1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:01,360 All right, hey everyone and welcome back. 2 00:00:01,360 --> 00:00:02,680 Ready for another deep dive? 3 00:00:02,680 --> 00:00:04,720 Today we're gonna be tackling US politics. 4 00:00:04,720 --> 00:00:05,760 Oh yeah. 5 00:00:05,760 --> 00:00:07,880 And let me tell you, buckle up, it's a wild ride. 6 00:00:07,880 --> 00:00:09,960 We're talking court cases, power shifts, 7 00:00:09,960 --> 00:00:11,600 you know, the usual suspects, 8 00:00:11,600 --> 00:00:13,160 Trump and Musk, of course, 9 00:00:13,160 --> 00:00:14,400 always making headlines. 10 00:00:14,400 --> 00:00:15,920 Stirring things up as always. 11 00:00:15,920 --> 00:00:18,200 Exactly, and we've got a ton of material 12 00:00:18,200 --> 00:00:20,920 to sort through, news articles, court documents, 13 00:00:20,920 --> 00:00:23,280 some pretty in-depth political analysis. 14 00:00:23,280 --> 00:00:25,680 It's like almost a political thriller, you know? 15 00:00:25,680 --> 00:00:28,160 But don't worry, we're gonna synthesize all of it for you. 16 00:00:28,160 --> 00:00:29,560 You get the insights, 17 00:00:29,560 --> 00:00:32,200 without having to wade through all the noise. 18 00:00:32,200 --> 00:00:34,120 Well, and the thing is, these stories, 19 00:00:34,120 --> 00:00:36,440 they might seem separate at first glance, right? 20 00:00:36,440 --> 00:00:37,640 But when you look closer, 21 00:00:37,640 --> 00:00:39,880 they're all kind of tangled up together. 22 00:00:39,880 --> 00:00:42,280 And they paint this bigger picture, you know, 23 00:00:42,280 --> 00:00:44,880 about who really has power in this country, 24 00:00:44,880 --> 00:00:46,160 how they're using it, 25 00:00:46,160 --> 00:00:47,520 and what all that means for, 26 00:00:47,520 --> 00:00:49,640 well, for the future of American democracy. 27 00:00:49,640 --> 00:00:50,760 It's a pretty big deal. 28 00:00:50,760 --> 00:00:53,360 Absolutely, it's like watching a political thriller 29 00:00:53,360 --> 00:00:54,920 unfold in real time. 30 00:00:54,920 --> 00:00:55,760 Totally. 31 00:00:55,760 --> 00:00:56,600 Speaking of thrillers, 32 00:00:56,600 --> 00:00:58,560 let's start with the Eric Adams case in New York City. 33 00:00:58,560 --> 00:01:00,040 Oh, that's a good one. 34 00:01:00,040 --> 00:01:01,440 This one's got more twists and turns 35 00:01:01,440 --> 00:01:03,800 than, I don't know, like a House of Cards episode 36 00:01:03,800 --> 00:01:04,640 or something. Right. 37 00:01:04,640 --> 00:01:06,680 So you've got the deputy attorney general, 38 00:01:06,680 --> 00:01:09,160 trying to, well, temporarily drop charges 39 00:01:09,160 --> 00:01:10,120 against Mayor Adams. 40 00:01:10,120 --> 00:01:11,280 Yeah, I was reading about that. 41 00:01:11,280 --> 00:01:13,080 But it's not as straightforward as it sounds. 42 00:01:13,080 --> 00:01:13,920 No, not at all. 43 00:01:13,920 --> 00:01:14,960 I mean, it's tied to that whole 44 00:01:14,960 --> 00:01:17,520 controversial immigration roundup policy, right? 45 00:01:17,520 --> 00:01:20,040 Exactly, the deputy AG wants Adams 46 00:01:20,040 --> 00:01:21,400 to help with those roundups. 47 00:01:21,400 --> 00:01:23,080 In exchange for dropping the charges. 48 00:01:23,080 --> 00:01:24,960 Yeah, which is already kind of unusual, 49 00:01:24,960 --> 00:01:26,520 but then it gets even weirder, 50 00:01:26,520 --> 00:01:29,440 because both the prosecution and the defense, 51 00:01:29,440 --> 00:01:31,920 they're both actually arguing for dismissal. 52 00:01:31,920 --> 00:01:32,760 Really? 53 00:01:32,760 --> 00:01:34,880 Yeah, it's a very strange situation. 