It's Just Politics

Michigan Public

Politics can be messy. Politics can be confusing. But, that certainly doesn't mean politics can't be a joy-ride. Join It's Just Politics hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta as they drill down on what’s happening in Michigan politics.

  1. 5D AGO

    Inside the senate: Winnie Brinks on a high-stakes year

    Politics in Michigan just got more interesting as Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist changes statewide races. Plus a conversation with the Michigan Senate Majority Leader on what can actually get done this year in Lansing with divided government.  by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now! Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    18 min

  2. JAN 7

    Why 2026 will rewrite Michigan politics

    Big elections. Bigger fights. And maybe a rewritten state constitution? A look ahead to a pivotal year in Michigan politics. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now! Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    18 min

  3. 12/17/2025

    Whitmer, Duggan, Nessel, and Hall… oh my!

    Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Speaker of the House Matt Hall, and Attorney General Dana Nessel all made news in 2025. A look back at the year in Michigan politics… and what’s in store in the year to come. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now! Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    18 min

  4. 12/10/2025

    Whitmer’s political future: TBD

    It’s the question folks in Michigan - and across the country - are continually asking: Is Governor Gretchen Whitmer going to run for president in 2028? by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now! Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    18 min

  5. 12/03/2025

    The Data Center deep dive

    Wondering why data centers are suddenly everywhere in the news? We’ll break it down. Plus, why the backlash isn’t falling along the usual party lines and what Michigan can learn from how voters in other states have responded at the ballot box. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now! Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    20 min

  6. 11/19/2025

    From budget secrets to scrutiny

    Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed laws yesterday that put new rules in place over how, and when, lawmakers can request earmarks - otherwise known as pork-barrel spending. But, will it really add transparency to Lansing’s budget process? Plus, Republican lawmakers ask for federal oversight of Michigan’s 2026 elections. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now! Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    18 min

  7. 11/12/2025

    Do Democrats always cave?

    Democrats across the state - and around the country - are asking why eight Senators who caucus with Democrats sided with Republicans to reopen the government. Former Michigan Democratic Congressman Dan Kildee breaks down the surprising vote. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now! Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    18 min

  8. 11/05/2025

    The Detroit-Lansing Playbook

    In a post-election 2025 show, what the new incoming mayor of Detroit can take away from Mike Duggan’s twelve years in office that reshaped Lansing’s relationship with the state’s largest city. Plus, Michigan is in the middle of a legal standoff with the federal government over voter-data privacy. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now! Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    19 min
See All (100)

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Politics can be messy. Politics can be confusing. But, that certainly doesn't mean politics can't be a joy-ride. Join It's Just Politics hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta as they drill down on what’s happening in Michigan politics.

Information

  • Creator
    Michigan Public
  • Years Active
    2013 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    It's Just Politics

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