Each Monday until the election we're breaking down politics and what's happening with a local Michigan and Metro Detroit lens with Steve Friess, veteran political journalist who's written for the New York Times, Newsweek, Hour and others - and does the Ann Arbor Observer's weekly newsletter.

On today's podcast:

Election Countdown: Steve and Jer discuss the heightened awareness of the election countdown, influenced by Vice President Harris's entry into the race and the early voting process starting this week in Michigan.

Kamala Harris's Media Presence: The duo talks about Harris's recent CNN appearance, her interview with Oprah, and her rising poll numbers in Michigan, as well as the impact of early voting and absentee ballots.

Celebrity Influence in Politics: The conversation shifts to the role of celebrities in political campaigns, with mentions of Adam Scott, Jane Fonda, and the cast of "Scandal" making appearances to support various candidates.

Endorsements: We dive into recent endorsements, including the Michigan Teamsters backing Harris and the Michigan Farm Bureau's endorsement of Republican Mike Rogers, and discuss the implications of these endorsements.

Local Political Tensions: The episode covers the ongoing friction between Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and US Representative Rashida Tlaib over the prosecution of campus protesters, highlighting the complexities within the Democratic Party.

Shifts in Political Allegiances: They discuss the endorsement of Donald Trump by the Democratic mayor of Hamtramck, Amir Hallab, and its potential implications for future elections.

Michigan Supreme Court Races: These nonpartisan elections (with their candidates decided by delegates at party conventions) have a significant impact on state policies and laws.

Don't forget to tell a friend about the podcast, and follow us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to shows.

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942