Debating Kamala Harris's popularity surge through memes and the K-hive expansion. Frank Rich, Veep EP, shares notes on a bizarre election month and questions the possibility of a modern West Wing. Max Tani joins to discuss RFK's farming proposal and Americans hiding spending habits from loved ones.
Kamala Harris's image shifted from cringe to cool with organic 'brat' branding evolution.
Veep's satire highlights challenges for women in politics, balancing approachability with power.
Veep offers sharp political satire, contrasting standard political dramas like The West Wing.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Kamala's Image
Kamala Harris's image shifted from cringe to cool due to organic transformations highlighted by her team seizing on the 'brat' branding. TikTok edits repositioned her prior awkward moments as a statement of cool. This unexpected evolution showcases a shift in Kamala's public perception beyond her team's prior efforts.
The Role of Gender in Political Satire
Veep's satire on women in politics cleverly dissects the challenges female politicians face. Selina Meyer navigates the fine line of being approachable yet powerful, relatable but not ridiculous. The show's portrayal accentuates the secondary status of women in politics humorously and remains pertinent in the evolving political landscape.
The Veep Paradox and Political Ideals
Veep stands as the antithesis of the typically ideated political drama such as The West Wing. The show's darkly comic portrayal of moral compromise is a stark contrast to the optimism of network shows like Madam Secretary. As cultural shifts impact political narratives, Veep exemplifies a new era of sharp political satire devoid of traditional moral rectitude.
Biden's Stepping Down Decision
The earnest interpretation of Biden's decision to step down suggests he did it for the good of the country, aspiring to continue the values he advocated for as president. Advisors influenced him after revealing data indicating an unlikely victory, prompting his dignified exit to benefit his party and counter Trump's influence.
Impact of Influencers on Shopping Behavior
Influencers on social media are intensifying a trend of 'stealth shopping,' where individuals conceal purchases from partners, notably driven by the online push to buy products. The surge in stealth purchases is attributed to the pressure instigated by influencer marketing strategies, encouraging impulsive spending and hidden expenditures, particularly on fashion items and through novel emotional tactics.
In the flurry of the brat phenomenon, Nayeema and Ben debate whether Kamala Harris can surf memes all the way to election day and how “childless cat lady” is only expanding the K-hive. They bring on Frank Rich, the executive producer of the hit shows Veep and Succession, to get his notes on an election month that’s stranger than fiction, and ask whether an idealist show like The West Wing could be made today.