Known Unknowns, the Rolling Stones, and Karl Rove | GoodFellows: John H. Cochrane, Niall Ferguson, H.R. McMaster, and Bill Whalen | Hoover Institution
Nov 29, 2023
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Karl Rove, Niall Ferguson, H.R. McMaster, and John Cochrane discuss the odds of a Biden-Trump rematch. They analyze the latest in the Middle East, including the potential for eradicating Hamas. The 'lightning round' explores Vladimir Putin’s peace overtures, Sam Altman's return to OpenAI, an ascendant Right on two continents, and the legacy of the Rolling Stones.
The upcoming Iowa caucuses hold the potential for surprising outcomes, as historical examples have shown unexpected candidates emerging as frontrunners.
The lack of positive and optimistic visions in US politics suggests that animosity towards opponents is driving the parties, rather than a hopeful vision for the future.
The state of the economy, including the worsening economic conditions under the Biden administration, may impact voter sentiment in the 2024 election.
Deep dives
The situation in Iowa caucuses is unpredictable and can lead to surprising outcomes
The discussion focuses on the upcoming Iowa caucuses and the unpredictability of the results. Carl Rove highlights historical examples where unexpected candidates emerged as frontrunners, emphasizing the possibility for surprising outcomes in the upcoming caucuses.
The lack of positive and optimistic visions in US politics
The podcast delves into the current state of US politics, highlighting the lack of positive and optimistic visions from both parties. It is observed that animosity towards opponents seems to be driving the parties more than any hopeful vision for the future. This sentiment is discussed in relation to the 2024 election and the potential for new faces to bring about a change in the narrative.
The potential impact of the economy on the election
The economic factor is explored in relation to the 2024 election. The discussion points out that although the polling suggests a strong position for Trump on the economy, the worsening economic conditions under the Biden administration could impact voter sentiment. The potential influence of the economy on the election is highlighted, indicating that voters may consider the previous positive economic conditions under Trump's presidency.
Vladimir Putin's remarks on stopping the tragedy in Ukraine
Vladimir Putin recently made a statement suggesting that efforts should be made to stop the tragedy in Ukraine. This can be seen as an opportunity for him to take advantage of the Biden administration's desire for negotiation. Putin aims to portray Ukrainian President Zelensky as the obstacle to peace, potentially allowing Russia to maintain control over a significant portion of Ukraine.
The rise of far-right parties in Europe
The recent election results in the Netherlands, with Geert Wilders' Freedom Party winning the most votes, and the growing popularity of the far-right AfD party in Germany, indicate a trend of dissatisfaction with mainstream parties and a rise in anti-EU sentiments. It is important to understand that these trends are fueled by popular sentiments of dissatisfaction, often related to immigration and perceived threats to national identity. Additionally, there is evidence of foreign influence, particularly from Russia, which supports these far-right and far-left parties to polarize European countries and undermine democratic institutions.
As the US prepares for a presidential vote (Iowans caucusing in fewer than 50 days) and a temporary truce halts the Israel-Hamas conflict, long-term uncertainty seems the order of the day. Karl Rove, Wall Street Journal political columnist and the “architect” behind George W. Bush’s presidential runs, joins Hoover senior fellows Niall Ferguson. H.R. McMaster, and John Cochrane to discuss the odds of a Biden-Trump rematch. Next the three fellows analyze the latest in the Middle East, including the peril of a broader regional conflict and the potential for eradicating Hamas. Finally, a “lightning round“ explores Vladimir Putin’s peace overtures, Sam Altman’s return to OpenAI, an ascendant Right on two continents, plus the legacy of the soon-to-be-touring Rolling Stones (Niall having no sympathy for any devil who doesn’t recognize the Stones as the greatest rock band).
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