Elections, Now & Then (with Joanne Freeman)

Update: 2024-08-01

Digest

This episode of Stay Tuned features a conversation with Joanne Freeman, a leading expert on American political history, to discuss the assassination attempt on former President Trump, President Biden's decision not to seek reelection, and Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign. The episode also includes a special conversation with Z-Shan B, whose new album Preet Barara executive produced. Preet Barara addresses a listener question about the feasibility of SCOTUS reforms proposed by President Biden, explaining that these reforms would likely require a constitutional amendment, which is a difficult process given the current political climate. He then discusses the legal issues surrounding the classified documents case against Donald Trump, specifically Judge Cannon's dismissal of the indictment and the potential for the 11th Circuit to reverse her decision. He analyzes the legal arguments and the timing of the appeal. Barara responds to a listener question about the legal implications of his song recommendations on Twitter, discussing his role as executive producer for Z-Shan B's new album and his personal enjoyment of sharing music with his followers. Barara and Freeman then delve into the recent political events, including the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, President Biden's decision not to seek reelection, and Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign. They discuss the impact of technology on democracy and the role of political rhetoric in shaping the current political climate. Freeman analyzes the assassination attempt on Donald Trump in the context of American history, discussing the role of rhetoric and the normalization of violence in politics. She explores the potential consequences of a successful assassination attempt and the reactions of political adversaries. Barara and Freeman discuss the media's short attention span and the rapid shift in focus from the assassination attempt to other news events. They also examine the prevalence of conspiracy theories in the current political climate and the challenges of discerning truth from falsehood in the digital age. They compare Ronald Reagan's and Donald Trump's responses to assassination attempts, discussing the historical context of each event and the potential impact on their political fortunes. Barara and Freeman discuss President Biden's decision not to seek reelection, examining historical analogs and the unique circumstances surrounding his decision. They explore the implications of his withdrawal for the Democratic Party and the 2024 election. They discuss Nancy Pelosi's legacy and her influence as Speaker of the House, acknowledging her consequential leadership and the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated political arena. Barara and Freeman discuss Kamala Harris' presidential campaign and the criticism she has faced, particularly regarding her laugh. They analyze the gendered nature of this criticism and its implications for women in politics. They discuss the unexpected turn of events in the Democratic primary, particularly the swift and enthusiastic support for Kamala Harris following President Biden's withdrawal from the race. They analyze the factors that contributed to this outcome and the implications for the Democratic Party. Barara and Freeman discuss the importance of the vice presidential selection in the upcoming election. They explore the potential impact of different candidates and the role of humor in political strategy. Barara introduces Z-Shan B, a musician whose new album he executive produced. They discuss the album's themes, the creative process, and the inspiration behind the music.

Outlines