Media Lies-Travel Truths-Small Town America-Bob Davis Podcast 789

To hear Der Spiegel tell it, Fergus Falls, Minnesota is a very special place these days. The town on Minnesota’s prairie is in a deep forest. A city manager carries a gun. The local high school sports iron doors and metal detectors. Moreover the mouth breathing savages that inhabit this place all voted for Trump. Learn more in Media Lies-Travel Truths-Small Town America-Bob Davis Podcast 789.

All Lies

The most noteworthy thing about this story is the fact that it is a complete fabrication. To Der Spiegel’s credit, the magazine is sending a reporter to Fergus Falls.

This time to apologize.

Dark and Dangerous Rural America

Sadly often media lies tell us more truth about biases than their coverage. Especially relevant are the new storylines about the mysterious and the mystical “rural America”. Land of republicans and Trump supporters. Dark and Dangerous. Well spring of public radio’s murder mystery podcasts. Source of the angry and red faced nationalist republican.

Small Town America

Truth is rural America is just as difficult to report on and explain as any urban center. We’ll talk about it in Media Lies-Travel Truths-Small Town America-Bob Davis Podcast 789.

Travel Is The Antidote

More importantly, travel is the antidote for the half truths and fairy tales of the media. I have traveled back and forth across this country, east to west, west to east and north to south many times. There are places I have missed but in thousands of miles of travel over the past few years, I have learned a great deal.

The New Nomads

Moreover many people have taken to converted school buses, RV’s and even Ambulances in search of their own version of America. Here’s to them.

Have A Cup Of Joe

In small towns across the US dedicated to ranching, farming, and mining people aren’t just going to walk up to you and tell you their life stories. Simple observation won’t tell you their stories either. Travel takes you through but you have to stop. Have a cup of Joe and talk to people. Get to know them over time.

Sometimes Working Together…Sometimes Not…Just Like The Big Cities

Finally what I’ve found in these places are all kinds of people living and working together. In some places things are better than in others. Reasons for decline or improvement are often elusive, even to the locals. Whether it’s a mining town or a farm town.

Politics Doesn’t Make The Man or The Town

In conclusion, I am sick to death of reporters telling us politics determines whether we are red or blue. These things don’t take the measure of the people who live in a town, large or small.

Coast To Coast and Back Again

Join me for Media Lies-Travel Truths-Small Town America-Bob Davis Podcast 789. Hear the sounds of some of the places I have visited over the last few years, from a hound dog in Mendocino, California to the total eclipse in Makanda Illinois, and finally overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the coast highway.

I’ve got a few stories of my own to tell.

Sponsored by Reliafund Payment Processors, John D. Scott Personal Injury Lawyer and Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul

Media Lies-Travel Truths-Small Town America-Bob Davis Podcast 789

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General Motors Plant Closings Ruin Trump’s Day-Bob Davis Podcast 783

General Motors announced deep job cuts and plant closings recently. President Trump got angry. Find out what the real story is in General Motors Plant Closings Ruin Trump’s Day-Bob Davis Podcast 783.

Thousands Laid Off On Cyber Monday

Thousands laid off. Plants closed. People in Michigan and Ohio stunned. Now Trump is threatening the pull US Subsidies for Car Companies. See how it played out on Cable News here.

GM Says Cars Aren’t Selling

Most workers in Michigan and Ohio wanted to know why. GM says the Chevy Volt, Cruze, Impala, Buick LaCrosse and the Cadillac XTS aren’t selling.

Everyone Is Mad

Workers, unions and consumers are mad. So is the president. Most noteworthy are the taxpayers on the hook for billions in borrowed money to bail out the auto companies.

Can The Mighty Trump Fix It?

Moreover it’s the government’s job to create jobs and make sure we make what we consume in the US. Right? That was Trump’s campaign message to voters in Ohio, Michigan in Wisconsin. But, Trump represents a new “Republican Conservatism“, right? Learn more in General Motors Plant Closings Ruin Trump’s Day-Bob Davis Podcast 783.

