This week’s episode of The Voice of Alabama Politics delivered a major political development, new analysis of a widely circulated poll, and an urgent warning about rising health care costs and Alabama’s worsening maternal and infant health outcomes. Host Bill Britt was joined by panelists Susan Britt and APR columnist Josh Moon for a fast-moving discussion that linked state politics, national policy decisions, and the real-world impact on Alabama families.
The panel opened with a breakdown of the Cygnal poll released earlier in the week, noting that the topline figures suggesting a strong lead for Senator Tommy Tuberville in a hypothetical governor’s race did not match the underlying numbers. Moon said the poll’s framing and lack of cross tabs made it difficult to assess its credibility, while Susan Britt explained how weighting methods can significantly alter results. The panel agreed that Tuberville’s raw support hovered closer to 37–40 percent, far lower than what headlines suggested.
During the first break, Britt received a confirmation call from sources close to former U.S. Senator Doug Jones. On air, Britt reported that Jones will file paperwork with the Alabama Secretary of State this coming week to run for governor. The panel noted that Jones instantly becomes the most prominent Democrat in the field and that his entry will bring national attention back to Alabama. Moon said Jones gives Democrats a viable statewide candidate and predicted that his presence on the ballot will strengthen races down the ticket. Susan Britt highlighted the contrast between Jones’s established record and Tuberville’s lack of legislative accomplishments.
The conversation then shifted to health care costs following recent federal budget decisions. Britt cited Representative Terri Sewell’s warnings that cuts to Affordable Care Act subsidies could push premiums higher by hundreds of dollars a month. Moon said the numbers he reviewed directly through the ACA marketplace already reflected steep increases, especially for individuals and families who do not qualify for subsidies. Susan Britt added that rising costs disproportionately fall on working-class Alabamians who do not have employer-provided coverage and rely on the ACA or Medicaid.
The panel also reviewed the latest March of Dimes “Report Card,” which ranks Alabama among the worst states in the nation for maternal and infant health. Britt called the findings “appalling,” noting that 442 babies in Alabama died before their first birthday last year. The report places Alabama third in infant mortality, ninth in maternal mortality, and fourth in preterm births. The discussion underscored the importance of Medicaid—which covers nearly half of all births in the state—and the persistent disparities facing Black mothers and rural families.
The episode closed with a reminder that The Voice of Alabama Politics continues to expand its online presence and digital programming. As always, Britt ended with the show’s signature line: viewers watch because the VOP watches Alabama’s political leaders.
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