Dr. Mileah Kromer Joins A Miner Detail Podcast
In this episode of A Miner Detail, host Ryan Miner sits down with Dr. Mileah Kromer, the former director of the Sarah T. Hughes Field Politics Center at Goucher College, to break down the latest in Maryland politics.
This episode offers an in-depth analysis of Maryland’s political landscape, from gubernatorial races to congressional shake-ups, polling insights, and the future of political discourse.
Mileah Kromer Background
Dr. Mileah Kromer is a leading expert on Maryland’s public opinion and political trends.
As the director of the UMBC Institute of Politics and an associate professor of political science, she has conducted extensive research and frequently shares her insights with the public through media appearances and publications.
Her expertise has earned her recognition as one of The Daily Record’s Most Influential Marylanders.
Kromer’s influence extends beyond Maryland. Her political commentary appears in national outlets such as Politico, CNN, The Washington Post, and The Hill. She is also the author of “Blue State Republican: How Larry Hogan Won Where Republicans Lose and Why It Matters for a Future GOP.”
Before joining UMBC, Kromer held positions at Goucher College, where she founded the Goucher College Poll, and Elon University, where she focused on North Carolina politics. Her experience also includes research at Louisiana State University during her doctoral studies in political science.
Mileah Kromer Interview Discussion Points
Dr. Kromer and Miner discussed the following topics:
Maryland’s Changing Political Landscape
- The shifting political dynamics in Maryland, particularly how Western Maryland and the Baltimore region, have evolved over the past decade;
- The economic development trends in Western Pennsylvania and their potential political impact on Maryland.
John Delaney’s 2020 Presidential Bid
- Former Maryland Congressman John Delaney’s surprise announcement to run for president in 2020 instead of governor;
- The advantages of Delaney’s personal wealth in launching an early campaign;
- Comparisons to previous Democratic primaries and speculation on whether Delaney could gain traction nationally.
The 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial Race
- Maryland’s 2018 Democratic gubernatorial primary field included former NAACP Chief Ben Jealous, former Prince Georege’s County Executive Rushern Baker, the late Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, former Maryland state Senator Rich Madaleno, and Alec Ross;
- The challenge of running against popular Republican Governor Larry Hogan;
- Larry Hogan’s high approval ratings and strategic policy positions, such as the post-Labor Day school start, which polls well among Marylanders;
- The difficulty of tying Larry Hogan to Donald Trump in a way that resonates with voters.
Polling, Public Opinion, and Election Forecasting
- How the Goucher Poll operates and ensures accuracy;
- Addressing skepticism about polling, particularly in the wake of the 2016 election;
- Why interpreting poll data requires understanding margins of error and trends over time.
Maryland Democrats’ 2018 Strategy to Attack Larry Hogan
- The issues likely to be the focus of Democratic attacks on Hogan are education funding, paid sick leave, and environmental policies;
- The challenge of uniting behind a single Democratic candidate in a crowded primary.
Maryland’s 2018 Congressional Races
- The upcoming race in Maryland’s 6th Congressional District to replace John Delaney;
- How the district’s geography and voter demographics will shape the race.
The Role of Civility in Politics
- The increasing toxicity in American political discourse and how Maryland can set a better example;
- The need for candidates to focus on policy rather than personal attacks.
Mileah Kromer’s Final Thoughts
Dr. Kromer emphasizes the importance of voters making informed decisions based on policy rather than partisan bickering.
She encourages Marylanders to stay engaged in state politics and look forward to upcoming polling data that will provide deeper insights into voter sentiment as the election cycle progresses.
Listen to the Full Episode of A Miner Detail Podcast with Mileah Kromer
For a deep dive into Maryland politics, polling insights, and predictions for the 2018 elections, tune in to this engaging conversation between Ryan Miner and Dr. Mileah Kromer on A Miner Detail Podcast.
Subscribe to the podcast for more expert political analysis and discussions on the issues that matter most to Marylanders.