Lehigh Valley Political Pulse

The Final Leg of Election 2026

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:07:36 -0400

With the summer over, political campaigns are stepping up voter outreach, releasing ads and honing their messaging. Political scientist Chris Borick and host Tom Shortell examine the key races as they shift into high gear.

Subscribe to LVPM newsletters for local news, breaking news alerts, event information, and programming updates: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/

Labor in the Age of AI

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:08:26 -0400

Host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick discuss America's labor movement and how the emergence of AI is changing the political discourse.

Subscribe to LVPM newsletters for local news, breaking news alerts, event information, and programming updates: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/

Shapiro Shifts on Data Centers

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:06:03 -0400

Gov. Josh Shapiro recently signed an executive order on data centers. Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick break down the politics driving the decision and how it's a shift for his administration.

Subscribe to LVPM newsletters for local news, breaking news alerts, event information, and programming updates: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/

Third-Party Barriers

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:02:16 -0400

Host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick discuss America's aversion for third parties and why they haven't thrived during a period of widespread disgust with the Republican and Democratic parties.

Subscribe to LVPM newsletters for local news, breaking news alerts, event information, and programming updates: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/

Music in Politics

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:59:31 -0400

With Musikfest upon us, host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick explore the role of music in modern politics.

Subscribe to LVPM newsletters for local news, breaking news alerts, event information, and programming updates: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/

Passing a Gift Ban in Pennsylvania

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:57:31 -0400

Rabbi Michael Pollack, executive director of March on Harrisburg, speaks with host Tom Shortell about the need for legislation banning gifts to state lawmakers. Pennsylvania is one of three states with no such rules in place. Pollack equates the status quo to a legal bribery.

Subscribe to LVPM newsletters for local news, breaking news alerts, event information, and programming updates: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/

America's Semiquincentennial Checkup

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:55:49 -0400

Host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick give the U.S. its annual health review in time for the nation's 250th anniversary.

Subscribe to LVPM newsletters for local news, breaking news alerts, event information, and programming updates: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/

Eugene DePasquale Eyes the Midterms

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:52:39 -0400

Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chair Eugene Depasquale joins the program to talk about efforts to grow his party after a disastrous 2024 and a promising 2025.

Subscribe to LVPM newsletters for local news, breaking news alerts, event information, and programming updates: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/

Summer Homework

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:49:05 -0400

Lawmakers have a limited window to pass legislation and enact policy before they break for their summer recess. Host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick discuss what politicians ought to get done now if they want to earn passing grades with voters this fall.

Subscribe to LVPM newsletters for local news, breaking news alerts, event information, and programming updates: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/

2026 Primary Analysis

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:39:23 -0400

Host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick review the results of the May primary, particularly the PA-7 congressional race and the less-than-stellar turnout.

Subscribe to LVPM newsletters for local news, breaking news alerts, event information, and programming updates: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/

Politics in an Evolving News Landscape

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:37:43 -0400

Kathy Reinhard, a long-time Lehigh Valley journalist and founder of Armchair Lehigh Valley, talks about the changing media industry and its effect on local politics with host Tom Shortell.

Subscribe to LVPM newsletters for local news, breaking news alerts, event information, and programming updates: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/

Primary Preview

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:35:35 -0400

With the May 2026 primary around the corner, host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick revisit the PA-7 race and other election contests.

Subscribe to LVPM newsletters for local news, breaking news alerts, event information, and programming updates: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/

Data Centers

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:33:20 -0400

Political scientist Chris Borick and host Tom Shortell review how data centers are disrupting communities and pressuring existing policy on land use, environmental protection and energy.

Subscribe to LVPM newsletters for local news, breaking news alerts, event information, and programming updates: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/

Rethinking The Lehigh County Board of Elections

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:31:42 -0400

Lehigh County Commissioner Sarah Fevig joins host Tom Shortell to discuss her proposal to give independent voters a seat on the county's Election Commission.

Subscribe to LVPM newsletters for local news, breaking news alerts, event information, and programming updates: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/

The Pope and The President

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:22:07 -0400

President Donald Trump has leveled political attacks against Pope Leo XIV after the pontiff urged for peace and better treatment of migrants. Host Tom Shortell and political scientist Christopher Borick discuss the schism between the two and its political consequences.

Subscribe to LVPM newsletters for local news, breaking news alerts, event information, and programming updates: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/

SAVE America Act

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:20:23 -0400

President Donald Trump has urged Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, which would require voters to prove their citizenship when they register. Host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick discuss the bill, public support and its potential consequences.

