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Today Joe Biden became the forty-sixth president of the United States.  Will America heed President  Biden’s calls to end an 'uncivil war' in political debate that spilled over into violence at the capitol two weeks ago? A vice presidential swearing-in also makes history.  Now that Donald Trump has left Washington and been kicked off Twitter, what has changed and what remains the same?   And how will Connecticut’s political parties be impacted by the change at the White House? Guests: Robert A. Sanders -- Chair of the National Security Department of the Henry C. Lee College at the University of New Haven Bilal Sekou -- Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Hartford (@BilalSekou) Daniela Altimari -- Hartford Courant Politics Reporter (@capitolwatch) This show aired live at 8 pm on inauguration day. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting January 13, Connecticut Public Radio's weekly Wednesday politics show becomes part of Where We Live. It will have a revamped format that includes interviews with news makers and analysis from some of the same top notch reporters and political observers who contributed to The Wheelhouse.   To continue hearing our weekly politics program, go to the Where We Live web page, search your podcast app for Where We Live and subscribe, or download the Connecticut Public app! Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two US Senate contests in Georgia will decide who controls the chamber.  Democrats are optimistic after a night of vote counting. How big of an impact will the outcome have on the direction of the country?  Meanwhile, Republicans in Congress are divided about whether to accept the electoral college vote today, or whether to continue President Donald Trump’s effort to overturn the outcome of the presidential election.  Will there be long-term ramifications for democracy?  The Trump administration and its supporters have failed to deliver evidence to support their claims of widespread voter fraud.  Here in Connecticut, the General Assembly session begins today.  But because of COVID-19, it will be anything but a normal opening day. Guests: Susan Bigelow -- Columnist for C-T News Junkie (@WhatEverSusan) Mark Pazniokas -- Capitol Bureau Chief for the Connecticut Mirror (@CTMirrorPaz) Colin McEnroe -- Host of The Colin McEnroe show, and a columnist at Hearst Connecticut. (@ColinMcEnroe)   Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wheelhouse looks back at what was... Quite a year. Also a glance at the president's pardons and a very early look at some possible candidates for governor.   Guests: Kevin Rennie -- Hartford Courant Columnist and former state lawmaker (@DailyRuctions) Bilal Sekou -- Associate Professor of Politics and Government at the University of Hartford (@bilalsekou) Colin McEnroe -- Host of The Colin McEnroe show, and a columnist at Hearst Connecticut. (@ColinMcEnroe) Join us on Twitter @wnprwheelhouse. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecticut’s education commissioner is heading to Washington.  What sort of approach to schooling during the pandemic will Miguel Cardona bring to President-elect Joe Biden’s new administration?  He’s not the only person with ties to the state heading to the capitol.  Officials from Connecticut could have influence over environmental policy.  Back in the state, would you pay a little more for gasoline, if it resulted in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions?  And is it better for elected officials in Connecticut to get COVID-19 vaccinations now to instill confidence in the shots, or to wait until after all the doctors and nurses are vaccinated?  Guests: Russell Blair -- Content Editor at the Hartford Courant (@RussellBlairCT) Charles Venator-Santiago -- Associate professor of political science at the University of Connecticut Colin McEnroe -- Host of The Colin McEnroe show, and a columnist at Hearst Connecticut. (@ColinMcEnroe) Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecticut’s first shipment of COVID-19 vaccine has arrived.  What does this moment represent in the battle against the virus?  Electoral college votes have been cast in the state, and around the country, again confirming Joe Biden’s presidential win.  Will Republican voters believe that Biden was victorious? Guests: Dr. Jonathan Wharton -- Associate Professor of Political Science and Urban Affairs at  Southern Connecticut State University and Interim Associate Graduate School Dean (@PreppyProf) Christine Stuart -- Owner and editor in chief of Connecticut News Junkie and a reporter for NBC Connecticut. (@ctnewsjunkie) Colin McEnroe -- Host of The Colin McEnroe show, and a columnist at Hearst Connecticut. (@ColinMcEnroe) Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecticut could face a crossroads in its battle with COVID-19.  On one hand, healthcare workers are expected to get vaccinated over the next month-and-a-half.  But shots for elderly people and patients with underlying medical problems will not begin until January, and people who are not in a high-risk or critical group are expected to have to wait until June.  In the meantime, can Connecticut prevent the virus from spiraling out of control over the holidays?   