Plain English with Derek Thompson

California’s Elections Sent an Important Message. What Is It?

Jun 10, 2022

Ron Brownstein, a CNN senior political analyst and writer for 'The Atlantic', dives into the significant messages sent by recent California elections. He discusses the recall of San Francisco's progressive district attorney and the rise of crime-focused campaigns, notably by Rick Caruso in Los Angeles. Brownstein draws parallels between today's political climate and the chaotic 1970s, emphasizing how perceptions of crime and safety are shaping voter behavior. The conversation sheds light on the delicate balance between justice reform and public safety.

43:12

Episode guests

Ron Brownstein

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

The Shifting Political Landscape of Crime and Safety in California

3min

Balancing Justice and Safety in California Elections

22min

Navigating the Complexities of Crime Policy Reform

2min

Echoes of the Past: Crime and Inflation in Modern Politics

2min

Cultural Shifts in US Politics

10min

Today’s episode is about two California elections and the message they sent to the rest of the country. In San Francisco, progressive district attorney Chesa Boudin was recalled by voters after years of complaints about the rise of disorder, shoplifting, and homelessness in the city. In Los Angeles, Republican-turned-Democrat billionaire Rick Caruso had a strong showing running as a crimefighter in the L.A. mayoral primary.

In the late 1970s, politics was defined by two topics: crime and inflation. Well, look around today: Various measures of crime are weighing on people, and inflation is near its 40-year high. Are we stepping into a time machine that’s taking us back to the '70s?

To answer that question, we have journalist and author Ron Brownstein, a CNN senior political analyst, writer for 'The Atlantic,' and author of the book Rock Me on the Water: 1974, the Year Los Angeles Transformed Movies, Music, TV, and Politics. So if we are headed back to the '70s in a newly waxed maroon Pontiac Grand Am, this is the guy who can tell us what it means.

Host: Derek Thompson

Guest: Ron Brownstein

Producer: Devon Manze

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