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

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.)

Sponsored by The Water Butler Water Purification Systems and John D Scott Personal Injury Lawyer

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

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

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.

Red or Blue May Not Be

In conclusion the experts say the number of states under partisan party control is important. States are either ‘blue’ or ‘red’. Are all republicans and democrats created equal? Or is the truth somewhere in the middle?

Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul

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

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2018 Senate Toss Up Races-Polls-Bob Davis Podcast 751

2018 Senate Toss Up Races-Polls-Bob Davis Podcast 751

These days political coverage turns elections into sporting events. My mission is to provide political coverage without making predictions. Let’s start with the Senate in 2018 Senate Toss Up Races-Polls-Bob Davis Podcast 751.

November 6th 2018

First of all throughout this podcast I refer to election day as November 7th 2018. In fact it’s November 6th, 2018. Until election day, many of the questions people have about outcomes will remain unanswered. I’ll tell you why.

Statewide Races

Furthermore commentators love to make national predictions. It’s important to remember these are individual state elections. Despite efforts by the media to make you think these are national elections, they aren’t. They’re local elections. Find out more in 2018 Senate Toss Up Races-Polls-Bob Davis Podcast 751.

The Stakes Are High

Especially relevant are the stakes. The future of Donald Trump’s presidency is in the balance with these Midterm Elections regardless of the local and national issues driving them.  Much of the coverage of the 2018 midterm elections hinges on this truth.

Key Races

What it comes down to are about 6 or 7 key races in various states around the country. As we get closer to election day (November 6th 2018, by the way) the line up of so called toss up races might change.

Holding The Majority

Republicans currently hold 50 seats in the US Senate with one vacant seat. Democrats hold 48. 2 Independents caucus with democrats giving them 49 votes potentially. With Vice President Mike Pence, the republicans can count on a 51 seat majority.

Arizona’s governor will appoint a replacement for the late John McCain, giving the republicans a potential 52 vote majority.

Will republicans hold that majority?

Making Useless Predictions

Finally I am so tired of hearing these know it alls making predictions based on primary vote results and conventional wisdom. As you’ll hear in 2018 Senate Toss Up Races-Polls-Bob Davis Podcast 751 polling is pretty thin in some key races. It’s about time someone covered the story without telling you who’s going to win.

Trump’s Twitter Feed

In conclusion we’ll cover about 7 senate races worth talking about. Will the president’s twitter feed and rally machine help republicans or hurt them?

As far as predictions, I remember a sports writer’s response when I asked him which team was going to win the big game Sunday. He said “That’s why we play the game!”

Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating Of Saint Paul

2018 Senate Toss Up Races-Polls-Bob Davis Podcast 751

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Real Machinery Hill-Pioneer Power Show-Bob Davis Podcast 749

Real Machinery Hill-Pioneer Power Show-Bob Davis Podcast 749

In my line of work every now and then you come across something amazing. I spent a weekend at the Pioneer Power Show and had a blast. Check it out in Real Machinery Hill-Pioneer Power Show-Bob Davis Podcast 749.

Living History

If you want to see living history the Pioneer Power Show is the place.

Every development in farming technology is represented here.

Back Breaking Work Brute Strength

Most noteworthy more than a century ago brute strength powered the farm. Men and animals cleared land, planted crops and harvested. Mechanization of the farm was a revolution for farmers and consumers.

Steam Power Revolution

Portable Steam power represented a revolution in agriculture starting in the 1870’s. As a result of steam power farmers could do more.

Today’s Tech Is Invisible

These days we tend to ignore the impact of technology because we can’t see it working. Steam was a huge source of motive power in America a hundred years ago. Gas and diesel eventually replaced steam and those developments are at the show but you can’t miss the huge, belching steam engines.

Hear the steam engines. Meet the people who work on them. Learn how they were built and how they worked in Real Machinery Hill-Pioneer Power Show-Bob Davis Podcast 749.

Anger Emotion And Loss

Finally a personal note. I find emotions like anger and the feeling of loss at the root of what is going on in this country today. Everyday it gets harder and harder to shout into the noise. Furthermore advancing the story or thinking on almost any issue is just about impossible.

There’s Still An America with Passion and Character

In conclusion I have learned finding and talking to people doing something they love and learning while they do it is a powerful reminder that whatever is wrong won’t be wrong forever. Especially relevant is the character of people doing something they love, teaching others about it, and having fun while they do it.

Thanks to everyone at the Le Sueur, Minnesota Pioneer Power Show for a great weekend.

Sponsored by John D Scott Personal Injury Lawyer at Hoffman Hamer and Associates and Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul

(Editor’s Note: In this podcast I suggest the first steam engine was made in 1867, and I am referring specifically to portable steam power for farming and other uses. Obviously the steam engine was invented many decades before 1867.)

