Politicology

Deb Otis, Director of Research at Fair Vote, joins to explore the transformative power of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). She explains how RCV allows voters to express their true preferences, reducing the need for candidates to cater to extremes. The discussion highlights successes in states like Alaska and Maine, where RCV has altered political dynamics and empowered moderate candidates. They also address challenges, including backlash against the system and its implications for future elections. It's a fascinating look at reshaping democracy!

Lucy Caldwell, a Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative and an advisor to the Forward Party, joins to discuss the recent debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Trump. They analyze Harris's strategy in baiting Trump into revealing his character and the implications of Liz and Dick Cheney endorsing her. The conversation highlights how endorsements can reshape voter dynamics and explores electoral reforms aimed at reinvigorating democracy. Caldwell offers insights into connecting with undecided voters as the 2024 elections approach.

Scott Lincicome, an economist and Vice President of General Economics at the Cato Institute, joins to tackle the complexities of economic policies under Trump and Harris. He critiques how economic news is reported, highlighting common misconceptions. The rise of economic populism is dissected, revealing its influence on policies and voter sentiments. They also examine proposals like eliminating taxes on tips and assess the financial burden of tariffs on consumers. Additionally, Lincicome discusses the intricate role of executive power in shaping immigration and economic policy.

Join Democratic State Senator Tom Umberg and Republican City Councilman Tony Strickland as they unpack Orange County's political evolution. They explore the region's shift from a conservative stronghold to a diverse political landscape, examining the rise of progressive Vietnamese organizations and the challenges facing the Republican party. Gustavo Arellano adds insights on the county's transformation, considering how local changes mirror broader national trends, particularly in the wake of historical figures like Ronald Reagan.

Join Vice President Kamala Harris, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and CNN's Dana Bash as they navigate the complexities of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including the dire consequences of Hamas' actions and Iran's ambitions. They dive into Harris' foreign policy perspective, contrasting it with previous administrations, and critique political communication clarity in their recent interview. The panel further discusses the evolving landscape of campus free speech and the crucial role of institutional neutrality in today's educational climate.

Byron Tau, a journalist and author, delves into government surveillance and data collection practices, drawing heavily from his book, Means of Control. He discusses the revelations by Edward Snowden regarding extensive government data harvesting. The conversation highlights how private data is exploited without proper oversight. Tau also explores encryption's critical role in privacy protection, the potential pitfalls of weakening it, and the implications for individual rights in both democratic and authoritarian regimes.

Jean Pasco, a seasoned journalist from the Orange County Register and LA Times, shares her insights on the political shift in Orange County, influenced by an influx of educated tech workers. She discusses how progressive views have challenged traditional conservatism and fostered multicultural coalitions. The conversation also touches on the changing dynamics of Latino political representation, as candidates now prioritize ideology over ethnic identity, and how cultural conflicts are redefining the Republican Party's stance on key social issues.

To unlock Politicology+ visit politicology.com/plusThis week, as the Presidential race enters the home stretch, we discuss Vice President Harris’s push to regain ground with Latino Voters and the electoral impact of RFK Jr’s decision to leave the race and endorse Trump.Next, we talk about the success of Ukraine’s offensive against Russia, Israel’s preemptive strike to thwart a massive attack by Hezbollah, and how the conflicts around the globe underscore the stakes of this election.Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we talk about protecting privacy in the digital age, the extensive collection and sale of personal data by tech companies and the lack of privacy protections in the US—and emphasize the importance of individuals owning and protecting their data.Joining Ron Steslow on this week’s panel: Mike Madrid (Lincoln Project cofounder)Molly McKew (writer and lecturer on Russian influence and information warfare)Segments this week:(03:55) The State of the Race + the “Latino Reset”(36:33) The Global Stakes of the Election[Politicology+] Protecting our privacy, the way companies and the government are able to surveil us, and why it’s getting more and more important.Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don’t miss all the extra episodes on our private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus.Contribute to Molly’s fundraiser: https://bit.ly/3YFktitSend your questions and thoughts to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(202) 455-4558‬Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter):https://twitter.com/RonSteslowhttps://x.com/madrid_mikehttps://x.com/MollyMcKewRelated reading:Segment 1:AP - RFK Jr. suspends his presidential bid, backs Donald Trump | AP NewsAxios - RFK Jr. can't escape the Blue WallNYT - Trump to Put RFK Jr. and Tulsi Gabbard on his Transition Team - The New York TimesPolitico- ‘Can I Just Vote for Her Instead of Biden?’: Inside Kamala’s Scramble to Win the Latino Vote - POLITICOSegment 2: AP -It looked like Israel and Hezbollah had gone to war, but then they pulled back. Here's what to knowNBC News - Hostage held by Hamas in Gaza rescued by Israeli forces, IDF saysThe Hill - Russia has diverted 30,000 troops from Ukraine to defend Kursk, says KyivAP - Ukraine's daring offensive intensifies pressure on US to ease cautious approach to the war Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Byron Tau, a journalist and author specializing in technology and government surveillance, delves into his book, exploring the alarming rise of the surveillance state. He examines how data brokering has evolved and reveals the implications of metadata collection on personal privacy. Tau discusses the hidden dangers of certain software development kits that gather excessive data and sheds light on the covert scanning capabilities of smartphones. The conversation touches on the erosion of privacy rights in the U.S. and the ethical dilemmas posed by social media surveillance.

Jean Pasco, a seasoned journalist who covered local politics in the ‘80s and ‘90s, shares insights on the transformative era in Orange County. She highlights the economic fallout from military base closures and the loss of defense jobs. The conversation delves into Loretta Sanchez’s historic victory over Bob Dornan, marking a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party in a once-Republican stronghold. The impact of these political shifts on Latino representation and community engagement is thoroughly examined, showcasing the evolving landscape.