Why Does The 2024 Election Feel So Fake? - Krystal Ball

26 Oct 2024 (27 days ago)
Why Does The 2024 Election Feel So Fake? - Krystal Ball

Do Stories Matter in Politics? (0s)

  • The central divide in current politics is largely centered around opinions on Donald Trump, overshadowing important policy discussions. (18s)
  • Political campaigns are heavily focused on Trump, making it difficult for other stories to gain traction. (55s)
  • Despite significant events such as debates and assassination attempts on Trump, polls show minimal movement, often within the margin of error. (1m41s)
  • The replacement of Joe Biden with Kamala Harris in the political narrative was a notable event, but it did not significantly alter the political landscape. (2m7s)
  • Voter engagement is low, with only about 50% of Americans registered to vote, and even fewer participating in elections. (2m27s)
  • The outcome of elections is often determined by a small number of voters in key states and counties, potentially involving less than a million people. (3m5s)
  • The current electoral college system is criticized for giving more weight to voters in certain states, such as Pennsylvania, over others, like New York City, which is seen as nonsensical and unfair (3m30s).
  • A few hundred thousand voters in key states, who are not particularly politically engaged, can decide the outcome of the election, despite billions of dollars being spent on campaigns (3m46s).
  • The amount of money spent on campaigns could potentially provide a high standard of living for the voters in key states and their families for several generations (4m20s).
  • The electoral college system has an edge for Republicans, requiring Democrats to win the popular vote by a few points to also win the electoral college vote, as seen in the 2016 presidential election (4m45s).
  • There is evidence that Trump is gaining ground in states like Florida, which is no longer a swing state, and closing the gap with Democrats in New York, making the popular vote and electoral college vote differential less consequential (5m5s).
  • Many Americans feel that the electoral college system is flawed and that the popular vote should be the deciding factor in presidential elections (5m41s).
  • The outcome of the 2024 election is uncertain, and polls have been inconsistent in the past, making it difficult to predict the results with certainty (6m35s).
  • The polls suggest that the election will be close, but a small margin of error could result in a landslide victory for either candidate (6m36s).
  • There is a need for humility when predicting the outcome of the election, given the unpredictability of past elections and the potential for polls to be incorrect (5m52s).
  • The polls for the 2024 election are showing a close margin, with almost all of them indicating a 50/50 split (7m1s).
  • Nate, a guest on the show, previously stated that a 50/50 outcome is the most acceptable result for him, as it gives both sides equal chances (7m9s).
  • A 50/50 outcome would mean that whoever wins, the other side cannot claim that the polls were wrong, as all polls would have been correct in showing a close margin (7m23s).
  • This outcome would essentially give both sides a "get out of jail free card" in terms of being able to claim that the polls were accurate (7m26s).

Is Roe v Wade a Central Issue in This Election? (7m29s)

  • The US political landscape might be different if Roe vs. Wade hadn't been repealed, as the issue has shifted from a 50-50 split to a clear pro-choice majority, with Republicans being wary of taking an extreme stance on abortion (7m29s).
  • The repeal of Roe vs. Wade was a significant factor in the 2022 election, contributing to the lack of a predicted "Red Wave" and the Democrats' success in the Senate and near-success in the House (8m31s).
  • The issue of abortion is tied to a broader perception that the Republican party has "wild ideas" and is "out there," with many of its candidates holding fringe views, including denying the last election results (8m57s).
  • The Republican party's image is also being impacted by extreme examples, such as Mark Robinson, the lieutenant governor of North Carolina, who has made controversial statements, including Holocaust denial and racist remarks (9m35s).
  • The perception of extremism is a problem for Republicans, especially down-ballot candidates, as they are more vulnerable to being associated with extreme views than Donald Trump, who can get away with more due to his popularity (10m36s).
  • Trump's ability to outperform other Republican candidates may be due to his unique position, but even he might face political problems if he openly expressed extreme views, such as being a Nazi (10m52s).
  • The current political landscape is characterized by a focus on "vibes" rather than policy proposals, with the Republicans being seen as the "fun party" due to their ability to present themselves in a more relatable and entertaining way (11m27s).
  • The Democrats, on the other hand, were initially seen as the "fun party" after Joe Biden's election, with enthusiasm and excitement among supporters, but this momentum has since been lost (12m17s).
  • The Democrats had put out substantive policy proposals, including plans to address housing and price gouging, which were popular among Americans, but have since shifted their focus away from policy discussions (12m58s).
  • The Trump campaign has been successful in creating a sense of "vibes" and momentum, with Trump appearing on various podcasts and engaging with supporters in a more casual and relatable way (13m57s).
  • The Democrats' shift away from policy discussions and towards bipartisan commissions and endorsements has not been effective in maintaining their initial momentum and sense of "vibes" (13m47s).
  • The concept of "vibes" is intangible and refers to the overall tone and sense of a party, rather than specific policies or issues, and is an important factor in shaping public perception (11m40s).
  • The ability of a party to create a sense of "vibes" and momentum can be more important than specific policy proposals in shaping public opinion and influencing the outcome of elections (12m6s).

Kamala’s ‘Call Her Daddy’ Appearance (14m28s)

  • The 2024 election is being heavily influenced by podcasters, with candidates increasingly turning to them to get their message out, rather than traditional media interviews or debates (14m50s).
  • This shift puts a level of responsibility on podcasters to be more than just infomercials and to ask tough, important questions that reflect the concerns of regular people (14m59s).
  • However, many podcasters, such as Alex Cooper and Andrew Schultz, have been criticized for not holding candidates' feet to the fire and instead conducting what amounts to propaganda or infomercials (15m7s).
  • The lack of adversarial interviews from journalists has put the onus on podcasters to fill the gap, but it's unclear how much of an impact these appearances are having on undecided voters (15m26s).
  • The idea that podcast appearances can be a game-changer in the election is disputed, with some arguing that the billion-dollar advertising budgets of candidates dwarf the influence of any single podcast appearance (17m11s).
  • The role of Independent Media in the election is also being debated, with some arguing that it has the potential to hold politicians accountable, while others see it as having limited impact (17m37s).
  • There is a concern about conflicts of interest in both mainstream and independent media, with a focus on ensuring transparency and avoiding any perception of bias. (17m51s)
  • Independent media faces challenges due to a lack of checks and balances, leading to incentives for creators to produce sensational or conspiratorial content. (18m23s)
  • Criticism is directed at the liberal media's handling of the Russia investigation, particularly the exaggerated claims about Donald Trump, which were not substantiated. (18m53s)
  • The Department of Justice indicted a Russian individual associated with RT for allegedly paying conservative influencers to promote specific narratives, highlighting issues of foreign influence in media. (19m9s)
  • Independent media is not immune to financial influences, with some creators allegedly accepting large sums of money from unknown sources to produce content without disclosure. (20m9s)
  • An example is provided of an offer received to feature a guest on a show for a six-figure sum, with a focus on topics like oil prices and Middle East energy, raising concerns about potential deep state influence. (20m44s)
  • Many people consuming political content are likely not undecided, as they often listen to shows that confirm their existing views and opinions, with the exception of a few shows that sit outside of this pattern, such as the one being discussed (21m53s).
  • The incentives for creators of political content can be problematic, as they may be influenced by advertisers or sponsors who want them to promote certain products or ideas (22m40s).
  • Creators may receive offers from companies to advertise on their shows, but they must be careful not to promote products that make unsubstantiated claims or that they do not believe in (23m1s).
  • The decision not to promote a product or idea can be just as important as the decision to promote one, but these decisions are often not recognized or credited (23m45s).
  • The internet can be critical of creators who make decisions that are seen as wrong or problematic, but it often does not recognize the virtues of omission, or the decisions not to do something (23m56s).
  • The creator of the show being discussed has had to make decisions about whether or not to promote certain products or ideas, and has chosen not to promote some things in order to maintain their integrity (24m9s).
  • The creator has also had to navigate the issue of perverse incentives, where they may be tempted to promote something in order to gain financially or to boost their reputation (22m56s).
  • The creator comes from a "bro culture" background, which they believe has helped them to avoid some of the perverse incentives that can affect creators of political content (22m42s).
  • The creator is trying to create a show that is authentic and honest, and that does not promote products or ideas that they do not believe in (24m27s).
  • The creation of content is a body of work that is done with pride, focusing on whether it is interesting, enjoyable, and something to be proud of, with revenue being a secondary consideration (24m28s).
  • The primary motivations for creating content are not driven by revenue, but rather by personal fulfillment and the desire to produce something of value (24m31s).
  • While revenue is not the primary consideration, it is still a factor in the long-term goals and aspirations, such as growing the show and improving the quality of life (24m38s).
  • The desire for revenue and growth does not influence the initial reasons for creating content, but rather becomes a secondary consideration later on (24m46s).
  • The relationship between creativity and revenue is complex, with a mix of personal and financial motivations driving the creation of content (24m50s).