Subscribe to LVPM newsletters for local news, breaking news alerts, event information, and programming updates: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/

The Political Price of Oil

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:17:00 -0400

With gas prices on the rise, host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick discuss oil's unusual place in American life and its influence on public policy and politics.

Subscribe to LVPM newsletters for local news, breaking news alerts, event information, and programming updates: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/

Politics in Aviation

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:15:00 -0400

Days after a catastrophic crash at LaGuardia Airport, host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick discuss TSA funding and ongoing staffing problems for air traffic controllers. Both are examples of how uncontentious problems are allowed to persist in American politics.

Subscribe to LVPM newsletters for local news, breaking news alerts, event information, and programming updates: https://www.lehighvalleypublicmedia.org/newsletters/

Examining the Lehigh Valley's Primary Battles

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:12:22 -0400

Political scientist Chris Borick returns to break down the 2026 primaries with host Tom Shortell. A crowded state senate race underscores Democrats' ambitions this cycle.

The Growing Independent Streak

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:09:48 -0400

American voters are increasingly ditching the main political parties and are identifying as politically independent. Lehigh County Commissioner Ron Beitler - who has changed his party registration to unaffiliated - sits down with host Tom Shortell to discuss why he made the switch.

War With Iran

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:07:55 -0400

Host Tom Shortell and political scientist Christopher Borick examine President Trump's decision to launch attacks on Iran and why American presidents have avoided such attacks in the past.

Meet the Candidate: Carol Obando-Derstine

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:06:38 -0400

Congressional candidate Carol Obando-Derstine discusses ICE, supporting small businesses, and energy policy with host Tom Shortell.

Meet the Candidate: Bob Brooks

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:00:31 -0400

Congressional candidate Bob Brooks, a statewide firefighter union leader, sits down with host Tom Shortell to discuss connecting with blue-collar voters, the need to limit money in politics and controlling healthcare costs.

Meet the Candidate: Ryan Crosswell

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:54:55 -0400

Host Tom Shortell sits down with Ryan Crosswell, a former federal prosecutor now running for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District, to discuss the integrity of the justice department, the current state of ICE and accusations that Crosswell is a carpetbagger.

Meet the Candidate: Mark Pinsley

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:52:55 -0400

Mark Pinsley, Lehigh County controller and Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District, sits down with host Tom Shortell to discuss the state of the Democratic Party, his call to evict Homeland Security Investigations from county-owned office space and his goals if elected to Congress.

A Year in Review with U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:50:51 -0400

Lehigh Valley Congressman Ryan Mackenzie joins host Tom Shortell to discuss ICE, the economy and the gridlock on Congress.

Meet the Candidate: Lamont McClure

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:44:07 -0400

Former Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure talks about why he's running for Congress in the Lehigh Valley.

2026's Wild Start

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:38:55 -0400

2026's Wild Start in U.S. Politics.

Representing the Lehigh Valley with Charlie Dent and Susan Wild

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:37:08 -0400

Former U.S. Reps. Charlie Dent and Susan Wild sit down with Tom Shortell to talk about running for office, the process of lawmaking and what it would take to fix a dysfunctional Congress.

Political Puzzler

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:35:14 -0400

Host Tom Shortell welcomes Lehigh Valley Public Media's Jason Addy and Stephanie Sigafoos for some holiday festivities.

Political Influencers in the Lehigh Valley

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:32:39 -0400

In the past few days, President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Gov. Josh Shapiro have made their presences felt in the greater Lehigh Valley. Host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick break into their messaging and why their attention is focused here.

Trump's Domestic Policies One Year In

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:31:17 -0400

Host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick review President Donald Trump's domestic stances through 2025 and how the American public has reacted to them.

Foreign Affairs

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:29:44 -0400

With 2025 nearly behind us, host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick review Donald Trump's foreign policy steps this year.

Government Shutdown

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:27:56 -0400

Host Tom Shortell and political scientist Christopher Borick dig into the government shutdown.

Election Day Reaction

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:26:04 -0400

Host Tom Shortell and political scientist Christopher Borick dig into the overwhelming showing for Democrats in the Lehigh Valley and across the country.

Election Day Preview

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:24:37 -0400

After months of campaigning, the 2025 election is upon us. Political scientist Chris Borick and host Tom Shortell discuss what's on the ballot and what they're watching for in the days leading up to the vote.

Running An Election

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:22:46 -0400

Lehigh County Chief Clerk of Elections Tim Benyo joins host Tom Shortell to discuss what goes into hosting an election.

