In this week's episode of Snollygoster, Ohio's politics podcast from WOSU, Mike Thompson and Steve Brown gauge the growing 2020 Democratic presidential field through the eyes of a first-time voter.
Ohio State student Kevon Snodgrass is engaged in local politics. She joins the show to talk about what she likes and dislikes from some of the candidates who have their eyes on the White House.
Listen to Snollygoster on the WOSU Public Media mobile app, on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. And make sure to leave a rating and review!
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On this week's episode:
Youth Vote
So far, 18 Democrats have announced their candidacy, with U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan among the latest. The crowded field illustrates Democratic enthusiasm, while at the same time pitting older candidates versus young candidates, establishment candidates versus a new generation, and ultra-liberal versus moderate candidates.
Young voters are demanding a greater voice in this process, and so far it appears they are being heard. We talked with Snodgrass and other young voters at the Ohio Statehouse during Wednesday's "Advocacy Day" about what's most important to them, and the candidates best positioned to defeat President Trump.
Tensions Rise Over "Heartbeat Bill"
Ohio House lawmakers passed the “Heartbeat Bill” in a very tense debate with supporters on both sides of the argument Wednesday afternoon. The bill, which is one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the United State, was signed into law by Gov. Mike DeWine the next day.
Similar abortion bans signed into law in other states have been ruled unconstitutional. ACLU has already promised to sue Ohio, and the case could ultimately wind up in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Gambling Time
A pair of bills to legalize sports gambling in Ohio has been introduced by state lawmakers. One of the bills would make allow the gamblers to bet on the Cleveland Browns and other teams at the state’s casinos.
Another bill could allow grocery stores and other business to also take bets on sporting events.
Snollygoster Of The Week
Miramar, Fla. mayor and former Cincinnati Bengals practice squad player Wayne Messam is also running for president.
Miramar, population 400,000, is about the same size as Dayton and larger than South Bend, Ind. However, the city is run by the city manager, while the mayor is the recognized leader of the city for all ceremonial duties.
Over three elections, Messam has collected a total of 9,723 votes. That's just a tad less than the tens of millions needed to win the White House, but Messam has leveraged his candidacy into appearances on NPR's On Point, CNN and CBS.
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