Politics 2008 Archive

politics 2008 archive

Talking Politics from KBIA News brings you a weekly look at politics in Missouri. This program presents stories from the political arena. Hosted by Sara Wittmeyer.

Click here for a link to Jason Rosenbaum's political blog. Rosenbaum is a capitol reporter and regular commentator on Talking Politics.

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12/16/08 We talk with 25th District State Representative Mary Still. And, former Columbia Tribune government reporter Jason Rosenbaum weighs in on the Governor Blagojevich scandal. Hosted by KBIA's Robby Berlin.

12/9/08 A conversation with 24th District Representative Elect Chris Kelly and response from former Hillary Clinton Superdelegates about her selection as the next Secretary of State. Hosted by KBIA's Robby Berlin.

12/02/08 State senator-elect Kurt Schaefer joins KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer in-studio to talk about his upcoming inauguration. Schaefer defeated Democrat Chuck Graham in Novemeber. Hosted by KBIA's Robby Berlin.
Web Extra: Click here to hear the complete audio of our interview with Kurt Schaefer.

11/25/08 Jason Rosenbaum is the state government reporter for The Columbia Daily Tribune. His last day at the paper is Wednesday. In this show he sits down with KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer to discuss his plans for the future, and what he'd consider doing if he could no longer cover politics. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

11/18/08 Missouri's governor-elect Jay Nixon announced his first cabinet pick, Kelvin Simmons, at a press conference on Monday. We bring you that audio. And, Missouri remains the only state to have an inconclusive presidential result. One blue county stands out among the rural red, tiny Iron County. From Cape Girardeau, Jacob McCleland reports. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

11/11/08 There’s still one state where voters haven’t made their pick for the next President of the United States. Missouri, the bellwether of the nation, is still undecided. And, commentator Terry Smith has made a lot of predictions this election season. He goes through them all tonight in Mr. Smith Talks to Washington. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

11/4/08 Missouri is a swing state and politicians have been rallying through the state in an effort to sway voters who are still on the fence. KBIA’s Kevin Lewis reports. And, in Columbia some black voters turn out at the polls hoping to help one candidate make history. KBIA’s Juana Summers and Sophia Beausoleil report. In this week's Mr. Smith Talks to Washington, we hear Terry Smith's predictions for the results of various races. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

10/28/08 We profile the 21st District race. Republican Steve Hobbs is the incumbent. He’s running against Democrat Kelly Schultz. We invited both candidates to our studio to talk about their campaigns and their plans if elected. Steve Hobbs was unable to meet our request. Kelly Schultz joined us in studio. Also, commentator Terry Smith has made a lot of predictions this election season. He goes through them all in Mr. Smith Talks to Washington to see how he scores. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

10/21/08 We profile the candidates in the 25th District race. We talk with Democratic nominee Mary Still and with Republican nominee Ryan Asbridge, who's continuing to run for the seat despite preparing to be deployed. In Mr. Smith Talks to Washington, Terry Smith explains how the timing of the credit crisis is hurting John McCain’s campaign. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

Web Extra: Click here to hear the complete audio of our interview with Mary Still and here to hear the complete audio of our interview with Ryan Asbridge.

10/14/08 We profile the 24th District candidates, Democrat Chris Kelly and Republican Ed Robb. And in Mr. Smith Talks to Washington, Terry Smith breaks out his classic rock collection. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

Web Extra: Click here to hear the complete audio of our interview with Chris Kelly and here to hear the complete audio of our interview with Ed Robb.

10/7/08 The deadline for voter registration is Wednesday. KBIA's Carolina Astrain reports on the push to get young people to the polls. KBIA's Tyler Goetz reports on the 9th District race. And, in Mr. Smith Talks to Washington, Terry Smith grades the performances of Governor Sarah Palin and Senator Joe Biden in last week's debate. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

9/30/08 In this week's Talking Politics, we look at Monday's vote against President Bush's $700 billion financial bailout proposal. Also, KBIA's Beth Hoag talks with members of the political group Rednecks for Obama. And, in Mr. Smith Talks to Washington, Terry Smith looks at how the presidential candidates performed in their first debate. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

9/23/08 We look at Tuesday’s Senate hearing on President Bush’s $700 billion proposed bailout, and hear what some Missouri politicians are saying about the plan. In Mr. Smith Talks to Washington, Terry Smith looks ahead to the November election. He reports on who his political insiders say will win some of the most-contested races, including the race for the White House. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

9/16/08 The candidates for Missouri Governor debate on the University of Missouri campus. The debate included Republican Kenny Hulshof, Libertarian Andrew Finkenstadt, Constitution Party candidate Gregory Thompson, and Democrat Jay Nixon. In the second half of the show, we bring you "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington." Terry Smith looks at election polls and pollsters. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

9/09/08 Delaware Senator Joe Biden spoke a crowd of about 1000 people Tuesday in Columbia. We'll let you hear what they thought about his speech... and we go on the campaign trail with Barack Obama and John McCain. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

Click here for an audio slideshow of Biden's visit to Columbia produced by KBIA reporter Tanya Sneddon. After a brief speech he took audience questions and mingled with the crowd. Photos by Emily Coppel

Web Extra: In "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington" Terry Smith gives his thoughts on last week's Republican National Convention. Click here to listen.

