1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:00,960 Welcome back everybody. 2 00:00:00,960 --> 00:00:04,500 Today we're gonna deep dive into some news articles, 3 00:00:04,500 --> 00:00:08,200 mostly from Electoral-Vote.com, 4 00:00:08,200 --> 00:00:11,640 all from December 10th, 2024. 5 00:00:11,640 --> 00:00:14,320 And it's kind of like we're putting together a puzzle. 6 00:00:14,320 --> 00:00:15,160 Oh yeah. 7 00:00:15,160 --> 00:00:17,200 You know, we're trying to see how all these recent events 8 00:00:17,200 --> 00:00:18,840 might be hinting at something bigger, 9 00:00:18,840 --> 00:00:20,680 both politically and socially. 10 00:00:20,680 --> 00:00:22,480 Yeah, I think that's fascinating how 11 00:00:22,480 --> 00:00:24,880 seemingly unrelated stories 12 00:00:24,880 --> 00:00:27,120 can actually reveal these underlying currents. 13 00:00:27,120 --> 00:00:27,960 Exactly. 14 00:00:27,960 --> 00:00:28,800 Like you're watching a play 15 00:00:28,800 --> 00:00:30,240 and each act seems separate, 16 00:00:30,240 --> 00:00:32,040 but then as the story progresses, 17 00:00:32,040 --> 00:00:34,440 you realize that all the themes are kind of intertwined. 18 00:00:34,440 --> 00:00:36,920 Right, and speaking of political theater, 19 00:00:36,920 --> 00:00:38,960 let's start with all the drama surrounding 20 00:00:38,960 --> 00:00:41,920 Pete Hegceth's nomination for Secretary of Defense. 21 00:00:41,920 --> 00:00:42,760 Okay. 22 00:00:42,760 --> 00:00:44,040 Remember all the controversy 23 00:00:44,040 --> 00:00:46,320 about his views on women in combat? 24 00:00:46,320 --> 00:00:49,280 Right, well, it has been a wild ride. 25 00:00:49,280 --> 00:00:50,120 It has. 26 00:00:50,120 --> 00:00:51,640 First, you have a federal judge 27 00:00:51,640 --> 00:00:54,280 upholding affirmative action at the Naval Academy, 28 00:00:54,280 --> 00:00:56,040 citing national security reasons. 29 00:00:56,040 --> 00:00:56,880 Right. 30 00:00:56,880 --> 00:00:59,920 And then this woke general list emerges, 31 00:00:59,920 --> 00:01:01,680 calling for a purge in the Pentagon. 32 00:01:01,680 --> 00:01:03,080 Yeah, it's very charged. 33 00:01:03,080 --> 00:01:04,560 You know, very charged atmosphere 34 00:01:04,560 --> 00:01:06,000 for Hegceth to be navigating. 35 00:01:06,000 --> 00:01:06,840 And then all of a sudden, 36 00:01:06,840 --> 00:01:09,600 it seems like Hegceth completely flips his stance 37 00:01:09,600 --> 00:01:11,120 on women in the military. 38 00:01:11,120 --> 00:01:13,560 He goes from saying he doesn't want women in combat 39 00:01:13,560 --> 00:01:18,640 to praising their service and dedication. 40 00:01:18,640 --> 00:01:20,480 Yeah, what do you make of that? 41 00:01:20,480 --> 00:01:22,400 Yeah, it seems like a very calculated move. 42 00:01:22,400 --> 00:01:23,920 Yeah, definitely a calculated move. 43 00:01:23,920 --> 00:01:26,240 Whether it's genuine or not is debatable. 44 00:01:26,240 --> 00:01:27,080 Yeah. 45 00:01:27,080 --> 00:01:29,160 But it's clear he's trying to soften his image 46 00:01:29,160 --> 00:01:31,280 and appeal to a wider range of senators. 47 00:01:31,280 --> 00:01:33,720 I think this situation really highlights 48 00:01:33,720 --> 00:01:36,720 how much social pressure can impact 49 00:01:36,720 --> 00:01:40,560 even the most seemingly entrenched political positions. 50 00:01:40,560 --> 00:01:41,400 Yeah, for sure. 51 00:01:41,400 --> 00:01:42,840 And then Senator Joni Ernst, 52 00:01:42,840 --> 00:01:45,320 who was initially skeptical of Hegceth, 53 00:01:45,320 --> 00:01:48,640 suddenly announces she'll be supporting his nomination. 54 00:01:48,640 --> 00:01:51,000 Why the sudden change of heart? 55 00:01:51,000 --> 00:01:52,880 Well, there are a couple of possibilities. 56 00:01:52,880 --> 00:01:54,680 One is that she's playing politics. 