Election 2020 and the Pulse of the Heartland
One week after the Iowa caucuses, analysts from across the region convened with the Council to discuss the role of the Midwest in the 2020 presidential election.
About This Event
Home to the Iowa caucuses and a host of critical swing states, the Midwest is poised to play a defining role in the 2020 presidential election. Candidates and strategists are studying the region closely, using the latest polling data to plan campaign stops, fine-tune messaging, and capture the political mood. Will global trends and economic forces-tariffs, immigration, climate change-motivate voters, or will local concerns and controversies influence the result? One week after the Iowa caucuses, analysts from across the region convene to take the election-year pulse of the heartland.
About the Speakers
John Austin
Former Nonresident Senior Fellow, Global Midwest
John Austin served as a nonresident senior fellow of Global Midwest at the Council, with expertise in global cities and North America. He spent 16 years in elected service on the Michigan State Board of Education, serving as president for six years. Currently, he directs the Michigan Economic Center, a center for ideas and network-building to advance Michigan’s economic transformation.
Midwest Correspondent, The Economist
Adam Roberts is the Midwest correspondent for The Economist covering politics, policy, and social affairs in America. Previously, he was the European Business and Finance correspondent based in Paris.
Molly Beck
State and Government Politics Reporter, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Shia Kapos
Author, POLITICO Illinois Playbook