A New Day For Republicans

It’s a new day. These days Wisconsin spends four billion dollars to create thirty thousand jobs. Trump can force Carrier to keep a plant in Indiana open.

The same plant that just announced 200 job cuts.

Obama’s Fault?

“It’s Obama’s Fault” say social media conservatives. Which president and which party urged bipartisan action to bail out the automakers? The answer is most noteworthy. To find out, download General Motors Plant Closings Ruin Trump’s Day-Bob Davis Podcast 783.

Bail Outs and Picking Winners

Finally, do conservatives believe the government should use tax dollars to bailout companies that are failing? What about higher taxes on companies as well as trading partners overseas? Furthermore do republicans believe the government should borrow money to subsidize plants for Elon Musk? Or stadia and other local building projects in cities?

In conclusion we can only wonder where all this leads. Isn’t it more like Italy in the 1920’s than the liberty and freedom we associate with the United States? That is a question especially for republicans?

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General Motors Plant Closings Ruin Trump’s Day-Bob Davis Podcast 783

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Riding Out Thanksgiving 2018-Getting Through-Bob Davis Podcast 779

When was the last time you fell to your knees and thanked God for survival? How about some history you might not have heard and some ideas for riding out the most commercial of all US Holidays in Riding Out Thanksgiving 2018-Getting Through-Bob Davis Podcast 779.

The Perfect Thanksgiving

We have all seen images of the perfect Thanksgiving. Or the Pilgrims and Indians back in the day. Truth is, those images aren’t quite the real thing.

Back To Holland In The Day

Days of Thanksgiving occur in many different countries. As far as the United States is concerned its especially relevant that our thanksgiving dates back to Holland in the time before the Pilgrims came to the new world.

Giving Thanks Was Kind Of A Thing

Moreover there were at least two settlements in the New World that followed the custom of giving thanks, and not just at the end of the harvest. One in Virginia and another in New England. Early settlers were expressing their gratitude for making it through a year in a barren new land, alive. (Editor’s Note: I mention New England in this context and of course I am talking about Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts).

Modern Consumption Makes 1950’s Look Tame

These days there is so much focus on consumption even the 1950’s Norman Rockwell images seem quaint. Nope. Thanksgiving is a day for drinking, eating, arguing politics and watching football. The entire three-day weekend is for shopping. At least that’s how the media sees it.

Lincoln and Roosevelt…Civil War and Depression

President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving to be a national holiday at the end of the Civil War. President Roosevelt created our modern holiday in an effort to stimulate business.

Farm Life No More

There was a time when most of the US was down on the farm. We lived in small towns. We were focused on farming. There’s a rhythm to that kind of life. Many our thanksgiving myths date back to those days.

How To Argue Politics, Fighting For The Deal, and Drunksgiving

Modern life is in contrast to the picture of abundance of the 1950’s. The media is full of advice about how to argue politics, stories of broken families, fighting at the retailers ahead of ‘black Friday’. Even something called ‘Drunksgiving‘ has been added to the festive atmosphere of what started out as a religious observance.

Take This Year Off

Finally with the roads choked and the airports jammed, I have decided to take this year off. Maybe that’s the best advice of all.

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Riding Out Thanksgiving 2018-Getting Through-Bob Davis Podcast 779

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Surviving Winter-Minnesota Winter-Tips-Bob Davis Podcast 775

Winter starts on December 22nd. In my neck of the woods it’s already cold and snowing. Time for some most noteworthy ideas about getting through the darkness in Surviving Winter-Minnesota Winter-Tips-Bob Davis Podcast 775.

From Deer Hunting to Ice Fishing

I am not a fan of the season. Some are. Deer Hunting. Ice Fishing. The usual. Minnesota winters are long. Lasting from November through to April. Oh yeah. March is the snowiest month, supposedly. These days it needs to be said. Winter in the Great Northwest is a psychological and physical challenge. Even for you folks in Alaska, half the time it’s colder in Minnesota than Fairbanks in the winter.

