Democratic strategist Simon Rosenberg discusses indicators for predicting the 2024 election and challenges the conventional wisdom of a red wave. Everytown for Gun Safety's Jonathan Feinblatt talks about combatting gun manufacturers. MSNBC's Katie Phang previews the Iowa caucuses showdown.
The power and influence of the NRA has diminished due to scandals and decreased support from politicians.
Polling data alone is insufficient to predict election outcomes; a more comprehensive understanding of politics is needed.
Holding the gun industry accountable through legal action and technological advancements can enhance safety measures.
Deep dives
Building a Counterweight to the NRA
Everytown was founded to counter the power of the NRA, which had significant influence in blocking gun safety legislation. The goal was to clear the obstacles and focus on making progress on common-sense gun laws that had public support despite the NRA's opposition.
The Decline of the NRA
Recent years have seen a decline in the power and influence of the NRA. Scandals exposing the misuse of funds and extravagant spending have damaged its reputation. The NRA's ability to block legislation has diminished, and more politicians, both Democrats and Republicans, are distancing themselves from the organization.
Changing the Political Calculus on Gun Safety
The political calculus on gun safety has shifted. Bipartisan bills are being passed, and support for common-sense gun laws has grown among politicians. The NRA's letter grades, once highly sought after, now carry less weight. The organization's financial troubles and decreased influence have weakened its hold on lawmakers.
The Limitations of Polling and the Red Wave Narrative
The podcast episode explores the limitations of relying solely on polling data to predict election outcomes. It discusses how polling failed to accurately capture the dynamics of American politics in the 2022 and 2023 elections, leading to unexpected Democratic successes. The episode argues that polling response rates have decreased, resulting in less accurate data and the prevalence of unreliable polling in the media. It highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding of politics beyond polling.
Holding the Gun Industry Accountable
The episode discusses the gun industry's influence and the need for accountability. It outlines how the NRA has protected gun manufacturers by preventing research and securing civil immunity. The episode emphasizes the importance of shining a light on the industry's practices and using legal action to change their behavior. It highlights the potential impact of holding the industry accountable, including the possibility of implementing technological advancements such as palm print recognition guns and re-weighted triggers to enhance safety measures.
MSNBC's Katie Phang previews today's showdown at the Iowa caucuses. Democratic strategist Simon Rosenberg details what he's watching in order to predict the 2024 election. Everytown for Gun Safety's Jonathan Feinblatt examines the downfall of the NRA and how they are combatting gun manufacturers.