Vance’s Views on the 2020 Election (24m54s)

  • JD Vance was recently interviewed by a New York Times journalist who pressed him for a yes or no answer on whether he would have certified the 2020 election, and Vance's responses were evasive and obfuscatory (24m54s).
  • Vance eventually stated that he would not have certified the 2020 election, which is seen as a crucial piece of information about his views, particularly in relation to why Donald Trump might have chosen him as a running mate (25m44s).
  • Vance's stance on the 2020 election is seen as a test of his loyalty to Trump, especially in comparison to Mike Pence, who refused to overturn the election results despite being a loyal supporter of Trump (26m20s).
  • It is unclear whether Vance's views on the 2020 election will have a significant impact on the election, but it is possible that it could have some marginal effect, particularly among voters who dislike Trump's refusal to admit defeat and his lies about the election (26m45s).
  • Election deniers, such as Carrie Lake, who is running for Senate in Arizona, have performed poorly in polls, suggesting that voters do dislike candidates who deny the legitimacy of the election (27m20s).
  • Despite this, it is possible that the issue of election denial may not be electorally consequential, as many voters may already have made up their minds about the issue and are not likely to be swayed by Vance's views (27m55s).
  • Having a record of Vance's views on the 2020 election is still important for historical purposes and for understanding his stance on the issue (27m57s).

How Politically Influential is Elon Musk? (28m21s)

  • Elon Musk's influence on politics is a topic of debate, with some arguing that his stewardship of Twitter may be bad for Republicans as it creates an echo chamber where extreme opinions are amplified, potentially disconnecting them from the broader public (28m23s).
  • According to Trump, Elon Musk is putting half a billion dollars into the Trump campaign, although this claim may be exaggerated (29m13s).
  • Elon Musk has effectively moved to Pennsylvania and is running key parts of the Trump campaign, which could make a difference in the election, especially given the substantial sum of money involved (29m35s).
  • What's more concerning is Elon Musk's potential influence on the government, as he has been promised a plum government position with wide-ranging authorities, despite being a major contractor to the Pentagon and receiving $15 billion in federal government contracts in a single year (29m57s).
  • This raises concerns about conflict of interest, as Musk's companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, have significant financial ties to the government (30m14s).
  • The issue of billionaires influencing politics is not unique to Elon Musk or the Republican party, as seen in the example of Mark Cuban and Reed Hoffman, who are trying to shape the Democratic party's agenda and have donated significant amounts to the campaign (31m16s).
  • The influence of billionaires in politics is a principled concern, as it highlights the corrupting influence of money in politics and the rising power of wealthy individuals in shaping government policies (31m1s).
  • Elon Musk's case is particularly extreme, given the size of his financial involvement, his control of a social media giant, and his potential government position, which raises concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of a single individual (32m40s).

