15 chapters across the catalog
The narrative surrounding the 2024 Republican primary is analyzed as a media-driven effort to split the party. While polls show Donald Trump leading Ron DeSantis, the hosts suggest these figures are manipulated by networks like CNN and Fox News to influence voter behavior. A question is posed regarding which candidate's base would be more likely to abstain from voting if their preferred choice loses the nomination.
A breakdown of the actual Rasmussen poll numbers reveals that 72% of American adults agree with the statement "It's okay to be white." The hosts highlight the discrepancy between the poll results and the media narrative. They also critique the Southern Poverty Law Center for labeling the phrase as hate speech, which influenced the public's refusal to answer the survey.
Tallahassee Corruption Investigation and Gillum's Integrity Claims
During his 2018 campaign, Andrew Gillum addressed an ongoing FBI investigation into the Tallahassee city government, maintaining that his integrity was intact. He contrasted his cooperation with the FBI against the rhetoric of Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump regarding the "deep state." Despite the investigation, polling at the time showed Gillum maintaining a narrow lead over his Republican opponent.
A poll from South Carolina shows high approval for Joe Biden's handling of the pandemic but lower marks for immigration and gun violence. Lawrence Nathaniel, founder of Black Lives Matter South Carolina, expresses a desire for more direct help for low-income neighborhoods. The segment questions the efficacy of the administration's promises to the voters who saved Biden's primary campaign.
The hosts analyze a New York Times report showing that the black share of the electorate fell in Georgia despite a 30% increase in registration. They question Symone Sanders's inability to provide specific data on which demographic groups secured Biden's victory. The segment highlights the anomaly of Trump increasing his share of black male and female voters while Biden still claimed the state.
The hosts share personal observations of short lines at polling places in Austin despite media reports of suppression. They propose a "velvet rope" theory, suggesting that long lines in certain areas might be strategically maintained to create a sense of "social proof" and popularity, similar to a crowded nightclub or a Popeyes chicken launch.
The "Stroll to the Polls" initiative, led by members of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) and other Divine Nine sororities, aims to mobilize Black voters for the Biden-Harris ticket. Mo Fax criticizes the "cringe-worthy" nature of using traditional Greek strolling for political campaigning. He characterizes this as "Boule for Biden," where elite Black organizations act as gatekeepers for the Democratic establishment.
A throwback clip of Steve Cokely discusses the influence of Greek organizations (the Boule) on Black society. This is followed by a critique of the "Get Your Booty to the Poll" advertisement, which features poll dancers encouraging Black men to vote. Adam Curry and Mo Fax express disgust at the ad, viewing it as a desperate and demeaning attempt to pander to Black men through objectification.
The segment traces the history of gun control back to the 1600s and the post-Civil War "Black Codes" designed to disarm former slaves. These laws were intended to sustain white control and effectively removed a primary food source by prohibiting hunting.
Donald Trump utilizes derogatory nicknames like "Minnie Mike" and "No Boxes" to attack Michael Bloomberg's physical stature and debate performance. Trump highlights Bloomberg's $500 million campaign expenditure in relation to his relatively low polling numbers compared to Bernie Sanders. The hosts observe that the 2020 election has devolved into billionaires trading insults via social media.
The discussion shifts to the historical and future significance of African American voters in the United States. Data from NBC exit polls dating back to 1976 suggests that one out of every four Democratic primary votes in 2020 will come from black voters. This segment establishes the premise that the black electorate holds unprecedented leverage in the upcoming presidential cycle.
The segment contrasts the brutal reality of Jim Crow-era voter suppression—including poll taxes, literacy tests, and physical intimidation—with modern political rhetoric. The hosts argue that using the term "suppression" for modern ID requirements diminishes the sacrifices of those who faced actual violence. They characterize modern claims of suppression as meaningless political memes designed to invoke specific emotional responses.
Chelsea Janes of the Washington Post discusses the upcoming Democratic debate, which featured an all-white lineup following Harris's exit. The segment explains that DNC debate requirements are based on polling and fundraising, effectively cutting out candidates who lack corporate or grassroots financial backing.
The use of political polls is characterized as a "beef" tactic to create the illusion of a close race and maintain public interest. One host shares an anecdote from working at Z100 radio in New York, where they successfully used an "underdog" persona to defeat established competitors. This same strategy is applied to politics, where social media companies may favor underdogs to force frontrunners to increase their advertising spend.
Analysis of Barack Obama's 2008 campaign shows that 56% of the $730 million spent went to media advertising. The hosts argue that TV networks and media properties have a financial interest in propping up competitive races to keep ad revenue flowing. This economic incentive is used to explain why candidates like Kamala Harris receive media boosts despite fluctuating poll numbers.
