The Middle American

Josh joins the pod to talk about running for the School Board of one of the largest school districts in the county.  Opting to run as a concerned parent, he discusses the 20-year downward trajectory of proficiency ratings despite increased graduation rates, safety in schools and how he hopes to improve learning in the classroom.   Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show

Phil joins the pod to talk about his decision to enter politics as a moderate and run for NC House.  Growing up on the coast and moving to Raleigh in college, he has seen the area grow and along with it issues with infrastructure.  He discusses education, abortion and the economy, including how it has impacted running his small business.    Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support...

Becki Allen returns to the pod to discuss her campaign for the NC House.  She delves into her thoughts on the economy, safety, and education and how her conversations with constituents in her district have shaped her views on other issues.   Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show

JD Vance and Tim Walz faced off last night in what is likely the last debate of the election cycle.  And it was refreshingly civil and substantive.  Vance won it, but Walz held his own, especially later in the debate.  Did either move the needle?  Did either effectively address their targeted audience?  Let's discuss.   Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show

The Vice Presidential Debate is tonight at 9 on CBS.  Although VP debates tend not to move the overall needle, this debate will have a focus on one particular voter: the moderate/undecided white male voter living in Wisconsin, Michigan or Pennsylvania.  That voter is why these two were added to the ticket and is who they will be targeting tonight.  Let's discuss what to watch.   Like the show...

Michael joins the pod to talk about his campaign running as a third party for a seat in the NC House.  He discusses why he opted to run for office in his 20s, what issues he sees affecting his peers, an outline of his platform and how he plans to secure votes from those disenfranchised or dissatisfied with the two main parties.   Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show

Scott is back on the pod after emerging from the primary to talk about his general election campaign.  He discusses running as a moderate, dealing with the Mark Robinson fallout, the balance between positive and negative campaigning, and the issues he sees as important for his district heading into Election Day.  Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show

Mike Ross is running for Governor against Josh Stein and Mark Robinson as the Libertarian candidate.  He joins the pod to discuss what it means to be a Libertarian, why he decided to run as a third party, his viewpoint on major issues, and why he and his party can be an alternative for those who are not happy with their choice on either candidate.   Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thought...

Erin joins the podcast to talk about her campaign for a third term in the NC House.  She discusses her background moving around the country as a military wife before settling in Holly Springs and opening a small business.  She covers her accomplishments in office, including negotiating Senate Bill 20 (the abortion bill).  And she spells out her vision on addressing issues for a new term, including...

In the latest edition of the Candidate Conversation Series, Frank Pierce joins the pod to discuss his campaign for the US House of Representatives out of the 13th District.  With a background of working in restaurants, as a teacher and a small business owner, Frank discusses how his experiences outside of politics has led him to run for a congressional seat.  We discuss the economy, border, immigr...

Judge Griffin joins the pod to discuss his race for a seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court.  We delve into partisanship with judges, what makes a conservative and liberal judge, his experience as a district court judge and on the Court of Appeals and what he hopes to bring to the highest court in the state.   Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show

CNN dropped a political bomb on North Carolina politics with an article on Republican candidate for governor Mark Robinson's purported past comments on a porn website that are abhorrent and disgraceful.  I say "purported" because Robinson has denied that they were made by him.  If so, Robinson should commission an immediate investigation into criminal election interference, amongst...

Detroit News Politics Editor and Columnist Chad Livengood joins the podcast to discuss the relationship between the media and politics.  Chad has covered politics for nearly 20 years and interviewed Obama, Biden, Romney, McCain and Trump, amongst others.  We cover a wide range of topics including media bias, the biggest issues facing voters in the all-important swing state of Michigan, what he wou...

Eric re-joins the podcast for a general election interview discussing his race for a seat in the House of Representatives.  He talks about what he learned from the primary election, his three top issues (economy, immigration, foreign policy) and how he compares to his opponent when appealing to independent voters.   Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show

Trump and Harris finally met on stage for the first time.  Kamala clearly won the debate. The moderators, much like officials in a game, got too involved.  Trump got baited into rabbit holes and devolved at times into his worst instincts.  But will either performance move the needle with undecided voters?  Let's discuss.    Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show

Jay Chaudhuri sits down to discuss his campaign running as a Democrat for the 15th District seat in the North Carolina Senate.  He has been in office since 2016 but his public service life started well beforehand.  Listen to him delve into his experience, policies, and how he hopes to reach undecided voters both for him and his party.   Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the...

The first (and possibly) only Presidential Debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will take place tomorrow night on ABC in the all-important swing state of Pennsylvania.  What does each candidate need to prove?  Will they be able to do something to move an uncommitted voter to their side?  The debate in June ended Biden's campaign.  What does this one have in store?  Let's discuss...

I said a few weeks ago that the Harris Honeymoon would be over by Labor Day Weekend.  I was right.  I've got the polls, articles and metrics to prove it.  Reality is setting in and the race for the White House is turning into a sprint.  Voting starts this weekend in North Carolina (really, it does) and football has returned!  A speech from a legendary coach reminds us that no matter our issue...

RFK Jr. dropped out of the race AND threw his support behind Donald Trump.  Democrats are downplaying the move while Republicans are saying it's a game changer.  What is it in reality?  Based on polling within swing states, it may be more significant than you think.  And what are you to do if you were a Kennedy supporter or are still undecided?  Let's discuss.   Like the show? Shoot me a...

The Democrats held their Convention in Chicago this week and it was filled with energy.  From the Obamas, to Oprah, to giant Project 2025 books to a DJ playing state-themed music during roll calls, the party had a lot a sizzle.  But what about the steak?  There were a lot of rousing speeches but many, including myself, were left without much of an idea as to what the party, who currently holds pow...

Vote for our message not our messenger.  Vote for our policies not our politician.  That seems to be the strategy for the GOP in North Carolina as a couple of their statewide candidate continue to garner unfavorable national attention that has nothing to do with their platforms.  Lessons were taught in 2022, but they seem to be once again ignored in 2024.  Will it matter in November?  Current poll...

Less than three weeks into the Harris campaign and we are witnessing a surge in both energy and polling.  In an unprecedented sprint to Election Day, Democrats have benefitted from traditional boosts of nomination announcements and still have their Convention to come.  A favorable media promoting the campaign and acquiescing to a lack of interviews and Q&As has helped, as well.  But I believe...

Harris has picked Governor Walz from Minnesota to join her on the Democrat ticket.  Being hailed as a "folksy" pick appealing to Middle America, I believe the selection was a mistake and cemented the ticket as progressive and far left.  After Republicans seemingly did the same by opting for JD Vance, the Democrats left the door open by opting for someone who just said last week, "Do...

The Democrats are pushing a new narrative that Republicans are weird.  Meanwhile, their fundraising arm, ActBlue, is potentially fraudulently piecing together unprecedented donations.  Mark Robinson continues to find himself in scandals, this time with six figures of missing funds with a non-profit.  And the Olympics felt it was a good idea to depict the Last Supper in drag during the Opening Cere...

VP Harris is the presumed Democrat Presidential nominee.  And the race to shape a narrative about her has begun from both sides along with the media.  So who is she?  What brought her to this position?  And what are you to believe about her?  Let's discuss.   Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show