#468 - And now...the Coronation (w/ Alex Thompson)
Aug 22, 2024
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Political reporter Alex Thompson from Axios joins the conversation, sharing his sharp insights into the evolving landscape of American politics. He discusses the undercurrents of a campaign to remove Biden from the ticket and sheds light on the quiet yet significant influence of the Obamas. Their intricate dynamics are revealed, especially the reported tensions between Michelle Obama and the Biden family. The talk also touches on the impact of third-party candidates, campaign strategies, and the unique nuances of political speech in today's arena.
The podcast humorously critiques the media industry, highlighting the disparity in compensation and self-worth among seasoned journalists.
Bill Clinton's diminishing oratorical skills are examined, suggesting his speeches lack the impactful resonance they once had in the past.
The conversation addresses Kamala Harris's evolving messaging strategy, focusing on personal narratives while downplaying policy to reshape her public image.
Deep dives
Recognition of CNN's New Contributor
The discussion opens with remarks about CNN political contributor Alex Thompson's new contract, which is characterized as 'free money' by the other speakers. The banter highlights the common practice where talented individuals in the media often work without compensation, underscoring a disparity in how media roles are valued. This exchange humorously illustrates how many seasoned journalists may not prioritize financial gain over their craft, reflecting a broader theme of self-worth in the profession. The conversation sets a light tone while diving into the intricacies of professional media relationships.
Reflections on Bill Clinton's Speech
Bill Clinton's speech at the DNC is critiqued for its length and lack of impact, compared to the past when he was a captivating speaker. Observers noted his tendency to ramble without a prompt, casting doubt on his delivery and the effectiveness of his message during the convention. There were also speculations about how the recent Me Too movement may have influenced audience reactions during his speech, with questions raised about whether he would receive criticism or a less than enthusiastic response. Ultimately, the speakers suggest that Clinton's once-great oratory appeared diminished, echoing the sentiment that the energy around his speeches has waned over time.
Conventions and Messaging Discipline
The podcasts delve into the concept of messaging discipline at the DNC, emphasizing how frequently terms like 'freedom' were cited by speakers. The analysis suggests that the convention's narrative has been carefully constructed, with noticeable changes made shortly before the event to adapt to external events affecting the Democratic agenda. Speakers noted the contrast between the structured messaging and the more chaotic approach observable at the RNC. Furthermore, there are references to Kamala Harris's evolving messaging strategy, indicating a shift toward focusing on 'joy' while downplaying past narratives that could be perceived negatively.
Kamala Harris's Upcoming Acceptance Speech
Expectations surrounding Kamala Harris's acceptance speech are set with anticipation regarding her focus on her personal narrative and family background. The conversation highlights her likely emphasis on a middle-class upbringing and the story of her mother, aiming to reshuffle her public image for broader appeal. The analysis indicates that this shift may signal an attempt to regain footing after previous challenges in her political career. However, it remains unclear how much policy will be articulated, as the speakers speculate that Harris might avoid a heavy policy agenda in favor of personal storytelling.
The Potential Impact of RFK's Endorsement
The looming endorsement of Donald Trump by RFK Jr. is discussed, with implications for its potential impact on Trump's campaign and the dynamics of third-party candidates. Concerns arise about how RFK's endorsement could mobilize disillusioned voters, drawing parallels to previous elections where third-party candidates may have swayed outcomes. The conversation suggests the Democrats' strategy against RFK has been reactive rather than proactive, leading to RFK's feeling of exclusion from party conversations. Overall, the situation illustrates the precarious nature of campaign dynamics in the face of unexpected endorsements and candidate movements.
It’s the final night of the convention and in the hours before everything kicks off, the lads convened at the Substack loft to chat with Axios’s Alex Thompson, our old pal and arguably the most plugged in political reporter in America. We could offer some conversation bullet points but…just trust us. This is a really good one. Alex dishes on his reporting about the campaign to dislodge Biden’s from ticket, the enormous and quiet political power of the Obamas, and the behind-the-scenes war between Michelle Obama and the Biden family.
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