Milfred and Hands play audio clips from the Wisconsin State Journal editorial board's recent endorsement meeting with U.S. Senate candidate Mandela Barnes. Our political podcasters quiz the Democratic challenger on climate change, cash bail and the first thing he would do if a Democratic-controlled Senate eliminated the filibuster. Milfred and Hands tick off a lot of reasons for opposing a third term for the conspiratorial incumbent, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh. They were less clear, going into their meeting with Barnes, what the young challenger's core message was, given how much defense he has played against attack ads. The State Journal is endorsing in the race in Sunday's newspaper and on madison.com.

Milfred and Hands play audio clips from the Wisconsin State Journal editorial board's recent endorsement meeting with U.S. Senate candidate Mandela Barnes. Our political podcasters quiz the Democratic challenger on climate change, cash bail and the first thing he would do if a Democratic-controlled Senate eliminated the filibuster. Milfred and Hands tick off a lot of reasons for opposing a third term for the conspiratorial incumbent, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh. They were less clear, going into their meeting with Barnes, what the young challenger's core message was, given how much defense he has played against attack ads. The State Journal is endorsing in the race in Sunday's newspaper and on madison.com.

They're the "Click and Clack" of Wisconsin politics. Scott Milfred, editorial page editor for the Wisconsin State Journal, and Phil Hands, the newspaper's political cartoonist, analyze the most important issues and debates from the Badger State with political independence and a sense of humor. Instead of tedious talking points from the left and the right, "Center Stage" broadcasts from the sensible center with audio clips from the Wisconsin Capitol, from State Journal editorial board meetings, and from political events across the state.

They're the "Click and Clack" of Wisconsin politics. <a href="https://madison.com/users/profile/scott%20milfred/">Scott Milfred</a>, editorial page editor for the Wisconsin State Journal, and&nbsp;<a href="https://madison.com/users/profile/phil%20hands/">Phil Hands</a>, the newspaper's political cartoonist, analyze the most important issues and debates from the Badger State with political independence and a sense of humor. Instead of tedious talking points from the left and the right, "Center Stage" broadcasts from the sensible center with audio clips from the Wisconsin Capitol, from State Journal editorial board meetings, and from political events across the state.

Political talk from the sensible center of Wisconsin politics.

Center Stage, with Milfred and Hands

Political talk from the sensible center of Wisconsin politics, hosted by Scott Milfred, editorial page editor for the Wisconsin State Journal, and Phil Hands, the newspaper's political cartoonist.

Political talk from the sensible center of Wisconsin politics, hosted by Scott Milfred, editorial page editor for the Wisconsin State Journal, and Phil Hands, the newspaper's political cartoonist.

Mandela Barnes on the first thing he would do without the filibuster

Milfred and Hands sing political lyrics set to holiday songs. This year's jingles, written by Rick Horowitz, target Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Bob Menendez, Mike Johnson and more. Hands finds Santa leading the North Pole's curling team at a bonspiel in Madison. Hands tries to convince the jolly old elf Hands deserves to be on the nice list. Milfred plays guitar and tries to harmonize. The year in politics never sounded so cheery yet jeery. 

Milfred and Hands sing political lyrics set to holiday songs. This year's jingles, written by Rick Horowitz, target Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Bob Menendez, Mike Johnson and more. Hands finds Santa leading the North Pole's curling team at a bonspiel in Madison. Hands tries to convince the jolly old elf Hands deserves to be on the nice list. Milfred plays guitar and tries to harmonize. The year in politics never sounded so cheery yet jeery.

Songs of holiday jeer target Biden, Trump, Ozempic

Milfred and Hands interview Sen. Rob Hutton, R-Brookfield, chair of the Senate Committee on Universities. The UW-Whitewater grad and southeast Wisconsin businessman talks about streamlining the Universities of Wisconsin with a smaller footprint, funding UW-Madison's new engineering building and encouraging free speech on campus. Unlike some of his Republican colleagues who are quick to bash higher education, Hutton calls UW system a "beacon for the state" with "tremendous economic impact." UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin is "a real asset," Hutton tells our podcasters. "It's hard to argue with what UW-Madison produces." Milfred and Hands marvel at the upbeat tone while highlighting Hutton's status as a swing-seat incumbent in suburban Milwaukee. He lost his Assembly seat by just 700 votes in 2020, only to win a Senate race two years later. "If we had more competitive seats," Milfred concludes, "we'd have more Rob Huttons."

Milfred and Hands interview Sen. Rob Hutton, R-Brookfield, chair of the Senate Committee on Universities. The UW-Whitewater grad and southeast Wisconsin businessman talks about streamlining the Universities of Wisconsin with a smaller footprint, funding UW-Madison's new engineering building and encouraging free speech on campus. Unlike some of his Republican colleagues who are quick to bash higher education, Hutton calls UW system a "beacon for the state" with "tremendous economic impact." UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin is "a real asset," Hutton tells our podcasters. "It's hard to argue with what UW-Madison produces." Milfred and Hands marvel at the upbeat tone while highlighting Hutton's status as a swing-seat incumbent in suburban Milwaukee. He lost his Assembly seat by just 700 votes in 2020, only to win a Senate race two years later. "If we had more competitive seats," Milfred concludes, "we'd have more Rob Huttons."

Rob who? Meet the GOP senator who lauds UW-Madison

Milfred and Hands analyze the Republican Assembly speaker's dramatic flip-flop on the Iowa model for nonpartisan redistricting. They also highlight the Democrats flip of their own, searching for excuses to oppose a bill that's virtually the same as what they have long proposed. The Democrats are hoping a liberal-leaning state Supreme Court will help their political fortunes more than neutral map-drawers if voting districts are reshaped across Wisconsin before the next elections. Our political podcasters discuss the recent public hearing on the Iowa bill and where things might go from here -- including the possibility of the GOP-controlled Legislature overriding the Democratic governor's potential veto.

Milfred and Hands analyze the Republican Assembly speaker's dramatic flip-flop on the Iowa model for nonpartisan redistricting. They also highlight the Democrats flip of their own, searching for excuses to oppose a bill that's virtually the same as what they have long proposed. The Democrats are hoping a liberal-leaning state Supreme Court will help their political fortunes more than neutral map-drawers if voting districts are reshaped across Wisconsin before the next elections. Our political podcasters discuss the recent public hearing on the Iowa bill and where things might go from here -- including the possibility of the GOP-controlled Legislature overriding the Democratic governor's potential veto.

Mandela Barnes on the first thing he would do without the filibuster

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