Former MSNBC host Chris Matthews joins Krystal and Saagar for a lively debate on topics such as Biden's job performance, the 2024 horse race, populism, Kamala's failures, and his uncensored thoughts on Bernie Sanders. They also discuss the impact of government spending on inflation, media trust issues, the start of the Biden administration, failures of the neoliberal consensus, and the relationship between healthcare, economics, and politics.
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Quick takeaways
The 2024 election is likely to be closely contested, with battleground states like Arizona, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Georgia playing a crucial role.
Inflation could significantly impact the outcome of the 2024 election, as rising prices affect people's wallets and everyday lives.
Connecting with voters is essential in politics, and politicians like Biden need to make themselves likable and relatable through storytelling and personal background.
Deep dives
2024 Election Predictions: Close election expected with key battleground states
According to political expert Chris Matthews, the 2024 election is likely to be a closely contested battle. Matthews predicts that the usual Democratic and Republican states will largely remain loyal to their respective parties, and the election will come down to key battleground states such as Arizona, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Georgia. However, Matthews notes that Georgia might be trending towards the Democrats with its strong and tough governor. He also highlights the importance of the economy, with low employment numbers but a lingering threat of inflation. Matthews suggests that if Trump wins in 2024, it could be due to the issue of inflation, as the impact of rising prices is felt by people, especially concerning gas prices. He believes that inflation will continue to be a significant factor in the next election.
Biden's Policy Grades: Economy performing well, but inflation concerns arise
The Biden administration's policy performance is subject to assessment, particularly in terms of the economy. Matthews, an expert in politics, states that he is impressed by the low unemployment rate, but also highlights the potential threat of inflation. While employment rates have improved, Matthews believes that inflation does not disappear even with a drop from a high percentage to a lower one. He argues that people still feel the effects of inflation, such as rising prices for gas and other goods. Matthews speculates that if Trump succeeds in the election, his victory could be attributed to concerns over inflation, as it negatively impacts people's wallets and their everyday lives.
Challenges for Biden: Lack of charisma and communication skills
Discussion shifts to President Biden and his political strengths and weaknesses. Matthews suggests that Biden may lack the charm and charisma that previous presidents like Barack Obama and Ronald Reagan possessed. This lack of charm, combined with his advanced age, may affect his ability to connect with voters effectively. Matthews highlights the significance of likability in politics, emphasizing that politicians need to connect with people and make them feel liked in order to build support. He believes that Biden may face challenges in this area and notes other politicians who struggled with this aspect. Matthews suggests storytelling as a strategy for Biden to engage with voters and make his personal background relatable and appealing.
Assessing Kamala Harris: Difficulties in connecting with the public
Chris Matthews shares his perspective on Vice President Kamala Harris and her potential as the heir apparent of the Democratic Party. While Harris holds a prominent position, Matthews believes she would encounter difficulties winning a general election on her own. He argues that she needs to focus on making herself likable and relatable, as connecting with regular people is crucial in winning elections. Matthews criticizes her prosecutorial style and portrays her as too forceful and negative in her interactions. He suggests that Harris should attempt to connect with voters by sharing personal stories of her upbringing and experiences, highlighting her cultural background and bringing relatability to her narrative instead of appearing consistently confrontational.
Media and Trust: Overabundance of voices and lack of comprehensive reporting
Matthews and the host delve into the topic of media trust and discuss the reasons behind its decline. Matthews points out that the multitude of news outlets and the prevalence of different narratives contribute to the erosion of trust. He argues that comprehensive reporting, giving the whole picture and providing balanced coverage, is vital for media credibility. Matthews suggests that media should cover various aspects such as inflation, prices, and the entire economic landscape to create a clearer picture for the audience. He believes that media should avoid sensationalism, focus on factual news, and provide a fair and complete perspective on current events to regain and maintain trust.
Krystal and Saagar welcome former MSNBC host Chris Matthews to the studio for a long form debate on a range of topics from Biden's job performance, 2024 horse race, Populism, Kamala's failures, his real uncensored thoughts on Bernie Sanders and more!