Swing State of the Union

Politics is the human story behind the headlines: our hopes, disagreements, choices and visions for what comes next. This fall, the American Storytelling Collection brings together six podcasts from the NPR Network that take a closer look at the people, power, conflicts and turning points behind American politics from every angle. Find the collection by searching 'American Storytelling' in Apple Podcasts or the NPR app.

All this season of Swing State of the Union, we've been talking to voters in Wisconsin's swing districts. Today, we look at the races that could decide the make up of the state's next Legislature and Wisconsin's representatives in congress and which party could end up in power after the midterm election.

WUWM invited the candidates for Wisconsin governor to join us to share some of their policy positions ahead of the Nov. 3 election. This bonus episode features an interview with Democratic candidate Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and a non-interview with Republican candidate Congressman Tom Tiffany. Tiffany never agreed to a recorded interview. In a non-interview, WUWM shares the candidate’s policy stances as we understand them, paired with the questions we were hoping to ask the person.

According to polls, affordability is the biggest issue American voters are concerned about in this midterm election. We explore what affordability means and its future.

After federal cuts to Medicaid, healthcare is on the minds of many voters. But how do hospitals make money, and who has power over which communities get care?