10/2/23: Gaetz Promises End To McCarthy Speakership, UK Sending Troops To Ukraine, RFK Jr. To Run As Independent, 2nd Debate Ratings Bomb, Jamaal Bowman Fire Alarm Scandal, New Orleans Poison Pipes, What's "Real" Ukraine Victory
Topics include Gaetz promising to end McCarthy speakership, UK sending troops to Ukraine, RFK Jr. running as independent, 2nd debate ratings bomb, Jamaal Bowman fire alarm scandal, New Orleans poison pipes, and what's "Real" Ukraine victory.
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Quick takeaways
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to run as an independent for president, potentially impacting both Joe Biden and Donald Trump's campaigns.
RFK Jr.'s favorability ratings suggest a greater appeal among Republican voters, but it remains uncertain whose votes he is more likely to draw from.
RFK Jr.'s potential independent run raises questions about its impact on the election, depending on how he positions himself and how voters perceive him.
If RFK Jr. runs as a Libertarian candidate, he could potentially draw more votes from Republican supporters, given the historical affiliation of Libertarian voters with the GOP.
Deep dives
RFK Jr. Teases Big Announcement to Run as an Independent
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to announce that he will run as an independent in the upcoming election. This announcement comes after RFK Jr. felt that the Democratic National Committee (DNC) was changing the rules to exclude his candidacy. He plans to make this announcement on October 9th in Pennsylvania and will attack the DNC with ads to clear the path for his independent run. It remains to be seen who RFK Jr.'s candidacy will impact more – Joe Biden and the Democrats or Donald Trump and the Republicans.
RFK Jr.'s Favorability Ratings Vary Among Democrats and Republicans
RFK Jr.'s favorability ratings differ among Democrats and Republicans. Among Republicans, his net image rating stands at a positive 30%, while among Democrats, it has fallen to a negative 43%. This suggests that RFK Jr. may have a greater appeal among Republican voters. However, it remains uncertain which candidate's votes he is more likely to draw from – Joe Biden or Donald Trump.
The Impact of RFK Jr.'s Independent Run
RFK Jr.'s potential independent run raises questions about its impact on the election. If he runs as an independent, RFK Jr. could draw votes from both Democrats and Republicans, depending on how he positions himself. While his previous ties to the Democratic Party may suggest a potential impact on Joe Biden's voter base, his recent favorable ratings among Republicans indicate a possible influence on Donald Trump's supporters. The ultimate impact on the election will depend on RFK Jr.'s campaign strategy and how voters perceive him as an independent candidate.
RFK Jr.'s Meeting with the Libertarian Party Chairman
There were reports of RFK Jr. meeting with the chairman of the Libertarian Party, indicating a potential alignment with the party. If he chooses to run as a Libertarian candidate, RFK Jr. could potentially draw more votes from Republican supporters, as many Libertarian voters tend to lean towards the GOP as their second choice. Previous data on Libertarian voters suggests a stronger affiliation with the Republican Party. However, it's important to note that the impact of RFK Jr.'s candidacy will ultimately depend on his campaign's message, strategy, and how voters respond to his independent or Libertarian candidacy.
The Threat of Saltwater on New Orleans' Drinking Water
An extreme drought in Louisiana has caused a drop in the water level and speed of the Mississippi River, leading to a wedge of saltwater traveling up the river toward New Orleans. The city depends on the river for its drinking water and lacks the infrastructure to remove salt. Efforts to mitigate the threat, such as distributing bottled water and mixing in fresh water, are likely to be insufficient. The situation poses a threat to human health, agriculture, and the city's lead pipes, which could be corroded, jeopardizing the drinking water for years to come.
Putin, Hitler, and the Finnish Analogy
The analogy of Putin being Hitler is common in discussions about Ukraine, leading to a policy of treating Ukraine as an ally in a war against Russia. However, considering Putin as a Soviet Stalin or a Russian czar provides a different perspective. A more apt historical analogy is Finland during World War II. The Winter War between the Soviet Union and Finland showed that a smaller nation, like Ukraine, can stand up to a larger aggressor. In the Winter War, Finland's refusal to comply with Soviet demands led to a humiliating Soviet defeat and a peace deal that allowed Finland to maintain its independence in the long run. This example suggests that Ukraine's fight for sovereignty could result in a similar outcome, where they may have to give up some territory but ultimately secure their independence.
The Winter War and Finland's Victory
The Winter War between the Soviet Union and Finland in 1939 demonstrated the resilience and determination of the Finns in the face of a much larger aggressor. Despite initial setbacks, the Finns fought back and gained international admiration. The war eventually settled into a stalemate, and Finland's appeal for peace led to a negotiated settlement where they gave up 9% of their territory. The victory for Finland was not in the territorial concessions, but rather in maintaining their independence and sovereignty. This example suggests that Ukraine's fight against Russia could result in a similar outcome, where they may have to make concessions in the short term but secure their independence in the long run.
Krystal and Saagar discuss Gavin Newsom replacing the Dianne Feinstein Senate seat with a corporate Kamala stooge, Matt Gaetz promises to end the McCarthy speakership, Establishment freaks over fitting Ukraine aid into new bill, UK plans to send British troops to Ukraine, an Anti-Ukraine populist wins in NATO country, RFK Jr. to announce an independent run for president, the 2nd Republican debate bombs in the ratings, Is Jamaal Bowman a liar on the "Fire Alarm" Scandal?, Krystal looks into the New Orleans nightmare water crisis that could poison the city's pipes, and Saagar looks into the history of the Winter War and what real victory looks like for Ukraine.
