This podcast discusses the Federal Reserve's interest rate increase and its impact on the stock market. It also explores the influence of election denialism on the upcoming US midterm elections, focusing on Arizona as ground zero for election denial candidates. The chapter highlights the potential crisis of democracy caused by election denialism and the role of courts in preventing lawlessness.
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Quick takeaways
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates and signaled that rates may eventually reach higher levels than previously expected, causing a negative reaction in the stock market.
Arizona has become a battleground for election denial candidates, with prominent Republicans promoting the idea that the 2020 election was unfair and rigged, potentially undermining the democratic process.
Deep dives
Federal Reserve raises interest rates, signaling a slower pace of tightening
The Federal Reserve recently raised interest rates by 75 basis points, marking the fourth consecutive increase. Fed Chair Jay Powell indicated that although they are prepared to slow down the pace of monetary tightening, interest rates may ultimately reach higher levels than previously anticipated. The stock market reacted negatively to this news, with both the S&P 500 and NASDAQ experiencing significant declines. Powell's firm stance aims to address skepticism about the Fed's commitment to controlling inflation and to dispel concerns that they will abruptly pivot away from tightening plans.
Arizona becomes ground zero for election denial candidates
Arizona has gained prominence as a battleground for election denial candidates in the upcoming midterm elections. Since former President Trump contested the results of the 2020 election, a majority of Republicans still believe the election was stolen. Several Republican candidates in Arizona, including Mark Fincham running for Secretary of State, are actively promoting the idea that the 2020 election was unfair and rigged. If elected, these candidates could potentially pose a threat to the democratic process, refusing to certify future elections and plunging the state into a crisis of democracy.
Efforts to delegitimize 2020 election are organized and backed by Trump
Efforts to delegitimize the 2020 election are part of an organized campaign, heavily backed by former President Trump. The Republican Party has fully supported candidates who echo Trump's claims that the election was stolen. Arizona, in particular, has become a hotbed for election denialism, with candidates like Mark Fincham, Carrie Lake, and Abe Homide all vocally pushing the narrative that the election was illegitimate. The potential ramifications of these beliefs becoming prominent, especially if individuals like Fincham are elected and refuse to sign off on election results, could lead to a period of lawlessness and a crisis of democracy in the state.
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 75 basis points for the fourth time in a row and warned rates would ultimately have to rise to a higher level than previously expected. Plus, today in our US midterm elections series, we will look at “election denial” candidates who’ve campaigned on the assertion that the 2020 election results are illegitimate.
The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson and Marc Filippino. The show’s editor is Jess Smith. Additional help by Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.