278: Fascism & The Fight For NC with Dr. Michael Bitzer & Max Boot
Oct 17, 2024
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Dr. Michael Bitzer, a political expert from Catawba College, discusses the impact of Hurricane Helene on North Carolina's elections, emphasizing voter turnout strategies amidst adversity. Meanwhile, Max Boot, a historian and columnist, critiques how Republicans have strayed from Reaganism to embrace extremism under Trump, who poses a serious threat to democratic principles. The conversation emphasizes the urgency of recognizing and addressing these alarming shifts in American politics.
The podcast emphasizes the alarming rise of fascism associated with Trump's election, urging military leaders to call out anti-democratic behavior.
Kamala Harris's improved campaign strategies and visibility are critical for shifting voter sentiment ahead of the highly competitive elections.
The impacts of recent hurricanes on voter dynamics in North Carolina highlight the necessity for local campaigns to engage effectively with constituents.
Deep dives
Live Show Announcement
James Carville and Al Hunt are set to perform a live show at Boston's Shubert Theater on November 2nd, featuring historian Doris Kearns Goodwin as a guest. The discussion will touch on significant historical figures like Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Kennedy as they prepare for the upcoming elections. Tickets for this event are available through Politicon, encouraging listeners to secure their spots quickly due to limited availability. The hosts emphasize their excitement to engage with fans in person during the event.
Political Commentary on Kamala Harris
The episode discusses Kamala Harris's recent performance and increased visibility as she strengthens her campaign strategies. Notably, her ability to effectively challenge Donald Trump is highlighted, with an emphasis on showcasing his less favorable moments during her rallies. This improvement in her public presence and messaging could play a crucial role in shifting voter sentiment as the elections approach. The hosts suggest that the race is highly competitive and the next few weeks will be critical for maintaining the momentum Harris has gained.
Concerns About Donald Trump's Deterioration
James Carville raises concerns about Donald Trump's cognitive state and general demeanor, describing him as showing signs of mental decline. He uses the term 'medentia' to encapsulate Trump's apparent madness and cognitive issues, stating that this should be a critical focus for voters. The lack of coherent arguments and erratic behavior displayed by Trump indicates a worrying trend that the public should be aware of before casting their votes. Both speakers agree that it is vital to inform the electorate about the implications of Trump's decline.
Comparing Trump and Fascism
The episode features a discussion on the appropriateness of labeling Trump as a fascist, referencing General Mark Milley's comments on his character. The hosts argue that Trump exhibits anti-democratic tendencies and a willingness to undermine established norms, which aligns with fascist ideologies. They highlight the necessity of acknowledging the historical significance of such language while urging the media to convey this perspective to the broader public. This conversation underscores the seriousness of Trump's actions and their potential consequences on American democracy.
North Carolina's Political Landscape
The conversation shifts to North Carolina's evolving political dynamic, particularly in light of the recent hurricane and its impact on voter sentiment. The hosts discuss how the storm has disrupted everyday life, creating uncertainties that could influence voter turnout and preferences. The importance of local campaigns targeting the region is emphasized, as Democratic candidates strive to connect with voters amidst challenges. The hosts note that the election landscape remains fluid, and understanding these local dynamics is key to the upcoming contests.
James and Al raise hell over the danger of fascism if Trump is elected and ask the leaders of our military to call out his rejection of democracy before welcoming Dr. Michael Bitzer to discuss the Democrats' prospects in North Carolina. They discuss the effect of the hurricane on the vote, the counties and cities with the most predictive value for the results, and what to expect in the state’s down-ballot races. Then, Al and James welcome historian Max Boot to explain how the Republicans have abandoned Reaganism in favor of Trump and extremism, the threat Trump poses to the Constitution, and why he left the party behind.
Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon. Make sure to include your city– we love to hear where you’re from!
Get tickets for the Politics War Room live shows in Boston on 11/2 at politicon.com/tour
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CARVILLE: WINNING IS EVERYTHING, STUPID hits theaters in California and Texas this weekend before going nationwide! Get tickets now at CarvilleDoc.com/tickets. Get updates and some great behind-the-scenes content by following James on Twitter @jamescarville and his new TikTok @realjamescarville
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