Tying It Together with Tim Boyum

Front Porch Politics and Tying It Together podcast host Tim Boyum, with photojournalist John Stampf, are wrapping their cross-country trip in a rented Tesla to test the realities of electric vehicles. They've talked with everyday Americans and local leaders about the issues that matter to them this election season reporting along the way. Tim and John have arrived at Santa Monica Pier in California nine days after departing from the big apple in their Tesla, packed full of new political and electric vehicle driving experiences. Here are the total EV stats: 9 day trip Covered 14 total states, 9 battleground states Distance: 3,753 miles Time charging: 15 hours, 45 minutes of total charging, or about 1 hour 45 minutes per day Charges: 28 total charges, or about three charges per day Cost: $449.91, or $49.99 each day So, Tim's take on EV's, way cheaper than gas but more tolling on your time. He believes it was only possible in a Tesla due to their routing feature. It routes in a charger before the car dies. Would he buy an EV after this experience? No way he's telling you, too political of a topic, he said. But he feels a lot more comfortable. As far as the politics, he learned America is no doubt divided right now, even in places where the election may not be as "hot" — you can feel it. But, Tim adds, America is much different meeting people in person than it is online. Battleground states he visited handled the divisiveness differently, and wonders how the rhetoric on either side will be handled after the election. There will always be differences that will need to be worked out in the country, and there are times and places for that like on political shows. For Tim, this was an opportunity to cover politics in a unique way, and he hopes you've enjoyed the trip.

Front Porch Politics and Tying It Together podcast host Tim Boyum, with photojournalist John Stampf, are on the road. They're talking with everyday Americans and local leaders about the issues that matter to them this election season. And they're making the journey in a rented Tesla, reporting as they go on the realities of charging stops and range anxiety while crossing the country in an EV. Host Tim Boyum looks back on this leg of his EV trip from the Las Vegas strip. He brought up the fact that they have now reached two more battleground states, Arizona and Nevada. They drove 295 miles, needing three charges at an hour and 17 minutes total charging time and a total cost of about $46. While in Flagstaff, Ariz. Tim talked to a man waving a Trump flag about whether he would accept the results of the election if he lost, to which he refused. Tim highlighted this as being a potential situation for certain supporters on both sides of the aisle in this tense election season. Tim also went to Nevada to talk to a group working to instill integrity back into the election system. The former governor told him some people are barely talking to each other. They end their trip with a visit to Santa Monica Pier.

Front Porch Politics and Tying It Together podcast host Tim Boyum, with photojournalist John Stampf, are on the road. They're talking with everyday Americans and local leaders about the issues that matter to them this election season. And they're making the journey in a rented Tesla, reporting as they go on the realities of charging stops and range anxiety while crossing the country in an EV. In his latest stop in New Mexico, he does an unusual interview from a hot air balloon during the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, where more than 800,000 people from all over the world (that's 16 different countries) took to the skies over the course of more than a week. During about a 90-minute balloon ride in the bright skies, Tim, his photographer John and pilot Mark Yocum from Air Rocky Top crammed into a tiny basket at 3,000 feet above the good Earth to have a little chat about politics. It was not an ideal journey for Tim as he is not fond of heights, but he was in awe of what he saw as he described in detail the different types of balloons he saw. Mark admits that politics do not hold much interest to him, which either party leaders or supporters could be to blame. "It's probably as divisive as it's been since I've been alive and it's tragic," he says. Hear more in what he has to say in the latest Front Porch Politics. About the Podcast With the speed of the local news cycle, it's easy to forget that the politicians who represent us and the influencers in our communities are more than just a sound bite. North Carolina's veteran reporter and anchor, Tim Boyum, loosens his signature bow tie to give listeners a glimpse behind the curtain, showing us who these power players really are and why they do what they do. Through Tim's candid conversations on "Tying It Together," his guests reveal their most fascinating life stories, passions, and help all of us get a better grasp on the issues affecting our communities.

