PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A disturbing national survey indicates a large chunk of Americans are tuning out national political coverage. Whether you're MAGA, Republican, Democrat or independent, it's understandable to want a break from the churn of the last year in politics. However, ignoring national coverage in a year of big change is bad news.
Regardless of your personal beliefs, what you don't know can hurt you. Love him or leave him, President-elect Donald Trump is promising a makeover as we look ahead to his second inauguration on Jan. 20. Above all else, he is accountable to voters.
Gov. Josh Shapiro got extraordinary exposure in the national election, and he will be setting the stage for re-election in 2026, while at the same time setting himself up for a potential bid for higher office in 2028. It will be fascinating to watch.
Just as fascinating is the already crowded race for New Jersey governor. At last count, 13 candidates are in the running and even more are thinking about it. Who knows who else is waiting to jump in.
In Philadelphia, it's a so-called "off-year election," with District Attorney Larry Krasner expecting what could be a tough primary election. Public safety is still a very big issue, and the two-term D.A. has no term limits. This could set up another great debate over crimefighting in Philadelphia.
Down the corridor in Washington, D.C., new Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick will be watched carefully. It takes years for a senator to gain power, but walking into the Senate majority may give him a stronger voice.
Happy news year, everyone. Don't drift. Stay alert.