politics

After his Allendale campaign stop, Kasich headed to East Lansing talking with Michigan State University students there.

Republican presidential candidate John Kasich explains young voters should be discriminating when it comes to evaluating candidates in the presidential race, in particular democratic candidates. Kasich said that’s because the U.S. is "not a socialist country."

It was an apparent shot from the Ohio governor at Democratic contender Bernie Sanders, who also campaigned in Michigan Monday.

Thursday night from Milwaukee the PBS NewsHour Democratic Debate will be aired live beginning at 9:00 on WGVU-HD and WGVU-FM. With two contests in the books, what should voters be listening for from candidates Hilary Clinton and Bernie Sanders? WGVU spoke with two local political scientists to find out.

The Iowa Caucuses and New Hampshire primary are in the books. What does it mean heading into tonight’s debate?

“So I think the first two contests in Iowa and New Hampshire have clarified the Democratic field and Bernie Sanders is a legitimate contender.”

Four years ago, Business Leaders for Michigan unveiled its Michigan Turnaround Plan. The idea was to formulate a strategy jump starting the Michigan economy following the Great Recession. Four years later, BLM claims there’s been improvement and now it’s time to move the state to higher economic strata. It wants to position the state to a “Top Ten” economic power by the year 2020. How does it plan to get there?

“If you look back we were probably 50 out of 50 states on most measures. Today, we’re about average. Maybe a little below average than most.”

NPR Morning Edition and WGVU wrap up our week-long series focusing on the Five Big Themes influencing the upcoming presidential election. So far we’ve explored voter mood, the middle-class squeeze, the economy and how the President’s approval rating may - or may not - motivate voters at the polls.

Today, we break down the country’s demographics and voter behavior.  WGVU spoke with a Michigan pollster and political scientist along with a nationally known political observer.

NPR Morning Edition has been examining Five Big Themes influencing the upcoming presidential election. WGVU has been exploring those themes locally - from voter mood, the middle-class squeeze and the economy. Today, how a two-term president’s approval rating plays into the election process.

During the modern era, only one president succeeded a two-term president of his own party. It’s a rare feat, but President Barack Obama’s approval numbers are inching closer to 50 percent.  WGVU talks with two Michigan political pollsters for their take.

This week NPR’s Morning Edition is taking the pulse of the American electorate heading into the Iowa Caucuses. It’s examining Five Big Themes this week. WGVU is exploring the same themes closer to home.

Monday, we spoke with voters about their mood. Tuesday, we met with families experiencing the middle-class squeeze. Today, it’s the economy. WGVU spoke with a West Michigan investor and an economist about what the financial state of the nation is telling them.

The Iowa Caucuses are now less than one week away. This week, NPR’s Mara Liasson is gauging the nation’s mood. How are voters feeling about the upcoming presidential election? How are real incomes, economic mobility and government policy impacting West Michigan families? WGVU talks with area voters, the moms and dads experiencing the middle-class squeeze.

Seated on his lap, Ryan Vandermeer is teaching his 4-year old son how to read at Grand Rapids downtown library.

As the nation looks forward to the start of the primary season and the Iowa Caucuses one week from today we’ve heard from NPR’s Mara Liasson this morning taking the pulse of the American electorate. What is the voter mood here in West Michigan?

WGVU caught up with some Republicans and Democrats at a Grand Rapids coffee shop to find out.

The Bitter End is a popular Westside Grand Rapids coffee house.

It’s eclectic, rich dark wood walls with an array of framed paintings and photos, a burgundy tin ceiling, brass coat hangers at every table.

Tuesday night in the House Chambers, President Barack Obama will give his final State of the Union Address. Coverage begins on WGVU at 9:00. City of Wyoming’s Department of Public Safety, James Carmody will be in the balcony as a guest of Zeeland Congressman, Bill Huizenga.

WGVU spoke with Chief Carmody this afternoon.

Governor Rick Snyder has signed a controversial elections bill, but has called for a fix to clear up some confusion in the new law.

The new law puts limits on local officials’ ability to campaign for millages and other local ballot questions in the two months before an election. Local officials say it’s basically an effort to silence them.

Rebecca Bahar Cook is an Ingham County Commissioner.

Governor Rick Snyder has signed a law that eliminates the option of voting a straight-party ballot on Election Day.

Michigan was one of 10 states that allows straight-ticket voting with one mark on the ballot. Democrats opposed the bill. They say getting rid of the straight-ticket option will discourage some people from voting, and will lead to longer lines on Election Day.

Governor Snyder also called for making it easier to vote absentee.