When The Going Gets Tough

Yes people from the northern tier of the United States pride themselves on ‘getting through’ the winter. How? Many leave. That’s right. When the going gets tough the tough head to the Caribbean, Mexico and other places that are warmer than Florida and Arizona in the winter. Learn more in Surviving Winter-Minnesota Winter-Tips-Bob Davis Podcast 775.

Get Hot

If you’re stuck here then you do the next best thing. Hot Yoga The hotter the better. During the dead of winter when there is no light, hanging out in rooms warmed up to 105 degrees with 40 percent humidity is as close as it gets to the beach. Of course there’s always the famous immersion into the summer sounds from The Bob Davis Podcasts.

Get Out

Others opt for winter vacations. Skiing. Usually in Colorado, Montana, Wyoming or Idaho. Especially relevant here is skiers from California often comment on how cold Idaho is in December and January. Truth is to Upper Midwesterners its considerably warmer and sunnier than home out west in the early winter months.

Hunker Down

Most of us just hunker down. If you can’t afford some exotic getaway then you’re stuck here.

Beached Whales

Eating is key. I’ll tell you about the best suggestions for what to eat to stay warm without ending up as a beached whale when the sun finally comes out. Moreover some ideas about how to avoid the pitfalls of feel-good social events which revolve around…food.

What To Wear

Above all what do we wear? Certainly coats, gloves and hats, but which ones? Not everyone can afford NorthFace. Even more I’ll tell you where to go to get the good stuff.

Driving

In conclusion there’s really only one more subject that is key. Driving. Almost as an afterthought I have to review to do’s and don’ts of winter driving. Especially in the early weeks of the cold and ice, otherwise tough Upper Midwesterners make some of the dumbest mistakes on the road.

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Surviving Winter-Minnesota Winter-Tips-Bob Davis Podcast 775

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Real Time 2018 Election Results-Live-Bob Davis Podcast 774

These days election results in real time without BS is a tall order. Experience the results in real time with me in Real Time 2018 Election Results-Live-Bob Davis Podcast 774.

Working America Into A Froth

It’s especially relevant how the media and politicians managed to work most of America into a froth for this election. Democrats regained control of the House of Representatives. Republicans did better than predicted in the Senate. The GOP also managed to surprise in a couple of governor’s races.

How Predictions Stack Up To Results

It’s Most noteworthy how results stacked up to the predictions. I see it this way. Democrats managed to cobble together a few pick ups in house races here and there into a majority. Republicans could have prevented some of these losses. What happened? How could the GOP manage to increase it’s majority in the senate but lose it in the house?

Minnesota Republicans Got The 8th District As Consolation Prize

Moreover for my Minnesota subscribers and listeners, there were major losses for incumbent republicans in the 2nd and 3rd House districts, all the statewide races and the state legislature. The consolation was one of the few republican pick ups in the House is Minnesota’s 8th district.

Blue Wave?

Was it a blue wave? My analysis says no. Democrats won some hard fought victories in key house races to control the house but they failed to win key governor’s races and lost ground in the Senate. More details in Real Time 2018 Election Results-Live-Bob Davis Podcast 774.

Some Outcomes Still Out

I am still waiting on the outcome of key races. Just learning the Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has lost his bid for a third term, and waiting for some House races, Senate bids in Arizona and Montana. In coming days there will be plenty of post analysis, celebration and blame to go around.

Hard Drives Humming and Pizza

In conclusion there’s still something about a quiet night at the Broadcast Bunker. Results came from the Internet. The hum of hard drives and processors kept me company.

(Editor’s Note: A late development Monday in Minnesota. Republicans can add another pick up with Jim Hagedorn’s victory in Southern Minnesota’s 1st District. Minnesota republicans managed to lose all the statewide races and the state House of Representatives, making victories in the 8th and 1st even more bittersweet.)

