2020 Election: Pandemic, economy, racial equality and a vacant Supreme Court seat
Princeton University political scientist Dr. Lauren A. Wright joins FOX 5's Marina Marraco on The Final 5.
After Breonna Taylor decision, what’s next
The decision to only charge one police officer in the Breonna Taylor case on charges unrelated to her shooting triggered vocal protests and violent outbursts in Louisville. But as tempers continue to rage, the question is, what changes could this spur in the nation’s legal system, especially in such a divided time? Young Voices senior contributor and Libertas Institute criminal justice policy analyst Molly Davis joined Jim on The Final 5 to offer some ideas.
Polls show partisan split on SCOTUS, but not as wide as thought
As national Democrats and Republicans continue posturing on the Supreme Court vacancy left by the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, there are still some surprises when it comes to ordinary voters and how it may affect their votes. Cliff Young from Ipsos Public Affairs joined Jim on the Final 5 to break down the latest from the pulse of the people, including whom Americans really trust when it comes to a COVID-19 vaccine.
SCOTUS battle shapes election in key battlegrounds
There was already a lot of attention being paid to swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio ahead of next month’s election. Now, the ongoing battle over confirming a replacement for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg could add an entirely new dimension to the election. Former Ohio Senate minority leader Capri Cafaro joined Jim on The Final 5 to explain what might matter most to voters.
Is the SCOTUS battle over already?
Senate Republicans say they already have the votes for a Supreme Court nominee that hasn’t even been chosen yet, but Democrats are vowing a fight anyway. With President Trump seemingly holding all of the cards en route to a third Supreme Court justice, Jim Copland from the Manhattan Institute joined Jim on The Final 5 to break down why it’s not a done deal just yet. Plus, they talk about the pros and cons of the top contenders for the high court, and why Democrats and Republicans see the back and forth as beneficial for their hopes of controlling the Senate come January.
Former Illinois Gov. on push to abolish death penalty
As a lawmaker in the 1970s, George Ryan voted to reinstate the death penalty in Illinois. But two decades later, as governor, he was faced with a dilemma over whether or not it was being applied equally and correctly. He joined Jim on The Final 5 to talk about what changed his mind, his time in federal prison, and his new book, “Until I Could He Sure.”
Stacey Abrams is 'All In'
She made national headlines for her narrow loss in a contentious race for Georgia governor fraught with controversy. Now, Stacey Abrams is taking her fight for election reform to television. The former lawmaker is the subject and producer of a new Amazon Prime Video documentary called 'All In: The Fight for Justice.' She joined Jim on The Final 5 with a preview, and why she believes it’s a fight worth pursuing.
Looking at RBG’s legacy
The passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has ignited a national conversation about her contributions to the high court as a reliably liberal voice and her oversized personality. Former U.S. Assistant District Attorney Alex Little and the editor of AboveTheLaw.com, Staci Zaretsky joined Jim on The Final 5 to look back on the life and legacy of only the second woman to ever serve on the high court.
The politics of playing football
With the Big Ten set to return to the field next month, what goes into making the decisions? And were politics at play? Sports analyst Eric Mitchell (tothepointtv.com) joined Jim to break down the decision and explain what could happen next in the world of college football.
AG Barr compares COVID-19 lockdowns to slavery
Attorney General William Barr took some flak for comparing the multitude of coronavirus-related lockdowns nationwide to slavery, as well as suggesting that some violent protesters should be charged with sedition. Still, while some support the Attorney General, Democratic strategist Michael Starr Hopkins says the messaging is way off. Plus, he tells Jim Lokay why the judiciary should play a major role in November’s election.
Who’s keeping tabs on the trucking industry?
A horrific truck crash in New Hampshire that killed 7 motorcyclists is bringing to the public’s attention the need for more reform when it comes to America’s trucking industry. Evan Allen from the Boston Globe investigated the gaps in the system, who is keeping track of potential dangers, and what can be improved nationwide. She joined Jim on The Final 5 to break down part of her 'Blindspot' investigation.
Military support for POTUS, plus reaction to peace deal
After a controversial article from The Atlantic that alleged President Trump insulted members of the military (and verified by several other media outlets,) hundreds of military leaders are voicing their support for the commander-in-chief. Combat vet Cory Mills joined Jim on The Final 5 to explain why he believes the military has his back, and how he believes the Mideast peace deal hammered out today will make a difference.
Dems sense opportunity in Georgia
No Democratic presidential candidate has won the state of Georgia since Bill Clinton in 1992, but with the White House on the ballot, plus two Senate seats, Democrats are focusing once again on the Peach State.Democratic strategist Titus Nichols joined Jim on The Final 5 to explain why.
From child stardom to crypto, why Brock Pierce sees opportunity in White House bid
Brock Pierce may best be known to Americans as a child actor with roles in Disney’s 'The Mighty Ducks' franchise and 'First Kid' opposite Sinbad, but since, he’s amassed significant wealth as a cryptocurrency advocate, and says his business acumen makes him well-suited to take on a new challenge: the Presidency. Pierce joined Jim on The Final 5 to explain why he’s running, in a campaign where he’s already achieved ballot access in 15 states.
Mental toughness in trying times
Between the pandemic, protest, riots, and the presidential election, these are trying times for all Americans, no matter their political preference. Mental toughness expert Eric Rittmeyer, author of 'The Emotional Marine: 68 Mental Toughness and Emotional Intelligence Secrets To Make Anyone Instantly Like You' joined Jim to explain what might be behind Americas divide, and how to cope.
Woodward book, COVID-19, and the 2020 effect
As the fallout continues from Bob Woodward’s yet-to-be-released book “Rage,” both sides are assessing the situation, as the President explains why he decided to approach the coronavirus pandemic in the way that he did. Democratic strategist Kevin Walling and Republican commentator Julio Rivera joined Jim on The Final 5 to break down what it all means, and the impact it could have on the 2020 election.
Pandemic changes the cost of campaigning for Trump, Biden
Even while most of the country is still under some sort of coronavirus-related restrictions, both Preisdent Trump and his Democratic challenger, former Vice President Joe Biden, continue their campaigns. But how they’re raising money has changed. Business Insider Senior Washington correspondent Dave Levinthal joined Jim on The Final 5 to break down the new numbers.
GOP strategist Joy Villa on The Final 5
GOP strategist Joy Villa joins FOX 5's Marina Marraco on The Final 5 to discuss the upcoming presidential election.
60 days until the election, but who’s counting?
In what happened been anything but a normal election cycle, a pandemic and racial unrest is punctuating the final two months of the presidential campaign. Siraj Hashmi and Dr. Jason Nichols of the podcast “The Balance” join Jim on The Final 5 to talk about what will be on the national agenda.
Towson coach turns attention to getting student-athletes to vote
With the November election just two months away, and colleges returning the session (both in-person and virtually), there's an increased focus on getting students registered to vote -- but after they register, what's next? Zach Kancher, an associate head basketball coach at Towson University, started two new efforts to ensure student-athletes get and stay civically engaged. He joined Jim Lokay on The Final 5 to explain why he took on the job.