Join Stacey Abrams, a powerhouse politician and voting rights activist, as she guest hosts and discusses the significance of the upcoming presidential debate. Melissa Murray, an NYU law professor, delves into recent Supreme Court rulings and their implications for democracy. Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something, emphasizes the importance of progressive candidates in local elections. The conversation explores strategies for voter engagement and the role of debates in shaping public opinion.
Local elections can impact voter turnout by addressing community-specific issues like education and healthcare.
Diverse, progressive candidates running for local offices can combat skepticism towards democracy's efficacy.
Local elections can energize voter participation and drive turnout for the entire ballot.
Attracting young voters requires focusing on policy areas like affordable housing and quality of life issues.
Deep dives
Importance of Local Elections in Driving Turnout
Local elections, such as school boards, city councils, and county commissions, can significantly impact voter turnout, with candidates addressing community-specific issues like education, local taxes, and healthcare. Contesting local elections can inspire increased participation, influencing overall voter engagement and potentially boosting turnout for the entire ballot.
Addressing Cynicism Towards Democracy
In response to skepticism towards democracy's efficacy among voters, emphasizing the importance of diverse, progressive candidates running for local offices can combat cynicism. By showcasing tangible impacts on communities and engaging voters on issues that directly affect them, such as housing, public transit, and reproductive health, candidates can rebuild trust in the democratic process.
Reverse Coattails Effect on Voter Turnout
The concept of 'reverse coattails' highlights how local elections can energize voter participation, presenting an opportunity for candidates at the grassroots level to drive turnout for the entire ballot. Initiatives like recruiting pro-democracy leaders overseeing elections can amplify voter engagement and create a ripple effect, potentially influencing national outcomes.
Engaging Young Voters Through Specific Policy Messaging
To attract and engage young voters, Democratic candidates should focus on policy areas that directly impact their lives, such as affordable housing, reproductive rights, public transit, and quality of life issues. Demonstrating a commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by young people can reinvigorate their trust in the political system and motivate them to participate in elections.
The Importance of Generational Leadership in Workplace Dynamics
Exploring generational leadership shifts in the workplace, the podcast delves into how modern bosses differentiate themselves, such as being the boss whose employees follow on Instagram or championing work-life balance with a four-day workweek. It aims to define characteristics of millennial and Gen Z leaders, anticipating an upcoming book release on the topic.
Empowering Young Progressives through Political Engagement
Highlighting the impact of Run for Something in recruiting and training young progressive politicians, the episode emphasizes the significance of continuous support for political engagement. Advocating for sustaining the momentum even post-elections, the focus remains on fostering a new generation of Democratic leaders from local to national levels.
Challenges in Combating Disinformation and Misinformation
Examining the pervasive spread of disinformation across social media platforms, the hosts dissect the challenges in regulating and countering false narratives. The episode underscores the complexities faced by institutions in addressing the supply of misinformation and navigating the dynamics of content moderation amidst political and societal pressures.
The first debate is upon us, and you’re not the only one feeling nervous. Guest host Stacey Abrams joins Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan, live in Brooklyn, to talk about what we can learn from the 2020 debates, and what would constitute a win for Biden on Thursday night. Then, Strict Scrutiny’s Melissa Murray joins the hosts to break down the latest from the Supreme Court and what’s still to come this term, and Run for Something co-founder Amanda Litman talks with Dan about why it’s so important to have progressive candidates running in local races.Democracy or Else is out now!
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