And we had pizza

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Real Time 2018 Election Results-Live-Bob Davis Podcast 774

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Final Approach-Lock Down-Election 2018-Bob Davis Podcast 773

These days everyone on the air everywhere seems hell bent for leather to predict the future. Moreover they’re also often partisan commentators. In this final podcast before the election, what to look for on election night. Get details in Final Approach-Lock Down-Election 2018-Bob Davis Podcast 773.

No Predictions

I don’t do predictions. For the purposes of election coverage at The Bob Davis Podcasts, I don’t do partisanship.

Has Donald Trump Changed Politics?

For election 2018 I have two especially relevant questions. First, have the tactics of President Donald Trump changed American politics? Second, are the media’s predictions skewed? Get it all in Final Approach-Lock Down-Election 2018-Bob Davis Podcast 773.

Nine Podcasts Detailing Toss Up Races

I’ve done nine podcasts detailing the so called toss up races for House, Senate and Governors across the country. Listen to them here. These podcasts explain the media storyline which is that President Trump will lose the house, at the very least.

Democrats Need 26 Wins

Democrats need to win at least 26 seats in order to take back the house. With over 60 toss up races, according to some analysts the storyline that there will be a change in House leadership is easily sold. Moreover taking back the Senate will be even more difficult. In Final Approach-Lock Down-Election 2018-Bob Davis Podcast 773 I explain why it might not be that easy.

Decide For Yourself

Finally if you’re watching TV on election night you need to know what to look for so you can decide for yourself what the chances of a change in House or Senate leadership is a possible outcome.

No Polling Bad Polling

Truth is many ‘toss up’ classifications for House elections across the country don’t even have polling to back it up. What’s more what polling exists is either spotty, dated, to skewed. I explain why, where and how in Final Approach-Lock Down-Election 2018-Bob Davis Podcast 773.

What To Watch For In Each Time Zone On Election Night

Working our way west from Virginia and Florida, to the central and mountain time zones, all the way to the Pacific, I take a look at the headline elections. House, Senate and Governors. What will pick ups or holds for either mainline political party mean for the final tally?

Minnesota May Tell The Story

In conclusion I don’t know which way this election will turn but I can tell you what to look for as it happens. Listeners and Subscribers in Minnesota will be especially interested in the part of the podcast that deals with the Land Of Ten Thousand Lakes, because Minnesota has at least four nail biter elections, on which control of the House at least could rest.

Finally there are over one hundred ballot measures which could effect voter turn out in some key states. For a complete state by state list, go here.

(Editor’s Note: Another number thrown about for Democrat control of the House is 23. My calculations say they need 25 seats. Some say 26 to cement control of the chamber. For political watchers, if Democrats gain up to 23 seats before the end of the night on November 6th 2018, a majority is pretty much guaranteed at that point).

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Final Approach-Lock Down-Election 2018-Bob Davis Podcast 773

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Fireside Election Update-2018 Races Tighten-Bob Davis Podcast 769

Is the media is setting America up for another surprise on election night 2018? Learn more in Fireside Election Update-2018 Races Tighten-Bob Davis Podcast 769.

A Podcast Series On The Elections

I did a series of nine podcasts examining most of the toss up elections for 2018. To hear them go here. These days it amazes me that a lowly local podcaster can conduct an analysis envisioning what media jackals will talk about in the future. In fact that is what has happened.

Blue Wave Theory Challenged

Especially relevant are several house and senate contests which were supposed to be part of the ‘blue wave theory’. Moreover what seemed like a win in a walk for democrats have now become hotly contested challenges. Find out why in Fireside Election Update-2018 Races Tighten-Bob Davis Podcast 769.

In addition I’ll tell you how I did that series on the toss ups and how you can do the same thing.

