Center Stage, with Milfred and Hands

Wisconsin State Journal
  • 4.6 (21)
  • NEWS COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

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.

  1. APR 6

    Wisconsin voters shred Elon Musk's fake cheese

    Milfred and Hands dissect Elon Musk’s impact on the Wisconsin Supreme Court race last week and look ahead to next year’s midterm elections in the swing state and beyond. President Donald Trump's billionaire buddy spent more than $20 million trying to elect Judge Brad Schimel to the Badger State's top court. Musk and Schimel failed in a blowout to Justice-elect Susan Crawford, who won by a quarter-million votes. A left-leaning majority will now hold the court until at least 2028, which would keep abortion legal and force changes to Wisconsin's congressional districts. Musk's lottery-like antics and fake-cheese persona turned off more voters than it charmed.

    3 min
  2. Run, Tony, Run? Or done?

    MAR 23

    Run, Tony, Run? Or done?

    Milfred and Hands analyze Gov. Tony Evers' prospects for a third term, should he decide to run for governor again next year. Only one governor in state history -- Tommy Thompson -- has served a third (and part of a fourth) term. Milfred thinks Evers could be well-positioned as the antithesis to President Donald Trump. Hands isn't so sure, suggesting the left is hungry for new faces and younger blood. Evers recently met with the Wisconsin State Journal editorial board, talking about his future, school testing and cellphone distractions.

    25 min
  3. What's behind Derrick Van Orden's impeachment ploy?

    FEB 22

    What's behind Derrick Van Orden's impeachment ploy?

    Milfred and Hands impugn U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden's impeachment ploy. The Prairie du Chien Republican wants to throw a federal judge out of office for daring to stall one of President Donald Trump's priorities in court. The New York judge paused the Trump administration's attempt to scour the Treasury Department's payment system, which houses the Social Security and bank account numbers for millions of Americas. Van Orden's incredibly low bar for impeachment is that the judge "may have" been politically biased. It doesn't look like Van Orden's absurd proposal is drawing much support, even from fellow Republicans. The real goal appears to be pleasing Trump and his billionaire buddy Elon Musk, who could make or break Van Orden's reelection bid next year. Hands praises Van Orden's waredrobe. Milfred wonders if Van Orden is a lumbersexual.

    16 min
  4. Ron Johnson vs. Donald Trump on tariffs

    FEB 8

    Ron Johnson vs. Donald Trump on tariffs

    U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh, calls tariffs a tax. President Donald Trump says they'll make Americans rich and powerful. It's a tale of two tariffs. Milfred and Hands break down the (so far) polite fray on trade between Wisconsin's senior senator and his party's president who backed off -- for at least 30 days -- on imposing 25% tariffs on trading partners and neighbors Canada and Mexico.

    23 min
  5. Jay Rothman on UW funding, free speech, football money and 'Marxist maniacs'

    12/07/2024

    Jay Rothman on UW funding, free speech, football money and 'Marxist maniacs'

    Milfred and Hands play clips from the Wisconsin State Journal editorial board's meeting last week with Jay Rothman, the "change agent" president of the Universities of Wisconsin. Rothman touts his $855 billion request for increased funding from the Legislature. In many ways, his business-like pitch should resonate with the GOP. Milfred asks about President-elect Donald Trump slamming "Marxist maniacs" on campus. He also gets Rothman's take on multimillion-dollar payouts to fired college football coaches. Hands gives the president advice on talking point and ponders the fate of legendary losing football coach Don Morton.

    32 min
  6. Wisconsin is still the deep purple state

    11/09/2024

    Wisconsin is still the deep purple state

    Milfred and Hands analyze Donald Trump's comeback win for the White House and why Wisconsin voters also chose progressive U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, who in many ways is his polar opposite. Our political podcasters try to temper lefty Madison's loss by talking up checks and balances as well as states' rights. Milfred loves Trump's flip-flop on electric cars, now that Trump's bromance with Elon Musk has blossomed.

    35 min
  7. Tammy Baldwin seeks the Wisconsin State Journal's endorsement

    10/17/2024

    Tammy Baldwin seeks the Wisconsin State Journal's endorsement

    Milfred and Hands unpack the Wisconsin State Journal's endorsement meeting with U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, who is being challenged by her seat in the Nov. 5 election by Republican businessman Eric Hovde. The race in this closely watched swing state could decide control of the Senate. Baldwin touts the bill she is pushing with Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance to demonstrate her bipartisan cred. She also criticizes her opponent as an out-of-touch , out-of-state wealthy banker.

    30 min
  8. Eric Hovde seeks the Wisconsin State Journal's endorsement

    10/12/2024

    Eric Hovde seeks the Wisconsin State Journal's endorsement

    Milfred and Hands play audio clips from and comment on the Wisconsin State Journal editorial board's endorsement meeting with U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde.

    44 min
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    4.6
    out of 5
    21 Ratings

    About

    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.

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