The Danger of Social Media Becoming More Siloed (32m58s)

  • The increasing siloing of social media platforms can lead to a more deranged public discourse, as people are only exposed to information that reinforces their existing beliefs, rather than being challenged by opposing viewpoints (33m51s).
  • This siloing can result in the spread of conspiracy theories, as people are more likely to accept information that confirms their biases, rather than seeking out diverse perspectives (34m39s).
  • The compartmentalization of groups on social media platforms can create "echo chambers" where people only interact with others who share their views, leading to a lack of exposure to opposing viewpoints and a reinforcement of existing biases (33m49s).
  • The example of Twitter is given, where the platform has become more right-leaning since Elon Musk took over, while other platforms like Truth Social have emerged as alternatives for those who feel that Twitter is too toxic (33m31s).
  • The siloing of social media platforms can also lead to a lack of accountability, as people are less likely to be challenged on their views and are more likely to engage in "cir jerking" or reinforcing their own biases (33m57s).
  • The importance of diverse perspectives and challenging one's own biases is highlighted, with the example of a co-hosting arrangement where two people with different views can challenge each other and provide a more balanced perspective (34m27s).
  • The conspiracy theories surrounding Hurricane Helen, such as the claim that it was generated by Democrats to target Republican areas, are given as an example of the kind of deranged thinking that can result from siloed social media platforms (34m54s).
  • The Russia gate conspiracy theory is also mentioned as an example of deranged thinking, as well as the conspiracy theory that Donald Trump urinated in his pants in public (35m15s).
  • The point is made that the conspiracy issue is worse on the right, due to the fact that the right is more estranged from establishment institutions and is therefore more susceptible to conspiracy theories (36m35s).
  • The mistrust of mainstream institutions, such as the media and the government, is seen as a contributing factor to the spread of conspiracy theories on the right (36m59s).
  • The role of Twitter under Elon Musk in fueling the ecosystem of conspiracy theories is also highlighted, as well as the siloing of social media platforms in general (37m29s).
  • The example of a fabricated story about Tim Walls is given as an example of how conspiracy theories can spread quickly on social media platforms (37m41s).
  • The question of whether Joe Biden is a change candidate or has incumbent legitimacy is raised, and the point is made that the Democrats are trying to have it both ways by portraying Biden as both a change candidate and an incumbent with legitimacy (35m49s).
  • The final point made by Trump in a debate, that Biden has had three years to address the country's problems and has failed to do so, is seen as a valid criticism (36m7s).

Left-Leaning Bias in Legacy Media (38m1s)

  • The upcoming 2024 election is expected to be a nail-biter, with many factors influencing the outcome, including the significant left-leaning bias in legacy media, which could potentially impact the result if there were more equal representation (38m2s).
  • Many big media organizations, such as Scientific American and The Atlantic, have endorsed candidates like Kamala Harris, while others, like The Washington Post, may follow suit, demonstrating a clear bias in one direction (38m35s).
  • The influence of left-leaning legacy media is substantial, with many employees of these organizations donating to campaigns, creating a biased environment (38m12s).
  • If the scales were evened in terms of media representation, it could potentially change the outcome of the election, but this is uncertain (39m15s).
  • There is a large establishment of conservative media, including Fox News, Daily Wire, and right-leaning podcasts and influencers, which counterbalances the left-leaning bias to some extent (39m30s).
  • The more established media outlets, despite their perceived legitimacy, do not necessarily have a degree of legitimacy anymore, as their bias and lack of representation of diverse perspectives have eroded trust (40m4s).
  • The legacy media outlets have a liberal, pro-Democratic Party bias, which can be seen in their coverage and representation of certain viewpoints, with leftists often feeling erased from the media ecosystem (40m13s).
  • A more significant concern is the class and regional bias in both elite conservative and liberal legacy media, as many journalists and media personalities come from similar elite backgrounds, leading to a narrow view of the world (40m50s).
  • This bias can result in media outlets getting fundamental things wrong about the country and its people, and it is exacerbated by media consolidation and the nationalization of the media environment (41m30s).
  • Independent media, on the other hand, has the potential to cut through class divides and provide a more diverse range of perspectives, as it is relatively egalitarian and based on talent rather than background or connections (42m48s).

