Front Porch Politics and Tying It Together podcast host Tim Boyum, with photojournalist John Stampf, are wrapping up their cross-country trip in a rented Tesla to test the realities of electric vehicles and learn what's driving voters to the polls. 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 arrived at the 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.
Tim and John traveled a distance of 3,753 miles over nine days, visiting a total of 14 states, and nine of those were battleground states.
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 features. 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.
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.
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