Digest

This episode of the Slate Political Gap Fest delves into the upcoming 2024 Senate elections, highlighting the challenges Democrats face in defending their majority. The discussion explores the trend of voters aligning their Senate votes with their presidential preferences, making it difficult for Democrats to outrun the top of the ticket. The episode also features an interview with reporters Elizabeth Diaz and Lisa Lairer, authors of the new book "The Fall of Roe." They discuss the conservative legal movement's long-term strategy to overturn Roe v. Wade, emphasizing the shift from incrementalism to a more absolutist approach. The episode concludes with a segment on Lauren Bobert, a controversial congresswoman from Colorado, and her rise to prominence in the MAGA era. The hosts discuss her unique brand of politics and her potential future in the Republican Party.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the Slate Political Gap Fest and its focus on the upcoming 2024 Senate elections, the conservative legal network's strategy to overturn Roe v. Wade, and the rise of Lauren Bobert as a controversial figure in the MAGA era.

00:00:16

2024 Senate Elections

This Chapter discusses the challenges Democrats face in defending their majority in the Senate in the 2024 elections. The discussion highlights the trend of voters aligning their Senate votes with their presidential preferences, making it difficult for Democrats to outrun the top of the ticket. The hosts analyze the key races and the factors that could influence the outcome.

00:19:36

The Fall of Roe

This Chapter features an interview with reporters Elizabeth Diaz and Lisa Lairer, authors of the new book "The Fall of Roe." They discuss the conservative legal movement's long-term strategy to overturn Roe v. Wade, emphasizing the shift from incrementalism to a more absolutist approach. They trace the origins of this strategy and its successful implementation, highlighting the role of key players and the legal maneuvers employed.

00:40:44

Lauren Bobert Can't Lose

This Chapter introduces the CityCast Denver podcast "Lauren Bobert Can't Lose" and its focus on the controversial congresswoman from Colorado. The hosts discuss Bobert's rise to prominence in the MAGA era, her unique brand of politics, and her potential future in the Republican Party. They analyze her appeal to voters in her district and her ability to navigate the political landscape.

01:03:20

Pro-Natalism

This Chapter, exclusive to Slate Plus members, explores the emerging pro-natalist movement, which advocates for increased birth rates in developed countries. The hosts discuss the movement's connection to effective altruism and its potential implications for society. They also examine the movement's potential for eugenicist tendencies and its focus on a specific demographic.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are the key challenges Democrats face in the upcoming 2024 Senate elections?

  Democrats are defending 23 of the 34 Senate seats up for re-election, and eight of those seats are considered to be in jeopardy. They face strong Republican candidates in Trump-leaning states, and the trend of voters aligning their Senate votes with their presidential preferences makes it difficult for Democrats to outrun the top of the ticket.

• How did the conservative legal movement develop its strategy to overturn Roe v. Wade?

  The movement's strategy evolved over decades, but a key turning point came after Trump's election. A group of determined lawyers saw a new opportunity and developed a sophisticated legal strategy that involved passing legislation in key states, working with conservative Christian networks, and ultimately challenging Roe v. Wade in the Supreme Court.

• What are the distinguishing characteristics of Lauren Bobert as a politician?

  Bobert is known for her bombastic and self-assured style, her willingness to confront her opponents, and her ability to connect with voters in her district. She has been criticized for her lack of knowledge about the workings of Congress, but she has successfully leveraged her unconventional approach to gain a following.

• What are the potential implications of the pro-natalist movement?

  The pro-natalist movement, which advocates for increased birth rates, raises concerns about potential eugenicist tendencies and its focus on a specific demographic. It also raises questions about the role of government in influencing population growth and the potential consequences for social and economic structures.

• How did the abortion rights groups fail to protect their interests in the fight to overturn Roe v. Wade?

  While some of the outcome was inevitable after Trump appointed conservative justices, the abortion rights groups could have had a stronger presence in state legislatures and focused more on maintaining political power. They were successful in winning the cultural battle, but they lost ground in terms of actual political influence.

• What are the next steps for the Alliance Defending Freedom?

  The Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian legal organization, has a long-term strategy to advance its cultural goals. They are aiming to overturn or weaken other Supreme Court precedents, potentially impacting issues such as trans rights, parental rights in schools, and medical transitions for minors.

• How did the conservative legal movement use the existing system to achieve its goals?

  The movement effectively utilized the existing system of American democracy, including the legislative process, the court system, and the appointment of judges. They were able to leverage political power and influence to achieve their objectives, even if it meant breaking norms and pushing the boundaries of the system.

• What is the significance of the "Lauren Bobert Can't Lose" podcast?

  The podcast provides a deeper understanding of Lauren Bobert's rise to prominence and her unique brand of politics. It explores her appeal to voters in her district and her potential future in the Republican Party, offering insights into the evolving dynamics of the MAGA movement.

• What is the connection between the pro-natalist movement and the eugenics of the past?

  The pro-natalist movement, while claiming to be inclusive, has a tendency to focus on a specific demographic, often white and affluent. This raises concerns about potential eugenicist tendencies, as it suggests a preference for certain traits and a desire to shape the future population.

• What is the significance of the "Honor Watch" podcast?

  The podcast highlights the challenges faced by whistleblowers in a system where they are often treated as enemies. It explores the abuse of power within the prison system and the importance of accountability. The podcast also raises questions about the gender dynamics within the prison guard culture.

Show Notes