Judicial Retention

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:20:43 -0400

Politics Reporter Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick dive into this year's unusual judicial retention questions and why they matter.

Government Shutdown

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:18:36 -0400

Politics reporter Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick examine the ongoing federal shutdown and how American democracy reached this breaking point.

Government Efficiency and Regionalization

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:16:27 -0400

Reporter Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick review DOGE, allegations of waste and economies of scale in local government.

Media in the Age of Trump

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:08:22 -0400

Political Scientist Chris Borick and host Tom Shortell review how news organizations and television networks have responded to the second Trump term and what it could mean for the future media landscape.

Lehigh Valley Candidate Forums

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:06:37 -0400

Our guest this week is Brad Osborne, who’s hosting candidate forums, so Lehigh County voters have an opportunity to meet and speak with some of the people seeking leadership positions in the community.

Judicial Review

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:04:23 -0400

Retired Northampton County Judge Emil Giordano joins the program to discuss the duties and responsibilities of county judges.

Gerrymandering

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:03:03 -0400

Politics reporter Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion discuss gerrymandering - the redrawing of congressional boundary lines for political gain.

Rising Rents and Politics

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:53:06 -0400

Reporter Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick discuss how the cost of shelter is influencing politics.

Trump and Citizenship

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:49:56 -0400

Host Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick discuss how President Trump is attempting to redefine citizenship, including challenges to century-old legal findings.

Pennsylvania Budget Battle

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:48:10 -0400

This week, politics reporter Tom Shortell is joined by political scientist Chris Borick to discuss what the hold ups are with the state budget and why Pennsylvania never seems to meet its budget deadlines.

Immigration Enforcement

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:45:16 -0400

Reporter Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick discuss the unrest in Los Angeles and what Americans think of ICE's aggressive tactics under President Donald Trump.

Meeting America Through the Lehigh Valley

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:42:33 -0400

Fabian Fellmann, a correspondent with the Swiss newspaper Tages Anzeiger, discusses why he keeps coming back to the Lehigh Valley.

Breaking Down the One Big Beautiful Bill

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:39:45 -0400

Reporter Tom Shortell and Muhlenberg College political scientist Chris Borick discuss the implications of the Republican tax and spending package recently passed on the US House.

2025 Primary Breakdown

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:38:12 -0400

Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick discuss the results from the 2025 municipal primary and the low voter turnout.

2025 Primary Day on Political Pulse

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:35:38 -0400

Political scientist Chris Borick takes the helm, asking politics reporter Tom Shortell about races of note in the Lehigh Valley's 2025 municipal primaries.

What does a County Executive do anyway?

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:31:55 -0400

There are 67 counties in Pennsylvania, but only four county executives. Politics reporter Tom Shortell sits down with Lehigh County Executive Phil Armstrong to discuss the role and duties that come with the position.

American Health

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:29:34 -0400

Politics reporter Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick discuss the findings of Borick's latest survey on public health.

The Primary Election

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:26:57 -0400

Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick discuss how local candidates connect in a country increasingly focused on national issues.

Tariff Talk

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:24:12 -0400

Reporter Tom Shortell and political scientist Chris Borick discuss the fallout of President Donald Trump's tariff proposals and how reactions home and abroad could influence American politics.

The Politics of Sports

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:22:19 -0400

Host Tom Shortell and Political Scientist Chris Borick discuss the unique role sports have played in American politics and how politicians use sports to pursue their agendas.

Reacting to Pennsylvania's Special Election

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:19:53 -0400

Host Tom Shortell and Political Scientist Chris Borick discuss the surprising results of Pennsylvania's 36th Senate District race, the national attention its drawn and if it's a portent for the 2026 election cycle.

U.S. Department of Education

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:16:51 -0400

Political Scientist Chris Borick discusses Donald Trump's efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education and its unique spot in American politics.

Inside Local Government

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:08:28 -0400

Former Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez discusses municipal government and how it impacts Lehigh Valley residents.

Judicial Campaigns in Pennsylvania

Tom Shortell and Chris Borick — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:57:54 -0400

Elections typically put well-known public service seats in the spotlight.

Not that judicial campaigns aren't well known, but campaigning for these positions are more complicated than a seat on borough council or county commissioners.

The week of March 18, 2025 on Political Pulse, host Tom Shortell talks about races for judicial offices with Celeste Dee, owner of Lehigh Valley-based Advantage Political Strategies. Shortell says Dee has managed races for statewide judicial offices.