Guests David Roth, Alex Shepherd, Judd Legum discuss Sen. Bob Menendez's steakhouse visits, Kamala Harris' candidacy, and GOP attacks. They probe Menendez's eating habits, analyze political landscape, and debunk misinformation about Harris. Entertaining banter on quirky ad creation and food choices at Morton's Steakhouse.
Kamala Harris' strong communication skills contrast Biden's weaknesses, making her a more capable Democratic messenger.
Trump's fundraising strategy targets billionaires for policy favors, revealing a presidency with a clear 'for sale' sign.
Disingenuous attacks on Kamala Harris distort the truth to undermine her credibility and reputation.
Deep dives
Shift from Biden to Harris in Presidential Campaign
The presidential campaign experiences a seismic shift as Joe Biden steps down and Kamala Harris steps up. Biden's decision to pass the torch to a new generation emphasizes putting party over personal ambition and uniting the nation. Harris's solid communication skills and ability to deliver speeches effectively contrast with Biden's perceived weaknesses, providing the Democrats with a more capable messenger.
Trump's Popularity and Fundraising Strategy
Despite Trump's consistent unfavorability ratings, his fundraising strategy targets billionaires for financial support in exchange for policy favors. The story of him seeking a billion dollars from oil and gas magnates to overturn environmental regulations reveals a presidency with a clear 'for sale' sign. Trump's financial needs, legal challenges, and reliance on wealthy backers shape his campaign approach.
Democratic Unity and Strategic Focus on Issues
The Democratic Party's unity behind Kamala Harris post-Biden's exit signifies a cohesive approach to the election. Harris's alignment with Biden's domestic policy and potential foreign policy adjustments demonstrate a strategic continuation of existing policies. The focus on presenting a united front and addressing policy concerns reflects a shift towards a more issues-centric campaign strategy.
Analysis of Trump's Strategy and Potential Weaknesses
Trump's reliance on billionaire support highlights a plutocratic agenda focused on deregulation and tax benefits for the wealthy. While Biden's exit addressed concerns over age and messaging, Trump's diminished communication skills and fundraising tactics indicate vulnerabilities. Democrats aim to counter Trump's billionaire-centric policies with a focus on unity, strategic messaging, and strong issue-based campaigns.
Democrats' Strategy and Republican Governance
Democrats aim to highlight concerns about Donald Trump's physical and mental fitness, aligning him with traditional Republican policies favoring big business. Despite Trump's unconventional approach, his governing largely mirrors that of a typical Republican party, emphasizing tax cuts. Democrats have found success by emphasizing Republican ties to wealthy elites and positioning Trump as self-serving.
Critiquing Attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris
Former ThinkProgress editor Judd Legum outlines disingenuous attacks against Vice President Kamala Harris, including misleading claims about her support for far-left organizations and false statements about her stance on red meat consumption and health insurance policies. Legum highlights how these attacks distort the truth and perpetuate misinformation to undermine Harris' credibility and reputation.
Sen. Bob Menendez ate at one particular D.C. steakhouse hundreds of times a year—and The New Abnormal guest host David Roth demands to know how. Then, a conversation with New Republic staff writer Alex Shepherd about Kamala Harris’ chances and his recent piece: “Donald Trump Is Now the Weaker Candidate.” Plus! Judd Legum, the founder and author of the newsletter Popular Information, joins the program to discuss the brazen—and often false—Republican attacks on Kamala Harris.