Guests: Emily Brindley -- Hartford Courant Reporter (@em_brindley) Dan Haar -- Columnist and associate editor at Hearst Connecticut (@DanHaarColumns) Colin McEnroe -- Host of The Colin McEnroe show, and a columnist at Hearst Connecticut. (@ColinMcEnroe) Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 5,000 people have died with coronavirus in Connecticut since the start of the pandemic. Deaths have been accelerating and the number of patients hospitalized with the illness is growing. But vaccines are on the horizon. This week we look at Connecticut officials’ latest moves to counter the spread of COVID-19, and how virus response leads to disagreements in state governments around the country. Guests: Daniela Altimari -- state government and politics reporter at the Hartford Courant (@capitolwatch) Robert Cotto, Jr. -- Trinity College Educational Studies lecturer (@RobertCottoJr) Colin McEnroe -- Host of The Colin McEnroe show and a columnist at Hearst Connecticut. (@ColinMcEnroe) Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top members of the Lamont administration go into quarantine as they also deal with a resurgence of COVID-19 in Connecticut.  How much trouble are we facing in the state, and in the nation?  And could an app on your phone help protect the people around you? Guests: Bill Curry -- Political analyst, former Democratic nominee for governor, and advisor in the Clinton White House (@billcurryct) Harriet Jones -- Connecticut Public Radio Managing Editor (@WNPRHarriet) Colin McEnroe -- Host of The Colin McEnroe show, and a columnist at Hearst Connecticut. (@ColinMcEnroe) Join us on Twitter @wnprwheelhouse. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After losing the presidential election, the Trump administration has threatened to sue, and argued that maybe the Supreme Court should decide the election.  Why have the lawsuits failed to gain traction so far?  President-elect Joe Biden has begun his transition effort, naming a Yale professor as one of the leaders of his coronavirus task force.  And new leaders are asserting themselves at the General Assembly. Guests: Renny Fulco -- Director of Public Policy and Law at Trinity College Mark Pazniokas -- Capitol Bureau Chief for the Connecticut Mirror (@CTMirrorPaz) Colin McEnroe -- Host of The Colin McEnroe show, and a columnist at Hearst Connecticut. (@ColinMcEnroe) Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Election day is in the rearview mirror… Finally.  But what can we see back there?  We will consider who will lead the country for the next four years, review Congressional contests in Connecticut, and search for meaning in General Assembly races. Are you sitting on a ballot? Guests: Paul Bass -- New Haven Independent Editor (@PaulJBass) Charles Venator-Santiago - Associate professor of political science at UConn Colin McEnroe -- Host of The Colin McEnroe show, and a columnist at Hearst Connecticut. (@ColinMcEnroe) Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lucy Nalpathanchil previews the upcoming election with some of the same political scientists and reporters who share their insight on the Wheelhouse. Produced as a TV/radio/streaming special Thursday, October 29. Khalilah Brown-Dean -- Political Science Professor and Senior Director for Inclusive Excellence at Quinnipiac University and author of Identity Politics in the United States and host of the Connecticut Public Radio show Disrupted  Dan Haar -- Columnist and associate editor at Hearst Connecticut  Jonathan Wharton -- Political Science and Urban Affairs Associate Professor and Interim Associate Graduate School Dean at Southern Connecticut State University  Christine Stuart -- (At the State Capitol) Connecticut News Junkie Editor in Chief and NBC Connecticut Reporter. Emilie Munson -- (In Washington, D.C.) Hearst Newspapers Washington, D.C. Regional correspondent In collaboration with Hearst Connecticut Newspapers. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the final Wheelhouse before election day, and we’ve got a lot to talk about.  This hour, Colin McEnroe hosts as we look at the latest on the Presidential election where younger Americans are voting early in record numbers, and panelist Leah Wright-Rigueur says the GOP is flattering Black voters, while discouraging voter turnout.  Also, how confident should we feel about absentee voting here in Connecticut? Why doesn't Connecticut have early voting?  And as COVID positivity rates increase in our state, Halloween is looking a little different this year.   GUESTS:  Leah Wright-Rigueur -  Harry Truman Professor of American History at Brandeis University, Author of The Loneliness of the Black Republican  (@LeahRigueur)  Kevin Rennie - Hartford Courant Columnist and former state lawmaker, co-host of Face The State on NBC Connecticut (@DailyRuctions) Russell Blair - Content Editor at the Hartford Courant (@RussellBlairCT) Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The percentage of COVID-19 tests coming back positive is increasing in Connecticut. A member of the state’s Congressional delegation describes what it is like to be targeted by racism.  And look out Donald Trump... Here comes the mute button!  