57 00:01:54,680 --> 00:01:55,520 Okay. 58 00:01:55,520 --> 00:01:58,160 She doesn't want to alienate voters who support Hegceth, 59 00:01:58,160 --> 00:02:00,680 especially the make America great again, 60 00:02:00,680 --> 00:02:03,600 or a Magi wing of the Republican Party, 61 00:02:03,600 --> 00:02:06,480 known for their strong support of former President Trump. 62 00:02:06,480 --> 00:02:07,600 That makes sense. 63 00:02:07,600 --> 00:02:10,560 But some analysts are suggesting that she might be angling 64 00:02:10,560 --> 00:02:13,240 for the secretary of defense job herself. 65 00:02:13,240 --> 00:02:14,280 Oh, interesting. 66 00:02:14,280 --> 00:02:17,080 Like maybe she's trying to avoid looking self-interested 67 00:02:17,080 --> 00:02:18,120 by her posing him. 68 00:02:18,120 --> 00:02:19,560 Yeah, that's the cover theory. 69 00:02:19,560 --> 00:02:20,400 Right. 70 00:02:20,400 --> 00:02:21,840 And it's an interesting one. 71 00:02:21,840 --> 00:02:26,840 Perhaps other senators were hesitant to support Hegceth, 72 00:02:27,160 --> 00:02:31,720 but needed someone to publicly justify their opposition. 73 00:02:31,720 --> 00:02:35,400 Ernst stepping up could have provided that cover. 74 00:02:35,400 --> 00:02:37,000 It's all very intricate. 75 00:02:37,000 --> 00:02:38,960 Oh, it's a very intricate dance, isn't it? 76 00:02:38,960 --> 00:02:39,800 It is. 77 00:02:39,800 --> 00:02:41,800 And then just to add another layer of intrigue. 78 00:02:41,800 --> 00:02:42,640 Okay. 79 00:02:42,640 --> 00:02:45,080 Lar Trump suddenly resigns from the Republican National 80 00:02:45,080 --> 00:02:46,520 Committee right in the middle of all this. 81 00:02:46,520 --> 00:02:47,360 What? 82 00:02:47,360 --> 00:02:48,800 Could there be a connection? 83 00:02:48,800 --> 00:02:51,320 Well, it's certainly a coincidence that raises eyebrows. 84 00:02:51,320 --> 00:02:52,160 It does. 85 00:02:52,160 --> 00:02:54,240 There's a theory circulating that this might be part 86 00:02:54,240 --> 00:02:55,600 of a larger political deal. 87 00:02:55,600 --> 00:02:56,440 Okay. 88 00:02:56,440 --> 00:02:58,160 A quid pro quo, if you will. 89 00:02:58,160 --> 00:02:59,480 An exchange of favors. 90 00:02:59,480 --> 00:03:00,320 Okay. 91 00:03:00,320 --> 00:03:02,120 Essentially, Hegceth gets sacrificed. 92 00:03:02,120 --> 00:03:05,160 And then Governor DeSantis appoints Lara Trump 93 00:03:05,160 --> 00:03:07,560 to fill Senator Rubio's seat. 94 00:03:07,560 --> 00:03:09,520 In return, DeSantis could be taffed 95 00:03:09,520 --> 00:03:11,640 for the secretary of defense position himself. 96 00:03:11,640 --> 00:03:14,280 So Hegceth's nomination is just upon 97 00:03:14,280 --> 00:03:15,840 in a much larger game. 98 00:03:15,840 --> 00:03:17,000 That's one way to look at it. 99 00:03:17,000 --> 00:03:17,880 Wow. 100 00:03:17,880 --> 00:03:21,040 There's also what some are calling the heat shield theory. 101 00:03:21,040 --> 00:03:21,880 Okay. 102 00:03:21,880 --> 00:03:25,200 This suggests that Team Trump is using Hegceth 103 00:03:25,200 --> 00:03:29,040 as a distraction by putting forward a nominee 104 00:03:29,040 --> 00:03:31,520 who is guaranteed to generate controversy. 105 00:03:31,520 --> 00:03:32,360 Yeah. 106 00:03:32,360 --> 00:03:35,280 They can deflect attention from other 107 00:03:35,280 --> 00:03:37,200 potentially problematic nominees. 108 00:03:37,200 --> 00:03:38,040 Okay. 109 00:03:38,040 --> 00:03:39,960 Like Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 110 00:03:39,960 --> 00:03:42,200 Ah, so Hegceth takes all the heat. 111 00:03:42,200 --> 00:03:43,040 Exactly. 112 00:03:43,040 --> 00:03:44,840 Making it easier for the others to slip through. 113 00:03:44,840 --> 00:03:45,680 Precisely. 114 00:03:45,680 --> 00:03:47,840 And this brings us to the other nomination 115 00:03:47,840 --> 00:03:49,120 that's causing quite a stir. 116 00:03:49,120 --> 00:03:49,960 Right. 117 00:03:49,960 --> 00:03:52,560 Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for HHS secretary. 118 00:03:52,560 --> 00:03:53,680 Right. 