They Were Always Close Elections

I have said all along that these elections were going to be close. Now major news organizations like CBS, the New York Times, Fox News and even Politico are suggesting republicans could win the midterms. What happened? Find out in Fireside Election Update-2018 Races Tighten-Bob Davis Podcast 769.

Non Partisan Analysis

Finally my podcasts on the midterm elections have been non partisan. That is, I don’t pick sides and I don’t make predictions. Because the media is so committed to predicting the future, it is missing some key stories.

Talk About Issues and Concerns Fireside

What about so called Pivot Counties? Will an improving employment and economic picture in Ohio, Wisconsin, Texas and Florida influence votes? What about traditional voting patterns in midterms? What about traditional advantages for the democratic party? All that and more in Fireside Election Update-2018 Races Tighten-Bob Davis Podcast 769.

In conclusion, by all means work for your party and your candidate. And vote.

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Fireside Election Update-2018 Races Tighten-Bob Davis Podcast 769

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Toss Up House Elections 2018-Part 3-Minnesota-Podcast 755

A series of podcasts dedicated to the so called toss up races for the Senate, Governors and House in 2018’s Midterm Election. Most notable in Part 3 are Minnesota’s toss ups. Find out why in Toss Up House Elections 2018-Part 3-Minnesota-Podcast 755.

Dive Deep

These days podcasters can dive deep by doing a series of podcasts on one subject. One of my missions at the Bob Davis Podcasts is to provide the antidote to the prattling and predictions.

So I am diving deep!

What IS a Toss Up?

It’s especially relevant that I am reviewing the data and details about states and districts for this series. One of my takeaways is what political scientists and commentators view as a toss up is entirely up to their judgement.

One man’s toss up is another man’s lean republican, or lean democrat.

Story Lines Are Click Bait and Influence Voters

My issue is these predictions create their own story lines. These ‘predictions’ can influence voters negatively.

This Year’s Story Line

This year the story line is republicans will lose the House and Senate and some Governorships because of the antics of President Donald Trump. Is this true?

Learn more in Toss Up House Elections 2018-Part 3-Minnesota-Podcast 755.

Minnesota Center Stage

In 2018 Minnesotans elect a Governor, two Senators and eight Congressman. There are also contested statewide races like Attorney General and State Auditor. Moreover Senator Tina Smith is running in her first election after Governor Dayton appointed her to the Senate. We have a lot going on in our state.

Finally so called experts say there are four toss up races in Minnesota this year. Two democrat and two traditionally republican House districts.

Find out if I think it is true in Toss Up House Elections 2018-Part 3-Minnesota-Podcast 755.

No Predictions No Partisanship

In conclusion I don’t make predictions or try to make the data ‘lean’ on way or another. I don’t make judgements based on rumors in these districts. I give you the existing data on the district and let you make your own prediction.

Listen To This Series. Know What To Watch For On Election Night

Bottom line, if you listen to this series of podcasts on election night, you’ll know where to look and what races to watch to make an informed prediction about the election’s outcome and what it may or may not mean.

(Editor’s Note: Heads up if you’re using Ballotpedia to check presidential voting stats for individual house districts. One set of data in particular has caused problems for me. A drop down chart purporting to show house election results by HOUSE district is in fact by STATE HOUSE district, In the case of the second district this showed a huge advantage for Trump. It is only in state HOUSE districts, apparently and not overall. A similar chart from the Daily Koz, ON the Daily Koz shows actual house districts and a much closer result. Still a win for Trump in the 2nd in 2016. Despite this update, I still feel the toss up race in 2018 will be in Minnesota’s 3rd district. I did not use this data set for every house race. I don’t think it changes whether a district leans one way or another or is a toss up since I based my analysis on other factors.)

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Toss Up House Elections 2018-Part 3-Minnesota-Podcast 755

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Toss Up House Elections 2018 Part 2-Bob Davis Podcast 754

Second in a series of podcasts detailing the so called toss up races in the 2018 midterm elections. Most noteworthy here are my observations about whether many of these elections are actually toss ups. Find out why I say this in Toss Up House Elections 2018 Part 2-Bob Davis Podcast 754.

