11 chapters across the catalog
A viral video featured political analyst Dr. Arlene gloating before the election about toasting "Madam President" with champagne. She incorrectly predicted a sweep of swing states and Iowa based on an outlier poll that suggested a Democratic surge. Following the results, she pivoted to calling Kamala Harris's three-month campaign "magnificent" despite the loss.
Election Polling Scams, Media Advertising Revenue
The cyclical nature of political polling is analyzed as a tool for media companies to generate advertising revenue by framing every election as a "neck and neck" race. A 2016 clip of former CBS CEO Les Moonves is played, in which he admits that the contentious political climate and high spending by candidates are "phenomenal" for the network's bottom line.
Voter Suppression Claims vs. Local Election Management
A Deutsche Welle analyst claimed that the removal of ballot drop boxes and consolidation of polling places in Democratic areas constitutes voter suppression. However, the discussion points out that these local election decisions are often made by the very Democratic officials running those counties. The segment argues that "voter suppression" is frequently used as a buzzword to explain away logistical failures in heavily populated urban areas.
Reverend Al Sharpton reports on a phone call he received from President Trump to discuss the impact of the pandemic on vulnerable populations and the incarcerated. The hosts suggest that Sharpton's shift to a more conciliatory tone is a reaction to Trump's rising approval ratings in recent public polling.
Anthony Scaramucci on Political Surfing and Joining the Trump Campaign
Anthony Scaramucci uses a surfing metaphor to describe how politicians must ride cultural waves that fit their personalities, contrasting Trump with "bland" candidates like Jeb Bush and Mitt Romney. He admits he initially doubted Trump's chances during a breakfast at Trump Tower but was proven wrong by Trump's rapid rise in the polls. Scaramucci reflects on his own failure to recognize the level of economic desperation in blue-collar towns before joining the campaign.
Media Advertising Revenue and Strategic Election Polling
The hosts analyze the financial incentives for media companies during election cycles, referencing former CBS CEO Les Moonves' comments on the "political advertising bonanza." They argue that polls are utilized as marketing tools to create a sense of a close race, thereby pressuring candidates like Hillary Clinton to spend their remaining campaign funds on television advertising. This "scam" is presented as a method for broadcasting operations to maximize quarterly earnings.
Political Polls, Media Advertising Revenue Strategy
Analysts suggest that the tightening of political polls between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump is a deliberate strategy by media organizations to drive advertising revenue. By making the race appear closer than it may actually be, networks can pressure campaigns to spend more on television spots. Critics argue that pundits like David Brooks are paid to provide narratives that obscure these underlying financial motivations.
Mainstream networks like CNN and ABC are accused of manufacturing a "horse race" narrative between Donald Trump and Carly Fiorina to boost advertising ratings. Media coverage focused on Trump's use of the word "shrill" to describe Hillary Clinton, framing it as a sexist gaffe. The analysis suggests that poll numbers are often manipulated or emphasized selectively to create drama for television audiences.
The 2012 election atmosphere is compared to the Nixon era, where paranoia persisted despite a likely landslide victory. The "plumbers" and the Watergate break-in are cited as examples of unnecessary risks taken by an administration that already held the numbers.
Political Advertising, Early 2012 Campaign Strategy
The 2012 presidential campaign is beginning unusually early, with full-page advertisements for Barack Obama already appearing on sites like the Huffington Post. Analysts suggest this early start may be a strategy to combat negative approval ratings or a tactic by media networks to ensure high advertising revenue through manufactured "tight" polling.
Republican Party Polling Decline and Political Affiliation
Recent polling indicates that only 20% of Americans identify as Republicans, a sharp decline attributed to the party's perceived takeover by extreme factions. The hosts discuss the distinction between being a conservative and being a Republican. They also remind the audience that the United States is not strictly a two-party system, encouraging the exploration of alternative political affiliations.