9/02/08 We look at John McCain's Vice-Presidental pick and discuss some of the rumors flying around the Republican National Convention; and in "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington" Terry Smith weighs in on the DNC and RNC. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

8/26/08 U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill turned away from some of her core supporters, and one of the few other women in the US Senate, to back Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton. On Monday, McCaskill delivered a speech at the Democratic National Convention in hopes of bringing Clinton delegates into line behind Obama. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

8/19/08 A report with Mid-Missouri POW's about John McCain's military service and another installment of "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington." Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

8/5/08 Hot Weather affects turnout at the polls...a look at the two republicans facing off in the gubernatorial primary... and Mr. Smith Talks to Washington. Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

7/29/08 A teacher (B.J. Hill, pictured left) is walking across the country gathering comments to present to the next President.. and another installment of "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington." Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer.

7/22/08 Voter voices from a 9th District Congressional debate at Stephens College...and another installment of "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington." Hosted by KBIA's Sara Wittmeyer

7/15/08 The Race for the 9th Series continues with profiles of Tamara Millay and Justin Johnson...and, "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington."

Web Extra: Click here to hear the complete audio from the Republican candidates running for the 9th Congressional District during a debate at Stephens College, and here to hear from the Democrats.

7/8/08 A profile of two Ninth District Congressional candidates: Lyndon Bode and Bob Onder ...and "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington."

7/1/08 Ninth District Series continues profiling Blaine Luetkemeyer and Ken Jacob...and "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington."

6/24/08 Profiling 9th District U.S. Rep candidates Danie Moore and Steve Gaw ... and, "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington" about baseball and politics.

6/17/08 Profiling Judy Baker and Brock Olivo, two of the 9th District U.S. Rep candidates ... and, "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington."

6/10/08 A preview of the 9th District U.S. Rep race ... and, "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington" about the Vice Presidency.

6/3/08 The long Democratic primary season comes to a close ... but the question remains, when will the fight really be over?

5/27/08 Pastor Carroll Pickett presided over 95 executions as the death house chaplain at the Walls Prison in Huntsville, Texas. He ministers to prisoners on their last day before receiving the death penalty. Pickett is the subject of a documentary showing tomorrow night at the Newman Center.

Web extra: Jeff Stack's story about the death of Jim Chambers. Hear it in streaming audio.

5/20/08 A flurry of activity on the final day of the Missouri legislative session ... a look at the two Republicans and one Democrat vying for the governorship ... and in "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington," commentator Terry Smith continues a two-part series on the history of presidential primaries.

5/13/08 Missouri voters may need to show ID in future elections if a joint resolution makes its through the Senate. The proposed Photo ID law would amend the Missouri constitution and require voters to present some form of identification when they go to the polls. This is a story we first brought you about a month ago, but the resolution is facing a critical deadline this week if it is going to appear on the November ballot. We’ll have the latest on the measure coming up ...

Ethanol production is booming in Missouri. Lawmakers disagree on the degree this is affecting grocery prices but it is an ongoing debate especially as the cost of food continues to increase. We’ll have more just ahead ...

Presidential primaries have become a staple in the political landscape. In "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington," commentator Terry Smith begins a two-part series explaining the roots of the process.

5/6/08 A bill that would repeal Missouri's universal helmet law is making its way through the state legislature. The house passed the measure early last month and on May 1st it was placed on the senate's calendar. In the 1970s the federal government started offering state’s incentives to require all motorcycle drivers to wear helmets. Several states that enacted laws have since repealed them. For years, Missouri lawmakers have been trying to change the states universal helmet law into a partial one. The current proposed legislation would require only drivers and passengers under age 21 to wear a helmet. KBIA's Martin Winkler reports.

Indiana and North Carolina will hold their Democratic presidential primaries today. Some polls show Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama in a dead heat. In this week's "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington," commentator Terry Smith explains why the race is so tight and how it would be impossible for anyone to predict which candidate will get the nomination.

4/29/08 Democratic candidates running for Missouri's 25th District recently took part in a moderated forum. Candidates Sean Spence, Mary Still, and Bob Pund explained their stance on issues and how they plan to stand out from their opponents. KBIA's Martin Winkler reports...

The lone Republican in the race is Columbia resident Ryan Asbridge. He's a former Navy reserve intelligence officer and a teacher and coach. He says Republicans and Democrats all share the same fundamental goals. If elected, he says he will bring the parties together and improve the political climate in the House of Representatives.

