Grand Barnier: France’s new prime minister
1Digest
The podcast begins with an overview of the recent French political crisis, where no party secured a majority in the snap general election, leaving President Emmanuel Macron struggling to find a new Prime Minister. After a period of uncertainty, Macron appoints Michel Barnier as Prime Minister, a surprising choice given Barnier's past criticism of the president. Barnier is a seasoned politician with experience in various governments and is known for his role as the EU's Brexit negotiator. The podcast then shifts to the US election campaign, focusing on Donald Trump's strategy of relentlessly attacking Kamala Harris. Trump's attacks focus on immigration, the economy, and foreign policy, tying Harris to any perceived failures of the Biden administration. This strategy mirrors Trump's previous attacks on Joe Biden, highlighting his tendency to focus on personal attacks rather than policy proposals. Finally, the podcast concludes with an obituary for Simon Verity, a renowned stone sculptor. Verity was known for his meticulous work on cathedrals, including the Great West Portal at St. John the Divine in Manhattan, and his whimsical creations like a giant teacup for Elton John. His work is characterized by its intricate detail and the way it blends traditional techniques with modern sensibilities.
Outlines
French Politics in Crisis and Macron's Prime Minister Choice
The podcast begins with an overview of the recent French political crisis, where no party secured a majority in the snap general election, leaving President Emmanuel Macron struggling to find a new Prime Minister. After a period of uncertainty, Macron appoints Michel Barnier as Prime Minister, a surprising choice given Barnier's past criticism of the president. Barnier is a seasoned politician with experience in various governments and is known for his role as the EU's Brexit negotiator.
Trump's Attack Strategy Against Kamala Harris
The podcast then shifts to the US election campaign, focusing on Donald Trump's strategy of relentlessly attacking Kamala Harris. Trump's attacks focus on immigration, the economy, and foreign policy, tying Harris to any perceived failures of the Biden administration. This strategy mirrors Trump's previous attacks on Joe Biden, highlighting his tendency to focus on personal attacks rather than policy proposals.
Obituary: Simon Verity, Stone Sculptor
Finally, the podcast concludes with an obituary for Simon Verity, a renowned stone sculptor. Verity was known for his meticulous work on cathedrals, including the Great West Portal at St. John the Divine in Manhattan, and his whimsical creations like a giant teacup for Elton John. His work is characterized by its intricate detail and the way it blends traditional techniques with modern sensibilities.
Keywords
Snap Election
A snap election is an election called earlier than scheduled, often due to a political crisis or a change in government. It can be triggered by a vote of no confidence, a resignation of the government, or a decision by the ruling party.
Co-abitation
In French politics, co-abitation refers to a situation where the President and the Prime Minister are from different political parties. This can lead to tension and a balance of power between the two figures.
Super PACs
Super PACs are political action committees that can raise unlimited funds from corporations, unions, and individuals. They are allowed to spend money independently of candidates, but they cannot coordinate directly with campaigns.
Stone Sculpture
Stone sculpture is a form of art that involves carving, shaping, and assembling stone to create three-dimensional works. It is a time-consuming and demanding process that requires skill, patience, and an understanding of the material.
Michel Barnier
Michel Barnier is a French politician who served as the European Union's chief negotiator for Brexit. He is known for his experience in various governments and his role in negotiating trade agreements.
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris is the 49th and current Vice President of the United States. She is the first female, first African American, and first Asian American vice president.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
Simon Verity
Simon Verity was a renowned stone sculptor known for his meticulous work on cathedrals, including the Great West Portal at St. John the Divine in Manhattan, and his whimsical creations like a giant teacup for Elton John.
Q&A
Why did it take so long for Macron to choose his Prime Minister?
Macron was trying to find someone who could form a stable government and survive no-confidence votes in parliament. With three minority blocks in parliament, it was incredibly difficult to find a candidate who wouldn't be immediately voted down.
How does Trump's attack strategy against Kamala Harris compare to his previous attacks on Joe Biden?
Trump's strategy is essentially a transplant of his old attacks on Biden onto Harris. He focuses on issues like immigration, the economy, and foreign policy, tying Harris to any perceived failures of the Biden administration.
What was Simon Verity's most famous work?
Simon Verity was most famous for his work on the Great West Portal, also known as the Portal of Paradise, at St. John the Divine in Manhattan. He carved figures of 31 Old Testament prophets from blocks of limestone, including Abraham, Sarah, Joshua, Simeon, Daniel, Elijah, and Elisha.
Show Notes
Two months ago, French politics was thrown into crisis after a snap election left no party with a clear majority. Michel Barnier, the new prime minister, has a huge task ahead. Donald Trump’s campaign took time to adjust to the nomination of Kamala Harris. Now he’s on the attack again (9:40 ). And celebrating the life of stonemason, Simon Verity (17:37 ).
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