David Roth, Defector editor, and Dan McQuade, runs the merch shop, join for the season finale to delve into the stupidest election drama ever. Topics include the relationship between gossip and sports, a surprising discovery about a pet turtle's eating habits, an eccentric desert town and its pet mayor, and the implications and concerns about a pet mayor page. Drama ensues in the mayoral race with accusations of running a dirty campaign and unexpected endorsements.
Dirty campaigning and negative tactics play a major role in the heated pet mayor election.
Accusations of multiple animals running under the same name create confusion and speculation among voters.
The unexpected rise of Wolfgang, a unique-looking Chihuahua, disrupts the dynamics of the race and concerns other candidates.
Deep dives
The Controversial Campaigning in the Pet Mayor Election
The pet mayor election in a small town becomes a heated and controversial affair as candidates and their owners engage in dirty campaigning. One candidate, Jungle Red, plants car hoods in the ground with painted pictures of opposing candidate Cadillac, leading to accusations of running a negative campaign. Accusations of a second husky running under Cadillac's name arise, causing further division in the race. The drama escalates with contentious posts and accusations on the town's Facebook group. And, as tensions rise, Sir Midnight, a candidate, drops out of the race and endorses Wolfgang, adding another layer of uncertainty to the election.
Intrigue Surrounding Potential Fake Candidates
Suspicion arises about the legitimacy of some candidates in the pet mayor election. Accusations surface that there may be multiple animals running under the same name, causing speculation and confusion among voters. Meanwhile, Jungle Red, a candidate, faces backlash for his unconventional campaign strategy, including installing car hoods with pictures of another candidate, Cadillac, at major intersections in town. The community debates whether these actions constitute campaigning or vandalism.
The Unexpected Entry and Surge of Wolfgang
Wolfgang, a dog who was not initially seen as a serious contender in the pet mayor election, gains unexpected support and starts gaining traction in the polls. Supporters admire Wolfgang for his unique appearance and generate grassroots support, causing concern for other candidates. The dynamics of the race shift, with accusations, endorsements, and polarizing tactics influencing the outcome of the election.
The Pet Mayor Election and Controversies
A pet mayor is a short-term role, lasting two years. When the current pet mayor, Cheez-It, unexpectedly passes away, the town has to navigate the challenges of electing a replacement. A special election is held, but the timeframe is short, and there are concerns about the trauma and mudslinging campaigns that may ensue. Various pets, including Serb Midnight Villaguana (an iguana) and Cadillac (a husky), enter the race, with different factions supporting them. The nominations, campaigning, and controversies surrounding the election create an intense and passionate atmosphere in the town.
The Unexpected Nomination and Campaign of Wolfgang
Wolfgang, a small, unique-looking Chihuahua owned by Talia, becomes an unexpected nominee for pet mayor without her knowledge or consent. The nomination is a tactic to split the dog vote to prevent Cadillac from winning. Talia initially resents the unwanted involvement, but decides to campaign for Wolfgang in the final days leading up to the election. She engages in traditional campaigning methods, such as door-to-door visits and public appearances, hoping to mobilize support for her dog. However, despite a valiant effort, Wolfgang falls short in the final vote count, and Cadillac is declared the winner.
Normal Gossip is hosted by Kelsey McKinney (@mckinneykelsey) and produced by Alex Sujong Laughlin (@alexlaughs). Jae Towle Vieira (@jaetowlevieira) is our associate producer. Abigail Segel (@AbigailSegel) is our intern. Justin Ellis is Defector's projects editor.