Hillary Clinton has renewed momentum after her win last week in Pennsylvania. But it's still a tight race between the New York senator and her challenger Barack Obama. So both campaigns continue to press on... but at what expense to the Democratic Party? Commentator Terry Smith explains in this week's "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington."

4/22/08 Average citizens weren't the only ones who had to submit their finances to the government on April 15th. Candidates in Missouri running for the U.S. Ninth Congressional District seat and for State Representative in the 25th District reported their fundraising figures as well. KBIA's Brian Pellot has more.

There have been voter ID requirements statewide in Missouri since 1993, and in Boone County since the early 80s. But the issue of requiring additional identification to vote keeps coming up. KBIA's Mike Moreau reports...

Now the latest from the campaign trail... In this week's "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington," Terry Smith asks, "Are all of the presidential candidates out of touch with the working class?"

4/15/08 The Pew Center recently graded all the nation's state governments. This week in Talking Politics, we'll tell you how Missouri ranked...

And, in this week's "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington," it's the Beatles and politics. Terry Smith examines the connection between the two.

4/8/08 It's election day today and area voters are making decisions about the Columbia city council and board of education. There's also a proposed tax levy for the school district to be reckoned with. And voters in Jefferson City are deciding whether or not to repeal a prohibition on casino and riverboat gambling.

Our reporters started the day out in the rain and at the polls talking with voters, poll workers and volunteers.

We also caught up with county clerks across mid-Missouri to find out how they were preparing for the big day today, and what their expectations are.

4/1/08 Columbia voters will see two sewer bond issues on the April 8th ballot. One proposal is for the city of Columbia and the other is for Boone County. The county and the city are asking for the bonds to improve their systems to meet new federally mandated requirements. KBIA's Martin Winkler tells us what these two proposals could mean for Columbia and Boone County residents.

In this week's "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington," commentator Terry Smith examines the country's two-party system... and explains why third parties are generally weak.

3/25/08 There are five candidates running for three seats on the seven member Columbia School Board. Each of the candidates participated recently in an election forum. KBIA's Akiko Oda reports.

And in this week's "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington," Missouri as a bellwether state.

3/18/08 Columbia is divided into six council wards. In less than a month, voters in two of those wards will elect someone to represent their area. An incumbent candidate is running unopposed in the fifth ward, but in the first ward three opponents are challenging the incumbent. We'll introduce you to those running for a seat on city council.

And, in this week's "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington," Commentator Terry Smith looks at whether surrogates sling more mud than the candidates.

3/11/08 Columbia voters will see three issues on the April ballot. Two of them deal with sewer projects...and the other question is about a tax increase for the Columbia School District. KBIA's Akiko Oda has more...

Each year Missouri students travel to the State Capitol for a real life lesson in lobbying. It's called Student Advocacy Day. KBIA's Michael Moreau attended the event in Jefferson City and has this report...

Republicans are uniting behind Senator John McCain and his bid for the White House. Democrats, on the other hand, seem more divided than ever. In this week's "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington," Columbia College Professor and Dean Terry Smith asks what will happen if neither Hillary Clinton nor Barack Obama has a majority by the start of the Democratic National Convention.

3/4/08 Missouri politicians may face tougher restrictions as they try to raise money for their campaigns...

...Perhaps good news for drivers, lawmakers are considering legislation that would place additional restrictions on the amount of money communities can collect from speed traps.

Then finally in this week's "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington," it's rare that a politician makes the move from Capitol Hill to the White House, but now it seems likely that'll happen in the near future. Terry Smith has more in his weekly commentary.

2/26/08 Missouri Democrats are planning to caucus this week to choose delegates for the state convention.

A group of young people travel to the capitol to urge lawmakers to support a moratorium on executions ...

Finally, in this week's "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington," Terry Smith examines the Clinton family ...

2/19/08 After nearly a half century in power, Cuban president Fidel Castro is resigning. A local analyst explains what it means for the island, the United States, and Cuban refugees living in America.

Plus, a foreign policy expert comes to Columbia to talk about why he thinks the United States needs to focus on improving relations with Iran rather than making threats or considering a confrontation.

We'll also hear a new commentary from Terry Smith.

2/12/08 In this week's edition of Talking Politics we do a recap of Super Tuesday. Missouri is often looked at as a state that can help predict how the rest of the country will vote. But this year, Missouri's presidential primary was not clear cut. We look at the tight race between Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Then KBIA's Amy DiFrancesco checks in with the Missouri GOP. Austin Coates finds out how Mitt Romney's decision to suspend his campaign translates among voters who supported him.

And finally in "Mr. Smith Talks to Washington," analyst and commentator Terry Smith explains the new buzz word, "superdelegates."

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