The 2028 Celebrity President Draft and How to Think About DOGE
Feb 12, 2025
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A spirited fantasy draft ponders which celebrities might run for President in 2028, featuring humorous picks like Mr. Beast and Eminem. Discussions touch on political discontent with the current administration and the fascinating media dynamics between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. The conversation also dives into the funding tensions in academia and how unconventional candidates could reshape political engagement. Finally, insights into DOGE's fluctuating trends unravel the broader implications of financial rhetoric in a changing landscape.
The podcast highlights the evolving landscape of celebrity influence in politics, where public figures can significantly sway voter engagement without political experience.
Discussion about the Eagles' Super Bowl victory emphasizes the tendency to overlook exceptional performances until they are universally acknowledged over time.
The concerns regarding cuts to federal research funding in higher education illustrate the potential negative impacts on scientific innovation and institutional stability.
Deep dives
Eagles Super Bowl Triumph
The discussion centers around the excitement of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl performance, highlighting the thrill of an engaging game despite its flaws. The speaker reflects on Jalen Hurts, advocating for his acknowledgment as an exceptional quarterback, pointing out that consistent statistical success is often overlooked. The victory is compared to historic wins, like the 2004 Pistons against the Lakers, suggesting a tendency to underestimate the best teams until later acknowledgment occurs. Overall, the sense of pride is evident, emphasizing that the Eagles' impressive season should lead fans to recognize them as the best team.
Halftime Show Reflections
The conversation around the Super Bowl halftime show crystallizes around Kendrick Lamar's performance, separating personal taste from artistic merit. Although one speaker expresses lack of enthusiasm for Lamar's music, the show is deemed visually appealing and somewhat entertaining. Various political interpretations of the performance are noted, emphasizing the duality of artistic expression and audience reception in such a massive platform. The takeaway suggests that while the performance may not resonate universally, it sparked conversation regarding its cultural implications and effectiveness as a halftime show.
Cultural Commentary on Celebrities
A unique perspective discusses the blurred line between celebrity influence and political power, particularly through the lens of pop culture. The speaker mentions how certain public figures create large followings, impacting engagement in politics without holding political office, as seen with figures like Elon Musk. This reflects a shifting landscape where popularity can eclipse traditional political qualifications, illustrating the potential for celebrities to sway public opinion at the polls. The discussion raises questions about authenticity and what it means to be a public servant in the context of modern celebrity culture.
Military Representation in Media
The episode touches on a photo op involving military personnel exemplifying how media representations shape perceptions of the military and its recruitment needs. The contrast between the speaker's disdain for the political figure involved and the importance of military service is explored, suggesting a complex relationship between politics and public service. There's acknowledgment of the military's recruitment crisis, illustrating the interconnections between media portrayals and civic engagement. Overall, the topic reveals a deeper conversation about respect for military service amid political theatrics.
Higher Education and Research Funding
The conversation shifts to the implications of proposed cuts to federal research funding, particularly within higher education institutions. The speakers examine how indirect costs associated with research grants often lead to inefficiencies and financial strain within universities. While acknowledging that cuts may address valid concerns about administrative excess, the ensuing risks to scientific research and innovation are highlighted. The discussion underscores a critical view of the consequences of deregulation and financial constraints in academic environments, pointing to a broader trend of anti-institutional sentiment impacting the future of education.
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This week, we take a page from sports podcasts and do a fantasy draft of celebrities who should run for President in 2028. We also talk about DOGE’s moves, how we should think about the fact that some of these cuts seem relatively small when compared to the rhetoric they generate, while also being mindful that there might be a point where the dam breaks and everything gets defunded and deregulated. And Tyler gloats a little bit about the Eagles Super Bowl.
Enjoy!
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