This podcast delves into America's election forecast model, giving Trump a slight edge. It also discusses progress on malaria vaccines and the rise of 'tradwives' on TikTok advocating for traditional gender roles.
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Quick takeaways
Statistical forecast model predicts 60% chance of Trump winning second term, citing poll data and historical trends.
Resurgence of malaria cases in Africa prompts innovation of new vaccines and insecticide strategies.
Deep dives
Strategic Modeling to Predict Election Outcomes
The Economist's data editor discusses a statistical forecast model that predicts a 60% chance of Donald Trump returning to the White House. The model combines poll data and historical tendencies, showing Trump leading in competitive states and the Sun Belt region. Factors such as Biden's unpopularity, global inflation implications, and voter behavior contribute to Trump's favorable position.
Innovations in Malaria Fight: New Vaccines and Challenges
The health editor of The Economist highlights the resurgence of malaria cases in Africa due to funding constraints and emerging threats like insecticide resistance. Promising innovations include new insecticide combinations, mosquito baits, and two groundbreaking vaccines, R21 being cost-effective and mass-producible. The delayed progress in vaccine development is attributed to scientific complexity and financial challenges faced by pharmaceutical firms.
The Tradwife Trend: Domesticity vs. Modern Feminism
Investigating the 'tradwife' trend on TikTok, it glorifies traditional homemaking roles through aesthetically pleasing visuals and household tips. The trend targets young women, advocating for a return to domesticity, leading to debates on femininity, choice, and societal roles. However, concerns arise regarding the movement's promotion of outdated gender norms, lack of diversity, and potential influence on controversial views like anti-vaccination and anti-abortion.
We have dusted off and tuned up our forecast model for America’s presidential race. So far it gives Donald Trump a marginally higher chance of a second term. There is at last progress on not one but two vaccines to beat malaria (9:02). And a look at the “tradwives” of TikTok: passionate homemakers who prefer the gender roles of the past (15:10).