The Dispatch Podcast Texas Showdown | Roundtable
69 snips
Aug 8, 2025 
Join Megan McArdle, a Washington Post columnist known for her incisive economics commentary, along with political analyst Chris Stirewalt and conservative columnist Kevin Williamson, as they dive into the political chaos of Texas. They tackle contentious redistricting tactics and debate the impact of gerrymandering on elections. McArdle expresses her frustration over the recent BLS firing, raising concerns about data integrity in politics. The group also humorously reflects on the quirks of political maneuvering and personal travel experiences.
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Redistricting Is Inherently Political
- Redistricting is inherently political and cannot be depoliticized.
- Gerrymandering often backfires and does not guarantee electoral success in changing political landscapes.
Mid-Cycle Redistricting Risks
- Mid-cycle redistricting is legal but politically risky and could damage party reputations.
- Texas Democrats' quorum break is a dramatic protest, but Republicans may still succeed with new districts.
Gerrymandering Overblown for Democrats
- Gerrymandering benefits are often overstated by Democrats, who also have heavily concentrated voters.
- Republicans are not overwhelmingly advantaged; elections remain competitive due to voter distribution.
