Sociologist Tressie McMillan Cottom, a MacArthur Fellow and NYT columnist, joins the conversation to dissect the ramifications of Biden's exit from the presidential race and Kamala Harris's rise. They humorously compare political shifts to universal temptations, while exploring the complexities of political narratives and endorsements. Tressie highlights the powerful collective voice of 44,000 Black women advocating for leadership, shedding light on the systemic challenges they face. Together, they examine the transformative potential of having a Black woman in a key government position.
Kamala Harris being nominated marks a historic moment in U.S. politics.
Choosing a Latino VP could revolutionize American political landscape and challenge stereotypes.
Deep dives
Kamala's Historic Moment
Kamala Harris steps up in history as Joe Biden steps down from the presidential race, marking a first for the United States. Writer Tressie McMillan-Cottom reframes the election discourse in her New York Times article 'Carmela or Bust.' Biden's decision, communicated through a tweet on a Sunday, unveils a delayed truth but resonates with a threatened democracy, eliciting a mix of reactions.
Challenges Faced by Biden
Joe Biden's political career culminates with an unexpected exit, painting a tragic narrative of an elderly figure battling health issues and family challenges. The media-driven imagery of aging in office leaves a feeble impression, overshadowing his record and perpetuating narratives around elderly politicians.
Predictable vs. Radical VP Choices
As the search for Kamala Harris's running mate intensifies, forecasting shows a dichotomy between predictable and radical choices. Embracing a disruptive ticket with a Latino VP could present a monumental leap in American history, challenging the conventional political landscape. The decision to prioritize familiarity or boldness remains a pivotal strategy.
Impact of Black Woman VP Choice
Selecting a Latino running mate to complement Kamala Harris could strategically navigate uncharted territories, showcasing a ticket of firsts. Amplifying voices traditionally overlooked in electoral conversations has the potential to reshape narratives and captivate a wider audience, challenging stereotypes and embracing diversity at the political forefront.
Sociologist and NYT columnist Tressie McMillan Cottom joins Trevor, Christiana, and Josh as they unpack Biden dropping out, Kamala’s nomination, and where we’re at in this ever evolving (some might say devolving) political landscape.