On the Campaign Trail: Mike Binder, Nate Monroe, Steve Vancore

Published: June 29, 2020, 12:45 p.m.

Peter Schorsch hunkers down in an all-Jacksonville episode with University of North Florida Political Science and Public Administration Associate Professor Mike Binder, veteran Florida Times-Union reporter and columnist Nate Monroe and longtime political consultant and pollster Steve Vancore. Each guest offers their expert insight into COVID-19 and politics and the special twist in Jacksonville as the city prepares to welcome thousands of Republicans for President Donald Trump’s re-nomination speech in August, the headlining event for the Republican National Convention. Binder responds to polls showing most Jacksonville residents show opposition for hosting the marquis RNC event, but digs into the underlying question — does it matter? As a reporter and columnist in the city, Monroe offers an insider’s perspective into what it’s like to cover the state’s most populous city at a time when public fear is stoked by the embers of a once again growing pandemic. He also weighs in on Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry’s controversial political resume and what that means for the convention going forward. Vancore tackles yet another topic crucial for the 2020 cycle — universal vote-by-mail. Democrats want it to stave off potential coronavirus spread at polling places, but Republicans largely oppose the idea. That opposition comes even though the GOP has been wildly successful in their vote-by-mail strategy in Florida, while Democrats have had less success. Taken together, the three offer a robust snapshot of 2020 in Florida. Special Guests: Mike Binder, Nate Monroe, and Steve Vancore.