Front Porch Politics and Tying It Together podcast host Tim Boyum is on the road, talking with everyday Americans and local leaders about the issues that matter to them this election season. He is cranking out bite-sized podcasts along the way, and in his first edition, he is making his way up the Pennsylvania turnpike with photojournalist John Stampf in a rented Tesla. On this stop, Tim reports from Madison, Wisconsin, where getting a hotel room is hard to find. That's because he and Mark plan to take part in the World Dairy Expo while in town. Now to the numbers, Tim said they've now traveled across six states in the last 36 hours. They covered 549 miles of road, charging four times along the way for a total time of an hour and 49 minutes and $60 in all. Before leaving Lancing, Michigan, Tim wanted to speak with some independent voters about their thoughts on the vice presidential debate. They said the candidates either didn't answer the questions or weren't honest in their responses. Once Tim arrived in Maddison, Wisconsin, he sprinted over to talk to a rural dairy farmer about what issues aren't being heard in his industry and why. The farmer mentioned though he helps feed America, he sometimes feels ignored on key issues. Tim said he'll talk to more experts on the matter when they go to the World Dairy Expo tomorrow, then it's straight to St. Louis.

Front Porch Politics and Tying It Together podcast host Tim Boyum is on the road, talking with everyday Americans and local leaders about the issues that matter to them this election season. He is cranking out bite-sized podcasts along the way, and in his first edition, he is making his way up the Pennsylvania turnpike with photojournalist John Stampf in a rented Tesla. Host Tim Boyum continues his treck across America with recent stops in Pittsburgh, Buttler, Pennsylvania and then to Lordstown, Ohio before landing in Lansing, Michigan for the vice presidential debate. He said they put on about 410 miles across three states. They've opted to choose the strategy of topping off rather than waiting to get to a 10% charge. The two topped off before leaving, taking about 28 minutes and costing them $7 dollars. They also stopped in Gerrard, Ohio for another charge, taking 37 minutes for $14 dollars, as well in Toledo for a 44 minute recharge at about $18 dollars. Their final charge was in Lancing, Michigan for a 35 minute charge at about $16 dollars. While in Butler, PA, Tim met with artist Bill Secunda who made what he estimates to be a 20-foot-tall, 200 lb statue of Donald Trump out of nails. Once arriving in Lordstown, Tim spoke to residents about what they need to hear from politicians after a GM plant shut down in 2019. The mayor asked for a pledge of support and for candidates to pull through on those promises. Tim and John head to Wisconsin for their next leg of the trip.

Front Porch Politics and Tying It Together podcast host, Tim Boyum, is on the road, talking with everyday Americans and local leaders about the issues that matter to them this election season. He is cranking out bit-sized podcasts along the way, and in his first edition, he is making his way up the Pennsylvania turnpike with Photojournalist John Stampf in a rented Tesla. After leaving the Philadelphia area, they stopped in Morgantown, PA to charge up the vehicle. Tim did note, "range anxiety" is real when you're not used to driving an EV. He found himself constantly worried about what percentage he saw on the screen. They found a supercharger at a gas station when the car was down to 34%, travelling 156 miles. It took 42 minutes and $16.13 to charge it back up to 100%. While waiting, one other car came and charged their vehicle, otherwise it was largely gas-powered vehicles. Later it's Pittsburgh, then Lordstown, Ohio.

On this week's episode of Tying it Together, Carter Wrenn joins host Tim Boyum to talk about his new book "The Trail of the Serpent". Carter has been a fixture in Republican circles for over four decades, starting with Ronald Reagan's 1976 campaign in North Carolina. His most famous work follows the path and career of U.S. Senator Jesse Helms in the 70s, 80s and 90s. Carter transports listeners back in time with his extraordinary accounts of North Carolina's historic campaigns.

On this week's episode, host Tim Boyum pulls back the curtain on the world of campaign fundraising. Democratic fundraiser and Parker Poe partner Bruce Thompson joins Tim to consider the ins and outs of a multi-billion dollar industry full of intrigue, controversy and misconceptions. Thompson was part of Hillary Clinton's national fundraising committee and has played a prominent role in North Carolina campaigns for decades. He explains the common misconceptions surrounding fundraising and the thought that money drives candidate decision making. He added that a big downside to fundraising isn't the amount of money, but the lack of transparency of who is donating.