Should Kamala Be Treated as an Incumbent? (43m19s)

  • Kamala Harris should position herself as the change candidate, but she has failed to do so, and instead, has been cautious and afraid to articulate specific differences from Joe Biden, which has led to a tenuous position in the polls (43m25s).
  • Harris's biggest mistake on the campaign trail was going on The View and saying she couldn't think of anything she would do differently than Joe Biden, despite having opportunities to differentiate herself (43m31s).
  • Harris's identity, age, and background are different from Joe Biden's, which could have been an advantage, but she has not leveraged these differences to create a distinct campaign message (43m51s).
  • The majority of the country wants to see a change in direction, and Harris needs to be able to lay out specific things she would do differently from Joe Biden to appeal to voters (44m26s).
  • A specific example of an issue where Harris could have differentiated herself is the Gaza Strip conflict, where a majority of the country wants to see a ceasefire and withholding of weapons, but Harris has shown zero willingness to create separation from Joe Biden's stance on the issue (44m43s).
  • The interpersonal dynamics inside the party, such as the conversations that led to Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the election, are fascinating and unknown to the public (45m35s).
  • The same dynamics are at play in the current Harris campaign, where it is unclear how she can navigate throwing her boss, Joe Biden, under the bus while he is still in power (46m43s).
  • The pressure that led to Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the election likely came from key figures such as Obama, Schumer, and Pelosi, as well as the drying up of campaign funds (47m5s).
  • Once Joe Biden realized that the pressure would not let up and that he would not be able to continue his campaign, he reluctantly decided to drop out (47m46s).

Incentivising Candidates to Say Nothing of Substance (47m53s)

  • Candidates in the 2024 election are often hesitant to clearly state their positions, as making mistakes can be used against them in campaign promotions. This leads to a defensive strategy where candidates use vague language to avoid criticism. (47m57s)
  • The political environment is challenging, with initiatives like Project 2025, a conservative blueprint, being something Trump wants to distance himself from due to potential backlash from specific policy proposals. (48m52s)
  • Specific policy proposals can be criticized and used against candidates, as seen with Project 2025's controversial ideas like banning pornography. This makes candidates wary of putting detailed plans forward. (49m24s)
  • Interviews, even in friendly settings, pose risks for candidates, as any misstep can be used by opponents in campaign ads. This has led some, like Kamala Harris, to avoid interviews to minimize risks. (49m40s)
  • The erosion of traditional norms, such as the expectation of participating in a set number of debates and engaging with rigorous press interviews, has changed the landscape of political campaigns. (50m51s)
  • The 2024 election feels fake because of the disruption of traditional norms, such as the lack of debates between candidates, which is a crucial aspect of the democratic process (51m53s).
  • Candidates for office should be required to debate a certain number of times, and it should be a legal requirement, as it is the least that voters deserve to make informed decisions (51m56s).
  • The 2020 Democratic primary is cited as an example, where Joe Biden's opponents, such as Dean Phillips, were largely ignored by the media, and some states even canceled their primaries, depriving voters of the opportunity to vet candidates (52m10s).
  • This lack of a primary process ultimately hurt the Democratic party, as it would have allowed them to identify potential issues with Biden's candidacy earlier and potentially choose a more viable successor (52m54s).
  • The current front-runner, Kamala Harris, has advantages due to her position, fundraising base, and connections, but her previous failure to succeed in the primary process raises questions about her viability (53m33s).
  • It is uncertain whether a different candidate would have emerged if a proper primary process had taken place, but it is likely that whoever did emerge would have been a more effective politician due to the adversarial nature of the process (54m15s).
  • The lack of a primary process has put the Democratic party at a disadvantage, and it is believed that they would be in a better position to win if they had gone through a proper democratic process to choose their candidate (53m19s).