Trump’s Future Hangs In The Balance

From Iowa, to Illinois. Kansas to Kentucky in this podcast you’ll find out why the media says the future of Donald Trump’s administration hangs in the balance. You’ll also find out whether the predicted ‘blue wave’ could be reality. Or not.

Details Without Partisanship

As I have said many times, one of the things our media loves to do these days is predict the future, The reason I am producing this series of podcasts is to give you the existing conditions in each of these districts without partisan comment or predictions. This series includes the Senate toss ups, and the Governor’s toss ups and part one of the house toss ups.

How Close Are They?

How close is the race in Illinois’ northwestern suburbs that make up the 6th district? What about all the predictions about 12th district which stretches from the working class Saint Louis suburbs across the river, all the way to the southern tip of the Land of Lincoln? Especially relevant here are predictions about Kentucky’s 6th district, which the president won by 17 points. When a candidate for president wins a state by over twenty points, is there a potential for backlash? Learn more in Toss Up House Elections 2018 Part 2-Bob Davis Podcast 754.

Telling The Voter What’s Going To Happen Before The Vote

These days it doesn’t matter whether you’re on network television or You Tube. If you have a national talk radio show or are a podcaster. Everyone wants to tell the voter what’s going to happen before it happens. If you listen to this series of my podcasts you’ll know the situation in these districts. You’ll know what races to watch on election night.

What IS The Situation?

Once the voters decides for themselves who their voting for on election night, they can sit back and watch the results knowing what races to look for. Why? Because someone looked at all the key races and without partisanship or rancor laid out what the situation is.

Fortune Tellers

Finally, many of these districts have no polling unless its done by partisan groups or political parties. Predictions are being made based on the 2016 election or because one party or another said they were ‘targeting’ that race. In conclusion our politics are too fluid for political fortune tellers to be accurate.

Sponsored by John D Scott Personal Injury Lawyer and Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul

Toss Up House Elections 2018 Part 2-Bob Davis Podcast 754

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2018 Governors Toss Up Races-Polls-Bob Davis Podcast 752

Most people these days don’t dial into elections until after Labor Day. I’m doing a series of podcasts to get you updated on all the so called ‘toss up’ races. Learn more about the Governor’s races in 2018 Governors Toss Up Races-Polls-Bob Davis Podcast 752.

Old Saws Predict Races?

Moreover pundits and statisticians are hell bent for leather to tell you who’s going to win every race. Most noteworthy are the ‘old saws’ of politics. Predictions based on truisms and sayings.

You’re Right Until You’re Wrong

Maybe these old ways of predicting outcomes combined with new data are right. My experience is, they’re right until they’re wrong. I’ll explain in 2018 Governors Toss Up Races-Polls-Bob Davis Podcast 752.

Let The People Decide

Also I believe people should be able to make decisions about who they think is going to win, and who to vote for, without being told who’s going to win three months before election day. Wouldn’t you like to hear some information about this elections without someone telling you who’s going to win? That’s what I do in 2018 Governors Toss Up Races-Polls-Bob Davis Podcast 752.

Local Or National?

For example we’re told that national issues are driving all the races in the 2018 Midterm Elections. Is this true? Or is it possible local issues may be central? In some states taxes and budgets. In others, mining vs environment and business versus agriculture.

States Are Bigger Than You Think

One thing I’ve learned traveling back and forth across this country on two lane roads is the individual states of these United States are very diverse and a lot larger than they look on a map. How does this fact impact the race? Find out in 2018 Governors Toss Up Races-Polls-Bob Davis Podcast 752.

Too Close To Call? Check Again

Finally how many of these races are actually ‘toss ups’. How many contests between gubernatorial candidates really are too close to call? You might be surprised at the answer.