Spartan Newsroom (https://news.jrn.msu.edu/tag/2020-election/)
President Donald Trump came to Lansing to hold a “Victory Rally” in front of thousands of supporters. One of those supporters was Justin Edelen. Justin drove from southern Indiana and camped out at 11 p.m. the night before to grab his spot in line to see the President. Along his way, he found support from those in line around him, and the comradery of his new community.
For decades, Michigan was a Democratic stronghold. George H.W. Bush won Michigan in 1988, and that was the last time a Republican won the state. That is until President Trump won much of the Midwest in 2016. He was able to make a new coalition of states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. To keep that coalition strong this time around, Trump is campaigning hard Michigan and other bue-collar Midwestern states.
On this edition of Focal Point, a look at the recently announced changes to the Spring Semester and how MSU plans to keep students healthy while slowly reopening. Due to the pandemic, one East Lansing business is forced to close its doors, and graduating students struggle to find jobs. Big Ten football is back, but two MSU linebackers will not take the field after being arrested in September. Other varsity sports will not return at all after the Athletic Director announced swimming and diving have been cut. Those stories and more on Focal Point.
On this edition of Focal Point, Vice President Mike Pence rallies in Grand Rapids while local candidates adjust to campaigning during a pandemic. Local businesses also adapt to stay open. We visit a cider mill, a local bar, and the East Lansing Farmer’s Market to see how they are opening safely. One East Lansing bookstore is still in business because of support from the community. All those stories and more on Focal Point.