The Gray Area with Sean Illing Weeds 2020: The Bernie electability debate
Feb 29, 2020
The podcast dives into the heated debate surrounding Bernie Sanders' electability in the 2020 race. It contrasts modern political dynamics with historical contexts, exploring how voter motivations have evolved. The discussion also touches on the complexities of introducing a Scandinavian welfare state in America, plus the significant yet underrated moments from recent debates. Finally, the role of the filibuster in obstructing major reforms is scrutinized, highlighting its implications for governance and the Democratic Party.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Past Landslide Elections
- Barry Goldwater's 1964 loss and George McGovern's 1972 defeat illustrate the impact of nominating ideologically extreme candidates.
- These losses led to significant down-ballot losses and shifts in voter support to the opposing party.
Narrower Election Outcomes
- Modern elections are less volatile than 20th-century elections, with smaller swings between cycles.
- This is due to increased polarization and less ticket-splitting, making outcomes more predictable.
Unprecedented Political Competition
- The current political era is the most competitive in American history, with control of the House, Senate, and presidency frequently changing.
- This competitiveness is a relatively new phenomenon, the reasons for which remain unclear to political scientists.
