Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics

As a guest on the Ray Horner Show, Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, discusses the impacts of the U.S. and Iran conflict. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

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As a guest on this episode of Sound of Ideas, Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, discusses President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

President says US is ‘back’ and scolds Democrats: State of the Union analysis President Donald Trump delivered a record-breaking State of the Union speech Tuesday night. The speech clocked in at 108 minutes.

The University of Akron Press has published a new book, "When Ohio Was Blue," by Dale Butland as part of the Bliss Institute Series.

"When Ohio Was Blue" is a political memoir for readers who may not be deeply immersed in — or even particularly fond of — politics, offering far more than personal reflection through a vivid, behind-the-scenes account of working at the highest levels of Ohio politics during the 1980s and '90s, when Democrats like the late U.S. Senators John Glenn and Howard Metzenbaum dominated the state's political landscape. Butland, who worked closely with both men and other key figures of the era, blends humorous stories and poignant anecdotes to reveal who they were, what drove them, and how they achieved such lasting success, while also shedding light on how they navigated controversial issues and the often-unsung influence of talented staff members. More than a nostalgic look backward, the book provides an insightful analysis of the unpredictable and sometimes quirky nature of politics, examining how and why American politics have become deeply polarized in recent years and offering thoughtful suggestions for repairing the nation's economic and political systems — all delivered in a funny, candid and engaging style that captures what politics once was and perhaps could be again.

Butland has 46 years of experience in government and political communications. For nearly two decades, he worked for Glenn, serving as his press secretary, Ohio chief of staff and reelection campaign director. He's also worked for numerous other Ohio politicians, including Metzenbaum and talk show host Jerry Springer. He regularly appears on several politics and public affairs television shows and is a frequent op-ed contributor to many Ohio and national newspapers, including a poignant remembrance of Glenn, "John Glenn: The Last American Hero?" published by The New York Times.

The book is priced to support the University of Akron Affordable Learning Initiative. Order today and use code "POLITICS30" to receive 30% off the cover price.

When Ohio Was Blue – UA Press Catalog When Ohio Was Blue is a book about politics for people who aren’t steeped in it and who may not even like politics very much. Far more than simply a memoir, this book provides readers with a behind-the-scenes account of what it was like to work at the highest level of Ohio politics during the 1980...

In this article, Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, talks about fundraising advantages Ohio democrats have over their GOP challengers. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

Incumbent Ohio Dems outpace GOP challengers in fundraising Despite facing a tougher road to reelection this year due to redistricting, two Ohio Democratic lawmakers in competitive districts are vastly out-fundraising their Republican challengers.

As a guest on the Ray Horner Show, Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, discusses ICE, the Trump administration and the recent headlines in Minnesota. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

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Missed our State of the Parties Conference 2025? Steve Kaufman of Kaufman Photography created a fantastic video!

Bliss Institute - The University of Akron

Please join us for a reception, dinner, and presentation titled, Myth Busting the Rural Voter: What Data Shows, by Daniel Shea, Colby College (see attached flyer). The event will take place on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at InfoCision Stadium, Level 5, 375 East Exchange Street. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., the dinner begins at 6:30 p.m., and the presentation begins immediately following dinner.

Please RSVP to the Bliss Institute at [email protected] or 330-972-5155.

This event is part of the Bliss Institute’s State of the Parties Conference on November 6 – 7. If you would like information about the conference, please visit the conference website.

In this story, Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, discusses the redistricting process in Ohio. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

Chamber, local leaders push to keep Mahoning and Trumbull in separate congressional districts Chamber, local leaders push to keep Mahoning and Trumbull in separate congressional districts

In this article, Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, discusses the possibility of Democrats benefitting from a Trump administration that has low polling numbers. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

Polls show where top Dems stand in Ohio - NewsBreak A new Emerson College poll shows Republican Vivek Ramaswamy ahead of potential Democratic rivals in the 2026 Ohio gubernatorial race, underscoring the uphi

In this article, Dr. David B. Cohen, professor of political science, discusses the possibility of Republicans losing control of the House. Cohen is also director of UA’s Applied Politics program and a fellow of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics.

In blue-collar Ohio seat, Rep. Emilia Sykes braces for a rematch and redistricting - Roll Call Ohio Rep. Emilia Sykes and GOP challenger Kevin Coughlin are gearing up for a rematch in a district likely to become more Republican.