November 7, 2024 at Grewal Hall, Lansing
Event: 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. | Reception: 4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
From the ballot to the breakdown, we’ve got you covered.
Get ready for the ultimate postelection breakdown from political insiders, analysts, and policy leaders less than two days after polls close. Pundit Summit is a one-of-a-kind event for policy geeks and news junkies craving in-depth analysis of the 2024 presidential election, down ballot races, and their impact on Michigan and beyond.
What's on Our Agenda
The Future of Michigan’s Prosperity: Strengthening Pathways to Opportunity
What does it take to create lasting prosperity for everyone in Michigan? This panel will explore policies and initiatives driving economic growth and opportunity across the state. Panelists will dive into strategies for improving education and workforce development, fostering economic inclusion, and building thriving neighborhoods. How can we ensure all Michiganders share in the state’s success? This is sure to be an insightful discussion on the future of Michigan’s prosperity—and the collaborative efforts shaping a more equitable, vibrant future for all.
Rachel Kuntzsch, Moderator
President, Public Sector Consultants
Anika Goss
Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Future City
Russ Kavalhuna
President, Henry Ford College
Venessa Keesler
President & CEO, Launch Michigan
The Democracy Defense Project: Safeguarding the Vote
Ensuring free and fair elections in a battleground state like Michigan is more critical than ever. This panel will explore the work of the Democracy Defense Project, and efforts to protect voting rights, combat disinformation, and promote civic engagement. Former elected officials on both sides of the aisle will discuss strategies that g0 into safeguarding the democratic process and what’s being done to ensure every vote counts. Did we defend democracy in real time? Get a firsthand look at how voter rights in Michigan played out leading up to—and at—the polls.
John Bebow, Moderator
Founding Chief Executive Officer,
Gov. John Engler
State of Michigan
Lt. Gov. John Cherry
State of Michigan
Rep. Mike Bishop
Former U.S. Representative
Bridging the Aisle: Where has All the Bipartisanship Gone?
The dust has settled, and the votes have been counted, but what happens now? In this panel, recently retired elected officials from both parties come together to discuss key state election outcomes, what’s ahead for bipartisan collaboration and how the new presidential administration might influence it.
How can we get the parties to work together? From navigating policy priorities to addressing the state’s biggest challenges, we’ll explore how both sides plan to move Michigan forward. Whether you’re following party politics or looking for common ground, this is the conversation that will set the tone for Michigan’s political future.
John Bebow, Moderator
Founding Chief Executive Officer,
Rep. Dan Kildee
U.S. House of Representatives
Rep. Graham Filler
Michigan House of Representatives
Symphony of Pundits: Behind the Scenes of Campaign Coverage
Get ready for an insider’s take on the 2024 presidential election and key state races. Some of our most-followed news leaders come together to deliver the ultimate coverage of what went down on the campaign trail this year. What really happened during all those campaign stops in Michigan? How did early voting change the landscape of election season? From key moments to surprise twists, they’ll give you the scoop on how it all played out—and deliver some hot takes along the way. Want to know what really happened? We’re primed for a no-holds-barred discussion as these journalists share their unique perspectives on the candidates, the voters, and the election’s biggest revelations. This is your front-row seat to the stories behind the headlines!
Zoe Clark, Moderator
Political Director, Michigan Public
Emily Lawler
State Politics and Government Editor, Detroit Free Press
Chad Livengood
Politics Editor and Columnist, Detroit News
David Eggert
Senior Reporter, Crain’s Detroit Business
Jordyn Hermani
Capitol Reporter, Bridge Michigan
Colin Jackson
Reporter, Michigan Public
It’s Just Politics Special Edition
Join political punditry duo Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta for on a politics joy ride with guests Zach Gorchow and Kyle Melinn. Together, these sages of Lansing will use their combined 100 years of political coverage for a crash course on the 2025 political landscape in Michigan. Stick around to hear their predictions for the future of state politics in light of November’s election outcomes.
Zoe Clark
Political Director, Michigan Public
Rick Pluta
Senior Capitol Correspondent, Michigan Public Radio Network
Zach Gorchow
President, Gongwer
Kyle Melinn
News Editor, MIRS
Register
Registration is closed.
Brought to you by:
Program Partners:
