The Paris Olympics Gets Political
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
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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.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
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
Melania Trump
Former First Lady of the United States, wife of former President Donald Trump. Known for her reserved public persona and her upcoming memoir.
Paris Summer Olympics
The 2024 Summer Olympics, hosted in Paris, France. The games are expected to feature a diverse range of sporting events and a significant political backdrop.
Vice President Kamala Harris
Current Vice President of the United States, running for president in 2024. Recent polling data shows her closing the gap with former President Trump.
International Olympic Committee (IOC)
The governing body of the Olympic Games. The IOC has been criticized for its handling of the ongoing conflict in Gaza and its decision not to ban Israeli athletes.
Palestine
A territory in the Middle East that is home to the Palestinian people. The ongoing conflict with Israel has led to widespread protests and calls for Palestinian rights.
Emmanuel Macron
President of France. Macron's government has been criticized for its handling of the protests in Paris and its support for Israel.
Gentrification
The process of renovating and improving a neighborhood, often leading to displacement of existing residents and increased property values. The Olympics can exacerbate gentrification in host cities.
Boneless Chicken Wings
A popular food item that is typically served without bones. A recent Ohio Supreme Court ruling on a lawsuit involving a bone in boneless chicken wings has sparked debate about the meaning of "boneless."
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
The Paris Summer Olympics holds opening ceremonies today, officially kicking off 16 days of elite athletic competition. USA gymnastics legend Simone Biles will return to the mat, while fans will return to the stadiums after COVID restrictions kept them away at the last Summer and Winter Games. There's a political context at this year's contests, too, and demonstrations have already begun in Paris to rally support for several causes. We spoke with Dave Zirin, sports editor for The Nation, about the protests happening ahead of the games.
And in headlines: Vice President Kamala Harris presses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a ceasefire deal in Gaza, California Governor Gavin Newsom instructs cities to remove homeless encampments, and the Ohio Supreme Court delivers a controversial boneless chicken wing ruling.
Show Notes:
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