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What Next | Daily News and Analysis

Bonus: The Surge | 45 Days from Election Day

Sep 20, 2024
In this discussion, Jim Newell, a senior politics writer at Slate known for his insightful takes on political trends, shares his amusing newsletter, The Surge. He highlights the unpredictable nature of the polls as election day approaches. The conversation dives into the art of ranking political figures with humor, revealing how they assess candidates gaining traction. Surprising revelations pop up as they analyze the key players in the race, all while keeping the tone light and engaging.
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Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Jim Newell's whimsical ranking of political figures offers a unique, humorous lens on the chaotic landscape of current politics as election day approaches.
  • The podcast addresses serious political discourse while highlighting bizarre events, such as a GOP candidate controversially identifying as a 'black Nazi', showcasing politics' absurdity.

Deep dives

The Concept of The Surge

The Surge is centered around ranking the seven most significant political figures each week, which serves to highlight the humor and absurdity of politics. This approach initially stemmed from the original design and format choices made years ago, blending an engaging and entertaining perspective with political commentary. The ranking incorporates various areas of politics, especially as the election draws near, ensuring an election-focused discussion of news and developments. Jim Newell emphasizes a somewhat informal and whimsical decision-making process to select the honorees each week, adding an element of fun to the serious nature of political discourse.

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