11/16/21: Kamala Disaster, Beto, Tax Cuts, Twitter Bubble, Ai Weiwei, Biden Economy, Progressives, Labor Update, and More!
Nov 16, 2021
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Kyle Kulinski, known for his YouTube channel Secular Talk, fills in as guest host. He dives into Kamala Harris's struggles as VP, examining her low approval ratings and political ramifications. The duo discusses Beto O’Rourke’s challenging bid for Texas governor and the disconnect with Latino voters. They critique Democrats' tax policies favoring the wealthy, while highlighting labor updates and the current strikes showing increased public support for workers. Kulinski also warns against authoritarianism echoing China's past, stressing the need for a more empathetic economic dialogue.
Swing voters are losing trust in the Democratic Party due to unmet economic promises and a cultural gap with the party's elites.
Ai Weiwei warns against the dangers of political correctness, comparing it to the Cultural Revolution in China and emphasizing the need for open conversation.
American democracy is at risk of slipping into authoritarianism, and protecting civil liberties and questioning authority are crucial to defending democratic values.
Deep dives
American voters are losing trust in Democrats across ethnicities and races
Ryan Grim highlights how Democrats are losing support from voters of all races and ethnicities, not just white working-class voters. Post-election data and focus groups show that swing voters were more concerned about issues such as school closures during the pandemic and the cultural gap between working people and Democratic elites. This loss of trust stems from a failure to deliver on economic promises and a lack of attention to the needs of everyday voters. The Virginia gubernatorial race serves as a bellwether for national trends, demonstrating the broader exodus of voters from the Democratic Party.
Political correctness is dangerous and comparable to the Cultural Revolution in China
Ai Weiwei, a Chinese dissident and artist, warns that political correctness and attempts to enforce certain ideological norms are dangerous and comparable to the Cultural Revolution in China. He highlights the importance of open conversation and the dangers of attempts to shut down discussion and unify under political correctness. He compares this phenomenon in the United States to Cultural Revolution-era directives in China, emphasizing the need to be vigilant about the erosion of free speech and individual expression.
American democracy faces authoritarianism and the erosion of civil liberties
Ai Weiwei cautions that American democracy is at risk of slipping into authoritarianism, as citizens are increasingly surrounded by the erosion of civil liberties. He highlights the influence of social media, the dangers of an authoritarian leader, and the need to protect democratic values and institutions. He draws attention to the importance of staying informed, questioning authority, and defending individual freedoms in order to combat the encroaching threats to American democracy.
The need for meaningful material change to restore trust in US democracy
Ai Weiwei, drawing on historical examples, emphasizes the importance of delivering meaningful material change to restore trust within US democracy. This requires addressing economic inequality, enacting policies that benefit average citizens, and avoiding empty political rhetoric. By prioritizing the needs and aspirations of everyday people and delivering tangible improvements to their lives, trust in the political system can be rebuilt and democratic ideals upheld.
The Rise of Authoritarians in American Politics
American politics has been plagued by authoritarianism for decades. From the Bush administration's torture and surveillance tactics to Trump's attempts to suppress free speech, the US has seen a rise in authoritarian tendencies. This trend is not limited to one political party, as both Democrats and Republicans have exhibited authoritarian behavior. The anti-BDS and anti-protest laws in many states further illustrate the encroachment of authoritarianism. While the US may not be comparable to extreme dictatorships, there are significant issues that need to be addressed to address the erosion of democratic principles.
The Impact of Economic Perception on Public Sentiment
Public sentiment regarding the economy is complex and influenced by various factors. While the stock market and job market may be booming, consumer sentiment in the US is at a 10-year low, indicating dissatisfaction. The high cost of living, particularly for food and gas, contributes to this dissatisfaction. However, the differing perceptions of the economy between Democrats and Republicans highlight the divisive nature of the issue. The polarization of opinions based on political affiliation is not a new phenomenon, and it ultimately hampers efforts to address the economic challenges faced by Americans. Building a broader understanding and empathy for different perspectives can help bridge the gap and tackle economic issues more effectively.
Saagar is joined by guest host Kyle Kulinski to discuss Kamala's failure as VP, Beto's plan to run for TX Gov, Dems tax cuts for the wealthy, why Dems are losing normal voters, a Chinese dissident's warning to the US, foolish progressives, Biden's economy, labor updates with Jonah Furman, and more!