The designation of North Carolina as a purple state is a common observation in the context of elections. But many might be asking, "what implications does that have and how might it affect the upcoming election?" Dr. Chris Cooper from Western Carolina University joins host Tim Boyum to talk about his new book, "Anatomy of a Purple State" to peel back the layers of North Carolina's unique and ever changing politics.

Four years after his U.S. Senate race and personal turmoil collided, Democrat Cal Cunningham sits down with host Tim Boyum to open up about that period in his life. They talk about his affair with another woman, why he didn't drop out and how it affected his defeat. They also break down the barbecue tweet that went viral, and why he says it made him more upset than just about anything else in the campaign. Later, you can listen to the stories between Cunningham and his then opponent Sen. Thom Tillis share several meals together, and just how difficult it is to be a moderate in today's politics. Both agree that though they may disagree on many things, dialogue is important.

Back from delivering a major speech at the Democratic National Convention, Durham Mayor Leo Williams joins host Tim Boyum this week for a behind-the-scenes look at what it was like in Chicago. Williams says his big speech almost didn't happen. He explains his range of emotions when he found out he was in the lineup, preparing for the speech, getting cut, then added back once again on the last night. Later on, they discuss how the speech has impacted his life and how he manages his personal, professional and campaign responsibilities.

Recently on Tying it Together, host Tim Boyum discussed what had been a whirlwind of a month in politics with North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton. On this week's podcast, it's Republican Party Committee Chairman Michael Whatley's turn. Whatley, thought a former NC GOP chair, is not to be confused with Clayton's counterpart, Jason Simmons. Whatley provides a behind-the-scenes look at an eventful political summer, including an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, President Biden's withdrawal from the race, the contrasting national and state leadership roles, and more.

Earlier in the year, host Tim Boyum asked national pollster Tom Jensen with Public Policy Polling, or PPP, about what topics he thought would influence voters the most. This week, he rejoins Tim to revisit that conversation, and talk about how the 2024 election has shifted since President Biden dropped out and Democrats nominated Vice President Kamala Harris. They also discuss the status of races in North Carolina and how those changes could make a difference.

On this week's podcast, Democratic consultant Morgan Jackson and Republican consultant Jonathan Felts provide insights on a politically eventful month in North Carolina. The two touch on topics like the impact of Biden dropping out of the race from the perspective of both sides, why Gov. Roy Cooper took his name out of the VP running before the vetting even began. The panel also uses their career expertise to hypothesise how President Joe Biden's Press Secretary Andrew Bate, a North Carolina native, might've immediately reacted when he discovered the president dropped out of the race.

North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton rejoins host Tim Boyum this week to talk about the tumultuous month since the debate. Their conversation spans from President Joe Biden's exit to her role in leading the state party's delegation, which unanimously supported Vice President Kamala Harris during the uncertain time. "Every single delegate was exploding with excitement," she said when holding a state call on Harris. "I didn't want to go into that convention not unified." She also responds to the question of the process in which Harris has become the Democratic nominee.

Rep. Jason Saine of Lincoln County abruptly filed his resignation letter July 15, confirming he would step down from his 97th House District seat, effective Aug. 12. Rep. Saine tells host Tim Boyum his reasons for leaving public office while his party holds the supermajority and what's next for him in the private sector. Boyum and Rep. Saine also talk freely about the financial and time challenges state lawmakers face in a part time system that requires full time work, mentioning that he's tired of being poor at his age, but thankful for the lifelong friendships he's made. He also gives us some behind-the-scenes insight into the battle over approving sports betting and the budget.

On this week's podcast, host Tim Boyum talks with 9th congressional district candidate Shelane Etchison. She's becoming the first unaffiliated congressional candidate to ever appear on a ballot in North Carolina, but making history is not new to her. She was also among the first women to serve in combat in the Army and earn two master's degrees from Harvard before coming back to her home state of North Carolina. This week on Tying it Together, she discusses those stories and the reasons behind her decision to not align with any political side.

On this week's episode, Tim talks with Rev. Dr. William Barber and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove about their new book, "White Poverty." The book looks at historical myths about race and class and makes a case that addressing white poverty might be key to mitigating racism and uniting a massive group of voters to demand change.