Topics:
Reactions to the Nevada Caucus, the media coverage of Bernie Sanders, demographic turnout percentages versus overall turnout numbers, and solutions for if/when Bernie Sanders get the nomination.
Guests:
Shawn Sebastian, progressive organizer in Iowa
Dean Spiliotes, presidential scholar from SNHU
John Nichols, political writer for Salon.com
Part 1:
Arnie opens the show with the words of Colonel Alexander Vindman. She then reads an excerpt from NASA physicist Katherine Johnson’s obituary: “They asked her for the moon and she gave it to them.” Next Arnie brings in her guests to talk about the day’s main topics.
The discussion starts with reactions to the media’s coverage of Bernie’s win in Nevada and the voting public’s seemingly indifference to the media spin. Is the electorate making a statement about the contrast between political labels versus reality and the relevance of policy? The guests discuss how the media seems to favor covering personality over substance and how a strong political personality becomes the face of the Democrats. The segment ends with some discussion about turnout and turnout demographics (percentages) and expansion of the Democrat’s base. Was lower Iowa turnout and higher Nevada turnout related to diversity? Will Sanders need an increased general election turnout if he loses moderate Democrats?
Break from 27:53 to 31:23 for Labor History in 2 and Climate Connections.
Part 2:
Arnie begins Part Two of the show with her solution for if/when Bernie Sanders gets the nomination… Michelle Obama?! Will she heal the part? Shut up the media? And because it’s personal (with respect to Trump) does she need to protect her family? John thinks that Arnie is aiming at the idea that the VP candidate is critical, and that is an appropriate conversation to be having. He says the genius move in VP candidate picks is to first win the election. You have to pick someone who can fill the gaps and that is something the Democrats haven’t done in a long time and the Republicans seem to get it very clearly. Shawn brings up the Sanders campaign slogan: “Not me, Us!” and how it signals that Bernie understands the role of social movements in society. Dean calls for clarity in the conversation about who the VP pick is being aimed at. There’s some give-and-take over the “team of rivals” versus “win first” strategies but everyone agrees that first you have to beat Trump.
We round out the show with the Tweet of the Day and some talk about it. The main takeaway revolves around the appearance of impropriety, or is it actual impropriety. The final point is made that a lot is at stake with respect to the judiciary over the next four years and moderates can’t sit on the sidelines anymore.
Tweet of the day: @Edsall – Activist Ginni Thomas plans new conservative supergroup to “protect President Trump” https://interc.pt/2XtCD4s by @lhfang, @nicksurgey
Music:
Be Careful Who You Vote For by Chicago Beau
Put A Woman In Charge by Keb’ Mo’
