The NPR Politics Podcast Weekly Roundup: October 16th
Oct 16, 2020
Donald Trump stirred controversy at his town hall, focusing more on conspiracy theories than policy. Joe Biden remained vague about court-packing, promising clarity before the election. Voter emotions are shifting in key states like Michigan and Ohio, with over 20 million Americans already casting their votes. The discussion also highlights the humorous idea of bacon-scented face masks and features a light-hearted contest about early voting turnout, mixing political analysis with amusing anecdotes.
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Lordstown’s Economic Woes
- Tamara Keith visited Lordstown, Ohio, a town impacted by the closure of a GM auto plant.
- Bill Janik, a former GM worker who voted for Trump in 2016, is now ambivalent due to job losses.
Shifting Political Landscape
- The Mahoning Valley, typically Democratic, swung towards Trump in 2016, partly due to social issues.
- Joe Biden's potential strength in areas like Ohio and Iowa might be due to greater comfort with him compared to Hillary Clinton.
Michigan Voters' Increased Engagement
- Asma Khalid interviewed disillusioned Democrats in Michigan, many of whom are now more engaged due to Trump's presidency and COVID-19.
- Michael Coleman, who didn't vote in 2016, is determined to vote against Trump this year.