Real Machinery Hill-Pioneer Power Show-Bob Davis Podcast 749

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Organic Farming Builds Community-Gentleman Farmer-Podcast 743

Organic Farming Builds Community-Gentleman Farmer-Podcast 743

These days people of all ages dream of traveling the country in an RV or having their own little farm. A trip to Western Wisconsin ended up in a great podcast with a good friend. Check it out in Organic Farming Builds Community-Gentleman Farmer-Podcast 743.

Everyone Loves Super Fresh Produce

Moreover my gentleman farmer friend showed me how growing better food on a small plot helps build a community. Seems like everyone loves to help because everyone loves super fresh organic produce. Broccoli so soft you only need to heat it. Tomatoes that locals refer to as ‘crack’. Basil so fresh if you take it home and put it in a glass of water it will grow roots.

It Takes Work

It isn’t easy though. Most noteworthy is the amount of physical work that my gentleman farmer friend has to put in. Any help from locals is always welcome and locals seem most interested and eager to be part of it.

Friends and Neighbors Put Together An Organic Farm

After years in the corporate world and as a business owner my gentleman farmer collaborated with some associates and friends, and bought a plot of land with some buildings. The plan for the farm slowly emerged after consulting with friends and neighbors. Hear the whole story in Organic Farming Builds Community-Gentleman Farmer-Podcast 743.

Business of Farming Is Changing

When it comes to the business of farming these days, there is a lot of controversy. Tariffs. Trade Wars. Farm subsidies. Farmers working thousands of acres have different challenges in feeding the world than gentleman farmers. Rather than criticize what some like to call ‘real farmers’, the Gentleman Farmer says the challenges are probably different.

Sometimes You Have To Change

While bigger farms feed the world, in contrast locally grown organic produce and other products can be a cash crop. As the old marketing sage says, “Sometimes it’s necessary to change the way you do things to compete.” In addition my friend’s vision includes components of more community and opportunity.

A beautiful day in mid summer in Western Wisconsin, on the farm. People coming to visit. Coffee and conversation. And napping.

Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul

Organic Farming Builds Community-Gentleman Farmer-Podcast 743

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World Survives Eclipse-Western Wisconsin Road Trip-Podcast 742

World Survives Eclipse-Western Wisconsin Road Trip-Podcast 742

Sometimes an eclipse is just an eclipse. Friday’s ‘Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse‘ did not destroy the world as predicted. These days someone needs to keep track of the soothsayers! We’ll talk about it in World Survives Eclipse-Western Wisconsin Road Trip-Podcast 742.

Best Economic Growth Ever!

Friday also marked the release of first quarter Gross Domestic Product numbers. To hear the president tell it, 4.1 percent economic growth is historic. Hear my take on the first blush of reporting on the good economic news in World Survives Eclipse-Western Wisconsin Road Trip-Podcast 742.

Does It Matter?

On a desolate lake road in Western Wisconsin at midnight, in the full moonlight, one wonders whether any of that matters anyway! What’s more the silence here in the middle of nowhere is incredible.

No Rules No Prep

I took a short road trip to what we like to call “God’s Country” to talk about organic farming. I’ll take that up in the next podcast. Every now and then I have to do walk and talk podcasts. No rules. No Prep. I call these ‘consolidation podcasts’.

A Midnight Walk Is Good For Making Sense Of It All

Because things seem to happen so frequently, following the news can be a head spinner. I do these walk and talk podcasts, usually at midnight, to try to make sense of it all.

News Flash! World Doesn’t End!

Furthermore last week the boomers were predicting the end of the world after the big eclipse. On top of that we are whipsawed by reactive coverage of the news. Getting subscribers and listeners to the Bob Davis Podcasts on track at the beginning of the week is one of my missions.

Good News Is Good News

Most noteworthy for this podcast is the release of the new economic data. 4.1 percent GDP growth in a single quarter is not unprecedented or even historic. It is good news. The key here is what caused the growth? Moreover is the growth sustainable?

Finding Truth At Midnight

In conclusion this week you may hear a lot of chatter about the economic numbers. Due to partisanship equal amount of chatter passing for ‘analysis’ will be negative and positive. Above all listeners wonder what to look for to find information without partisanship.

Sometimes you find a little bit of truth on a quiet country road in the mist and moonlight!

Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating of Saint Paul

World Survives Eclipse-Western Wisconsin Road Trip-Podcast 742

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Travel Stories-Regional Differences Across America-2018 Primer-Podcast 703

Travel Stories-Regional Differences Across America-2018 Primer-Podcast 703

These days the we see the US from a bird’s eye view. Americans eat the same kind of food. Listen to the same kind of music. Dress the same. Look the same. Right? Not really. Find out why in Travel Stories-Regional Differences Across America-2018 Primer-Podcast 703.

