Todd Zwillich, a seasoned D.C. reporter, discusses the pervasiveness of disinformation within the MAGA movement and its influence on public perceptions during crises like Hurricane Milton. Shaniqua McClendon, head of Vote Save America, emphasizes the importance of focusing on down-ballot races and civic engagement in the upcoming elections. The conversation sheds light on how conspiracy theories are impacting voter behavior and the significance of local races as the 2024 election approaches.
Hurricane Milton caused significant damage in Florida, leaving millions without power and complicating recovery efforts alongside the 2024 elections.
Disinformation from the MAGA movement is distracting from essential hurricane recovery and complicating political accountability as elections approach.
Deep dives
Hurricane Milton's Impact on Florida
Hurricane Milton, a Category 3 storm, severely impacted Florida, making landfall just south of Tampa. The hurricane brought up to 18 inches of rain and resulted in around three million people without power and at least 12 reported deaths, with rescue efforts underway. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis noted that the situation could have been worse, as the storm weakened before hitting land, but many areas are still assessing significant damage. The aftermath of the hurricane raises concerns about recovery efforts in conjunction with upcoming elections, as both local officials and national leaders, including President Biden, stress the need for increased disaster funding for rebuilding.
The Role of Disinformation in Politics
Disinformation, particularly emanating from Donald Trump and his affiliates, is increasingly influencing the political landscape, especially in context with recent disasters like Hurricane Milton. Todd Zwilick highlighted alarming instances where conspiracy theories have distracted from vital recovery efforts and created barriers to accessing necessary aid, including misleading claims about FEMA and voting. This trend pressures even some Republican Congress members to publicly denounce harmful rhetoric from within their ranks, indicating a fractious party environment. The spread of these false narratives poses risks ahead of the elections, complicating accountability and accuracy in governance.
Engaging Voters for Critical Down-Ballot Races
Energizing voters in the key Biden 18 congressional districts is crucial as these areas previously supported Biden but are currently represented by Republicans. Activists are focusing efforts on races like that of Derek Tran in California, who aims to unseat Republican Michelle Steele, emphasizing issues such as health care and corruption. Additionally, the strategy includes combating attempts at voter suppression through third-party candidates that mimic Democrats, particularly evident in closely contested races like New York’s 17th district. Mobilizing voter turnout is essential, as local engagement can substantially impact control of the House and state legislatures, influencing future policy directions.
People in Florida are assessing the damage caused by Hurricane Milton. The storm made landfall late Wednesday as a Category 3 storm just south of Tampa, dropping up to 18 inches of rain overnight. As of late Thursday, around 3 million people in the state were still without power. At least 12 people died, though that number is expected to increase as rescue efforts continue. Hurricane recovery — both from Milton and Helene — is happening right alongside the 2024 election, conspiracy theories and all. Longtime D.C. reporter and friend of the pod Todd Zwillich joins us to talk about how the disinformation from the MAGA-verse is an operating feature of the movement.
Later, Shaniqua McClendon, head of Crooked’s partner organization Vote Save America, talks about important down-ballot and state legislature races.
And in headlines: Former President Barack Obama campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris in Pittsburgh, Harris committed to a CNN town hall event with undecided Pennsylvania voters, and a federal judge set a date for the sex trafficking trial against rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.