Making Sense with Sam Harris #262 — The Future of American Democracy
Oct 5, 2021
Andrew Yang, an entrepreneur and former presidential candidate, joins the conversation to tackle the state of American democracy. He candidly reflects on his campaign experiences and the impact of media manipulation. Yang discusses political polarization, the flaws of the two-party system, and offers insights into his vision for systemic reforms like open primaries and rank-choice voting. The dialogue also delves into economic issues such as universal basic income, the child tax credit, and innovative approaches to addressing inequality.
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Early Campaign Struggles
- Andrew Yang initially struggled to explain his presidential candidacy, often resorting to vague descriptions like "policy" or "author".
- His campaign gained traction after a podcast appearance with Sam Harris and an invitation to speak in Iowa.
Ego-Annihilating Process
- The presidential campaign process can be ego-diminishing for non-frontrunners.
- Candidates like Marianne Williamson and Joe Sestak faced mockery or were ignored by the media.
Early Campaign Challenges
- Yang's initial campaign events were sparsely attended, highlighting the difficulty of gaining early momentum.
- Media often sidelines or mocks lesser-known candidates, hindering their progress.
