Author and veteran broadcast journalist Tim Skubick shared his perspective on the Michigan political scene with the ERC Forum September 20, 2005, at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial.

Skubick led off with an audience participation, word association exercise designed to elicit impressions of both Governor Granholm and her likely GOP challenger, Dick DeVos. Such impressions, he predicted, are what too many Michigan voters will use to decide their support in the 2006 campaign for governor. Skubick invites Forum audience participation in word association exerecise

Skubick invites Forum audience participation in word association exerecise

After his remarks and a lively question and answer session, Skubick graciously remained to inscribe copies of his recently published book, Off the Record, for Forum guests. The book chronicles Michigan government and the state's four governors during his more than 30 years covering the state capitol.

During his remarks, he indicated that Granholm is vulnerable. But if the 2006 gubernatorial campaign follows recent patterns, Skubick said, “It will have very little to do with the issues.” Off the Record by Tim Skubick

Instead, Skubick said Governor Granholm would be happy to make Dick DeVos the issue, and to divert attention from her own record.

Exposing a problem with today's election process, Skubick said, “The worst thing that has happened to politics is TV. It has turned campaigns into a performance.”

Speaking of television, he said, “It has `dumbed down' the political process.”

Skubick lamented that with today's dominance of TV coverage of political races, image and charisma have come to overshadow key issues.

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Following the September 20 Forum, members of the ERC demonstrated their compassionate conservatism by collecting a significant cash contribution to support Red Cross hurricane Katrina relief efforts in the Gulf South.

For example, Skubick noted that both Kerry and Gore suffered charisma deficiencies during their latest national campaigns. Speaking of President Bush's success at the ballot box, Skubick said that from his own personal observation, “Mr. Bush connects with the people.”

Explaining his belief, Skubick said, “Experience is trumped by charisma, otherwise Posthumus and Gore would have been elected.” Smiling Tim Skubick volunteers to demonstrate 'charisma'

Smiling Tim Skubick volunteers to demonstrate 'charisma'

Skubick remarked, “It is dangerous for our democracy.” Contributing to the situation is the cost of campaign advertising and the financial influence exercised by some special interests. A solution offered by the journalist was to control campaign contributions through taxpayer funding of campaigns. But he acknowledged, “It will never happen.”

While commending those who attend events such as the ERC Forum, Skubick said, “Most people are not involved in politics and don't care.” Young people will be vulnerable, he said, “Because they will be influenced by the charisma stuff.”

“We have to get our young people involved in the political process, or our democracy will be damaged,” he said.

Viewing his own responsibility as a media representative, Skubick said, “My job as a journalist is to be your stand-in.”

Skubick started in 1970 with WWJ as its first full time state capitol correspondent at the time the station launched its “all news” format. Today Skubick is Lansing correspondent for the Detroit broadcaster, WWJ News Radio 950.

He is anchor of the public television series "Off the Record," seen each week on all Michigan public television stations. He also anchors the "Michigan at Risk" investigative series, State of the State Address broadcasts, and Michigan election specials produced at 870-AM WKAR in Lansing.

Skubick has done more political broadcasts than any other journalist, print or broadcast, in the state; and is the longest serving member of the state capitol press corps, having covered Michigan government and politics since 1969.

He holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in broadcast journalism from Michigan State University. He was recently inducted into the Michigan Broadcaster's Hall of Fame, and awarded the Silver Circle commendation by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for his 37 years in the broadcasting industry.