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FiveThirtyEight Politics

How Data Became A Political Football

Feb 10, 2025
The discussion kicks off with a humorous look at prop bets and the cultural craze around the Super Bowl amidst the rising tide of sports gambling. They delve into the concerning offlining of key government datasets under Trump's presidency and its far-reaching implications. The conversation also highlights the significant turnover in Republican Congress members, shedding light on the evolving identity of the party and how data accessibility shapes public trust and national discourse. A fascinating blend of sports and politics!
40:57

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast discusses the rise of sports gambling, highlighting a significant increase in participation due to mobile betting convenience and cultural acceptance.
  • There is concern over the loss of key government datasets under Trump, emphasizing the implications for transparency, public trust, and data reliability in society.

Deep dives

Super Bowl Highlights and Betting Trends

The Super Bowl generated widespread attention, drawing in a significant portion of the American public across political lines, with nearly half of surveyed Americans planning to watch. The Eagles' clear victory over the Chiefs prompted discussions about the increasing popularity of sports betting, which has seen a notable rise from 12% to 20% of Americans participating in the past year. This trend is attributed to the convenience of mobile betting apps and the growing normalization of gambling in sports culture. The podcast also highlighted the participants' humorous wagers related to the game, illustrating the unpredictable nature of betting outcomes.

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