The Nation Podcasts

Reasons for Hope in 2024: John Nichols, plus the Bill Gates Problem | Start Making Sense with Jon Wiener

Jan 3, 2024

John Nichols discusses reasons for hope in 2024, starting in Wisconsin. Bill Gates, the 6th richest man, and his philanthropy are discussed, examining the problems associated with his wealth. Tim Schwab explains the 'Bill Gates Problem' in detail, addressing the myth of the good billionaire and the controversies surrounding his foundation's actions.

35:20

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Episode guests

Bill Gates

John Nichols

Tim Schwab

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Hope in 2024 is different from optimism or pessimism, embracing uncertainty and recognizing the potential for change.

Organizing efforts in swing states like Wisconsin provide encouraging signs for Democrats in the upcoming 2024 election.

Deep dives

Biden's Polling and Reasons for Hope in 2024

Despite initial concerns about Biden's polling, recent data suggests a competitive 2024 presidential race. John Nichols explains that hope in 2024 is different from optimism or pessimism, as it embraces uncertainty and recognizes the potential for change. He highlights the Wisconsin Democratic Party's hyper-local organizing strategy, which has led to significant victories and flipped control of key offices. Nichols argues that organizing efforts in swing states like Wisconsin provide encouraging signs for Democrats and the upcoming election.

Introduction

5min

Hyper Local Organizing and Hope for Wisconsin Democrats

5min

Analyzing the Potential for Democrats to Take the House of Representatives and the Role of Referenda in Swing States

2min

Progressive Initiatives, Young Voters, and Bill Gates Philanthropy

8min

The Complexity of the Gates Foundation's Efforts in Public Health

14min

Hope is different from optimism – it’s an embrace of uncertainty, and a basis for action. The polls look bad for Joe Biden, but Democrats’ chances are much brighter in the House, and perhaps the Senate. John Nichols talks about reasons for hope in 2024, starting in the tipping point state of 2020, Wisconsin.

Also: Bill Gates is now the 6^th richest man in the world, with 104 billion dollars. He’s spent the last 20 years giving away some of his money--the Gates Foundation gave away $7 billion in 2022. But with the money comes a host of problems. Tim Schwab will explain; his new book has a great title: “The Bill Gates Problem: Reckoning with the Myth of the Good Billionaire.”

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The Nation Podcasts

Reasons for Hope in 2024: John Nichols, plus the Bill Gates Problem | Start Making Sense with Jon Wiener

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Biden's Polling and Reasons for Hope in 2024

The Outlook for Democrat-Controlled House in 2024

Referenda and Voter Motivation in Swing States

The Problem with Bill Gates and his Philanthropy

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts