Remembering Jimmy Carter, a new job for Vilsack, and Iowa politics takeaways from 2024
Laura Belin and Dennis Hart discuss President Jimmy Carter's legacy and how his 1976 campaign changed the Iowa caucuses. Other topics covered: former Governor Tom Vilsack's impending return to Iowa, President Biden's veto of a bill that would have added a permanent federal judge in Iowa, U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra's priorities for the next Congress, a possible spike in Iowans' health insurance premiums after 2025, a rise in homelessness and the city of Des Moines' controversial anti-camping ordinance, the long-term warming trend in Des Moines, and a Democratic candidate for an Iowa Senate special election. Laura and Dennis wrapped up the show with their thoughts about the biggest stories from the Iowa legislature's 2024 session, the most and least surprising Iowa politics news of the year, and their top takeaways from the 2024 elections.
Creators and Guests
Host
Laura Belin
Laura Belin has been called “probably the hardest-working — and perhaps the best — political reporter in the state” and “one of the best investigative reporters in the state.”
Host
Spencer Dirks
Spencer Dirks is a lifelong Iowan and has been the program director at KNIA/KRLS Radio in Knoxville for 15+ years. He also co-hosts a podcast called Iowa Revolution with Dr. Robert Leonard.
