Economist Podcasts The elephant in the chamber? America’s midterms
4 snips
Nov 3, 2022 
Idris Kaloun, The Economist's Washington bureau chief, shares insights on the impending midterm elections and the potential for a Republican-controlled Congress. Shashank Joshi highlights the alarming vulnerabilities of undersea infrastructure following the Nord Stream pipeline breaches. Meanwhile, Moeka Iida unpacks the Japanese concept of ikigai, emphasizing its cultural importance and the misconceptions surrounding it in Western contexts. Together, they navigate the intersections of politics, infrastructure security, and personal fulfillment.
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Midterm Election Predictions
- Democrats initially anticipated a significant midterm election loss, but their prospects improved over the summer.
- Recent polls indicate a tightening of races and persistent inflation, suggesting Republicans might take control of at least one chamber of Congress.
Potential for Gridlock
- Divided government is likely, leading to gridlock due to differing policy priorities between Republicans and Democrats.
- The House Freedom Caucus will be a major veto point, further complicating legislative efforts.
Republican Oversight Plans
- House Republicans plan to utilize their investigative powers to scrutinize the Biden administration.
- The House Committee on Oversight and Reform will likely focus on Hunter Biden's laptop, border issues, and government spending.
