Two Black Dudes and a Korean Dude on White Dudes for Harris
Jul 31, 2024
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Bradford William Davis, an esteemed journalist and returning guest, joins the hosts to dissect the intersections of race, journalism, and politics through the lens of a recent NABJ conference featuring Trump. They delve into the complexities of allyship, highlighting the lack of focus on Asian Americans in fundraising efforts for Harris. The discussion touches on the dynamics of minority outreach, the unusual support for Trump among black and Hispanic voters, and the challenges of navigating identity politics in contemporary elections.
The invitation of Donald Trump to the NABJ conference raised significant concerns about the safety and integrity of the event for Black journalists.
The hosts speculated that Trump's rising support among Black voters may stem from dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party rather than affinity for his policies.
The conversation highlighted the tension between genuine allyship and performative activism within emerging affinity groups for political campaigns like 'White Dudes for Harris'.
Deep dives
Discussion on Trump's Participation in NABJ
The episode delves into the controversial decision of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) to host Donald Trump, prompting mixed reactions. Concerns are raised about the implications of inviting a figure who has historically been viewed as racist by many in the Black community, as it may undermine the event's goal of providing a safe space for Black journalists. While there are arguments about the opportunity for good journalism, the prevailing sentiment reflects frustration and skepticism regarding Trump's motivations and the potential quality of media coverage he would receive. The conversation highlights the broader tensions within the Black journalism community about representation and allyship at high-profile events.
Critique of Trump's Outreach to Minority Voters
The hosts analyze Trump's recent increase in support among Black and Hispanic voters, raising questions about the effectiveness of his outreach efforts. The data shows Trump polling around 20-23% of Black voters, which seems surprising given his track record, but the hosts speculate that it may stem from dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party rather than genuine affinity for Trump's policies or persona. The discussion turns to the implications of these polling numbers, suggesting that Trump may be attempting to solidify a base among disenchanted minority voters. Ultimately, they express skepticism about whether this outreach is truly genuine or merely a strategic ploy ahead of the election.
The Debate Over White Affinity Groups
The conversation shifts to the emergence of various affinity groups for political campaigns, notably the 'White Women for Harris' and 'White Dudes for Harris' initiatives. Although some participants view these groups as cringeworthy or performative, others recognize the potential for such movements to rally support and raise funds for the campaign. The hosts discuss the history of white affinity activism, acknowledging both its problematic aspects and its roots in the civil rights movement. They ultimately grapple with the fine line between genuine solidarity and superficial gestures that may not address underlying social justice issues.
Analyzing Kamala Harris's Running Mate Options
The hosts weigh the strategic implications of Kamala Harris's choice for a running mate as the election approaches. While noting that some argue for a white male VP to 'balance' the ticket, others challenge the necessity of that approach, suggesting that it perpetuates outdated thinking about identity politics. They emphasize that a diverse ticket could be effective, arguing against the notion that voters would reject a more inclusive leadership duo. Ultimately, they explore how identity, electoral dynamics, and personal political records intersect in determining the best choice for Harris's VP.
The Evolving Role of Aggressive Rhetoric in Elections
The episode discusses the shift toward more aggressive rhetoric among Democrats, particularly the recent strategy of labeling Republicans as 'weird' and out of touch. This change is credited to figures like Tim Walz, who utilize humor and relatability to connect with voters. There is consensus that this approach signifies a departure from the traditionally soft-spoken Democratic demeanor towards a more confrontational and expressive style. The hosts debate whether this method could resonate with undecided voters or if it risks alienating those seeking more substantive dialogue about issues.
We brought back repeat guest and esteemed journalist Bradford William Davis to talk about White Dudes for Harris, “weird,” and Trump at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) conference this week in Chicago.
Also discussed: good cringe, Cocomentum, and whether the left should just kinda let the liberals and the identity politicians cook.
Please enjoy!
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