Obama Criticising Black Men For Not Supporting Kamala (54m37s)

  • Recent polling indicates a shift among working-class black and Latino men away from Democrats and towards Republicans, with some potential rationales including the perception that Democrats do not keep their promises and have failed to offer a concrete economic agenda that addresses class interests (54m49s).
  • The failure of Democrats to deliver on their promises, particularly after the election of Barack Obama, has led to a sense of disillusionment among some black and Latino men who feel that their interests are not being represented (55m33s).
  • The Democratic Party's focus on racial identity interests over class interests has created an opening for the Republican Party to offer an alternative message, which may be more compelling to some voters (56m44s).
  • The Trump campaign's message, which includes blaming immigrants for economic problems, may resonate with some voters who feel that Democrats are not offering a viable alternative (56m52s).
  • The Democratic Party's campaign materials and messaging often seem to exclude or marginalize men, particularly working-class men, which may contribute to the sense of disillusionment among this group (57m14s).
  • The 2024 election appears to have forgotten men, particularly working-class men, with the Democratic Party's focus on other demographics and issues (57m41s).
  • The gender gap in the election may be the most profound divide, with abortion being a central issue, and the Trump campaign is actively courting male voters (58m10s).
  • The discussion highlights a perception that the Republican National Convention (RNC) is promoting a camp version of masculinity, featuring figures like Hulk Hogan and Dana White, which may not resonate with all men. (58m24s)
  • There is a concern that men feel demonized by the left, with issues like male suicide not being adequately addressed. Statistics from the Institute for Boys and Men indicate that if men had taken their own lives at the same rate as women since 1999, there would be half a million more men alive today. (59m15s)
  • The conversation touches on the idea that discussions around male privilege and victimhood hierarchies may be causing fatigue, particularly among those who feel their struggles are overlooked, such as white men from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. (59m59s)
  • Kamala Harris is noted for handling her identity as a trailblazer differently than Hillary Clinton, focusing less on her personal achievements and more on broader issues, although there is still a sense that men's issues are not prioritized by the Democratic Party. (1h1m1s)
  • There is a broader societal context where people feel more precarious, making it difficult to secure basic needs, which may contribute to the current political and social climate. (1h2m9s)
  • The cost of living has increased significantly over the decades, making it difficult for people to achieve middle-class stability, with housing, college education, healthcare, and childcare becoming wildly expensive, leading to widespread unhappiness and dissatisfaction (1h2m17s).
  • The traditional view of a man as a provider is being challenged, and if both parties fail to address this issue, people will search for alternative solutions, leading to higher suicide rates and other social problems (1h2m44s).
  • Male hobby spaces, such as gaming and working out, have become increasingly right-wing, creating a pipeline for young men to lean towards conservative ideologies (1h3m41s).
  • Many popular podcasts, often referred to as "bro podcasts," tend to be more right-leaning, which may contribute to the shift in young men's political views (1h4m1s).
  • The political landscape has changed, and it's possible that men's views haven't shifted as much as the left has moved further left, making it seem like men are moving more to the right (1h4m27s).
  • The left's approach to addressing issues, such as the "white guys for Harris" campaign, can come across as negative, backward-looking, and humiliating, which may drive people away from liberal ideologies (1h5m28s).
  • In contrast, the right's approach, although sometimes cringeworthy, can be more positive, forward-thinking, and inspirational, which may appeal to those who feel unspoken to by the left (1h5m45s).
  • The 2024 election feels fake due to the Democratic party's attitude of contempt towards certain voting groups, including men, which can be perceived as pandering and insincere (1h5m53s).
  • The party's messaging often appears disjointed from the values of those left of center, leading to a sense of distrust among voters (1h6m3s).
  • Universal policies, such as increasing the minimum wage and implementing Universal Health Care, have historically been more effective in making a positive impact on marginalized groups, including black Americans (1h7m1s).
  • Targeted policies focused on specific identity groups can be beneficial, but they should be implemented in conjunction with Universal policies and an attitude of acceptance and understanding (1h6m53s).
  • The Democratic party has recognized the need to rebuild trust with certain communities, as seen in efforts by Kamala Harris and Tim Ryan to engage with male voters (1h8m45s).
  • Kamala Harris has toned down her focus on identity-based policies, but rebuilding trust with the community will take time (1h8m56s).
  • The left has a complicated relationship with certain voting groups, and addressing these issues will require a sustained effort to understand and meet the needs of these communities (1h9m16s).

