Canada is due to hit back in the trade war— and Iowa's farmers and manufacturers will feel it directly. On this Politics Day episode, analysis from political scientists Donna Hoffman of the University of Northern Iowa and Wayne Moyer of Grinnell College. We also get their views on escalating tension between the U.S. and Iran, Iowa's Senate and governor's races and more.
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Iowa Republicans rejected a candidate President Donald Trump endorsed for governor. On this politics day episode, we dive into the primary results. Political scientists Donna Hoffman of the University of Northern Iowa and Kelly Shaw of Iowa State University analyze these results and look ahead to the midterms. They also discuss the Senate race and the competition in Iowa Congressional Districts. -
Five candidates are competing in Iowa's 2nd Congressional District primary races to replace Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson. Democrats and Republicans are focused on issues like the economy, healthcare and political division. -
After two centuries of expanding democracy, why has America become more unequal — not less? On this episode we listen to highlights from a recent conversation with political scientist Jeffrey Winters of Northwestern University. His new book, The Blind Spot: How Oligarchs Dominate Our Democracy, examines the failure of democracy to address wealth inequality and why this issue is by design. This conversation was recorded on May 7 at the Englert Theatre, presented by the Iowa City Foreign Relations Council.
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During a candidate forum in Sioux City, three Democrats competing for a chance to flip Iowa’s most conservative congressional district highlighted shared priorities more than sharp differences ahead of the June 2 primary. -
King Charles addresses Congress as global tensions and domestic uncertainty collide in a packed politics hour. From a fragile Iran ceasefire to Iowa’s MAHA bill and a surprise gubernatorial endorsement, political scientists Jim McCormick and Megan Goldberg break down the latest political news.
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A fragile ceasefire came just hours after a threat to destroy a civilization. On this episode, we examine shifting attitudes toward the war in Iran and what it means for U.S. policy, with insights from political experts Jonathan Hassid and Megan Goldberg. They also break down a federal appeals court decision allowing enforcement of Iowa's book ban law. Plus, how political narratives intersect with major national moments, from the role of Artemis II in shaping presidential legacy and to intensifying Iowa primary races.
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The U.S. House voted to repeal President Trump’s tariffs on Canada without support from Iowa's four Republican representatives. Canada is one of the largest agricultural trade partners with the U.S. and is a top export market for tractors and farm equipment made in Iowa. -
Former Ambassador George Kent spent 33 years in the foreign service, serving twice in diplomatic roles in Ukraine, and most recently as the ambassador to Estonia. He notably gave testimony in the 2019 House impeachment inquiry of President Donald Trump. Host Ben Kieffer spoke with the diplomat while he visited Des Moines this week, speaking to the Greater Des Moines Committee on Foreign Relations. They spoke on several topics, including his cross-country bicycle ride, his termination from the federal government and what he calls the "decimation" of the United States' professional foreign service being carried out by President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
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Analysts discuss the top political headlines of the week, including immigration crackdowns and election security.
