Democrats Don’t Think They Have This Election Won
6Digest
This episode of the Ezra Klein Show is a daily audio diary from the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Klein begins by discussing the convention's purpose in the modern era, focusing on the Democratic Party's self-definition and internal dynamics. He observes a strong emphasis on organized labor and populism at the convention, with a notable display of unity between the party's moderate and progressive wings. Klein highlights the role of AOC's speech in redefining patriotism as a class-based concept. Klein then discusses the Democratic Party's uncertainty about the upcoming election, with many believing it to be a 50/50 race. He analyzes Harris's economic platform, noting its focus on housing affordability and an expanded child tax credit. He also explores the party's ongoing debate about strategic direction and the lack of a clear primary contest to shape Harris's campaign. Klein highlights Harris's strengths in campaigning on issues of law and rights, stemming from her background as a prosecutor and attorney general. He contrasts this with her less established position on economic issues, suggesting she may be more comfortable discussing constitutional rights than economic policy. Klein analyzes Harris's economic platform, focusing on its emphasis on housing affordability and an expanded child tax credit. He questions the effectiveness of her housing policies, particularly the $25,000 credit for new home buyers, but acknowledges the importance of the child tax credit in reducing child poverty. Finally, Klein reflects on Joe Biden's speech at the convention, finding it moving but less effective than expected. He argues that Biden's true legacy lies in his ability to unite the Democratic Party, bridging the gap between its moderate and progressive wings. He credits Biden with building a strong party coalition and facilitating a smooth transition to Kamala Harris.
Outlines
The Democratic Party's Shift Towards Populism and Unity
Klein observes a strong emphasis on organized labor and populism at the convention, with a notable display of unity between the party's moderate and progressive wings. He highlights the role of AOC's speech in redefining patriotism as a class-based concept.
Kamala Harris's Economic Platform and the Party's Strategic Direction
Klein discusses the Democratic Party's uncertainty about the upcoming election, with many believing it to be a 50/50 race. He analyzes Harris's economic platform, noting its focus on housing affordability and an expanded child tax credit. He also explores the party's ongoing debate about strategic direction and the lack of a clear primary contest to shape Harris's campaign.
Harris's Strengths and Weaknesses: Law and Rights vs. Economics
Klein highlights Harris's strengths in campaigning on issues of law and rights, stemming from her background as a prosecutor and attorney general. He contrasts this with her less established position on economic issues, suggesting she may be more comfortable discussing constitutional rights than economic policy.
Joe Biden's Legacy: A Party Builder and a Unifying Force
Klein reflects on Joe Biden's speech at the convention, finding it moving but less effective than expected. He argues that Biden's true legacy lies in his ability to unite the Democratic Party, bridging the gap between its moderate and progressive wings. He credits Biden with building a strong party coalition and facilitating a smooth transition to Kamala Harris.
Keywords
Populism
A political approach that emphasizes the common person and their concerns, often contrasting them with the perceived elite or establishment. It can manifest in various forms, from economic policies to social movements.
Class Warfare
A political strategy or rhetoric that frames societal issues as a conflict between different socioeconomic classes, often pitting the working class against the wealthy or powerful.
Housing Affordability
The ability of individuals and families to afford adequate and safe housing, often measured by the percentage of income spent on housing costs. It is a major concern in many countries, particularly in urban areas.
Child Tax Credit
A tax credit provided to families with children, designed to reduce their tax burden and provide financial assistance. It can be a significant tool for reducing child poverty and supporting families.
Democratic National Convention
A quadrennial event where the Democratic Party nominates its presidential and vice-presidential candidates. It also serves as a platform for the party to define its platform and strategy for the upcoming election.
Kamala Harris
The current Vice President of the United States and the Democratic Party's nominee for president in the 2024 election.
Joe Biden
The current President of the United States and a prominent figure in the Democratic Party. He is known for his ability to build consensus and unite different factions within the party.
Q&A
What is the main purpose of the Democratic National Convention in the modern era?
The modern convention serves as a platform for the party to define itself, solidify its platform, and showcase its leadership. It also provides an opportunity for internal dialogue and networking among party members.
How is the Democratic Party defining itself at this convention?
The party is emphasizing its strong connection to organized labor and embracing a populist approach, particularly in response to the rise of Donald Trump's populism. There is also a notable display of unity between the party's moderate and progressive wings.
What are the key elements of Kamala Harris's economic platform?
Harris's platform focuses on housing affordability, with a goal of building three million new housing units, and an expanded child tax credit of up to $6,000 per child. These policies reflect a focus on addressing economic inequality and supporting families.
What are the main concerns about the upcoming election from the perspective of the Democratic Party?
Democrats are concerned about the closeness of the race, with many believing it to be a 50/50 contest. They are also worried about losing control of the Senate, particularly in key battleground states.
What is Joe Biden's legacy as a party builder?
Biden's legacy is marked by his ability to unite the Democratic Party, bridging the gap between its moderate and progressive wings. He has built a strong party coalition and facilitated a smooth transition to Kamala Harris, leaving the party in a stronger position than it was at the end of previous Democratic presidencies.
Show Notes
I’m reporting from the Democratic National Convention this week, so we’re going to try something a little different on the show — a daily audio report of what I’m seeing and hearing here in Chicago. For our first installment, I’m joined by my producer, Rollin Hu, to discuss what the convention’s opening night revealed about the Democratic Party after a tumultuous couple of months. We talk about how Joe Biden transformed the party over the past four years, the behind-the-scenes efforts to shape the party under Kamala Harris, the impact of the Gaza protests and why many Democrats — despite Harris’s recent momentum — feel cautious about their odds in November.
Mentioned:
“Trump Turned the Democratic Party Into a Pitiless Machine” by Ezra Klein
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Full Speech at Democratic National Convention
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You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast. Book recommendations from all our guests are listed at https://www.nytimes.com/article/ezra-klein-show-book-recs.
This episode of “The Ezra Klein Show” was produced and hosted by Rollin Hu. Fact-checking by Michelle Harris, with Kate Sinclair and Mary Marge Locker. Our senior engineer is Jeff Geld, with additional mixing by Aman Sahota. Our senior editor is Claire Gordon. The show’s production team also includes Annie Galvin, Elias Isquith and Kristin Lin. Original music by Isaac Jones. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The executive producer of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser.
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