Danny Hodges, a police officer who defended the Capitol on January 6th, shares his harrowing experiences and reflections on a divided nation. Nadia Reiman investigates the daunting logistical challenges of potential mass deportations. Producers Ike Sriskandarajah and Sam Negron discuss the surprising Latino support for Trump, revealing personal narratives behind political allegiance. Rachel Vindman expresses concerns about retaliation from a Trump administration, highlighting the personal stakes many face in today's charged political climate.
The election results elicited starkly contrasting emotions among voters, showcasing both triumph and bewilderment based on political affiliations.
Trump's unprecedented support from Latino voters reflects a significant shift in electoral demographics, driven by grassroots mobilization and issue-centric messaging.
The episode highlights the chilling implications of potential mass deportations and political retaliation, raising concerns about safety and community impacts.
Deep dives
Election Night Reflections
The episode reflects on the contrasting emotions felt by voters following the recent election results. Some Republicans, attending victory parties, expressed elation and belief in their triumphs, specifically highlighting the unprecedented voter turnout for Republican candidates in Michigan. Activists on the ground, like Amber Harris, recounted their efforts in mobilizing support, feeling validated as the results reflected their hard work. In contrast, many Democrats were left feeling bewildered by the electoral choices, grappling with the reality of significant support for Trump despite the controversies surrounding him.
Trump's Support Among Latino Voters
An analysis of electoral demographics reveals Trump garnered unprecedented support from Latino voters, attributed to various grassroots efforts. Activist Sam Negron, who identified with Trump’s messaging on issues such as immigration, worked tirelessly to mobilize voters in a historically Democratic area. Despite facing challenges, he connected with community members, addressing concerns about government support and emphasizing policy over emotions. This shift in Latino voting behavior demonstrates a significant political pivot that caught many by surprise, altering expectations for future elections.
Mass Deportation Strategies
A discussion unfolds around the implications of potential mass deportation efforts under a new Trump administration. Insights from a former ICE staffer outline a feasible strategy for mass deportations, emphasizing rapid coordination with local law enforcement and impacted countries. The grim logistics of such a plan highlight the immediate community impact, including possible raids in urban areas and increased visibility of law enforcement activities. The anticipated effects extend beyond deportations, flagging potential unrest and significant disruption to local economies reliant on immigrant labor.
Retaliation Against Political Opponents
The episode delves into the chilling reality of anticipated retaliation against political adversaries following the election, especially for individuals like Alex Vindman, who testified against Trump. The Vindmans are acutely aware of the risks involved in their outspoken positions, balancing their patriotism with the fear of potential reprisals. Rachel Vindman contemplates the implications of Trump's threats, signaling a broader concern over the safety and well-being of dissenters in the current political climate. This highlights a critical tension of accountability versus retribution in an increasingly polarized society.
The Reality of Abortion Rights
The aftermath of the election sparked discussions around abortion rights, particularly regarding ballot measures in various states. Despite significant support for abortion rights, many initiatives fell short of passing due to high thresholds for approval, reflecting deep-rooted political divides. Individuals like Debra Dorberts shared their traumatic experiences to advocate for change, yet felt the burden of reliving their pain in public forums. This underscores the emotional toll on those fighting for policy reform, as they grapple with setbacks while remaining committed to their cause.
With Donald Trump’s victory this week, many people looked at the election results and thought, yeah, this is the country I thought it was. For some people, that was a hopeful thing. For others, kind of the opposite. This week, we talked with people who helped make it happen and some who are looking to what’s next.
Prologue: Ira talks with Zoe Chace about watching Trump’s victory from an ecstatic room in Michigan. Then he checks in with a DC cop who was injured at the Capitol on January 6. (7 minutes)
Act One: Trump has claimed that he will be able to deport between 15 and 20 million people. But neither he nor his team have spelled out exactly how they’d do it. Producer Nadia Reiman looked into what mass deportation could actually look like on the ground if and when it comes to pass. (17 minutes)
Act Two: Trump won record numbers of Latino voters this year. Ike Sriskandarajah spent the day with a guy in Pennsylvania who's been working to bring Latino voters to Trump for years. (15 minutes)
Act Three: Ira talks with two of Trump’s “political enemies” about their post-election plans. (8 minutes)
Act Four: Ten different states had abortion rights measures on their ballots this election. Producer Miki Meek got curious about a particular kind of political ad that aired in many of those states and called up a few of the women whose stories were featured in them. (9 minutes)