The latest episode of The Map Room is out on Old Bull TV! This week, Eric Cunningham (@decunningham2), Nick Morris (@TossupReport), and Jared Stone (@JStonePolitics) discuss the crucial swing state of Michigan. This midwestern, rust belt state flipped to the Republican column in 2016 – but it’s more complicated than that!
The hosts explain all you need to know about the basics of Michigan politics: its Democratic lean at the federal level, gerrymandered House district map, and relatively strong Republican party at the state level. Additionally, they discuss its unique demographics, with large populations of African Americans, Dutch Americans, and Arab Americans. Although the state might get typecast, the hosts cover the details that exist below the surface.
Additionally, we discussed a major topic in Michigan: gerrymandering. While a nonpartisan commission will draw the maps for this upcoming cycle, the state has been extensively gerrymandered at both the federal and state levels, resulting in maps that favor Republicans. While this isn’t the only reason that Democrats have last controlled the legislature in the 1980s, it’s a key reason the state voted Republican in the 2010s.
The hosts also discussed Michigan’s upcoming Senate race. This race was initially thought as a slam-dunk opportunity for Republicans. However, incumbent Democrat Gary Peters has maintained a steady lead throughout the campaign. Republican John James has pulled in truly impressive fundraising numbers, but will need to work harder to win the race.
You can find the full episode of The Map Room on YouTube below. If you prefer, you can also listen to it in audio form at Apple Podcasts, PodBay, or PodBean. You can find a full list of episodes at oldbull.tv. Be sure to subscribe to Old Bull TV so you can catch the show each week, and if you liked it be sure to like the episode on YouTube and give it a five-star review wherever you get your podcasts!