The Left’s Relationship With God (1h9m17s)

  • The relationship between politics and God has become complicated, particularly in the US, where the "religious right" is a significant voting block, unlike in the UK where it does not exist (1h9m17s).
  • Discussing God in a campaign can be seen as exclusionary to those who do not share the same faith, making it difficult for politicians to thread the needle of talking about God without seeming judgmental (1h10m35s).
  • Liberals are more likely to identify as non-religious than conservatives, resulting in fewer genuinely religious Democratic elected politicians (1h10m58s).
  • Bernie Sanders, who is Jewish but not particularly religious, has spoken about what religion means to him, focusing on core values such as acceptance and kindness (1h11m19s).
  • Not everyone can discuss their faith in a genuine and authentic way, and it's essential for politicians to come from a place of sincerity when talking about their faith (1h11m37s).
  • Dr. Cornell West is an example of someone who speaks with religious moral authority, but this strain of leftism is less common than it once was (1h11m51s).
  • The shifting society and its values have contributed to the decline of this type of leftism (1h12m9s).
  • Anna Kasparian's recent Substack post has sparked discussion, but it's unclear what her intentions are, and some people have accused her of being a "grifter" (1h12m22s).
  • Russell Brand's Christianity conversion has also been met with skepticism, with some accusing him of being insincere (1h12m52s).
  • Anna's self-described political evolution has put her more in line with the core Democratic party, as she still holds leftish views on social safety net issues but has moved right on topics like crime and the border (1h13m3s).
  • Kamala Harris has been running an aggressive border hawk campaign and tried to pass a border hawk bill, which aligns with Anna's views and makes her more in line with the Democratic party (1h13m50s).
  • Concerns surround Kamala Harris's role in border control, as the vice president has limited power, and it is unclear what authority she would have in this area (1h14m14s).
  • The Democrats have positioned themselves poorly on immigration, embracing the Republican frame that immigrants are bad, which is seen as a political and moral failure (1h14m55s).
  • The Democratic party did try to pass a bill that added new border agents and tightened security, but abandoned their previous commitment to a path to citizenship, showing a shift to the right on border issues (1h15m11s).
  • This shift to the right on border issues has already occurred, with the Democrats moving in a more hawkish direction, which may be seen as a positive development by those who support stricter border control (1h15m33s).

Where to Find Krystal Ball (1h15m38s)

  • To keep up-to-date with Krystal Ball's content, people can visit the Breaking Points YouTube channel (1h15m49s).
  • Krystal Ball also has a Twitter feed where people can find her content, although it's mentioned that it may make viewers angry (1h15m53s).
  • Krystal Ball expressed gratitude for being invited to the show and enjoyed the back-and-forth conversation (1h15m58s).
  • The host thanked Krystal Ball for participating and invited the audience to tune in to another episode that they might enjoy (1h16m6s).
  • The host encouraged viewers to tap on the link to access the recommended episode (1h16m13s).

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