Ba Da Ba Ba Ba I'm Losin' It!
2Digest
The episode begins with a discussion about the importance of having friends who will provide honest feedback and help you avoid making mistakes. The conversation then shifts to the importance of dating someone who can support you through difficult times, such as the death of a parent. The hosts then interview historian Eric Larson about his book, "The Demon of Unrest," which explores the lead-up to the Civil War. Larson discusses the role of propaganda, extremism, and self-delusion in fueling the conflict, drawing parallels to today's political climate. The hosts also discuss Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign with former Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney and Donald Trump's recent comments about Harvey Weinstein and Arnold Palmer. The episode concludes with a call to action, urging listeners to volunteer for Vote Save America and help get out the vote. The hosts emphasize the importance of every vote and the need to be vigilant in the face of potential threats to democracy.
Outlines
The Importance of Honest Feedback
The episode starts with a discussion about the importance of having friends who will tell you if you're acting like a clown. The hosts discuss their own fears of becoming "clown people" and the need for a warning system to prevent this.
Real Friends and the Fear of Needles
The conversation shifts to the importance of having real friends who will give honest feedback. The hosts discuss their own experiences with friends who have helped them avoid making mistakes.
Dating and Death of a Parent
The hosts discuss the importance of dating someone who can help you through difficult times, such as the death of a parent. They agree that this is a reasonable expectation, but not something you would typically discuss on a first or third date.
Interview with Eric Larson: The Demon of Unrest
The hosts introduce an interview with historian Eric Larson about his book, "The Demon of Unrest," which explores the lead-up to the Civil War. They discuss their own experiences reading the book and how it has resonated with them.
Political Climate and Challenges
The hosts discuss Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign with former Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin. They discuss the political climate and the challenges of being a Republican in today's political landscape.
Donald Trump's Comments and Mental State
The hosts discuss Donald Trump's recent comments about Harvey Weinstein and Arnold Palmer, which they find to be indicative of his declining mental state. They compare his current behavior to his behavior in 2015, when he felt the need to explain his use of the word "shlonged."
Interview with Eric Larson (Part 2): Propaganda and Self-Delusion
The hosts continue their interview with Eric Larson, discussing the role of propaganda in the lead-up to the Civil War and the parallels to today's political climate. They discuss the importance of taking extreme rhetoric seriously and the dangers of self-delusion.
Call to Action: Vote Save America
The hosts end the episode with a call to action, urging listeners to volunteer for Vote Save America and help get out the vote. They emphasize the importance of every vote and the need to be vigilant in the face of potential threats to democracy.
Keywords
Propaganda
Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view.
Echo Chamber
An environment where a person is only exposed to information that confirms their existing beliefs, leading to a distorted view of reality.
Self-Delusion
The act of believing something that is not true, often to protect oneself from unpleasant realities.
Anti-Bellum
The period in American history before the Civil War, characterized by growing tensions over slavery and sectionalism.
Secession
The act of withdrawing from a federation or political union, as in the case of the Southern states seceding from the United States in 1860-1861.
Fort Sumter
A United States military fort in Charleston, South Carolina, that was the site of the first shots fired in the American Civil War.
Q&A
What are some of the parallels between the events leading up to the Civil War and today's political climate?
Eric Larson argues that there are significant parallels between the political discord and extremism of the antebellum period and the current political climate. He points to the rise of echo chambers, the spread of misinformation, and the willingness of some to embrace violence as evidence of these similarities.
What lessons can we learn from the events leading up to the Civil War?
Larson emphasizes the importance of taking extreme rhetoric seriously and recognizing the dangers of self-delusion. He argues that we must be vigilant in protecting democracy and fighting against the forces of division and hatred.
What is the significance of Eric Larson's book, "The Demon of Unrest"?
Larson's book provides a detailed and insightful account of the events leading up to the Civil War, highlighting the role of propaganda, extremism, and self-delusion in fueling the conflict. It serves as a timely reminder of the fragility of democracy and the importance of vigilance in protecting it.
Show Notes
14 days! It’s like The Ring times two! This week on What A Weekday, Donald Trump does a dishonest days work at McDonald's. Elon Musk offers a million reasons to vote for the GOP. Liz Cheney reminds us: if you wouldn’t trust Trump to watch your kids, you shouldn’t trust him with the nuclear codes. Cynthia Erivo’s opinion of fan art has changed for good, and Dua Lipa walks so Cher can run.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Table of contents
United States
