"Econ 102" with Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg Kamala vs. Trump: Economic Plans and Foreign Policy Showdown
39 snips
Oct 9, 2024 Delve into the shifting dynamics of U.S. political parties and the rise of Trump. Discover how historical events shaped the candidate selection methods, spotlighting superdelegates and electoral strategies. Explore immigration's critical role in party evolution and the political integration lessons from past immigrant populations. Examine the intricate connection between fertility rates, immigration, and political alignment. Finally, analyze the stark economic contrasts between Kamala Harris and Trump, revealing the implications for big tech and industrial regulation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Party Structure and Trump's Rise
- The Republican party's weak structure allowed Trump's takeover with only plurality support, unlike the Democrats' proportional delegate system.
- This difference is evident in how Democratic party elders consolidated support for Biden against Bernie Sanders in 2020.
Democratic Party Influence
- While no official mechanism exists, Democratic party elders can influence candidate decisions.
- They convinced Biden to step down, highlighting the party's strength in coordinating actions, even without explicit power.
Democratic Party's Historical Strength
- The Democratic party's historical strength stems from managing a diverse coalition, necessitating stronger organization than the Republicans.
- Their use of machine politics, like Boss Tweed's Tammany Hall, exemplifies their historical focus on maintaining power through organization.