Presidential Battleground: The Sunbelt States

Christian college professors Matt Parks and David Corbin explore the ideas behind today's headlines.

Part 1 (2:06): Headlines - We take a close look at the presidential race in three sunbelt battleground states: Florida, North Carolina, and Arizona. Links: RealClearPolitics Battleground polls; Politico backgrounder; 270towin election simulation; Politico on Florida; Politico on Arizona; 2016 presidential results in Florida, North Carolina, and Arizona; 2016 Senate results in Florida, North Carolina, and Arizona; Tillis video; McSally video. 

Part 2 (30:40): Required Reading - We suggest readings to prepare you for November 4, the day after the presidential election: Harry Jaffa’s 1990 essay, “The America Founding as the Best Regime,” and Ecclesiastes 2:18-26 with 1 Corinthians 15:58. Link: Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992).

Part 2 (51:40): Open the Grade Book - With the Parks family in the middle of a kid birthday run and Dave’s next birthday coming soon, we discuss the virtues and vices of having your birthday in the fall, winter, spring, and summer.

Part 3 (58:06): Tocqueville's Crystal Ball - Dave earned a narrow victory with last week’s NFL prediction by being slightly less wrong. This week we introduce the Friday Five: Five picks in five different sports for the weekend to come. Who will win Tampa Bay at New Orleans (NFL), Boston at Toronto (NBA), Las Vegas at Dallas (NHL), Houston at LA Dodgers (MLB), and Everton at Tottenham (EPL)? In case you can’t find anyone else to ask, we’ve got our answers for you. 

Opening and closing music is from the beginning of "Happy Life" by Ryan Andersen from his 2018 album, Americana volume 1. Available here. Licensed by Creative Commons.

Matt Parks is an Associate Professor of Politics at The King’s College in New York City. David Corbin is a Professor of Politics and the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Providence Christian College in Pasadena, California. All views expressed in this podcast are their own.