Michael Tomasky, editor of The New Republic, discusses the aftermath of the VP debate, providing insights on Trump's dwindling public empathy. Greg Epstein, a humanist chaplain at Harvard and MIT, dives into his new book, 'Tech Agnostic,' exploring technology's role as a modern religion. The conversation highlights the need for reevaluating our spiritual beliefs in the tech era and critiques the worship-like devotion to Silicon Valley leaders. The duo also addresses the ethical dilemmas posed by for-profit initiatives during societal crises.
Trump's insensitivity towards injured veterans and his undermining of military personnel reflect a troubling lack of compassion in leadership.
Greg Epstein's perspective on technology as a quasi-religion emphasizes the need for critical scrutiny and a balanced approach to its influence.
Deep dives
Controversial Military Remarks
Donald Trump faced backlash for downplaying the significance of brain injuries sustained by troops during an Iranian attack, referring to them merely as headaches. This insensitivity highlights a perceived lack of empathy towards injured veterans, contrasting normal public sentiment which typically elicits sympathy for such individuals. The comments reflect a consistent pattern where Trump appears to undermine military personnel, raising concerns among critics about his regard for those who serve. The criticism indicates a troubling trend where the compassion expected from leadership is absent, eliciting a sense of outrage from the public.
Legal Proceedings and Allegations
Recent disclosures from a special counsel's filing regarding Trump's 2020 election campaign unveiled troubling actions, suggesting he actively encouraged violent unrest, reminiscent of the Brooks Brothers riot in 2000. Evidence demonstrated how campaign officials sought to fabricate reasons against legitimate vote counts, portraying a direct challenge to electoral integrity. Such newfound evidence corroborates long-held suspicions around Trump's behavior during this volatile period, leading to a deeper examination of integrity within electoral processes. This revelation underscores the significance of accountability in protecting democratic norms.
Political Landscape and Charisma
The dynamics surrounding Timothy Walz’s recent debate performance highlight a complex relationship between charisma and voter perception among independent voters. Although pundits may favor an aggressive style, polling suggested that Walz's civil approach resonated more positively with independent audiences, illustrating that emotional connections can trump sheer rhetorical skill. The importance of 'vibes' in candidate appeal points to a nuance often overlooked in political commentary, emphasizing the value of relatability and kindness in a leader's presence. This evolution in understanding voter preferences signals a shift toward valuing authenticity over partisanship.
The Rise of Technology as Modern Religion
A new perspective positions technology, particularly from Silicon Valley, as developing into a quasi-religious ideology with profound influence on society. This modern 'faith' in technology often lacks critical scrutiny, causing individuals to overlook the potential dangers associated with its omnipresence. Notably, figures such as Peter Thiel promote a messianic view of entrepreneurs, suggesting that their innovations should be viewed as sacrosanct. This calls for a reformation in how society engages with technology, advocating for a balanced approach that encourages skepticism alongside adoption.
The New Republic editor Michael Tomasky joins us to weigh the aftermath of the VP debate. Harvard and MIT humanist chaplain Greg Epstein examines his new book Tech Agnostic: How Technology Became the World’s Most Powerful Religion and Why It Desperately Needs a Reformation.