Summary
As the midterm elections approach, Michigan emerges as a critical battleground state, with intense campaigning from both major parties. President Trump and former President Obama recently held rallies in the state, each delivering contrasting messages to energize their bases. Trump focuses on divisive rhetoric, including derogatory remarks about Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed, while Obama emphasizes unity and the importance of addressing economic issues that resonate with voters.
Michigan's political landscape is charged, with nearly a million ballots already cast. Voter concerns center on rising costs of living and corruption, which are pivotal issues as candidates vie for control of the Senate. The state's Attorney General, Dana Nessel, expresses concern over potential federal interference in the election process, citing the need for preparedness against threats to election officials and volunteers, which have increased since the 2020 elections.
In Genesee County, election officials undergo tactical response training to prepare for any disruptions, highlighting the heightened anxiety surrounding election security. Despite the lack of credible threats, the training aims to ensure that election workers can safely manage the voting process. As the election nears, both parties are mobilizing efforts to secure voter turnout, particularly among young and minority voters, who could sway the outcome in this closely watched race.
Show Notes
October 26, 2026; 11am: Peter Alexander anchors State of Play from battleground Michigan as closing midterm arguments intensify, with President Trump and former President Obama campaigning around a tight Senate race and early voting underway. Peter is joined by Michigan Attorney General, Dana Nessel, and Democratic candidate, David Jolly, on his Florida governor bid. Plus, a preview of Peter's conversation with Michigan Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, ahead of tomorrow's special episode.
More from State of Play with Peter Alexander
October 28, 2026; 11am: Peter Alexander breaks down the closing stretch of the midterms, with Trump and Obama pushing dueling campaign messages as Democrats eye House and Senate gains. The episode focuses on tight races in South Carolina, Alaska, Georgia, Michigan and Texas, plus why polls are instructive but not predictive.
October 28, 2026; 11am: Peter Alexander tracks the final midterm sprint as Trump and Obama hit the trail, voters weigh the economy and gas prices, and legal fights from the Trump DOJ raise new concerns about election trust. The hour also covers Brazil’s Bolsonaro flight, Scott Colom’s Mississippi Senate challenge, and how election officials in Ohio and Pennsylvania are preparing for secure voting.
October 27, 2026; 11am: Live from Detroit, Peter Alexander breaks down Michigan’s high-stakes midterm landscape with Jocelyn Benson, Gretchen Whitmer, Elissa Slotkin, Saginaw voters and political experts. The key takeaway: control of Congress may run through Michigan, where affordability, election security, turnout and attacks on Abdul El-Sayed are shaping the final week.
October 23, 2026; 11am: State of Play examines President Trump’s midterm role, backlash over Ohio and Michigan campaign attacks, Justice Department action in Alaska, tariffs’ impact in Michigan, and Israel’s election uncertainty. The hour underscores how Trump’s politics, legal fights, and economic promises are shaping key races at home and abroad.
October 22, 2026; 11am: Peter Alexander examines how inflammatory midterm politics, potential Iran strike planning, DOJ independence concerns, Elon Musk oversight threats and USPS ballot delays are shaping the final stretch before Election Day. Guests assess whether political fear, corruption and institutional pressure are becoming defining issues of the midterms.