119 00:03:53,680 --> 00:03:55,880 As you know, his stance on vaccines 120 00:03:55,880 --> 00:03:58,320 has been a source of major controversy for years. 121 00:03:58,320 --> 00:03:59,160 Absolutely. 122 00:03:59,160 --> 00:04:01,000 And now 77 Nobel laureates 123 00:04:01,000 --> 00:04:02,200 has sent a letter to the Senate. 124 00:04:02,200 --> 00:04:03,040 Wow. 125 00:04:03,040 --> 00:04:05,880 Expressing their strong opposition to his appointment. 126 00:04:05,880 --> 00:04:07,360 This is a pretty big deal, right? 127 00:04:07,360 --> 00:04:08,760 These aren't just random academics. 128 00:04:08,760 --> 00:04:09,600 Right. 129 00:04:09,600 --> 00:04:10,440 They're Nobel prize winners 130 00:04:10,440 --> 00:04:13,200 from fields like chemistry, physics, medicine, 131 00:04:13,200 --> 00:04:14,560 and even economics. 132 00:04:14,560 --> 00:04:15,400 Wow. 133 00:04:15,400 --> 00:04:16,680 They're experts in their fields. 134 00:04:16,680 --> 00:04:17,520 Yeah. 135 00:04:17,520 --> 00:04:18,480 And they're deeply concerned 136 00:04:18,480 --> 00:04:20,120 about the potential negative impact 137 00:04:20,120 --> 00:04:22,040 Kennedy's views could have on public health. 138 00:04:22,040 --> 00:04:23,360 It's almost ironic, isn't it? 139 00:04:23,360 --> 00:04:24,200 Yeah. 140 00:04:24,200 --> 00:04:28,040 Trump and Kennedy both ran on anti-elite platforms. 141 00:04:28,040 --> 00:04:28,880 Right. 142 00:04:28,880 --> 00:04:31,040 And now they're facing fierce opposition 143 00:04:31,040 --> 00:04:34,320 from some of the most elite figures in the world. 144 00:04:34,320 --> 00:04:35,160 Yeah. 145 00:04:35,160 --> 00:04:38,680 Do you think this will influence the Senate's decision? 146 00:04:38,680 --> 00:04:40,800 Or will it simply feel that we're here 147 00:04:40,800 --> 00:04:42,280 to shake things up narrative? 148 00:04:42,280 --> 00:04:43,240 That's a good question. 149 00:04:43,240 --> 00:04:44,080 Yeah. 150 00:04:44,080 --> 00:04:45,680 And it really gets to the heart of a much bigger issue. 151 00:04:45,680 --> 00:04:46,920 Okay. 152 00:04:46,920 --> 00:04:50,600 How is expertise perceived in our current political climate? 153 00:04:50,600 --> 00:04:51,440 Right. 154 00:04:51,440 --> 00:04:54,600 Are we in a time where facts and expert opinions 155 00:04:54,600 --> 00:04:56,320 hold less weight than they used to? 156 00:04:56,320 --> 00:04:57,360 Hmm. 157 00:04:57,360 --> 00:04:59,760 This situation really forces us to consider 158 00:04:59,760 --> 00:05:03,440 how we value and interpret expert advice 159 00:05:03,440 --> 00:05:05,280 in the face of political rhetoric. 160 00:05:05,280 --> 00:05:06,120 For sure. 161 00:05:06,120 --> 00:05:06,960 Yeah. 162 00:05:06,960 --> 00:05:08,200 It really does make you think about those things, doesn't it? 163 00:05:08,200 --> 00:05:09,880 But let's shift gears for a moment. 164 00:05:09,880 --> 00:05:10,720 Okay. 165 00:05:10,720 --> 00:05:12,600 To a more somber topic. 166 00:05:12,600 --> 00:05:13,440 Right. 167 00:05:13,440 --> 00:05:15,080 You remember the murder of Brian Thompson, 168 00:05:15,080 --> 00:05:15,920 Right. 169 00:05:15,920 --> 00:05:16,960 who was in the United Health Care. 170 00:05:16,960 --> 00:05:17,800 Yeah. 171 00:05:17,800 --> 00:05:18,800 It seemed like a targeted attack, 172 00:05:18,800 --> 00:05:20,280 but there were so many unanswered questions. 173 00:05:20,280 --> 00:05:21,120 Right. 174 00:05:21,120 --> 00:05:21,960 And now there's been an arrest. 175 00:05:21,960 --> 00:05:22,800 Oh, wow. 176 00:05:22,800 --> 00:05:24,200 A 26-year-old from Pennsylvania. 177 00:05:24,200 --> 00:05:25,040 Okay. 178 00:05:25,040 --> 00:05:25,880 Named Luigi Mangione. 179 00:05:25,880 --> 00:05:26,720 Okay. 180 00:05:26,720 --> 00:05:28,360 He's facing murder charges in New York 181 00:05:28,360 --> 00:05:30,600 and additional charges in Pennsylvania 182 00:05:30,600 --> 00:05:32,640 for forgery and firearms violations. 183 00:05:32,640 --> 00:05:34,920 So it wasn't just a random act of violence then? 184 00:05:34,920 --> 00:05:37,160 Well, that's what investigators are trying to determine. 