Profs and Pints Online presents: “The Battle for Michigan,” a look at politics in a key swing state, with David Dulio, professor of political science and director of the Center for Civic Engagement at Oakland University.

In 2016 Donald Trump shocked many by breaking down the much-talked about “Blue Wall” that included states like Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania on his way to an Electoral College victory. In 2020, those states will likely again be key to both major party candidates for president.

Join David Dulio, an expert on Michigan politics, as he revisits key elements to Trump's razor-thin statewide victory there in 2016 and examines key dynamics at play in 2020. He’ll discuss data from 2016, including turnout and vote share, that shows the importance of differences in Michigan’s political geography and the impact of key strategic decisions made by the candidates’ campaigns.

The talk will examine a fascinating area in Michigan that was exceedingly important in 2016 and promises to be again in 2020: Macomb County, home to many members of the key voting bloc known as “Reagan Democrats.” Democratic pollster Stan Greenberg first coined the term based on in-depth research in Macomb County after the 1980 and 1984 elections, and the voter population that was key to Reagan’s victories in Michigan came back with a vengeance in 2016, helping Trump capture the state. They’ll be courted by both Trump and Biden in 2020, and could be deciding forces yet again.

Gaining a deeper understanding of the political landscape in Michigan leading up to Election Day 2020 will help you better assess the political dynamics and candidates’ prospects in other swing states.  (Ticket: $12. This talk will remain available in recorded form.)

Profs & Pints Online: The Battle for Michigan