Lever Time: Will The Cheneys Win Or Lose The Election For Dems?
Nov 1, 2024
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Join award-winning screenwriter and director Adam McKay, known for acclaimed films like Vice, as he discusses the intriguing endorsement of Kamala Harris by the Cheney family. The conversation dives into the strange alliances forming ahead of the 2024 election and the potential impact on swing-state voters. McKay critiques the ethics of these partnerships while exploring Dick Cheney's complex legacy and the implications of the unitary executive theory in modern politics. Tune in for a thought-provoking look at power, influence, and the shifting landscape of American democracy.
The Democratic nominee’s strategy to embrace Cheney family endorsements aims to attract disenchanted GOP voters despite potential backlash from their traditional base.
Concerns arise that this political maneuvering may inadvertently empower Trump’s narrative of being an outsider, complicating the Democrats' coalition-building efforts.
Deep dives
The Impact of Inflation on Wireless Pricing
Inflation has prompted discussions regarding the legality of wireless companies raising their prices, which the legal team of a major telecom confirmed is permitted. This situation highlights the complexities of consumer contracts, especially with regards to long-term agreements amid rising costs. As a response to this environment, an alternative wireless service has significantly reduced its pricing from $30 to $15 a month, showcasing a competitive strategy to attract new customers. This price cut amplifies the challenge posed to larger companies that are unable to lower their rates due to contract commitments.
Political Alliances and the Cheney Endorsement
In a surprising turn of events, the Democratic nominee has embraced endorsements from the Cheney family, known for their controversial political history, as a strategy to appeal to Republican voters. This decision raises questions about the implications of courting such figures, particularly given their roles in past administrations that many view unfavorably. Proponents of this strategy argue that it could help unite a broader coalition against a common adversary, specifically Trump's candidacy. However, critics express concern that this alliance may alienate voters who associate the Cheneys with negative political legacies.
Risks of Playing the Cheney Gambit
The alliance with the Cheneys could backfire, with fears that it may reinforce Trump's narrative as a candidate opposing establishment politics. Trump's campaign has attempted to leverage Harris's relationship with the Cheneys to position her as a pro-war candidate, thus energizing segments of the electorate who are wary of military intervention. This political maneuvering highlights the risks that the Democrats might face in attempting to attract right-leaning voters while potentially losing support among their traditional base. The political calculus involved seems precarious, especially when considering the historical unpopularity of the Cheney family among many voters.
The Brownie Points of Corporate Interests
The ongoing discourse sheds light on the broader relationship between corporate interests and political endorsements, particularly how such dynamics shape candidate strategies. Some analysts suggest that endorsements from the Cheneys indicate a shift in Democratic policy goals, revealing potential alignment with more conservative viewpoints that may diverge from progressive ideals. There are also broader implications regarding the emergence of bipartisanship in defense of perceived threats to democracy, as articulated by central political figures. This situation underscores the complexities of navigating political affiliations in an election marked by stark ideological divides.
We're sharing a special bonus episode of The Lever's flagship podcast, Lever Time, founder David Sirota and award-winning screenwriter and director Adam McKay discuss Democrats’ bid to win over GOP voters by repeatedly touting endorsements from former Vice President Dick Cheney and his daughter, former Rep. Liz Cheney.
Critics say the move could alienate swing-state voters, but others say it’s a shrewd gambit to attract disaffected Republicans. McKay’s Oscar-nominated film Vice is widely considered the definitive biopic of Dick Cheney.
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