185 00:05:37,160 --> 00:05:38,000 Right. 186 00:05:38,000 --> 00:05:41,160 But to make things even more complex. 187 00:05:41,160 --> 00:05:42,000 Okay. 188 00:05:42,000 --> 00:05:43,960 Minjini was found with what's being described 189 00:05:43,960 --> 00:05:46,200 as an anti-healthcare manifesto. 190 00:05:46,200 --> 00:05:47,040 Hmm. 191 00:05:47,040 --> 00:05:50,160 So there might be a deeper ideological motive at play here. 192 00:05:50,160 --> 00:05:51,000 It seems that way. 193 00:05:51,000 --> 00:05:51,840 Yeah. 194 00:05:51,840 --> 00:05:54,280 Manjini's profile is particularly intriguing. 195 00:05:54,280 --> 00:05:55,120 Okay. 196 00:05:55,120 --> 00:05:58,040 He seems to have engaged with both progressive literature 197 00:05:58,040 --> 00:06:00,520 and content that promotes a more radical 198 00:06:00,520 --> 00:06:02,320 anti-establishment worldview. 199 00:06:02,320 --> 00:06:03,160 Hmm. 200 00:06:03,160 --> 00:06:05,240 It's almost reminiscent of the unabomber case. 201 00:06:05,240 --> 00:06:06,080 Oh, wow. 202 00:06:06,080 --> 00:06:08,000 You know, where you had a brilliant mind, 203 00:06:08,000 --> 00:06:11,800 seemingly disillusioned with society resorting to violence. 204 00:06:11,800 --> 00:06:13,240 That's a disturbing thought. 205 00:06:13,240 --> 00:06:15,840 And this case has sparked a lot of debate, 206 00:06:15,840 --> 00:06:19,040 even among conservatives, Ben Shapiro, for instance. 207 00:06:19,040 --> 00:06:19,880 Right. 208 00:06:19,880 --> 00:06:21,880 Initially blamed the left for the murder. 209 00:06:21,880 --> 00:06:22,720 Yeah. 210 00:06:22,720 --> 00:06:25,080 But even his own followers pushed back on that claim. 211 00:06:25,080 --> 00:06:25,920 Right. 212 00:06:25,920 --> 00:06:28,720 They pointed out the very real struggles people face 213 00:06:28,720 --> 00:06:30,560 with the American healthcare system, 214 00:06:30,560 --> 00:06:32,920 regardless of their political affiliation. 215 00:06:32,920 --> 00:06:33,760 Hmm. 216 00:06:33,760 --> 00:06:35,920 The denials, the exorbitant, 217 00:06:35,920 --> 00:06:39,240 costs the feeling of being trapped and powerless. 218 00:06:39,240 --> 00:06:40,080 Right. 219 00:06:40,080 --> 00:06:42,120 These are issues that resonate with a lot of people. 220 00:06:42,120 --> 00:06:42,960 Yeah. 221 00:06:42,960 --> 00:06:44,440 And I'm a reminder that healthcare is not just 222 00:06:44,440 --> 00:06:45,360 a political issue. 223 00:06:45,360 --> 00:06:46,200 Right. 224 00:06:46,200 --> 00:06:48,920 It's a deeply personal one that affects millions 225 00:06:48,920 --> 00:06:50,160 of Americans every day. 226 00:06:50,160 --> 00:06:51,000 Absolutely. 227 00:06:51,000 --> 00:06:53,480 This tragedy has led some to ask, 228 00:06:53,480 --> 00:06:56,080 could this be a turning point for healthcare reform 229 00:06:56,080 --> 00:06:57,240 in this country? 230 00:06:57,240 --> 00:06:58,520 It's certainly possible. 231 00:06:58,520 --> 00:06:59,360 Yeah. 232 00:06:59,360 --> 00:07:00,520 Think about historical turning points, 233 00:07:00,520 --> 00:07:02,720 like Garfield's assassination, 234 00:07:02,720 --> 00:07:06,000 which ultimately led to civil service reform, 235 00:07:06,000 --> 00:07:07,320 or George Floyd's murder, 236 00:07:07,320 --> 00:07:09,240 which ignited the social justice movement. 237 00:07:09,240 --> 00:07:10,080 Right. 238 00:07:10,080 --> 00:07:12,920 These were tragic events that galvanized public opinion 239 00:07:12,920 --> 00:07:15,600 and forced meaningful change. 240 00:07:15,600 --> 00:07:17,360 So you're saying that this murder, 241 00:07:17,360 --> 00:07:19,120 as awful as it is, 242 00:07:19,120 --> 00:07:21,440 could potentially create the momentum needed 243 00:07:21,440 --> 00:07:23,440 for real healthcare reform. 244 00:07:23,440 --> 00:07:25,600 There's definitely potential. 