Left to Right: Badger, Grundy, Shaw, McGruder and Onyekwuluje

As the nation prepares for the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States, Renee talks with black political activists about the histories and futures of the Democratic and Republican parties. Her guests include Charles Badger, with the Kentucky Federation of College Republicans; Msiba Ann Beard Grundy, democrat and community activist; Kenya McGruder, Obama campaigner; and Osi Onyekwuluje, a republican attorney. This edition of Connections with Renee Shaw airs Friday, Jan. 16 at 4/3 p.m. CT on KET2 and Sunday, Jan. 18 at 1:30/12:30 p.m. CT on KET1.

The guests first discuss why they did or did not support Obama, their feelings on the emotional election night and what they expect from his administration. Then, the guests enter into an animated discussion about both parties' histories and current policies regarding minority issues. Specific topics that arise include the economy, gun control, social issues, the auto industry bailout and the possible reinvention of the GOP.

Connections with Renee Shaw is a KET production, produced by Shaw and Carolyn Gwinn. More information about Connections, including streaming video, is available at www.ket.org/connections.