Media Says We’re One People

One people, one culture. That’s what they say on TV. Furthermore, news ratings depend on selling the myth that we’re all the same. We’re supposed to be nine or eleven ‘nations’ of North America. Or as ‘The Fourth Turning’ says, behavior can be predicted by our generation, or where we are from.

Except that isn’t true. Never has been.

Travel Teaches How Real Differences Work

I’ve been up and down both coasts. Crisscrossed the midwest. Toured the west from the Mile High City to Las Cruces. I’ve been up and down Skyline Drive and the birthplace of country music in Bristol. I can tell you from experience there are some real differences in Americans. It’s what makes this country great. In Travel Stories-Regional Differences Across America-2018 Primer-Podcast 703.

Big Assed States

First of all, these fifty states are geographically imposing. Even the so called ‘little’ states in New England are big. Each of them have regional differences that can play out politically in some significant ways.

Different Places Different People

Moreover the personality of these states depends on the settlers. When did they come? Who were they? Why did they come? Where did they come from. What ideas and culture did they bring with them?

Regional Differences

One of the things I hear a lot these days is, “Why can’t they get it done?”. Or, why is a state so ‘liberal’ or ‘conservative’. Look closer and you might be surprised. Whatever ‘IT’ is. Part of the reason are the regional differences that might surprise you. Find out about them in Travel Stories-Regional Differences Across America-2018 Primer-Podcast 703.

Northern Minnesota Democrats who support 2nd Amendment rights. Conservative residents of Mountain West states like Colorado that supported legalizing marijuana. West Virginia republicans who want trade protection and aid for coal mines.

These differences are especially relevant when it comes to congressional districts.

All Politics Really Is Local

In conclusion, 2018 is an election year. All of congress. One third of the senate. State Legislatures and Governors. Judges and special elections. The pundits, the media, and the parties will try to make it about national issues. More often though, when it comes to so called off-year cycles, all politics is local.

Sponsored by Ryan Plumbing and Heating and Ciro3D motorcycle products and accessories

Travel Stories-Regional Differences Across America-2018 Primer-Podcast 703

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Oprah Winfrey News-Golden Globes Speech-Presidential Run Talk-Podcast 692

Oprah Winfrey News-Golden Globes Speech-Presidential Run Talk-Podcast 692

Twenty million people watched the recent telecast of the 2017 Golden Globes Awards. Millions more searched for and watched clips of Oprah Winfrey’s now famous speech at the Globes. Will Oprah will run for president in 2020? In Oprah Winfrey News-Golden Globes Speech-Presidential Run Talk-Podcast 692.

TV Star Against TV Star

These days all the talk is about TV star turned president Donald Trump saying provocative things. Until the Golden Globes. Seems like the only kind of person who might have a chance to give him a run for his money would be another TV Star.

Oprah Hits Every Chord and Plays Them At A Higher Octave Than Trump’s Twitter Feed

Enter businesswomen and TV star Oprah Winfrey, accepting the lifetime achievement award at the 2017 Golden Globes. Winfrey’s speech hit every chord in American politics these days plus a few we haven’t heard. Much as the speech was political, it was positive too.

They’re Watching In The District Of Columbia

Consequently it’s no surprise the one of the places in the country ranking high for searches about Oprah Winfrey’s speech at the Golden Globes was the District of Columbia. Especially relevant now, is the question of what happens if she decides to run for president? In Oprah Winfrey News-Golden Globes Speech-Presidential Run Talk-Podcast 692.

Freedom Of Choice

We have the freedom of choice. Therefore a podcast about the political effects of an Oprah Winfrey run ought to take up the question from an objective point of view.

By State Searches Tell An Interesting Story

Most noteworthy are the latest search trends from Google by state. Oprah searches index high in battleground states won by the president in 2016, especially in the deep south. Some of those victories in 2016 for the president were by 1 and 2 percent margins.

Giving The President And Republicans The Fight Of Their Lives

In conclusion Oprah has shown she can play the populist chords at a higher octave than the president. Furthermore she has shown she can move crowds with emotion just as effectively as President Trump. Finally if she can withstand the pressures of a campaign to win the democratic nomination for president, she could give the president and republicans the fight of their lives.

(Editor’s Note: I said in this podcast Winfrey is ‘from Georgia’. In fact she was born in Mississippi, raised in Milwaukee Wisconsin, later being sent to live in Tennessee. She started her career at a radio station in Tennessee. The point here was to illustrate her connection with the south. I just got the state wrong. I hate that!)

Sponsored by Brush Studio and Ciro 3D Motorcycle Products and Accessories

Oprah Winfrey News-Golden Globes Speech-Presidential Run Talk-Podcast 692

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