Politicians Are Fighting Weather Conspiracies

Update: 2024-10-11

Digest

The episode begins with a discussion of the damage caused by Hurricane Milton in Florida, a Category 3 storm that left millions without power. The conversation then shifts to the spread of disinformation surrounding the hurricane and other events, particularly by Donald Trump and his allies. The podcast highlights how these lies are hindering recovery efforts and potentially impacting the upcoming election. The episode then focuses on the importance of voter turnout in the upcoming election, highlighting key races for the House of Representatives and state legislatures. The conversation focuses on districts where Democrats are aiming to flip seats and the strategies they are employing. The episode concludes with a discussion of the release of the film "The Apprentice," which explores Donald Trump's early life and career. The film has faced legal threats from Trump and others, highlighting the controversy surrounding his legacy and the impact of his actions on the film industry.

Outlines

00:00:00

Hurricane Milton and Disinformation

The episode discusses the aftermath of Hurricane Milton in Florida, a Category 3 storm that left millions without power. The conversation then shifts to the spread of disinformation surrounding the hurricane and other events, particularly by Donald Trump and his allies. The podcast highlights how these lies are hindering recovery efforts and potentially impacting the upcoming election.

00:07:01

Voter Turnout and Key Races

The episode focuses on the importance of voter turnout in the upcoming election, highlighting key races for the House of Representatives and state legislatures. The conversation focuses on districts where Democrats are aiming to flip seats and the strategies they are employing.

00:18:23

The Apprentice Film and Trump's Legacy

The episode concludes with a discussion of the release of the film "The Apprentice," which explores Donald Trump's early life and career. The film has faced legal threats from Trump and others, highlighting the controversy surrounding his legacy and the impact of his actions on the film industry.

Keywords

Disinformation

The deliberate spread of false or misleading information, often with the intent to deceive or manipulate. It can take various forms, including fake news, propaganda, and conspiracy theories.

Hurricane Milton

A Category 3 hurricane that made landfall in Florida in October 2023, causing significant damage and leaving millions without power. The storm's impact is being used by some to spread disinformation and hinder recovery efforts.

Voter Turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who cast ballots in an election. It is a crucial factor in determining the outcome of elections, particularly in close races.

Biden 18

A group of 18 congressional districts that Joe Biden won in 2020 but are currently represented by Republicans. Democrats are focusing on these districts in an effort to flip seats and regain control of the House of Representatives.

State Legislatures

Legislative bodies at the state level, responsible for enacting laws and overseeing state government. They play a significant role in shaping policy on issues such as abortion, gun control, and education.

The Apprentice (Film)

A biographical film about Donald Trump's early life and career, focusing on his relationship with mentor Roy Cohn. The film has faced legal threats from Trump and others, highlighting the controversy surrounding his legacy and the impact of his actions on the film industry.

Q&A

How is disinformation impacting the recovery efforts following Hurricane Milton?
Disinformation is hindering recovery efforts by spreading false information about aid programs, creating distrust in government agencies, and potentially discouraging people from seeking help.
What are some key races for the House of Representatives that Democrats are focusing on?
Democrats are targeting the "Biden 18" districts, which are 18 congressional districts that Joe Biden won in 2020 but are currently represented by Republicans. They are also focusing on races in California and New York, where they believe they have a chance to flip seats.
Why are state legislatures so important in the upcoming election?
State legislatures have a significant impact on policy on issues such as abortion, gun control, and education. Democrats are aiming to flip seats in key states to gain control of these bodies and advance their agenda.
What is the significance of the film "The Apprentice" in the context of Donald Trump's legacy?
The film explores Trump's early life and career, offering a critical perspective on his character and actions. The legal threats it has faced from Trump and others highlight the controversy surrounding his legacy and the impact of his actions on the film industry.

Show Notes

People in Florida are assessing the damage caused by Hurricane Milton. The storm made landfall late Wednesday as a Category 3 storm just south of Tampa, dropping up to 18 inches of rain overnight. As of late Thursday, around 3 million people in the state were still without power. At least 12 people died, though that number is expected to increase as rescue efforts continue. Hurricane recovery — both from Milton and Helene — is happening right alongside the 2024 election, conspiracy theories and all. Longtime D.C. reporter and friend of the pod Todd Zwillich joins us to talk about how the disinformation from the MAGA-verse is an operating feature of the movement.

Later, Shaniqua McClendon, head of Crooked’s partner organization Vote Save America, talks about important down-ballot and state legislature races.

And in headlines: Former President Barack Obama campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris in Pittsburgh, Harris committed to a CNN town hall event with undecided Pennsylvania voters, and a federal judge set a date for the sex trafficking trial against rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.

Show Notes: