Positively Politics

Welcome back to Positively Politics , the show that breaks down the often complicated and negative world of politics in a straightforward, academically rooted way. In this episode, Dr. Lara Marerfield-Wilson follows up on her recent primary elections discussion by cracking open the playbook on political conventions. While it is a common misconception that conventions have evolved into nothing more...

In this episode of Positively Politics , host Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson breaks down the shifting dynamics of the current congressional midterm landscape. She introduces the Cook Political Report's Partisan Voting Index to evaluate the safety and competitive outlook of current House and Senate seats. Dr. Wilson also provides historical context on how public perception can shift power during midte...

Welcome back to Positively Politics with Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Indianapolis! We are officially in the thick of the primary election season, and in this episode, Dr. Wilson pulls back the curtain on how political parties actually select the candidates who make it to your November ballot. Ever wonder where the primary system came f...

Join Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson, Professor of Political Science at the University of Indianapolis, for a deep dive into the inner workings of the executive branch. In this episode of Positively Politics , we explore the vital roles, formal powers, and historical context of the United States Cabinet. The core of this episode examines the recent "Bye Bye Bye" trend in the Trump administra...

In this episode of Positively Politics , Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson dives into the high-stakes world of election recounts. Inspired by the razor-thin margins in Indiana’s recent state senate primaries—where races were decided by as few as four votes —we explore what happens when every single ballot counts. What you’ll learn in this episode: The "Bimodal" Primary: Why primary voter turno...

In this episode of Positively Politics , Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson provides a deep dive into the history and psychology of presidential assassination attempts. The discussion is framed around a recent thwarted attempt on President Donald Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Dr. Wilson walks through presidential assassination attemps:. Successful Assassinations: Only four sitting U.S....

This week on Positively Politics, Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson breaks down the high-stakes confirmation hearings of Kevin Warsh, the man poised to succeed Jerome Powell as Chair of the Federal Reserve. With the global economy hanging in the balance, Dr. Wilson explores: The Warsh Transition: Who he is, his background in finance and law, and how his relationship with the president might differ from...

Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson breaks down the escalating conflict in Iran and its major domestic ripple effects. This episode explores the constitutional tug-of-war over war powers, the mechanics of the newly expanded Selective Service, and how $4 gas prices are shaping public opinion ahead of the 2026 Midterm elections. The New Draft : Analysis of automatic registration and the age limit increase t...

In this episode of Positively Politics , Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson discusses the significant shift in the political landscape following Gallup’s decision to stop tracking presidential approval ratings after 88 years. Starting from the Truman administration and ending with the start of Donald Trump's second term, Gallup has been a definitive source for historical context on how Americans feel...

This episode of Positively Politics dives into the significant Supreme Court case Trump v. Barbara . Host Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson provides an in-depth analysis of the arguments surrounding birthright citizenship , a topic brought to the forefront by President Trump's first executive order of his second administration. The episode explores: The Case: Understanding the challenge to the execu...

In this episode of Positively Politics , host Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson, an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Indianapolis, delves into the significance and impact of political endorsements. Dr. Wilson discusses the various types of endorsements, including those from: Current and former U.S. Presidents , such as Donald Trump and Barack Obama. Interest groups , like th...

In this episode of Positively Politics , Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson provides an academic yet accessible breakdown of the Indiana General Assembly’s recent activity. She highlights the high volume of legislation produced by the part-time legislature and deep dive into three specific bills that carry significant social and legal weight: Senate Enrolled Act 91 (Syringe Service Program): This law ext...

In this episode of Positively Politics , Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson breaks down the early 2026 primary results and what they signal for the upcoming Indiana elections. Dr. Wilson explores the unexpected competitive dynamics in traditionally predictable races and discusses: The Indiana Secretary of State Race: A look at the crowded field and the impact of former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard run...

Join Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Indianapolis, for an academic analysis of President Donald Trump's first State of the Union address of his second term. Dr. Wilson breaks down the strategic content and delivery of this record-breaking speech, exploring how it serves as a foundational campaign tool for the upcoming 2026 midterm elec...

In this episode of Positively Politics , Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson, an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Indianapolis, explores the evolving role of local government in Indiana. The discussion centers on the potential consolidation or elimination of Indiana's 1,002 townships , focusing on two key legislative efforts: SB 270 and HB 1315 . Understanding Local Government...