Will there be an October surprise?
Every presidential election cycle has a proverbial "October surprise," but with early voting well underway in record numbers, will anything move the needle in the campaign's waning days? Jim Lokay discusses that with Ordinary Times editor Andrew Donaldson, plus new reporting from the New York Times over former Trump chief of staff John Kelly's warning about a second Trump presidency.
Amanda Makki on the race for the White House
Jim is joined by Republican strategist and former Trump election attorney Amanda Makki on "The Final 5." As team Trump sees a spike in polling, both the former POTUS and Vice President Kamala Harris are taking to some unexpected venues to get their message across. They discuss that, plus JD Vance's hedging on the 2020 election results, in this segment.
Allison Gill on VP media blitz
Vice President Kamala Harris sat for her first interview with Fox News on Wednesday. Dr. Allison Gill of the Daily Beans and Mueller She Wrote podcasts joins Jim on "The Final 5" to offer her take on that and more issues on the 2024 campaign trail.
On the trail with Reese Gorman
Jim talks about the state of the race with NOTUS political reporter Reese Gorman. On "The Final 5," they discuss the current state of the presidential campaign as it enters its final stretch. Reese has been following the Trump campaign closely, including covering recent rallies in Pennsylvania, a critical battleground state.
Harris pushes to strengthen Black support
Jim Lokay is joined by Democratic strategist Antjuan Seawright to discuss Vice President Kamala Harris's efforts to connect with Black voters by appearing in non-traditional media outlets, addressing misinformation, and highlighting the critical importance of the Black vote in the upcoming election, particularly among Black men. Seawright also weighs in on former President Obama's outreach to Black voters.
S.E. Cupp on "Battleground" and the countdown to Nov. 5
In this edition of "The Final 5," Jim Lokay is joined by the host of "Battleground," S.E. Cupp. With 20 days to go, they discuss the major issues on the campaign trail, and what familiar themes are re-emerging from past elections.
When divisive politics hit home
Dr. Joshua Coleman, author of "Rules of Estrangement," joins Jim on "The Final 5" to explore how political disagreements are deepening rifts within families and what steps can be taken to bridge those divides.
Republicans on the state of the race, and Cheney's Harris endorsement
While the Kamala Harris campaign is trumpeting the endorsement of scores of Republicans, including former Trump administration officials, are voters swayed by the likes of former Rep. Liz Cheney? Jim Lokay discusses that and more on the presidential campaign front with former Federal Energy Regulatory Commission chairman Neil Chatterjee and conservative strategist Brittany Martinez on "The Final 5."
Larry Hogan on top issues | FULL INTERVIEW
Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan joined the Final 5 to discuss his stance on key issues ahead of the 2024 election.
Former Walz students react to his surprise VP candidacy
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has talked about his past career as a social studies teacher while on the campaign trail, and some of his former students are now speaking out about their experiences in his classroom. Andrea Johnson and Jenny Diaz both live locally now, but are campaigning on behalf of the Democratic vice presidential nominee. They join Jim Lokay on "The Final 5."
Jaden Jefferson on the future of journalism
At 16, Jaden Jefferson has already landed interviews that some seasoned journalists can only dream of. He's built his own mini-media empire with "Jaden Reports," delving into local and national issues with dogged determination. He joins Jim on "The Final 5" to explain what inspired him and how he hopes to further his burgeoning career.
Senate races heat up with big spending in Maryland and beyond
As November 5th approaches, the battle for control of the U.S. Senate is intensifying, and party leaders are spending big in key races, including in Maryland and Wisconsin. Jim Lokay discusses that and more with Stephen Neukam of Axios on "The Final 5."
Cliff Young on 2024: Narrowing race as "the vibes are vibing out"
Ipsos President of Polling and Societal Trends Cliff Young has the latest batch of numbers on the state of the race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, including top issues for voters and which candidate voters are considering more part of the "establishment."
Jason Palmer on bipartisanship and energizing young voters
Jason Palmer made headlines for his unlikely victory over President Biden in the American Samoa caucuses earlier this year, but since then, he's transitioned his efforts into "Together!," an initiative aimed at bringing together Americans on all ends of the political spectrum. He joins Jim on "The Final 5" to weigh in on the state of the race and the latest efforts to encourage voters to get engaged in the civic process.
Harry Dunn on "Standing My Ground," his new PAC, and more
Jim Lokay talks with former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn, whose book "Standing My Ground" is being released in paperback. Dunn, who worked in law enforcement for 15 years before the January 6th Capitol attacks, is now focusing on a new political action committee called "Dunn's Democracy Defenders." He also reacts to Tuesday's vice presidential debate, where Sen. J.D. Vance claimed that former President Trump participated in a peaceful transfer of power in 2021.
"Maybe it does matter:" Vance, Walz court undecided independents in polite debate
One day after Sen. J.D. Vance (R) and Gov. Tim Walz (D) faced off in their first and only debate of the 2024 election cycle, political observers say the most important takeaway was the collegial tone. That could be crucial to swaying undecided independents on the campaign trail, according to Ryan Clancy, the chief strategist for No Labels. He joined Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" to discuss the stark contrast between thedebate and others seen in recent years, particularly focusing on the substance and civility displayed by the candidates.
Post-VP Debate wrap-up
Jim Lokay discusses Tuesday night's vice presidential debate between Sen. J.D. Vance and Gov. Tim Walz with Tracy Pearson, host of the "What We Don't Know with Dr. Tracy" podcast, and former Maryland congressional candidate Berney Flowers.
Suhas Subramanyum looks to jump from Richmond to Capitol Hill
Voters in Virginia's 10th district will send someone new to the House of Representatives on Election Day. For State Sen. Suhas Subramanyum, he's hoping he'll be the choice. Subramanyum, who emerged victorious after a crowded Democratic primary, was bolstered by the endorsement of the seat's current occupant, the retiring Rep. Jennifer Wexton, and will face Republican challenge Mike Clancy. He talks with Jim Lokay on "The Final 5" about the issues in the race.
Larry Hogan talks Senate campaign, Trump, and SCOTUS on 'The Final 5'
FOX 5's Jim Lokay goes one-on-one with former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, the Republican nominee in a race that many believe could decide control of the U.S. Senate come January.
Part Two: Larry Hogan on the issues, Trump, and SCOTUS
Jim Lokay is joined by former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan for part two of their discussion, including the issue of reproductive rights, why he won't support Donald Trump even though the former president endorsed his campaign, and how Senate leadership might handle a potential Supreme Court nomination by either Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris.