The Democratic Ticket Change Angers the Right. Plus, Ezra Klein’s Role in Biden’s Decision.
Digest
This podcast delves into the political landscape surrounding Kamala Harris's nomination as the presumptive Democratic nominee. It examines the backlash she has received from the right wing media, exploring the reasons behind it and the criticisms leveled against her. The podcast also analyzes Kamala Harris's relationship with the mainstream press, examining her past experiences and how she navigates the spotlight. Additionally, it discusses the potential for Kamala Harris to energize the Democratic base, exploring the reactions to her nomination and the potential impact on the upcoming election. The podcast also touches upon the media's coverage of Joe Biden's age and its potential influence on his decision to step down, examining the arguments for and against the media's role in this decision.
Outlines
Kamala Harris: The New Democratic Nominee and the Backlash
This chapter discusses the reaction to Kamala Harris becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee, focusing on the backlash she's received from the right wing media and the reasons behind it.
Kamala Harris and the Press: Navigating the Spotlight
This chapter delves into Kamala Harris's relationship with the mainstream press, analyzing her past experiences and how she's navigating the spotlight as the presumptive Democratic nominee.
The Enthusiasm Gap: Can Kamala Harris Energize the Base?
This chapter discusses the potential for Kamala Harris to energize the Democratic base, exploring the reactions to her nomination and the potential impact on the upcoming election.
The Media's Role in Biden's Departure: Age and Influence
This chapter explores the media's coverage of Joe Biden's age and its potential impact on his campaign, examining the arguments for and against the media's influence on his decision to step down.
Keywords
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris is an American politician who served as the 49th vice president of the United States from 2021 to 2023. She is the first woman, first African American, and first Asian American to hold the office.
Joe Biden
Joe Biden is an American politician who served as the 46th president of the United States from 2021 to 2023. He previously served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 under President Barack Obama.
Democratic Party
The Democratic Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States. It is generally considered to be center-left on the political spectrum.
Republican Party
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States. It is generally considered to be center-right on the political spectrum.
Media
The media refers to the various means of mass communication, including newspapers, television, radio, and the internet. It plays a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing political discourse.
Right Wing Media
The right wing media refers to media outlets that generally align with conservative political viewpoints and often criticize liberal or progressive perspectives.
Backlash
Backlash refers to a strong negative reaction to a particular event, policy, or person, often characterized by criticism, opposition, or hostility.
Presumptive Nominee
A presumptive nominee is a candidate who is widely considered to be the likely winner of a nomination, even if the official process has not yet been completed.
Q&A
What are some of the criticisms that have been leveled against Kamala Harris by the right wing media?
The right wing media has criticized Kamala Harris for her past relationships, her laugh, her political positions, and her race and gender. They have also accused her of being a \"California liberal\" and a \"socialist.\""
How has Kamala Harris's relationship with the press evolved over time?
Kamala Harris has had a complex relationship with the press. She has been criticized for her lack of charisma and her tendency to avoid personal questions. However, she has also been praised for her intelligence and her ability to hold her own in tough interviews.
What are some of the potential challenges and opportunities for Kamala Harris as the presumptive Democratic nominee?
Kamala Harris faces the challenge of uniting the Democratic Party and appealing to a broad range of voters. She also faces the challenge of overcoming the negative coverage she has received from the right wing media. However, she also has the opportunity to energize the Democratic base and present a compelling alternative to Donald Trump.
What are some of the arguments for and against the media's influence on Joe Biden's decision to step down?
Some argue that the media's coverage of Biden's age and his performance in the debate contributed to his decision to step down. Others argue that Biden was already considering stepping down and that the media simply reflected the concerns of the Democratic Party.
Show Notes
Conservative media outlets are testing a series of talking points to discredit the leading Democratic candidate for president. On this week’s On the Media, hear how right-wing coverage of Kamala Harris compares to what Hilary Clinton received. Plus, podcast host Ezra Klein reflects on how his early call for President Biden to step aside came true.
[01:00 ] Host Micah Loewinger speaks with Kat Abughazaleh, a video creator also known as Kat Abu, about how right-wing attacks on the presumptive Democratic nominee Kamala Harris compare to those on Hillary Clinton in 2016, and how conservative media outlets were unprepared to coordinate a campaign against Harris.
[14:02 ] Host Brooke Gladstone speaks with Jamilah King, editorial director at Mother Jones, about Kamala Harris’ rise from district attorney in Oakland, California to the second highest office in the United States, and the narratives that have followed her and her political career through the years.
[30:34 ] Micah speaks with Ezra Klein, New York Times columnist and host of ‘The Ezra Klein Show,’ to reflect on Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race, and Klein’s role as one of the earliest voices calling for Biden to step aside.
Further reading / listening:
- Fox’s Racist, Sexist Attacks on Kamala Aren’t Landing. Yet. by Kat Abughazaleh
- It’s Kamala’s Campaign Now by Jamilah King
- Democrats Have a Better Option Than Joe Biden by Ezra Klein
On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm). Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.
Table of contents
United States
