Shows
The Middle AmericanConversation with Michael Oakes: Libertarian Candidate for NC House District 35Michael 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 show2024-09-281h 00The Middle AmericanConversation with Scott Lassiter: Republican Candidate for NC Senate District 13Scott 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 show2024-09-2751 minThe Middle AmericanConversation with Mike Ross: Libertarian Candidate for GovernorMike 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 thoughts Support the show2024-09-261h 22The Middle AmericanConversation with Erin Pare: Republican Candidate for NC House District 37Erin 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 the economy and education. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-09-251h 11The Middle AmericanConversation with Frank Pierce: Democrat Candidate for US House District 13In 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, immigration, foreign policy, guns and reproductive rights - similar conversations he has had with voters across the district while running a free hot dog stand. Like the show? Shoot me a text...2024-09-2455 minThe Middle AmericanConversation with Judge Jefferson Griffin: Candidate for NC Supreme CourtJudge 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 show2024-09-2345 minThe Middle AmericanMark Robinson: We Reap What We SowCNN 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 other charges. If not, then I will believe the allegations in the article and he should resign and drop out......immediately. Those are the options. No more rhetoric. Lead or leave. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thought...2024-09-2036 minThe Middle AmericanMedia & Politics: Conversation with Chad LivengoodDetroit 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 would ask Trump and Harris today, and what to look for on Election Night. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-09-171h 26The Middle AmericanConversation with Eric Blankenburg: Republican Candidate for US House District 4Eric 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 show2024-09-141h 22The Middle AmericanTrump vs. Harris DebateTrump 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 show2024-09-1145 minThe Middle AmericanConversation with Jay Chaudhuri: Democrat Candidate for NC Senate Dist. 15Jay 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 show2024-09-111h 08The Middle AmericanTrump vs. Harris Debate PreviewThe 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. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-09-0947 minThe Middle AmericanHarris Honeymoon Over, NC Votes, and Football ReturnsI 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 issues, no individual is greater than the country. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-09-0438 minThe Middle AmericanRFK Jr. Drops OutRFK 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 text with your thoughts Support the show2024-08-2631 minThe Middle AmericanDemocrat National ConventionThe 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 power in the White House, plans on doing to fix our current problems. Unlike the anticipated hype of Beyonce's arrival that never materialized, the Democrats will now have to m...2024-08-2357 minThe Middle AmericanThe State of the NC GOPVote 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 polling suggests it might. I do an assessment of where the GOP is in North Carolina, and how its a microcosm of the GOP in your state in the Trump era. Like the...2024-08-1648 minThe Middle AmericanThe Harris HoneymoonLess 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 the honeymoon will last through Labor Day. What happens after that is when reality sets in for both sides. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the sh2024-08-1034 minThe Middle AmericanHarris Picks Walz as VPHarris 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, "Don't ever shy away from our progressive values. One person's socialism is another person's neighborliness." Once again, Independents find themselves stuck in the middle. Like the show? Shoot me a text with...2024-08-0633 minThe Middle AmericanGOP is Weird, ActBlue Money Scandal, & Olympics Last SupperThe 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 Ceremony. Just plain weird indeed. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-07-3156 minThe Middle AmericanKamala ArrivesVP 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 show2024-07-2656 minThe Middle AmericanBiden Drops OutI said he should drop out in February. I said he would not be on the ballot in November. I was right. Five months later, President Biden has dropped out of the 2024 race. He has endorsed VP Kamala Harris as the nominee. How many others will over the next 48 hours? That will be the key to determining if this will be a truncated open primary process or a hand-selected nomination without voter input. But make no mistake, if Harris is on the ballot in November, the Democrats will lose. I was right before, and I'll be right again. Like the...2024-07-2134 minThe Middle AmericanRepublican National ConventionRepublicans just completed a Convention unlike any they've hosted before. An overall message of unity permeated the week leading up to Trump's speech. And for the first 30 minutes, Trump carried on that theme. But then there's the last 60 minutes that should give those who are on the fence about Trump some pause. The question going forward: is the Trump campaign going to be more like the first 30 minutes or the last 60 minutes? If it's the latter, the door is open for a party in complete disarray to correct itself and make a charge before November....the Democrats. Like t...2024-07-2040 minThe Middle AmericanTrump ShotWe are all guilty. When the would-be assassin's bullet whisked past Trump's skull, America dodged a proverbial bullet, as well. We have an opportunity to wake up from what happened yesterday and change the direction of our discourse and thereby the direction of our country. But it starts with me. It starts with you. We are all punished. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-07-1543 minThe Middle AmericanBiden's Press ConferencePresident Biden's "big boy" press conference was highly anticipated prime time viewing. But, in reality, only the final 30 seconds of it resembled anything like a presidential press conference that we are used to seeing. The other 50 minutes was more like a fireside chat. Pre-selected reporters asking largely open-ended questions didn't exactly put him on his toes. The Democrats will lose if he is on the ticket in November. And this press conference did not knock him out. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-07-1246 minThe Middle AmericanBiden Doubles DownCongress reconvenes this week. Prior to their arrival, Biden writes Congressional Democrats a letter doubling down on his campaign. He then calls in to Morning Joe to do the same. The New York Times responds with an article noting a Parkinson's expert has visited the White House eight times in eight months and a 6th House Democrat breaks ranks demanding for Biden to drop out. The battle for the nomination is heating up and we have not seen the end of it. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-07-0941 minThe Middle AmericanBiden Debate Fallout, Mark Robinson on Abortion and July 4thI am proud to be an American. You should be too. And we should all celebrate our freedom and independence on America's 248th birthday. But newspapers across the country have articles questioning whether and how we should even celebrate. I'll discuss the continued fallout from the debate debacle for President Biden. And how the North Carolina gubernatorial and state races may hinge on one topic: abortion. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-07-0347 minThe Middle AmericanFirst Presidential Debate DebacleBiden bombs. Trump meanders. The Debacle of a Debate was an overall embarrassment. In a debate that viewers cared more about what they saw versus what was said, we saw a lot. Enough that calls for Biden to withdraw from the race have surged, even amongst Democrats. But there were things said as well. Like denying having sex with a porn star. Felony accusations. Comments on weight. And even a comparison of golf handicaps. Biden supporters are despondent while Trump supporters are elated. But both feelings may be premature. Keep Biden, and the Democrats will lose in November. But Trump did not...2024-06-281h 04The Middle AmericanFirst Presidential Debate PreviewThe earliest Presidential Debate in history is upon us as President Biden and Former President Trump square off in a CNN studio this Thursday night without a studio audience. The initial question is why? I'll share my thoughts and give you a full preview of the issues both parties face leading up to the debate, the topics they are likely to cover, and the potential impact the debate may have on you, the listeners. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-06-2540 minThe Middle AmericanBiden Freezing, Wake County Bellwether, & Caitlin ClarkI said months ago that Biden should drop out. As the videos of him freezing and staring aimlessly into space continue to mount, I maintain that stance and believe more are coming around to the idea that he will not be on the ballot in November. Wake County North Carolina is 1 of 15 bellwether counties in the US per US News and World Report for the upcoming election. And Caitlin Clark's presence in the WNBA has surged ratings and created controversy. I'll discuss both and why it has nothing to do with her being white or straight. Like the sh...2024-06-1842 minThe Middle AmericanThe Trump ConvictionThe precedent has been set. A former President has been convicted for felonies. Trump haters rejoice. MAGA supporters seethe. But make no mistake, America lost yesterday. And July 11th has now become the most consequential day in American history in a very, very long time. This country is at a boiling point. And if Trump is sent to prison on July 11th - it will be at a tipping point. And Independents are stuck once again in the middle. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-05-3134 minThe Middle AmericanTrump Hush Money Trial, NC Election Runoff, and Tom Brady RoastWe are now in Week 5 of the Trump Hush Money Trial in Manhattan. Haven't been following along? I got you covered. But has this political hit job actually hit Trump politically? According to the polls, no. It's Election Day in North Carolina but most people have no clue. And is political correctness starting to wane? I give you the Tom Brady roast on Netflix as Exhibit A that it is from a public standpoint. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-05-1449 minThe Middle AmericanCollege Campus ChaosChaos is breaking out on college campuses across the country. Pro-Palestinian "protestors" are setting up encampments and refusing to follow university and city policies/laws. This inevitably has lead to violence and arrests. But this is a biproduct of universities for decades turning a blind eye towards "protests" on campus against any viewpoint that does not fall in line with what is thought to be the majority on campus. Just ask any Republican politician attempting to give a speech on campus. The bed has been made for decades and now administrations are having to sleep in it and watch their...2024-05-0138 minThe Middle AmericanJews at Columbia, OJ Simpson's Death & Scottie SchefflerAnti-Semitism continues to rise on college campuses, with Columbia University going to remote learning for student safety as Jews are encouraged not to go on campus. OJ Simpson's death leads to a reflection of his infamous trial and how we've progressed from it 30 years later. And Scottie Scheffler is on a tear rarely seen on the PGA Tour, but it's the way he views that tear and how it does not define him that is worth noting. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-04-2246 minThe Middle AmericanReligion and PoliticsHope everyone had a great Easter Weekend! Speaking of Easter, let's discuss two topics that rarely get discussed around the holiday family dinner table: Religion and Politics. The intermingling arose again this week with Trump allegedly selling $60 Bibles and Biden allegedly banning religious Easter eggs at the White House. Both stories caused an uproar. Both played on your faith. But how did it come about that your faith became a political commodity? Let's discuss. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-04-0250 minThe Middle AmericanRFK Jr. VP choice, NC as Biden's Battleground and P DiddyRFK Jr. has chosen a political unknown in Nicole Shanahan as his VP. While maybe not known to most Americans, she is well-known within the tech world with ties to Google, AI and even Elon Musk. Biden has focused in on North Carolina as a battleground state, hoping to flip it like Georgia in 2020. And P Diddy had the feds raid his homes in LA and Miami as part of a sex trafficking investigation that may result in the Bad Boy for life rapper finding himself in federal prison. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your...2024-03-2839 minThe Middle AmericanNCAA Tournament PreviewTime for a break from politics! It's my favorite week of the year: Selection Sunday heading into the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. Whether you've watched college hoops all season or just enter the brackets blindly, I'll give some insight as to how I see the bracket that will hopefully help you win some money in your bracket pools or at least have some fun watching the games this week. We can discuss bloodbaths, Kate Middleton conspiracy theories and Obama visiting the Prime Minister in Great Britain next week. This week is all about one thing: March Madne...2024-03-1927 minThe Middle AmericanPolitical Liars, NC Sports Gambling and OppenheimerPoliticians and public leaders are known to lie to the general public. But this past week gives us a glimpse of why we need to keep our guard up heading into November 2024 and beyond. Whether it's Biden's admonishment of his alleged inability to remember his son's death - proven by the actual transcript, Trump labeling himself as "Honest Don" or Kate Middleton doctoring photos as she mysteriously remains out of public eye, we need discernment to differentiate between truth and falsehoods. I'll also discuss the advent of mobile sports gambling in North Carolina and why you should see Best Pic...2024-03-1243 minThe Middle AmericanBiden's State of the UnionThe general election campaign kicked off last night with Biden's State of the Union. We had Palestinian protestors blocking the motorcade's path to the Capitol. We had hecklers. We had button confrontations. We had yelling. We had scolding of SCOTUS. We had hyper-partisanship. And we had frequent discussion of the man who is not to be named, aka "the predecessor." So how did the speech play out? I felt as if I was watching an angry old man yelling at me to get off his lawn and more of a campaign speech than a State of the Union. Others may have v...2024-03-0832 minThe Middle AmericanSuper Tuesday ReviewSuper Tuesday is over and unofficially so is the GOP race for the Presidential nomination. Haley dropped out, but what does Super Tuesday tell us about both Trump's and Biden's chances in November? I'll discuss my experience at a Nikki Haley rally, being on a segment of The Daily Show, and how the candidates I interviewed for the pod performed on Primary Day. Where do we go from here? Tune in. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-03-0753 minThe Middle AmericanConversation with Matt Shoemaker: Candidate for US House District 13Matt joins the pod to discuss how he wants to defund stupidity and send intelligence to DC. The veteran intelligence officer and Fox News commentator shares his views on foreign policy, border control, Chinese aggression and human trafficking - among other topics. Listen how he plans to win a crowded US House District 13 race. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-03-011h 19The Middle AmericanConversation with Siddhanth Sharma: Candidate for US House District 13Siddhanth joins the pod to discuss his campaign to win the Republican nomination for US House in the crowded District 13 race. Having worked in accounting since age 9, he has a keen interest in making the government fiscally responsible. We cover a variety of topics ranging from the economy to national security and how he sets himself apart from the 13 contenders in his race. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-03-011h 17The Middle AmericanConversation with Gene Douglass: Candidate for US House District 2Gene Douglass joins the pod to discuss his campaign for the GOP nomination to compete in US House District 2 in the upcoming general election. He discusses his history of teaching chemistry, prior campaigns for political office and the things he has learned over the years that has prepared him for this election. We cover a variety of topics including the economy, immigration, national security, healthcare and protecting constitutional rights along with his thoughts on disaffected unaffiliated voters. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-02-291h 19The Middle AmericanConversation with Becki Allen: Candidate for NC House District 36Becki Allen joins the pod to discuss her campaign for a NC House seat in District 36. Unlike the other candidates I have conversed with, Becki is not running in a primary and will be the GOP representative during the general election in November. This discussion focuses on the start of her campaign season, preliminary issues she is focusing on and building a campaign strategy around, and how she plans on connecting with Independents now that she already has secured the Republican nomination. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-02-2850 minThe Middle AmericanConversation with Dr. Josh McConkey: Candidate for US House District 13Dr. (Col.) Josh McConkey joins the pod to discuss his campaign in the crowded US House District 13 race. His experience in the military and medicine has given him a unique perspective amongst other candidates as to how to address issues ranging from health care to national security. We discuss a wide range of issues and why he believes he can emerge from the field on GOP candidates by the end of Super Tuesday. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-02-281h 10The Middle AmericanSouth Carolina PrimaryAnother primary. Another win for Donald Trump. However, Nikki Haley is vowing to remain in the race and shows no signs of leaving. Why? The answer may be more complex than you think. Should Trump be concerned with only getting 60% of the vote. What about the 62% of Independents who voted for Haley? What does this all mean for down-the-ballot Republican candidates and Trump himself going into November? Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-02-2635 minThe Middle AmericanConversation with Col. Alan Swain: Candidate for US House District 2Colonel Alan Swain drops by the podcast to discuss his campaign for the 2nd Congressional District covering Wake Forest, Rolesville, Zebulon, Knightdale, Wendell, Morrisville and parts of Cary and Raleigh. He is seeking the GOP nomination for US House. We cover his history from the Clinton and Bush Administrations to being the Chair of the Wake GOP. We also discuss his view on a variety of issues ranging from foreign policy to public safety. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-02-241h 17The Middle AmericanConversation with Kenny Xu: Candidate for US House District 13Kenny Xu joins the podcast to discuss his campaign for US House amongst a total of 14 candidates vying for the GOP nomination. Kenny is a published author and has been a guest with Tucker Carlson and other TV hosts discussing his battles against CRT and DEI policies in public schools and corporations. We cover those topics and other wide ranging issues of how he separates himself from a crowded GOP field. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-02-2446 minThe Middle AmericanConversation with Eric Blankenburg: Candidate for US House District 4I sat down with US House Republican candidate Eric Blankenburg to discuss a wide range of national topics as part of his campaign to get to Capitol Hill. Hear his position on the economy, infrastructure, healthcare, abortion, immigration, education and how he plans to reach out to Independents for the March 5th primary vote Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-02-191h 22The Middle AmericanConversation with Scott Lassiter: NC Senate District 13 CandidateEarly voting has already begun with the North Carolina primary taking place on March 5th. I have decided to interview primary candidates from local and statewide elections to help listeners get a better understanding of candidates before heading to the ballot box. For those outside of North Carolina, it's a good opportunity to listen to candidates discuss issues that likely apply to your states/districts.Today, I have a conversation with Scott Lassiter, a Republican candidate running for the NC Senate District 13 covering various parts of Wake County, including Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay Varina, Garner, Knightdale and Ra...2024-02-161h 18The Middle AmericanBiden Must Drop Out"My memory is fine." President Biden angrily responded to reporters yesterday with this statement following a damning report from Special Counsel Hur that opted not to pursue charges for mishandling of classified documents but caused significant damage to the idea that Biden is mentally fit to run for a second term. We have all seen the issues with our own eyes over these past four years. There is no way the Democrats can seriously put his name on the ballot in November 2024 at this point. He needs to drop out of the race. Like the show? Shoot me a t...2024-02-0947 minThe Middle AmericanBorder Bill Bust & Super BowlA bipartisan bill seeking to address the ongoing immigration crisis at our border failed to get out of the Senate and was already dead if it went to the House. Trump came out against it. The Republican Senator who led negotiations for it was censured by his own party. And we are left once again with no response to the crisis. I will discuss how this bill is illustrative of the great divide between the two major parties and how any attempt at the dirty word of "compromise" is met with political condemnation. And, there's a big football game being...2024-02-0833 minThe Middle AmericanTexas Border Battle, NC Voter Registration Trends & Alyssa MilanoWe are on the verge of a constitutional crisis in Eagle Pass, Texas as the Texas National Guard is openly facing off with US Border Patrol in an effort to secure the border. How did we get here? And what is the Biden Administration doing when it comes to the southern border? Super Tuesday is just over a month away and registered Unaffiliated voters continue to surge past their Democrat and Republican counterparts. And Alyssa Milano wants you to pay for her son's baseball trip. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Suppor...2024-01-3146 minThe Middle AmericanNew Hampshire Primary & State of the GOPTrump won New Hampshire and Haley did not come within single digits meaning the odds of her winning South Carolina a month from now are slim to none. Trump has essentially won the GOP nomination in unprecedented early fashion. But was does that mean for the general election? If you are a candidate running for state or local elections, it may not be wise to latch your campaign to the Trump Train if you want to win in November. I'll discuss why. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-01-2540 minThe Middle AmericanDeSantis DepartsA year ago today, DeSantis was 13% behind Trump in national polling. On the day he dropped out, he was 55% behind. A lot can happen in a year, but what really happened? Clearly the Republican Party officials are trying to unite behind Trump. But will the actual voters do the same come November? Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-01-2242 minThe Middle AmericanIowa Caucus and RFK Jr.We have our first real voting result with the Iowa Caucus taking place yesterday. Trump took 51% of the vote in the closed caucus - meaning only Republicans could vote in it. But that also means 49% of registered Republicans wanted someone other than Trump. Vivek dropped out and endorsed Trump. Haley and DeSantis are moving on to New Hampshire. I'll discuss the results along with my meeting with RFK Jr. in Raleigh and his attempt to get onto the North Carolina ballot as an Independent. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the sho2024-01-1638 minThe Middle AmericanFifth Republican Presidential DebateDown to two contenders: DeSantis vs. Haley. Notably, Trump was not there again. The debate in Iowa centered around a number of topics, all of which I will cover. But the candidates largely failed to "punch up" at Trump, rather opting to spar with each other over who lies the most. Who won? Will either be able to catch Trump? Listen in as voters will first cast ballots Monday in Iowa. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2024-01-111h 04The Middle AmericanIowa Caucus Preview, Mark Harris and Jeffrey EpsteinThe 5th GOP Presidential debate is tonight and the first caucus/primary of the 2024 Election is next Monday in Iowa. I preview both. I also discuss Mark Harris, a pastor running for Congress in the 8th District of NC who blames Democrats for "stealing" his election bid in 2018 - one where his own operative was charged with fraud for harvesting ballots. And finally I dive into the underage sex-fueled cesspool that is the Jeffrey Epstein saga and the names of prominent elected officials who were unredacted this week in court documents. Like the show? Shoot me a text...2024-01-1047 minThe Middle AmericanTrump & the 14th AmendmentMerry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Unless you live in Colorado and are a Trump supporter, as his name may not be on the ballot for the upcoming primary thanks to the state's Supreme Court decision in Anderson v. Griswold. The effort to keep Trump off of both the primary and general election ballots is currently being fought in state and federal courts across the country - an all are based upon Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Unsure as to why or how this works or what will happen if and when it gets to the United States Supreme Court? I've...2023-12-2750 minThe Middle AmericanBiden Impeachment InquiryThe House voted to open an Inquiry to impeach President Biden. Based on what? This episode gives an overview of the impeachment process, the context of the history between President Biden, his son Hunter, and foreign business deals that allegedly enriched the "Biden Brand." And how one phone call to Ukraine seeking to start an investigation led to the impeachment of Trump while another phone call to Ukraine seeking to end an investigation could lead to the impeachment of Biden. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-12-191h 00The Middle AmericanAnti-Semitism, Tillis Snubs Robinson, & SNLIn the midst of celebrating Hanukkah, America is grappling with increasing anti-Semitism - most notably on display on Capitol Hill where three presidents from Harvard, MIT and Penn could not answer a simple question as to whether a threat of genocide of the Jews would violate its universities' codes of conduct. "RINO" Senator Thom Tillis opted to endorse Bill Graham over Mark Robinson in the NC gubernatorial race. And SNL once again reveals its political bias in a tone-deaf cold open that received a cold reception from its audience. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your...2023-12-1138 minThe Middle AmericanFourth Republican Presidential DebateThe Final Four. DeSantis, Haley, Ramaswamy and Christie all took the stage in Alabama to debate why they should be the Republican nominee. Donald Trump again did not. Did any of the four actually set themselves apart from the others? Did anyone set their sights on taking down Trump? Yes and no. As to the latter, it is becomingly increasingly clear that nobody wants to actually take the nomination away from Trump in fear of losing his base. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-12-071h 02The Middle AmericanDictator Trump, NC Medicaid Expansion & Florida StateDemocrats have ignited the "Trump will be a dictator" tactic to coincide with the "end of democracy" tactic employed in the 2022 midterms. It worked then, will it work again in 2024? North Carolina has expanded Medicaid to roughly 600,000 residents through bipartisan agreement. And Florida State gets left out of the playoffs based on bad lobbying efforts by Ron DeSantis - at least according to Trump. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-12-0546 minThe Middle AmericanIsraeli Hostages, Gerrymandering Lawsuit & AI at SIAn ongoing pause in the Israeli-Hamas conflict is resulting in one hostage released for every three prisoners. Is that an ideal deal? And what about all the Americans who remain captive? A lawsuit filed Monday is seeking to negate the lines recently drawn for the 2024 election. And fake articles written by fake authors at Sports Illustrated. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-11-2835 minThe Middle AmericanBiden Turns 81, UNC Field Hockey & TikTok Loves Bin LadenThis week there is an age theme. POTUS just turned 81 and the electorate is increasingly demanding someone younger, a youthful 23-year-old just one a national championship coaching at a premier college program, and kids go viral in their support for Bin Laden and his views on America. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-11-2140 minThe Middle AmericanTim Scott drops out, Mark Robinson visits Israel, and Jim HarbaughWe've had another candidate drop out of the Republican Presidential race. How does that impact the race going forward? The Lieutenant Governor in North Carolina is visiting Israel. Will that sway Jewish voters? And the mob is out to cancel Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh. Is that a good thing (for non-Buckeye fans) or is it a microcosm of a bigger issue in our society?Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-11-1345 minThe Middle AmericanThird Republican Presidential DebateMissed the 3rd GOP Presidential Debate? I've got you covered. In the most substantive of the three debates so far, I'll go over all of the topics addressed by the remaining five candidates, DeSantis, Haley, Scott, Ramaswamy and Christie. I'll also give my view on each topic and how still none of these five have sufficiently gone after the man who remains conspicuously absent, former President Trump. Can the GOP bounce back from what was yet another disappointing election night, prompting Vivek to call the GOP the "party of losers"? Like the show? Shoot me a text with yo...2023-11-091h 11The Middle AmericanElection Day: Trump's Swing State Surge & Voter ID RecapElection Day 2023 is here. I discuss a new poll out from the New York Times a year away from the 2024 election that shows a rather significant lead for Trump in 5 of 6 swing states. But is there more behind the numbers? There are notable influences with the economy and a certain independent candidate. For North Carolinians, voter ID is required at the polls in a dry run for next year's cycle. Here is a quick refresher and for a more in-depth discussion, feel free to listen to the Voter ID episode from April of this year. Go Vote!Like t...2023-11-0736 minThe Middle AmericanThe GOP Divide, NC Gerrymandering, and Matthew PerryBack to our regular format, I discuss the growing divide amongst the Republican Party as evidenced by the 3-week Speaker nomination fiasco, the adoption of a new legislative district map in North Carolina, and the untimely passing of everyone's Friend, Matthew Perry. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-10-2950 minThe Middle AmericanConversation with Staci Almquist: Holly Springs Town Council CandidateStaci obtained a variety of degrees and developed a diverse professional background while living in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. But the pandemic caused her to start looking south to a more affordable and warmer area to live. She landed in Holly Springs and is now seeking a seat on Town Council. Listen to her vision for the town. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-10-2749 minThe Middle AmericanConversation with Annie Drees: Holly Springs Town Council CandidateAnnie has a background in engineering while also working with non-profits since moving to Holly Springs. She has also been on her HOA Board. Now, she's decided to dedicate her energy towards improving not just her neighborhood, but her town. Hear her discuss her vision for the Holly Springs Town Council. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-10-2645 minThe Middle AmericanConversation with Brian Norman: Holly Springs Town Council CandidateBrian is a pastor who arrived in Holly Springs in 2013. Now he is looking to lead an electorate over a congregation. Hear him discuss his values and how they impact his vision for Holly Springs and his run for Town Council. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-10-2655 minThe Middle AmericanConversation with Danielle Hewetson: Holly Springs Town Council CandidateDanielle is the only candidate who is currently on Town Council. Previously, she worked on the Hear her discuss her experience on the Council, the issues she has already addressed, and why she is seeking a second term. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-10-261h 01The Middle AmericanConversation with Chris Deshazor: Holly Springs Town Council CandidateChris is currently the Chair of the Planning Board in Holly Springs where he has dealt first-hand with the growth being experienced in the area. But he also has coached many kids in town on the baseball field and believes that both experiences can translate into a successful run for the Town Council. Hear him discuss his vision for the town and the issues he would address if elected. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-10-261h 00The Middle AmericanConversation with Brian Dennis: Holly Springs Town Council CandidateBrian Dennis has his mother to thank for pushing him towards getting involved in public life. He felt that pull earlier this year and has acted on it by throwing his hat into the ring for the Town Council race. Hear him discuss how his business-based background in finances and sales has shaped him for public office and his vision for Holly Springs. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-10-2455 minThe Middle AmericanConversation with Jack Turnwald: Holly Springs Town Council CandidateGoogle Jack Turwald's name and the controversy surrounding the Holly Springs Town Council's refusal to adopt a non-discrimination ordinance fills the initial results. But Jack's campaign for Town Council goes far beyond an ordinance. Our conversation focuses largely on a five-pronged platform and Jack's vision for Holly Springs - ranging from housing affordability to equity to government transparency. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-10-2356 minThe Middle AmericanConversation with Travis Groo: Holly Springs Town Council CandidateTravis Groo is the Chair of the Wake Libertarian Party and a recent resident of Holly Springs. He believes that all politics is local and abides by the Non-Aggression Principle in both his personal and public life. Hear how his experience and fresh look at the growing community translates to a run for Town CouncilLike the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-10-221h 00The Middle AmericanConversation with Scoop Green: Holly Springs Town Council CandidateThis episode is the first in a series of conversations with candidates running for Town Council in my town of Holly Springs, North Carolina. This series will explore why the candidates are running and their visions for one of the fastest growing towns in the state. Scoop has lived in Holly Springs for 20 years so he's witnessed that growth first hand. Here him discuss how he plans to handle it, among other topics, if he were to win a seat on Council. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-10-2052 minThe Middle AmericanSpeaker Mess, NC Dems Israel Walk-Out, and College ProtestsIt's been a difficult week seeing the news unfold out of Israel and Gaza and is a time when we look to our own political leaders for guidance. Yet, in the House, we have no leadership thanks to infighting amongst Republicans. In North Carolina, we had 12 Democrats opt to walk out on a vote for a bi-partisan and unopposed Resolution supporting Israel in the face of the terror attack on its country. And our "brightest and best" on our collegiate campuses appear to be anything but when it comes to protesting the week's events. Like the show? Shoot...2023-10-1548 minThe Middle AmericanIsrael and PalestiniansThe worst attack on Israeli soil in 50 years occurred over the weekend. Israel is threatening to wipe out Hamas. Per the WSJ, Iran funded the attack. This has the potential to be a major turning point in global politics. How does America respond? Before you answer, it's important to understand the contextual history of the conflict in the region. This episode attempts a brief deep dive into the history of the region, its implications today, and its impact moving forward. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-10-0941 minThe Middle AmericanSpeaker Battle, No Go on NC Casinos, and Travis Kelce/Taylor SwiftThe US House and NC House both had budget issues with accusations of secret meetings and dealings by Republican leadership. One resulted in the Speaker being challenged with a Motion to Vacate his position. The other in having plans for four casinos in North Carolina scrapped. Oh, and Swifties are apparently into the NFL now as they have placed Travis Kelce on the map. :) Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-10-0338 minThe Middle AmericanSecond Republican Presidential DebateSeven candidates took the stage in the Second Republican National Debate in what can be described as "a circus." The stage needs to be narrowed to three for real substance and differentiation between the candidates to occur. And someone has to take a stand against Trump. If not, Trump is going to run away with the nomination. And if he does, the Republicans will lose again just like they did in 2020 and 2022 - because Independents are not going to show up for Trump in the general election. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts S...2023-09-2842 minThe Middle AmericanGOP Women Behaving Badly, Raleigh Cancels Christmas & Deion SandersThis week I talk about the family values hypocrisy amongst leading GOP women, Raleigh canceling its annual Christmas parade and the phenomenon of Prime Time in Boulder, Colorado. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-09-1843 minThe Middle American9/11: Have We Forgotten?22 years ago today, two planes struck the heart of Manhattan, one struck the Pentagon, and another went down in a field due to brave Americans saying "Let's Roll" and protecting the rest of us from further carnage. 2,977 victims died that day - including 343 firefighters, 71 police and 55 active military. We post "Never Forget" on social media but our lives tell another story. We were united in those months that followed. Today, we are divided and its impacted all aspects of our society. It begs the question, Have We Forgotten?Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoug...2023-09-1128 minThe Middle AmericanPOV: A Discussion with High School SeniorsHave a kid in high school or middle school? Do they talk much about life and how they see things? This episode gives them a voice. I have a conversation with two high school seniors regarding a range of topics, including how COVID impacted their schooling, their job prospects, views on politicians, the links between social media and mental health, and whether their peers are proud to be Americans. It's a good listen from a demographic that is not often heard from in politics: soon-to-be voters. Listen alone or with your kids as a conversation starter in your house. L...2023-09-0444 minThe Middle AmericanCOVID Returns, UNC Shooting & Eminem v. VivekMask mandates at colleges. School districts going remote. Are we seeing the early return of COVID? A grad student shoots a staff member dead on UNC's campus creating a lockdown and manhunt during a week of shootings at a football game, parade, and grocery store. And Eminem tells Vivek to lose it when it comes to singing "Lose Yourself." Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-08-2937 minThe Middle AmericanThe First Republican Presidential DebateLast night, eight Republican candidates took the stage in Milwaukee for the first national Presidential debates. One candidate was notably missing from the stage - Donald Trump. Did it matter? Was it a mistake for him not to show? What did these contenders talk about and did any of them make a case for the independent vote? I discuss my thoughts on the debate and the candidates, including a political newcomer named Vivek. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-08-2439 minThe Middle AmericanTrump Indictment 4.0, Bus Shortages 2.0, & Oliver AnthonyThe long-awaited Georgia indictment of former President Trump came down this week and its alleging RICO and bringing along 18 of his allies. WCPSS solved the bus shortage problem by having kids show up to school up to 30 minutes late. And an unknown guy with a guitar in the woods singing about politicians has shot to the top of the charts in less than a week. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-08-1637 minThe Middle AmericanMigrants, Increasing Rates & Jamie FoxxThis week I discuss the migrant crisis sweeping the country, but particularly in NYC. North Carolina opted to increase its auto insurance rates by 4.5% each year for the next two years as opposed to the 28.4% increase sought for by the NC Rate Bureau. Just add it to the ever-increasing list of costs without increase in wages. And finally, I'll discuss an Instagram post by Jamie Foxx and society's increasing tendency to automatically judge, assume and label someone. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-08-1033 minThe Middle AmericanStudent Loans, Bus Shortages and LizzoThis week I discuss the looming student loan crisis with federal loans needing to be repaid again starting in October and how one candidate has put forth an initial plan to address it. I also address public schools not being able to address the most basic need: transporting students to school. And I touch base on the recent lawsuit against Lizzo and how much faith we put into celebrities. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-08-0430 minThe Middle AmericanOld Politicians, NC Gambling and US Women's SoccerThis week I discuss the notably aging population of our elected officials in Washington DC (the average age of a US Senator is 65 and the oldest in 90!), the General Assembly discussing casinos and gambling in North Carolina, and the controversies that seem to surround our US Women's Soccer team. