Kamala Harris Takes the DNC Stage. Here’s a Vibe Check.
Digest
The podcast begins with an overview of the U.S. housing market, noting a slight increase in home sales in July but continued low levels for the year. Despite the increase, prices remain near record highs, making housing affordability a key election issue. The podcast then delves into a new study on climate policy effectiveness, revealing that only a small fraction of policies worldwide have been successful in reducing emissions. The study highlights successful policies in the UK, Norway, and China, emphasizing the need for a combination of incentives, regulations, and taxes. Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Autosafety Investigators have concluded their probe into General Motors' autonomous driving systems, finding that a software update addressed potential safety concerns. The podcast then shifts to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, exploring the mood and energy surrounding Kamala Harris's potential candidacy. Attendees express their support for Harris and discuss the potential impact of her candidacy on local elections. The podcast also examines the Democrats' fundraising efforts, noting a surge in small-dollar donations and a renewed sense of excitement among donors. Finally, the podcast highlights a division within the Democratic Party over the U.S. stance on Israel's war in Gaza. Uncommitted delegates express their frustration over the lack of Palestinian-American representation at the DNC, while the Harris campaign emphasizes its commitment to all Democratic voters. The podcast concludes with a reminder of Harris's closing speech at the convention and a preview of the next episode.
Outlines
Housing Market Update and Climate Policy Effectiveness
The podcast begins with an overview of the U.S. housing market, noting a slight increase in home sales in July but continued low levels for the year. Despite the increase, prices remain near record highs, making housing affordability a key election issue. The podcast then delves into a new study on climate policy effectiveness, revealing that only a small fraction of policies worldwide have been successful in reducing emissions. The study highlights successful policies in the UK, Norway, and China, emphasizing the need for a combination of incentives, regulations, and taxes.
Democratic Convention and Fundraising
The podcast then shifts to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, exploring the mood and energy surrounding Kamala Harris's potential candidacy. Attendees express their support for Harris and discuss the potential impact of her candidacy on local elections. The podcast also examines the Democrats' fundraising efforts, noting a surge in small-dollar donations and a renewed sense of excitement among donors.
Autonomous Driving Probe and Division Over Israel-Gaza Conflict
Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Autosafety Investigators have concluded their probe into General Motors' autonomous driving systems, finding that a software update addressed potential safety concerns. Finally, the podcast highlights a division within the Democratic Party over the U.S. stance on Israel's war in Gaza. Uncommitted delegates express their frustration over the lack of Palestinian-American representation at the DNC, while the Harris campaign emphasizes its commitment to all Democratic voters. The podcast concludes with a reminder of Harris's closing speech at the convention and a preview of the next episode.
Keywords
Climate Policy Effectiveness
A study analyzing climate policies from 1998-2020 found that only 63 out of 1,500 policies were effective in reducing emissions. Successful policies often combined financial incentives, regulations, and taxes.
Autonomous Driving Systems
The U.S. Federal Autosafety Investigators concluded their probe into General Motors' autonomous driving systems, finding that a software update addressed potential safety concerns.
Democratic Fundraising
The Democratic Party is experiencing a surge in fundraising momentum, with increased small-dollar donations and renewed excitement among donors. The Harris campaign has seen significant fundraising success, raising over $200 million in the first week after Biden exited the race.
Israel-Gaza Conflict
The Democratic Party is facing division over the U.S. stance on Israel's war in Gaza. Uncommitted delegates are calling for greater Palestinian-American representation at the DNC, while the Harris campaign emphasizes its commitment to all Democratic voters.
Housing Market
Home sales saw a slight increase in July, ending a four-month decline, but remain at low levels for the year. Despite the increase, prices remain near record highs, making housing affordability a key election issue.
Q&A
What are the key findings of the study on climate policy effectiveness?
The study found that only a small fraction of climate policies worldwide have been effective in reducing emissions. Successful policies often combined financial incentives, regulations, and taxes.
What is the current state of the U.S. housing market?
Home sales saw a slight increase in July, ending a four-month decline, but remain at low levels for the year. Despite the increase, prices remain near record highs, making housing affordability a key election issue.
How is the Democratic Party's fundraising effort going?
The Democratic Party is experiencing a surge in fundraising momentum, with increased small-dollar donations and renewed excitement among donors. The Harris campaign has seen significant fundraising success, raising over $200 million in the first week after Biden exited the race.
What is the main point of contention within the Democratic Party regarding the Israel-Gaza conflict?
Uncommitted delegates are calling for greater Palestinian-American representation at the DNC, while the Harris campaign emphasizes its commitment to all Democratic voters.
Show Notes
P.M. Edition for Aug. 22. Ahead of the Democratic National Convention’s last night, a look at the mood among political leaders and donors. Plus, an analysis of climate policies across the world suggests only a small fraction of them work. And U.S. home sales edged up in July, with prices still near their highest level. Luke Vargas hosts from the floor of the Democratic convention. Danny Lewis hosts from New York City.
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