Swing State of the Union Why is Wisconsin a swing state? That's the question at the heart of this podcast, which explores the state's historical and current political climate.
Swing State of the Union

Swing State of the Union

From WUWM 89.7 FM - Milwaukee's NPR

Why is Wisconsin a swing state? That's the question at the heart of this podcast, which explores the state's historical and current political climate.

Most Recent Episodes

Episode 10: Live in the Swing State

For the final episode of this season of "Swing State of the Union," we're live! We discuss the RNC, Wisconsin's political trends and life in the swing state of the union.

Episode 9: Here we go again

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are once again vying for Wisconsin's 10 electoral votes. Here's how they're making their case.

Episode 8: 2020

The 2020 election may go down as one of the most contentious elections in U.S. history. We explore how that happened.

Episode 7: Money talks

There's an old adage in political journalism: "Follow the money." But with super PACs, lobbyists and nonprofits funding campaigns and court cases, where do you start?

Episode 6: It's party time

Party politics dominates, both in Wisconsin and nationally. But what has that meant for our state, and what happens when the Republican party comes to Milwaukee this summer?

Episode 5: Us vs. Them

Politics in Wisconsin, and in the nation, often boils down to an "us vs. them" mentality. But how did we get here, and what's keeping politics polarized?

Episode 4: Who gets to vote?

Statewide elections in Wisconsin are regularly close. With it being a presidential election year, the battle over who gets to vote takes center stage.

Episode 3: Labor left and right

Wisconsin has historically led the nation in creating, and limiting, union rights and bargaining power. We explore what that means for the state's politics and culture.

Episode 2: Milwaukee vs. Wisconsin

Wisconsin, like many states, has a longstanding contentious relationship with its biggest city. Some politicians exploit this, to the detriment of everyone else.

Episode 1: Welcome to Wisconsin

As a swing state, Wisconsin has outsized influence in the 2024 election. What you may not know is Wisconsin has been influencing national policy for over 100 years.