millions of Michiganders.The Legislature also sends a tranche of bills on everything from expanded civil rights to allowing beer at college football games.  And while the Michigan Legislature is passing laws to improve our elections process, there are warning signs about the potential for increased political violence. A new comprehensive national survey warns of an increasing appetite and tolerance for violence as a part of our political process. We talk with the onetime Mitch McConnell staffer who led the study … along with a collaborator on that report, the honorable and esteemed Mr. Jeff Timmer. =========================== 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 =========================== This week's news links Michigan Politics and Policy Lincoln Democracy Project Full Study Lincoln Democracy Project Summary Supreme Court ruling on online harassment angers victims, advocates - The Washington Post Michigan Legislature sends $81.7B state budget to Whitmer's desk - Detroit Free Press Michigan lawmakers approve record $82B budget plan - Detroit News Michigan passes $21.5B school budget with boost for at-risk students | Bridge Michigan Michigan budget has $950M in no-bid pork projects, some transparency reforms - Bridge Michigan Early voting, beer in college stadiums await Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s signature - Bridge Michigan Michigan set to become 22nd state to ban conversion therapy for LGBTQ youths - Bridge Michigan Michigan bill repeals Snyder-era law limiting state regulations - Detroit Free Press High-speed internet is a necessity, President Biden says, pledging all US will have access by 2030 - AP News Michigan to receive $1.5B to extend internet to 210,000 in rural areas - Bridge Michigan Dana Nessel: $10B PFAS settlement with 3M doesn’t resolve Michigan’s claims - Bridge Michigan Trump said EVs will ‘decimate’ Michigan. Bridge fact-checks his claims - Bridge Michigan A return to the familiar as Trump kicks off Michigan campaigning for '24 - Detroit Free Press USS Carl M. Levin commissioned, going on active duty in US Navy - Detroit Free Press Across the nation Bidonomics - White House Embracing "Bidenomics," Biden seeks to turn an insult into a strength - The Washington Post White House touts legislative wins on the road, in GOP strongholds - POLITICO The public still has negative views of the national economy - AP-NORC Supreme Court rejects GOP in North Carolina case that could have reshaped elections beyon...