The Democrats ‘Do Something’ Convention
Digest
The podcast begins by discussing the Democratic National Convention, highlighting the shift in the race after Kamala Harris joined the ticket. The panelists discuss the convention's atmosphere of joy and hope, a stark contrast to previous Democratic conventions. They delve into specific moments from the convention, including Michelle Obama's speech, Tim Walls' introduction, and the roll call vote. The panelists discuss the themes of freedom, progress for women, and the Obama narrative. The podcast then analyzes the latest polls, showing a tight race with Harris leading in some swing states. The panelists discuss the potential for a "honeymoon" effect for Harris and the challenges Republicans face in defining her. They explore how the convention's energy and enthusiasm can translate into political gain, discussing the importance of money, volunteers, and the power of speeches in motivating voters. The panelists debate the key message of the Harris campaign, considering whether it's focused on her fighting spirit, policy proposals, or the need to defeat Trump. They discuss the role of values and patriotism in the campaign. The podcast examines recent polls, showing a shift in favor of Harris. The panelists discuss the potential for a "convention bounce" and the challenges Republicans face in responding to Harris's momentum. The podcast delves into the potential biases in polling, particularly the tendency for enthusiastic voters to be more likely to respond. They analyze the demographic shifts in voter support and the potential impact of RFK Jr.'s endorsement of Trump. The panelists explore the lack of a clear message from the Harris campaign, considering whether it should focus on her fighting spirit, policy proposals, or the need to defeat Trump. They discuss the importance of defining the campaign's direction. The podcast concludes by exploring the debate surrounding overtourism, examining the impact of tourism on cities like Bologna and Barcelona. The panelists discuss the role of Airbnb, cruise ships, and the need for sustainable tourism practices. They discuss the potential benefits of tourism, arguing that it can contribute to economic growth and cultural preservation. They explore the trade-offs between overtourism and the preservation of unique destinations.
Outlines
The Democratic National Convention: A Shift in the Race
The podcast discusses the Democratic National Convention, highlighting the shift in the race after Kamala Harris joined the ticket. The panelists discuss the convention's atmosphere of joy and hope, a stark contrast to previous Democratic conventions.
Key Moments and Themes of the Democratic Convention
The panelists delve into specific moments from the convention, including Michelle Obama's speech, Tim Walls' introduction, and the roll call vote. They discuss the themes of freedom, progress for women, and the Obama narrative.
Polls and the State of the Race
The podcast analyzes the latest polls, showing a tight race with Harris leading in some swing states. The panelists discuss the potential for a "honeymoon" effect for Harris and the challenges Republicans face in defining her.
The Impact of Convention Energy on the Campaign
The panelists explore how the convention's energy and enthusiasm can translate into political gain. They discuss the importance of money, volunteers, and the power of speeches in motivating voters.
Defining the Harris Campaign
The panelists debate the key message of the Harris campaign, considering whether it's focused on her fighting spirit, policy proposals, or the need to defeat Trump. They discuss the role of values and patriotism in the campaign.
The Curse of Tourism: Blessing or Burden?
The podcast explores the debate surrounding overtourism, examining the impact of tourism on cities like Bologna and Barcelona. The panelists discuss the role of Airbnb, cruise ships, and the need for sustainable tourism practices. They discuss the potential benefits of tourism, arguing that it can contribute to economic growth and cultural preservation. They explore the trade-offs between overtourism and the preservation of unique destinations.
Keywords
Over Tourism
The phenomenon of excessive tourism in a particular destination, leading to negative impacts on local residents, environment, and cultural heritage.
Democratic National Convention
A quadrennial event where the Democratic Party nominates its presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
Kamala Harris
The Democratic vice-presidential nominee, known for her progressive views and experience as a senator and attorney general.
Joe Biden
The incumbent Democratic president, who stepped aside as the nominee in favor of Kamala Harris.
Donald Trump
The incumbent Republican president, seeking re-election.
Swing States
States that are considered competitive in presidential elections, often with close margins between the two major parties.
"Convention Bounce"
A temporary increase in a candidate's poll numbers following a political convention.
Airbnb
A platform that allows people to rent out their homes or rooms to travelers, often contributing to rising housing costs in popular tourist destinations.
Q&A
What are the key themes and moments that stood out from the Democratic National Convention?
The convention highlighted themes of freedom, progress for women, and the Obama narrative. Key moments included Michelle Obama's speech, Tim Walls' introduction, and the roll call vote.
How has the race changed since Kamala Harris joined the ticket?
The race has become tighter, with Harris leading in some swing states. Republicans are struggling to define Harris, and her momentum has created challenges for them.
How can the convention's energy and enthusiasm translate into political gain?
The convention can motivate voters through increased fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and the power of speeches. The speeches can provide enduring nourishment for the party faithful and rekindle their original spark of political engagement.
What is the key message of the Harris campaign?
The Harris campaign is still developing its message, but it's likely to focus on her fighting spirit, policy proposals, or the need to defeat Trump. The campaign will need to determine which direction will be most fruitful.
What are the challenges and opportunities presented by overtourism?
Over tourism can negatively impact local residents, the environment, and cultural heritage. However, it can also contribute to economic growth and cultural preservation. The key is to find sustainable tourism practices that benefit both residents and visitors.
Show Notes
This week, John Dickerson returns and joins Emily Bazelon and David Plotz to discuss the Democratic National Convention; presidential polls; and overtourism.
Here are this week’s chatters:
John: @jdickerson on Threads: Background Sounds on iPhone
Emily: Tablets Shattered by Joshua Leifer; Gabfest Reads: Where Does the American Jewish Experience Go from Here?; and Ginia Bellafante for The New York Times: A Bookshop Cancels an Event Over a Rabbi’s Zionism, Prompting Outrage
David: David Wade for WBZ News: How do you stop political texts on your phone?; Presumed Innocent by Apple TV+ and Presumed Innocent by Warner Bros.; and Road House by Prime Video and Road House by United Artists
Listener chatter from Scott Rada in La Crosse, Wisconsin: ChatGPT’s Slate pitches for 3,000 B.C.
For this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment, available Friday, August 23, David, Emily, and John talk about Kamala Harris’s nomination acceptance speech.
In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily talks with Joshua Leifer about his book, Tablets Shattered.
Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)
Podcast production by Ethan Oberman
Research by Julie Huygen
Hosts
Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz
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