245 00:07:25,600 --> 00:07:27,600 We know that public insurance options, 246 00:07:27,600 --> 00:07:28,960 like Medicare, 247 00:07:28,960 --> 00:07:32,560 are generally more efficient and cost effective. 248 00:07:32,560 --> 00:07:33,400 Right. 249 00:07:33,400 --> 00:07:34,960 And when you look at the data, 250 00:07:34,960 --> 00:07:36,520 the US spends far more on healthcare 251 00:07:36,520 --> 00:07:37,720 than other developed nations 252 00:07:37,720 --> 00:07:39,160 with universal healthcare systems. 253 00:07:39,160 --> 00:07:39,920 Yeah. 254 00:07:39,920 --> 00:07:42,720 Yet, our outcomes are often worse. 255 00:07:42,720 --> 00:07:43,560 Right. 256 00:07:43,560 --> 00:07:45,880 But then there's that socialized medicine stigma 257 00:07:45,880 --> 00:07:48,680 that politicians often use to scare people away 258 00:07:48,680 --> 00:07:50,360 from supporting universal healthcare. 259 00:07:50,360 --> 00:07:51,200 That's right. 260 00:07:51,200 --> 00:07:53,080 And that's why strategic rebranding is crucial. 261 00:07:53,080 --> 00:07:53,920 Okay. 262 00:07:53,920 --> 00:07:55,800 Framing it as expanded Medicare, 263 00:07:55,800 --> 00:07:57,400 or something similar, 264 00:07:57,400 --> 00:08:00,600 could help overcome that deeply ingrained resistance. 265 00:08:00,600 --> 00:08:01,440 Okay. 266 00:08:01,440 --> 00:08:03,000 It's about focusing on the benefits 267 00:08:03,000 --> 00:08:05,680 and making it clear that it's about improving access 268 00:08:05,680 --> 00:08:08,680 to quality, affordable care for everyone. 269 00:08:08,680 --> 00:08:10,680 It makes you wonder if some politicians 270 00:08:10,680 --> 00:08:13,320 are more concerned with preserving the status quo 271 00:08:13,320 --> 00:08:15,960 than actually addressing the very real problems 272 00:08:15,960 --> 00:08:16,840 within the system. 273 00:08:16,840 --> 00:08:17,840 It does make you think. 274 00:08:17,840 --> 00:08:20,280 Didn't Representative Alford just propose 275 00:08:20,280 --> 00:08:21,400 cutting Medicare? 276 00:08:21,400 --> 00:08:22,240 Oh yeah. 277 00:08:22,240 --> 00:08:23,080 Of all things at a time 278 00:08:23,080 --> 00:08:25,360 when people are calling for its expansion? 279 00:08:25,360 --> 00:08:26,920 It certainly seems ill timed, 280 00:08:26,920 --> 00:08:28,840 given the current climate. 281 00:08:28,840 --> 00:08:31,080 It really highlights how entrenched 282 00:08:31,080 --> 00:08:32,840 the opposition to reform can be. 283 00:08:32,840 --> 00:08:33,680 Yeah. 284 00:08:33,680 --> 00:08:34,840 But on the other hand, 285 00:08:34,840 --> 00:08:36,680 there's a growing public frustration 286 00:08:36,680 --> 00:08:37,600 with the current system. 287 00:08:37,600 --> 00:08:38,440 Right. 288 00:08:38,440 --> 00:08:41,080 The question is, are we at a tipping point 289 00:08:41,080 --> 00:08:43,080 where the desire for change 290 00:08:43,080 --> 00:08:45,720 might finally overcome political inertia? 291 00:08:45,720 --> 00:08:48,000 It's a complex issue with no easy answers, 292 00:08:48,000 --> 00:08:49,160 that's for sure. 293 00:08:49,160 --> 00:08:51,360 But let's move on to something a little later, shall we? 294 00:08:51,360 --> 00:08:52,200 Sure. 295 00:08:52,200 --> 00:08:53,040 Let's talk about the Murdochs. 296 00:08:53,040 --> 00:08:53,880 Okay. 297 00:08:53,880 --> 00:08:55,640 It seems like there's always some family drama 298 00:08:55,640 --> 00:08:56,760 unfolding with them, 299 00:08:56,760 --> 00:09:00,280 and this time it's about the future of their media empire. 300 00:09:00,280 --> 00:09:02,240 Specifically Fox News. 301 00:09:02,240 --> 00:09:04,280 It's a bit like a Shakespearean drama, isn't it? 302 00:09:04,280 --> 00:09:05,120 It is. 303 00:09:05,120 --> 00:09:06,920 Rupert Murdoch at 93 years old 304 00:09:06,920 --> 00:09:09,320 is trying to exert control from beyond the grave. 