Host Jeff Chidester welcomed regular political expert Dr. John Lappie, Associate Professor of Political Science at Plymouth State University, for an engaging, wide-ranging segment on The Morning Update.  

• DNC Primary Calendar Shakeup: Jeff and Dr. Lappie dove straight into the Democratic National Committee’s controversial decision to favor South Carolina over New Hampshire for the official first-in-the-nation presidential primary status. They examined the state-level fallout, analyzing where New Hampshire Democratic leadership fell short in protecting the state’s storied tradition and how state law requiring NH to hold the first primary inevitably clashes with national party rules.
• US–Iran Conflict — What’s Next?: Shifting to foreign policy, the conversation pivoted to escalating tensions in the Middle East. The duo analyzed strategic options for the US, potential Iranian retaliation, and the delicate geopolitical balance needed to avoid broader regional escalation.
• Count Binface & Modern Politics: Closing on a lighter yet thoughtful note, Jeff and Dr. Lappie explored the recurring candidacy of Count Binface—the UK satirical politician campaigning with a dustbin on his head. Dr. Lappie highlighted how satire and “joke candidates” function as a direct reflection of voter disillusionment, illustrating how absurdity in modern elections often acts as a mirror to mainstream political fatigue.