We look ahead to tomorrow’s debate between the president and former vice president Joe Biden. Guests: Emilie Munson -- Regional correspondent for Hearst newspapers based in Washington, D.C. (@emiliemunson) Bilal Sekou -- Associate Professor of Politics and Government at the University of Hartford (@bilalsekou) Colin McEnroe -- Host of The Colin McEnroe show, and a columnist at Hearst Connecticut. (@ColinMcEnroe) Join us on Twitter @wnprwheelhouse. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was no Wheelhouse this week because of live coverage of Amy Coney Barrett's Supreme Court confirmation hearing.  In place of the Wheelhouse, here is a new program on Connecticut Public Radio called Disrupted.  It's hosted by Khalilah Brown-Dean.  She's a professor at Quinnipiac University and a panelist on the Wheelhouse.  Disrupted looks at how the pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement have changed the United States.  Khalilah and her guests make sense of it all.  Check out Disrupted's web page! Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is back at the White House following his hospitalization with coronavirus. But did some aspects of the president's return send the wrong message about coronavirus? Given the ages of both candidates for president, maybe we should pay a little more attention to tonight’s vice presidential debate. We will also check in on the initial Fifth Congressional District debate.  After recovering from COVID-19, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes faced off with former prosecutor David Sullivan. Guests: Daniela Altimari - state government and politics reporter at the Hartford Courant (@capitolwatch) Dr. Jonathan Wharton -- Associate Professor of Political Science and Urban Affairs at  Southern Connecticut State University and Interim Associate Graduate School Dean (@PreppyProf) Colin McEnroe -- Host of The Colin McEnroe show, and a columnist at Hearst Connecticut. (@ColinMcEnroe) Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden met in the first presidential debate last night.  The two men traded personal insults, and the president repeatedly interrupted the former vice president.  Here in Connecticut state lawmakers are gearing up for a special session today.  We will have the latest on which proposals are in, and which are out. Guests: Mark Pazniokas -- Capitol Bureau Chief for the Connecticut Mirror (@CTMirrorPaz) Charles Venator-Santiago - Associate professor of political science at UConn Colin McEnroe -- Host of The Colin McEnroe show, and a columnist at Hearst Connecticut. (@ColinMcEnroe) Join us on Twitter @wnprwheelhouse. Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid signs of public distrust in a quick vaccine release, Governor Ned Lamont says the state will review any COVID-19 innoculation for safety and effectiveness.  A member of Connecticut’s congressional delegation tests positive for coronavirus.  And how will Halloween be different during the pandemic? Guests: John McKinney -- Former Republican State Senate Minority Leader (@SenatorMcKinney) Christine Stuart -- Owner and editor in chief of Connecticut News Junkie and a reporter for NBC Connecticut. (@ctnewsjunkie) Join us on Twitter! (@wnprwheelhouse) Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are developments in two unrelated federal investigations that involve Connecticut and the world of politics. One inquiry resulted in the arrest of Bridgeport’s police chief and the city’s personnel director.  There was a high-ranking resignation from the other probe, amid concerns about political pressure from the Trump administration.  That investigation is run by the US attorney from Connecticut, and targets the federal officials who investigated possible connections between the president and Russia.  Also, COVID-19 may be sticking its nose back under the tent in Connecticut. ...And Khalilah Brown-Dean gets Disruptive! Dan Haar -- Columnist and associate editor at Hearst Connecticut (@DanHaarColumns) Khalilah Brown-Dean -- Quinnipiac University Political Science Professor and Senior Director for Inclusive Excellence at the university and author of Identity Politics in the United States and host of the upcoming Connecticut Public Radio show Disrupted. (@KBDPHD) Colin McEnroe -- Host of The Colin McEnroe show, and a columnist at Hearst Connecticut. (@ColinMcEnroe) Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are developments in two unrelated federal investigations that involve Connecticut and the world of politics. One inquiry resulted in the arrest of Bridgeport’s police chief and the city’s personnel director.  There was a high-ranking resignation from the other probe, amid concerns about political pressure from the Trump administration.  That investigation is run by the US attorney from Connecticut, and targets the federal officials who investigated possible connections between the president and Russia.  Also, COVID-19 may be sticking its nose back under the tent in Connecticut. ...And Khalilah Brown-Dean gets Disruptive! Dan Haar -- Columnist and associate editor at Hearst Connecticut (@DanHaarColumns) Khalilah Brown-Dean -- Quinnipiac University Political Science Professor and Senior Director for Inclusive Excellence at the university and author of Identity Politics in the United States and host of the upcoming Connecticut Public Radio show Disrupted. (@KBDPHD) Colin McEnroe -- Host of The Colin McEnroe show, and a columnist at Hearst Connecticut. (@ColinMcEnroe) Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.