305 00:09:09,320 --> 00:09:10,720 Wow. 306 00:09:10,720 --> 00:09:12,160 He initially set up a trust 307 00:09:12,160 --> 00:09:15,040 that would be shared equally among his four eldest children, 308 00:09:15,040 --> 00:09:16,560 but then he changed his mind 309 00:09:16,560 --> 00:09:20,560 and sued to give full voting control to his son, Lachlan. 310 00:09:20,560 --> 00:09:22,920 Of course there's a political dimension to all of this. 311 00:09:22,920 --> 00:09:23,760 Yeah. 312 00:09:23,760 --> 00:09:26,360 Rupert and Lachlan are known for their right-leaning views, 313 00:09:26,360 --> 00:09:28,160 while James Elizabeth and Prudence 314 00:09:28,160 --> 00:09:30,320 lean more liberal or centrist. 315 00:09:30,320 --> 00:09:31,760 Right, it's like a political pug of wars 316 00:09:31,760 --> 00:09:33,400 playing out within a family dynasty. 317 00:09:33,400 --> 00:09:35,640 It is, and the stakes are enormous. 318 00:09:35,640 --> 00:09:36,480 They are. 319 00:09:36,480 --> 00:09:41,560 Fox News brings in an estimated $14 billion in profit every year. 320 00:09:41,560 --> 00:09:42,560 Wow. 321 00:09:42,560 --> 00:09:44,080 But they're facing a challenge. 322 00:09:44,080 --> 00:09:44,800 What's that? 323 00:09:44,800 --> 00:09:46,400 Their viewership is aging, 324 00:09:46,400 --> 00:09:49,280 and they're struggling to connect with younger audiences. 325 00:09:49,280 --> 00:09:51,360 It's a bit like what happened to CNN. 326 00:09:51,360 --> 00:09:51,880 Right. 327 00:09:51,880 --> 00:09:54,880 They went from being a dominant force in news 328 00:09:54,880 --> 00:09:59,360 to facing declining viewership in a sort of identity crisis. 329 00:09:59,360 --> 00:10:00,200 Exactly. 330 00:10:00,200 --> 00:10:03,680 So the question is, can Fox News adapt and evolve 331 00:10:03,680 --> 00:10:07,160 to survive in a changing media landscape? 332 00:10:07,160 --> 00:10:10,520 Or will their internal conflicts and the shifting demographics 333 00:10:10,520 --> 00:10:12,760 of their audience lead to their decline? 334 00:10:12,760 --> 00:10:13,800 That's a good question. 335 00:10:13,800 --> 00:10:15,360 It is, especially in a world where 336 00:10:15,360 --> 00:10:18,200 media consumption habits are constantly changing. 337 00:10:18,200 --> 00:10:18,680 For sure. 338 00:10:18,680 --> 00:10:20,280 Speaking of changing times, 339 00:10:20,280 --> 00:10:23,320 Merriam-Webster just announced their word of the year. 340 00:10:23,320 --> 00:10:26,080 And it's no surprise that it's polarization. 341 00:10:26,080 --> 00:10:29,120 It's hardly a shock given the 2024 election 342 00:10:29,120 --> 00:10:30,480 and the general state of things. 343 00:10:30,480 --> 00:10:32,360 But the runners-up are interesting too. 344 00:10:32,360 --> 00:10:35,800 You have Fortnite, thanks to Taylor Swift's album release 345 00:10:35,800 --> 00:10:39,160 strategy, Panda, highlighting the constant attacks 346 00:10:39,160 --> 00:10:41,520 on candidates, weird. 347 00:10:41,520 --> 00:10:44,080 Maybe a nod to Governor Walz's unique style. 348 00:10:44,080 --> 00:10:44,440 Right. 349 00:10:44,440 --> 00:10:48,160 And even cognitive, referencing the age of both Biden and Trump 350 00:10:48,160 --> 00:10:51,080 and the concerns surrounding their mental acuity. 351 00:10:51,080 --> 00:10:51,360 Yeah. 352 00:10:51,360 --> 00:10:54,040 It seems like the election really did seep into every aspect 353 00:10:54,040 --> 00:10:55,080 of our language this year. 354 00:10:55,080 --> 00:10:55,720 It really did. 355 00:10:55,720 --> 00:10:57,720 But here's a thought-provoking question. 356 00:10:57,720 --> 00:10:58,220 OK. 357 00:10:58,220 --> 00:11:00,560 Can you envision a scenario where 358 00:11:00,560 --> 00:11:03,400 polarization isn't the word of the year 359 00:11:03,400 --> 00:11:04,560 in the next four years? 360 00:11:04,560 --> 00:11:05,640 It's tough to imagine. 361 00:11:05,640 --> 00:11:06,640 I know it's tough. 362 00:11:06,640 --> 00:11:08,040 But I'd like to think it's possible. 363 00:11:08,040 --> 00:11:08,760 Me too. 364 00:11:08,760 --> 00:11:12,440 What would it take for us to move beyond this constant state 365 00:11:12,440 --> 00:11:13,760 of division and gridlock? 