Adam O'Neill, Washington correspondent, dives into the evolving dynamics of campaign finance, revealing how a candidate's war chest is less decisive than before. The conversation then shifts to Matt Steinglass, who shares compelling stories from asylum-seekers aboard the MS Galaxy in the Netherlands, highlighting the clash between luxury accommodations and harsh realities under a new hard-right policy. Lastly, Dolly Seton discusses the global skyscraper boom, exploring urban density and the engineering challenges behind these towering structures.
Kamala Harris's successful fundraising illustrates the changing landscape of campaign finance, where grassroots contributions are increasingly influential alongside traditional donors.
The new far-right government in the Netherlands is intensifying immigration restrictions, creating a challenging environment for asylum seekers and raising concerns about rule of law.
Deep dives
Ireland's Workforce and Business Appeal
Ireland's workforce is recognized globally for its remarkable flexibility and adaptability, which are essential qualities for companies focused on innovation. This commitment to a skilled and versatile workforce has attracted approximately 1,800 international businesses, including the majority of top US software companies, to establish their operations in Ireland. The national investment development agency, IDA Ireland, actively facilitates connections between these businesses and unique opportunities in the region, reinforcing Ireland's attractiveness as a business hub. This convergence of talent and corporate presence not only boosts the local economy but also positions Ireland as a key player in the global market.
Campaign Finance Landscape Shift
The podcast emphasizes a significant transformation in campaign finance dynamics since the Citizens United decision in 2010, which allowed for substantial corporate donations in politics. Contrary to initial fears that it would predominantly benefit business-friendly Republicans, Democrats have also harnessed this new landscape effectively, highlighted by Vice President Kamala Harris's impressive fundraising performance. Notably, Harris raised nearly $190 million in August, far surpassing Donald Trump's $45 million, demonstrating the potency of grassroots contributions alongside large donors. This shift indicates that while campaign financing has evolved, its impact on election outcomes remains complex and multifaceted.
Asylum Seekers and Government Policy in the Netherlands
The situation for asylum seekers in the Netherlands is increasingly dire due to the newly elected far-right government, which is pursuing stringent immigration policies. Despite a decreasing number of refugees, the government is heightening its rhetoric around an 'asylum crisis' and proposing emergency measures that could legally limit asylum applications. Asylum seekers, such as a Chechen man and a Bangladeshi woman facing lengthy waiting periods, illustrate the human toll of these policies, with some stuck in limbo for years. Critics argue that the government's approach may systematically undermine the rule of law while attempting to create a negative perception of the Netherlands as a destination for migrants.
Kamala Harris has proven to be an enormous draw for campaign donors. But the size of a candidate’s war chest influences the outcome much less than it once did. Our correspondent meets asylum-seekers on a Dutch ship, investigating the new hard-right government’s tactics with migrants (09:39). And a survey of where the very scrapiest skyscrapers are going up (17:42).