Digest

The episode begins with the hosts introducing themselves and the show, "What A Day," and humorously referencing Melania Trump's upcoming memoir. They then discuss recent news headlines, including polling data showing Vice President Harris closing the gap with former President Trump, a bizarre Ohio Supreme Court ruling on boneless chicken wings, and the upcoming Paris Summer Olympics. The episode dives into the Paris Summer Olympics, highlighting the return of spectators after COVID restrictions and the political context surrounding the games. The hosts discuss the anticipated performance of Simone Biles, Shakari Richardson, and Katie Ledecki. They then discuss the protests happening in Paris ahead of the Olympics, focusing on issues like the displacement of unhoused populations, the militarization of the police, and the presence of Israeli athletes amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The hosts interview Dave Zyren, sports editor for The Nation, about the political issues surrounding the Paris Olympics. Zyren discusses the protests, the hypocrisy of the International Olympic Committee, and the potential for lasting negative impacts on the city. The episode concludes with the hosts covering several news headlines, including Vice President Harris' meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, California Governor Gavin Newsom's order to remove homeless encampments, and a report on abuse in care in New Zealand. They also discuss a recent Ohio Supreme Court ruling on a lawsuit filed by a customer who swallowed a bone after ordering boneless chicken wings. The hosts humorously debate the meaning of "boneless" and the absurdity of the lawsuit. Finally, they discuss the anticipated Republican attacks on Vice President Harris as she launches her presidential campaign and encourage listeners to engage in political conversations and to support Harris' campaign.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Paris Summer Olympics: A Political Backdrop

This episode of "What A Day" discusses the upcoming Paris Summer Olympics, highlighting the political context surrounding the games, protests in Paris, and the hypocrisy of the International Olympic Committee. The hosts discuss the anticipated performance of Simone Biles, Shakari Richardson, and Katie Ledecki, and interview Dave Zyren, sports editor for The Nation, about the political issues surrounding the games.

00:00:31

News Headlines and the Boneless Chicken Wing Debate

The hosts discuss recent news headlines, including polling data showing Vice President Harris closing the gap with former President Trump, a bizarre Ohio Supreme Court ruling on boneless chicken wings, and the upcoming Paris Summer Olympics. They also discuss a recent Ohio Supreme Court ruling on a lawsuit filed by a customer who swallowed a bone after ordering boneless chicken wings. The hosts humorously debate the meaning of "boneless" and the absurdity of the lawsuit.

00:13:36

Vice President Harris, Homeless Encampments, and Abuse in Care

The hosts cover several news headlines, including Vice President Harris' meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, California Governor Gavin Newsom's order to remove homeless encampments, and a report on abuse in care in New Zealand. They also discuss the anticipated Republican attacks on Vice President Harris as she launches her presidential campaign and encourage listeners to engage in political conversations and to support Harris' campaign.

00:20:43

Call to Action: Dramatic Readings of Melania Trump's Memoir

The hosts encourage listeners to request dramatic readings of Melania Trump's memoir, promising to fulfill the request if enough people express interest. They also promote the "Friends of the Pod" series, "Policoaster," for political insights and analysis.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some of the key political issues surrounding the Paris Summer Olympics?

  The Olympics are taking place amidst protests in Paris over issues like the displacement of unhoused populations, the militarization of the police, and the presence of Israeli athletes. The conflict in Gaza and the hypocrisy of the International Olympic Committee are also major points of contention.

• How does the International Olympic Committee's decision to not ban Israeli athletes contribute to the political tensions surrounding the games?

  The IOC's decision is seen by many as hypocritical, given the organization's ban on Russian athletes due to the invasion of Ukraine. This decision has inflamed tensions in Paris, particularly among those who support Palestinian rights.

• What are some of the potential lasting impacts of the Olympics on host cities?

  The Olympics can exacerbate gentrification, leading to displacement of existing residents and increased property values. They can also lead to increased security measures and surveillance, which can have a lasting impact on the city's social and political landscape.

Show Notes