John Priddo, U.S. editor for the Economist and host of the Checks and Balance podcast, shares insights on Ron DeSantis's rise and fall in the presidential race, emphasizing his surprising endorsement of Trump. The discussion also highlights the political significance of the newly inaugurated Shri Ram Temple in India and its impact on Modi's agenda. Additionally, they dive into the controversial rise of Instapoetry, exploring its appeal and questioning the authenticity behind popular social media poetry.
Ron DeSantis's decision to drop out of the Republican presidential nomination race and endorse Donald Trump highlights the challenging dynamics and competition within the party.
The inauguration of a Hindu temple in Ayodhya represents a significant shift towards Hindu nationalism in India, which has potential implications for religious minorities and the country's secular constitution.
Deep dives
Ron DeSantis suspends his presidential campaign
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has suspended his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. In a message delivered on X, he thanked his supporters and endorsed Donald Trump. DeSantis was hoping to gain momentum by winning the Iowa contest, but he came a distant second to Trump. With Nikki Haley polling better than DeSantis in the upcoming New Hampshire contest, he decided to withdraw from the race.
Inauguration of Hindu temple in India is significant for PM Modi
The inauguration of a Hindu temple in Ayodhya, India, is seen as a triumph for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and signifies the transformation of a once-secular state. The BJP campaigned for decades to build the Ram Temple and its opening is a rallying cry to the party's Hindu nationalist base. The event also serves as part of the BJP's broader election pitch, combining Hindu revivalism with economic development to establish a proud Hindu-majority India. Critics fear that it undermines India's secular constitution and could lead to further discrimination against religious minorities.
The rise of feel-good, marketable poetry in the Instagram age
Modern poetry, particularly on platforms like Instagram, has experienced a surge in popularity. Poets like Donna Ashworth and Ruby Core market their poems via social media and websites, appealing to a wide audience. These poets embrace a feel-good style, using words and phrases that evoke warmth and inspiration. While critics might dismiss this genre as lacking poetic form or depth, its success lies in the emotional resonance it creates. The poems may not adhere to traditional structures or provoke deep contemplation, but they touch people in a way that feels authentic and relatable.
He went from being the most viable challenger to Donald Trump for the Republican nomination, to endorsing him. Our US editor opines on why Ron DeSantis’ campaign fell short, and what it means for the New Hampshire primary. What the opening of a temple says about Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist agenda (09:13). And, why is bad Instapoetry so popular (18:02)?
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