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-07-2740 minThe Middle AmericanTrump Letter, WCPSS Superintendent & Jason AldeanI'm back! And I've decided to change the format of the podcast. Rather than discussing one topic from the middle perspective, I've decided to discuss three current event stories each week: (1) national story; (2) local story; and (3) pop culture story. This week, I discuss the Trump target letter stemming from the January 6th investigation, the hiring of a new superintendent for the largest school district in North Carolina, and the controversy surrounding the "Try That in a Small Town" song from Jason AldeanLike the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-07-2137 minThe Middle AmericanTrump Indictment 2.0: Double Indictments & Double StandardsThe DOJ issued an unprecedented 37-count indictment of former President Trump yesterday in Southern Florida for documents contained at his Mar-a-Lago residence. This comes on the heels of word from Capitol Hill of President Biden being involved in a $5 million bribery scheme with officials at Burisma, the Ukrainian oil company that his son Hunter served on the Board earning up to $1 million per year. Trump's support amongst Republicans continues to hold strong. But what about Independents? And is there a double standard that is being applied, real or perceived, that is eroding trust in our own institutions? Like th...2023-06-1420 minThe Middle AmericanAbortionThe North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill along partisan lines overhauling abortion requirements. This weekend, Governor Cooper vetoed the bill. It now returns to the legislature for a test of the newly-created veto-proof majority. Will legislators toe party lines as they did with eliminating the need for a permit to purchase a pistol? Or will there be concessions allowing the veto to stand? And where do Independents fall on this hyper-partisan issue? We will discuss in detail both the bill and its ramifications. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-05-1635 minThe Middle AmericanVoter IDLast week, the North Carolina Supreme Court reversed itself and validated a 2018 law requiring Voter ID stemming from a vote for a Constitutional Amendment on that same issue. Now registered voters will be required to present a form of identification to vote at future elections, with few exceptions. I will discuss the ruling, its implications and the arguments against such requirements. 35 states have Voter ID laws in place. North Carolina just became the newest member. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-05-0236 minThe Middle AmericanThe Trump IndictmentEarlier this month in Manhattan, DA Alvin Bragg indicted President Trump on 34 felony counts stemming from a $130,000 hush money payout to a porn star weeks before the 2016 election. Is this just desserts for the leader of the "Lock Her Up" chants? Is this a political hit job? And does this impact independents looking ahead to 2024? Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-04-2537 minThe Middle AmericanSchool ShootingsKiller comes in and shoots down kids and teachers in school. Thoughts and prayers are offered. Police are heralded as heroes. Shouts of banning guns from the Left. Shouts of upholding the Second Amendment on the Right. Nothing happens. The cycle repeats. Kids getting gunned down in schools rarely happens anywhere else in the world. Yet we are numb to it here in America. Why? Something needs to be done, and it starts with an open discussion of the problem and actual ways to resolve it. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support th2023-03-3046 minThe Middle AmericanInterview with Steve BergstromSteve Bergstrom ran for the Wake County School Board twice and is now running for the Chair of the Republican Party in Wake County. He sits down to talk about his experience running for the school board, the issues he sees with with partisanship on those boards in general, and how he and his team plan to shape the Republican Party in Wake County while still reaching out to unaffiliated and independent voters. Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-03-211h 07The Middle AmericanPublic School BoardsFive years ago, school boards were largely forgotten about positions on the back of a ballot that most of us either ignored or simply voted for the incumbent without a second thought. COVID changed all of that and brought a national spotlight on school boards across the country. What were once traditionally "non-partisan" entities are increasingly becoming partisan. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Like the show? Shoot me a text with your thoughts Support the show2023-03-1435 min
The Middle AmericanThe Middle American: Preview EpisodeFar left. Far right. Conservative. Liberal. Republican. Democrat. Can't fully relate? Me either. But nearly all public discourse and media is centered upon the views share by one of the two political parties - and often those shouting the loudest from the extremes of both sides. This isn't just a political podcast. It's a podcast on life and society, with politics mixed in. But from a viewpoint we do not hear enough from - the middle. This podcast will serve as a forum for open discussion rather than demonization and valuing listening and learning over labeling. It's time we get comfortab...2023-03-0728 minThe Middle AmericanThe Middle American: Preview EpisodeFar left. Far right. Conservative. Liberal. Republican. Democrat. Can't fully relate? Me either. But nearly all public discourse and media is centered upon the views share by one of the two political parties - and often those shouting the loudest from the extremes of both sides. This isn't just a political podcast. It's a podcast on life and society, with politics mixed in. But from a viewpoint we do not hear enough from - the middle. This podcast will serve as a forum for open discussion rather than demonization and valuing listening and learning over labeling. It's time we get comfortab...2023-03-0728 min