Will and Alexandra begin today’s show by discussing the state of impeachment talks. Will argues that impeachment at this moment would do nothing by divide Democrats and solidify Trump support. With the DCC publicly split already, it would just draw focus off of 2020 and risk alienating potential moderate voters. Alexandra, on the other hand, has shifted her views since the Barr performance and lack of willingness of Trump to cooperate. While she believes winning in 2020 is crucial for Democrats, she believes this is about protecting institutions and democracy more largely.
Next, they turn to a general discussion of the 2020 election. Will continues to argue that 20 candidates in a debate is going to fracture the party more than help. Moreover, he points to the potential for donor fatigue based on debate performances and the general election. The September debates will produce more substance and nuance, but what damage will occur before then? Alexandra points to concerns about Democrats only participating when they are energized by a candidate and the impact octogenarian candidates may have here. She draws out comparisons between current female candidates and the flaws of Hillary Clinton’s campaign. Perhaps most importantly, she points out that the presence of Bernie Sanders on stage—who she identifies as not being a Democrat—as damaging the ability for other candidates to shine.
Lastly, Alexandra and Will discuss topics of interest this week. Will chooses to discuss regulation and sport. After yet another small child was hit by a foul ball at a baseball game, there are increasing calls for enhanced safety measures. Will understands the wish to regulate for the name of safety but also posits that parents have a role to play here when deciding to sit with small children. Alexandra shared about her research describes a lot of what is occurring in American politics before our eyes today by focusing on how dissent against leaders by group members is viewed—both by leaders and those who dissent. This is relevant for framing discussions within both the Republican and Democratic parties today.
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Infrastructure, Georgia Voting Law, NCAA at the Supreme Court
Mass Shootings, Biden News Conference, Voting Rights & The Filibuster
Border Crisis, Georgia Shootings, US / China Talks
Uzuegbunam v. Preczewiski, Biden’s Record, Voting Rights, Trump Tells RNC to Cease and Desist
COVID Bill, For The People Act, Joe Manchin, CPAC & Trump
James Morone on our “Republic of Wrath”
McConnell on Trump, COVID Bill, Equality Act, Neera Tanden, “Fake News” Hearings
Rep. Rob Wittman on The Chinese Threat and US Strategic Preparedness
McConnell v Trump, Trump's Acquittal, Politicizing the Freeze, COVID Round Three
Impeachment Trial, A New Party?, Georgia Investigates Trump
Stimulus Talks, Greene, Cheney, and the GOP, Trump Impeachment
Impeachment Part 2, Organization of the Senate, Leahy's Health, Biden's Executive Actions
President Biden’s Inauguration and Executive Actions
Capitol Riot, Republican Reactions, Trump’s Second Impeachment
The Insurrection, Trump’s Culpability, Social Media’s Role, the Future of the American Presidency
Trump Overridden, COVID Stimulus, Vaccine Rollout, Election Challenges
COVID Relief, Russian Hacking, Election Challenges, Barr Resigns
SCOTUS Rejects Election Challenge, Vaccine Approval, Facebook Antitrust, COVID Talks
DACA Ruling, Stimulus Talks, Election Challenges, GA Runoff, Bill Barr’s Big Week
Election 2020: Democratic & Republican Challenges, Election Systems, Constitutional Changes, Optimism about the Future?
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