The podcast dives into the heated debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, unraveling its potential impact on swing voters. It also examines Iran's alarming missile sales to Russia, raising concerns about global security. The hosts discuss Europe's urgent need for massive public investment amidst economic woes. A compelling analysis follows, linking the legacy of September 11 to current populist and technocratic trends in American politics. The discussion wraps up with insights from Thomas Carlyle on the French Revolution, emphasizing leadership's emotional nuance.
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Quick takeaways
The Harris-Trump debate highlighted that voter interest in performance may not significantly influence undecided voters' sentiments, particularly concerning economic issues.
The legacy of 9/11 continues to shape American politics, revealing a duality of heightened security measures alongside distrust in governmental institutions.
Deep dives
Debate Performance and Voter Impact
The first presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump revealed contrasting performances, with Trump initially performing well on key issues but ultimately stumbling on abortion and failing to maintain focus. Despite discussions of Harris’s strong showing, polls indicate a slight movement towards Trump regarding economic issues, suggesting that debate performances may not sway undecided voters significantly. The debate highlighted that voters who tend to be concerned about performance are not typically Trump's supporters, as many of his base is attracted to disruption rather than policy deliberation. Overall, the consensus emerged that the debate did not significantly change voter sentiment among the crucial swing voters who largely did not watch the event.
Iran's Ballistic Missile Support to Russia
Reports indicate that Iran has supplied Russia with a substantial number of short-range ballistic missiles, escalating tensions and prompting U.S. and European officials to consider coordinated sanctions. This missile transfer underscores a lack of effective foreign policy response from European leaders, who have been hesitant to take strong actions against Iran despite previously labeling such transfers as a red line. The Biden administration's ambiguous stance appears to convey to international adversaries that the U.S. is unable to enforce meaningful consequences, contributing to a perception of waning American influence. This situation echoes historical instances of global powers showing reluctance to confront emerging threats, raising concerns about the implications for international security.
EU's Investment Gap and Economic Challenges
A report has called for Europe to increase public investment by nearly $900 billion annually to remain competitive against the U.S. and China, reflecting growing concern over the continent's economic stagnation. Despite recognizing the urgent need for investment in key sectors such as technology and defense, skepticism exists regarding the political will to enact such measures due to the entrenched nature of existing policies. The report compares current investment needs to historical efforts like the Marshall Plan, highlighting a potentially grave challenge for EU member states. The ongoing prioritization of social welfare and regulatory policies over innovation threatens to further hinder economic growth and competitive capacity.
Lasting Effects of 9/11 on American Society
The 9/11 attacks marked a pivotal moment in American history, instilling a lasting fear of external threats and skepticism towards elite institutions tasked with national security. While significant advancements in domestic security have been achieved since the attacks, concerns persist regarding the implications of expanded surveillance and intelligence operations on civil liberties and political dynamics. The overarching narrative is shaped by the duality of increased safety contrasted with a growing distrust in governmental competence, fueling fears of disruption. Ultimately, the repercussions of 9/11 continue to influence American domestic and foreign policy discussions, highlighting the complexities of this historic event's legacy.
This week, Walter and Jeremy discuss the Harris-Trump debate, Iran selling ballistic missiles to Russia, Europe’s never-ending decline, and how Sept. 11 continues to shape American and world history.
Each week on What Really Matters, Walter Russell Mead and Jeremy Stern help you understand the news, decide what matters and what doesn’t, and enjoy following the story of America and the world more than you do now. For more, check out tabletmag.com/what-really-matters. You can read Walter Russell Mead’s Tablet column here, and check out more from Tablet here.