366 00:11:13,760 --> 00:11:16,360 Well, there are a few potential paths to de-escalation. 367 00:11:16,360 --> 00:11:16,720 OK. 368 00:11:16,720 --> 00:11:19,480 Trump's influence might wane now that he's no longer 369 00:11:19,480 --> 00:11:20,080 in office. 370 00:11:20,080 --> 00:11:20,720 Right. 371 00:11:20,720 --> 00:11:24,000 Congress, especially the House, with its very delicate balance 372 00:11:24,000 --> 00:11:27,880 of power, might be forced into compromise simply 373 00:11:27,880 --> 00:11:28,840 to get things done. 374 00:11:28,840 --> 00:11:29,360 OK. 375 00:11:29,360 --> 00:11:31,720 And there are areas where bipartisan agreement 376 00:11:31,720 --> 00:11:33,000 might actually be possible. 377 00:11:33,000 --> 00:11:33,680 Like what? 378 00:11:33,680 --> 00:11:35,680 Like health care reform and border security. 379 00:11:35,680 --> 00:11:36,000 Yeah. 380 00:11:36,000 --> 00:11:36,520 Right. 381 00:11:36,520 --> 00:11:37,640 It's not that we're naive. 382 00:11:37,640 --> 00:11:39,880 We know these are deeply divisive issues. 383 00:11:39,880 --> 00:11:40,520 Of course. 384 00:11:40,520 --> 00:11:42,280 But it's encouraging to think that there 385 00:11:42,280 --> 00:11:46,080 might be some common ground, some glimmer of hope 386 00:11:46,080 --> 00:11:47,880 for a less polarized future. 387 00:11:47,880 --> 00:11:49,440 It all comes down to choices, doesn't it? 388 00:11:49,440 --> 00:11:49,920 Yeah. 389 00:11:49,920 --> 00:11:52,400 The choices our leaders make, the choices we make 390 00:11:52,400 --> 00:11:53,240 as individuals. 391 00:11:53,240 --> 00:11:54,400 That's a great point. 392 00:11:54,400 --> 00:11:54,900 Yeah. 393 00:11:54,900 --> 00:11:57,960 And speaking of choices, ElectoralVote.com 394 00:11:57,960 --> 00:12:00,480 asked its readers what their ideal Christmas 395 00:12:00,480 --> 00:12:02,920 gift for the United States would be. 396 00:12:02,920 --> 00:12:06,240 They asked for a law, an institution, anything 397 00:12:06,240 --> 00:12:09,360 borrowed from another country that would benefit America. 398 00:12:09,360 --> 00:12:11,040 And some fascinating ideas came up. 399 00:12:11,040 --> 00:12:11,920 They did. 400 00:12:11,920 --> 00:12:14,560 A single-payer health care system was a popular suggestion, 401 00:12:14,560 --> 00:12:15,520 of course. 402 00:12:15,520 --> 00:12:17,560 It seems like it's not everyone's mind these days. 403 00:12:17,560 --> 00:12:18,040 For sure. 404 00:12:18,040 --> 00:12:20,240 But there were some other interesting ones, too. 405 00:12:20,240 --> 00:12:20,520 Oh, yeah. 406 00:12:20,520 --> 00:12:21,000 Like what? 407 00:12:21,000 --> 00:12:23,640 Like one that stood out to me was this idea 408 00:12:23,640 --> 00:12:27,120 of a nonpartisan commission to draw 409 00:12:27,120 --> 00:12:30,800 fair voting districts as a way to tackle gerrymandering head 410 00:12:30,800 --> 00:12:31,360 on. 411 00:12:31,360 --> 00:12:33,520 And it's actually something that other countries have done. 412 00:12:33,520 --> 00:12:33,880 Oh, really? 413 00:12:33,880 --> 00:12:34,920 Like the UK. 414 00:12:34,920 --> 00:12:35,640 That's interesting. 415 00:12:35,640 --> 00:12:38,800 The UK ironically invented the concept of the Rotten Borough. 416 00:12:38,800 --> 00:12:39,840 I know, right? 417 00:12:39,840 --> 00:12:41,640 A voting district that was essentially 418 00:12:41,640 --> 00:12:44,960 controlled by a wealthy individual or family. 419 00:12:44,960 --> 00:12:48,320 And now they're seen as a model for fair electoral practices. 420 00:12:48,320 --> 00:12:50,760 It just shows that we can learn from other countries 421 00:12:50,760 --> 00:12:52,400 and that there are different approaches 422 00:12:52,400 --> 00:12:54,160 to solving these political challenges. 423 00:12:54,160 --> 00:12:54,800 It's for sure. 424 00:12:54,800 --> 00:12:56,680 And then there was this one suggestion 425 00:12:56,680 --> 00:12:57,880 that I thought was kind of fun. 426 00:12:57,880 --> 00:12:58,400 OK. 427 00:12:58,400 --> 00:13:02,000 Adopting Canada's colorful polymer-based currency. 428 00:13:02,000 --> 00:13:02,360 Oh, yeah. 429 00:13:02,360 --> 00:13:03,080 Those are cool. 430 00:13:03,080 --> 00:13:05,640 Apparently, they're more durable, harder to counterfeit, 431 00:13:05,640 --> 00:13:07,200 and just more visually appealing. 432 00:13:07,200 --> 00:13:09,760 It's a small detail, but it highlights 433 00:13:09,760 --> 00:13:14,400 how even seemingly mundane things can reflect a nation's 434 00:13:14,400 --> 00:13:15,720 values and priorities. 435 00:13:15,720 --> 00:13:18,320 Yeah, it does. 436 00:13:18,320 --> 00:13:22,040 So as we wrap up this deep dive, what stands out to you 437 00:13:22,040 --> 00:13:23,400 most from all these stories? 438 00:13:23,400 --> 00:13:25,680 What's the key takeaway for our listeners? 439 00:13:25,680 --> 00:13:27,520 I think the overarching theme is that we're 440 00:13:27,520 --> 00:13:29,240 at a crossroads in many ways. 441 00:13:29,240 --> 00:13:32,120 The choices we make, both individually and collectively, 442 00:13:32,120 --> 00:13:34,160 will determine the direction we take from here. 443 00:13:34,160 --> 00:13:37,320 And those choices aren't always easy or straightforward? 444 00:13:37,320 --> 00:13:38,400 No, they're not. 445 00:13:38,400 --> 00:13:40,160 But I think the fact that people are engaging 446 00:13:40,160 --> 00:13:43,600 in these kinds of conversations, thinking 447 00:13:43,600 --> 00:13:46,480 about solutions, imagining a better future, 448 00:13:46,480 --> 00:13:48,280 that's a sign that there's still hope. 449 00:13:48,280 --> 00:13:51,280 It is the more informed we are, the better equipped 450 00:13:51,280 --> 00:13:53,760 we are to navigate these complex times 451 00:13:53,760 --> 00:13:56,720 and make choices that lead to a more positive future. 452 00:13:56,720 --> 00:13:57,440 Absolutely. 453 00:13:57,440 --> 00:13:59,840 It's about engaging in thoughtful dialogue, 454 00:13:59,840 --> 00:14:01,360 considering different perspectives, 455 00:14:01,360 --> 00:14:03,160 and recognizing that we all have a role 456 00:14:03,160 --> 00:14:05,320 to play in shaping the world we want to live in. 457 00:14:05,320 --> 00:14:06,840 And that's what we've tried to do today. 458 00:14:06,840 --> 00:14:09,440 We've explored political maneuvering, 459 00:14:09,440 --> 00:14:13,040 potential turning points, the power of generational shifts, 460 00:14:13,040 --> 00:14:15,920 and the ever-present challenge of polarization. 461 00:14:15,920 --> 00:14:19,000 And we've seen how seemingly unrelated events can actually 462 00:14:19,000 --> 00:14:22,360 connect to reveal larger trends, and that even 463 00:14:22,360 --> 00:14:24,000 in the midst of all this complexity, 464 00:14:24,000 --> 00:14:26,840 there's room for creativity, humor, 465 00:14:26,840 --> 00:14:29,120 and a persistent desire for a better tomorrow. 466 00:14:29,120 --> 00:14:30,520 So to our listeners, we encourage 467 00:14:30,520 --> 00:14:32,800 you to dig deeper into any of these topics 468 00:14:32,800 --> 00:14:34,080 that piqued your interest. 469 00:14:34,080 --> 00:14:36,240 Maybe even share your own thoughts and insights with us 470 00:14:36,240 --> 00:14:37,240 on social media. 471 00:14:37,240 --> 00:14:37,760 Definitely. 472 00:14:37,760 --> 00:14:39,680 What would your ideal Christmas gift 473 00:14:39,680 --> 00:14:41,160 for the United States be? 474 00:14:41,160 --> 00:14:42,440 That's a good question. 475 00:14:42,440 --> 00:14:44,640 Remember, knowledge is power. 476 00:14:44,640 --> 00:14:47,400 The more we understand about the world around us, 477 00:14:47,400 --> 00:14:49,920 the more empowered we are to make a positive difference. 478 00:14:49,920 --> 00:14:51,040 Exactly. 479 00:14:51,040 --> 00:14:54,360 Until next time, stay curious, keep exploring, 480 00:14:54,360 --> 00:15:22,600 and let's keep diving deep together.