54 00:01:34,880 --> 00:01:38,440 It makes you wonder if there's some political maneuvering 55 00:01:38,440 --> 00:01:40,560 going on behind the scenes, you know, 56 00:01:40,560 --> 00:01:42,760 influencing these legal decisions. 57 00:01:42,760 --> 00:01:44,440 I'm still wrapping my head around that one. 58 00:01:44,440 --> 00:01:47,520 I mean, it's not every day you see both sides 59 00:01:47,520 --> 00:01:50,040 pushing for the same outcome, especially in a case like this. 60 00:01:50,040 --> 00:01:52,520 And then you've got Judge Dale Ho in the middle of it all. 61 00:01:52,520 --> 00:01:55,000 Oh yeah, Judge Ho, he's not rushing into anything. 62 00:01:55,000 --> 00:01:57,760 No, he's really taking his time considering all the angles. 63 00:01:57,760 --> 00:01:58,840 Which is important, right? 64 00:01:58,840 --> 00:02:01,280 Because his decision could set a precedent, 65 00:02:01,280 --> 00:02:02,120 Definitely. 66 00:02:02,120 --> 00:02:03,760 not just legally, but politically too. 67 00:02:03,760 --> 00:02:05,840 And this whole thing, it's putting a lot of pressure 68 00:02:05,840 --> 00:02:07,120 on Governor Hochall. 69 00:02:07,120 --> 00:02:08,200 Oh, absolutely. 70 00:02:08,200 --> 00:02:10,560 She's facing calls to fire Adams, 71 00:02:10,560 --> 00:02:12,200 but she's waiting for the judge's ruling 72 00:02:12,200 --> 00:02:13,320 before she makes a move. 73 00:02:13,320 --> 00:02:15,120 Yeah, it's a real political hot potato. 74 00:02:15,120 --> 00:02:15,960 Total hot potato. 75 00:02:15,960 --> 00:02:18,880 And think about it, if Judge Ho rules against the dismissal. 76 00:02:18,880 --> 00:02:20,360 Oh, that would be interesting. 77 00:02:20,360 --> 00:02:22,040 It could put Hochall in a tough spot, 78 00:02:22,040 --> 00:02:25,200 like she might be forced to take action against Adams. 79 00:02:25,200 --> 00:02:27,960 And that could jeopardize her own political future, 80 00:02:27,960 --> 00:02:31,160 especially with the next gubernatorial race coming up. 81 00:02:31,160 --> 00:02:33,760 Yeah, 2026 isn't that far away. 82 00:02:33,760 --> 00:02:35,360 Right, so this local case, I mean, 83 00:02:35,360 --> 00:02:37,680 it could have ripple effects across the entire state. 84 00:02:37,680 --> 00:02:39,840 And then who knows, maybe even beyond New York. 85 00:02:39,840 --> 00:02:42,520 Absolutely, it shows how these seemingly isolated events 86 00:02:42,520 --> 00:02:45,400 can have far-reaching consequences. 87 00:02:45,400 --> 00:02:46,240 Yeah. 88 00:02:46,240 --> 00:02:47,800 Speaking of reaching far, let's switch gears a bit. 89 00:02:47,800 --> 00:02:49,720 Let's talk about Project 2025. 90 00:02:49,720 --> 00:02:50,640 Are you familiar with this? 91 00:02:50,640 --> 00:02:51,800 Yeah, I've been hearing about it. 92 00:02:51,800 --> 00:02:53,160 It's a conservative blueprint, right? 93 00:02:53,160 --> 00:02:55,280 Yeah, a blueprint, a plan, a roadmap, 94 00:02:55,280 --> 00:02:56,400 however you want to call it. 95 00:02:56,400 --> 00:02:58,840 And let me tell you, it's pretty ambitious. 96 00:02:58,840 --> 00:02:59,680 Oh yeah. 97 00:02:59,680 --> 00:03:03,240 It aims to, well, fundamentally reshape the US government 98 00:03:03,240 --> 00:03:04,080 as we know it. 99 00:03:04,080 --> 00:03:04,920 Wow. 100 00:03:04,920 --> 00:03:06,840 And what's striking to me is how many 101 00:03:06,840 --> 00:03:09,640 of Trump's early actions seem to align with it? 102 00:03:09,640 --> 00:03:11,880 It's like, is this just a coincidence? 103 00:03:11,880 --> 00:03:13,280 Or is something else going on? 104 00:03:13,280 --> 00:03:14,520 That's the question, isn't it? 105 00:03:14,520 --> 00:03:17,120 I mean, the level of alignment is pretty remarkable. 106 00:03:17,120 --> 00:03:19,040 Almost like flipping a coin 37 times 107 00:03:19,040 --> 00:03:20,200 and getting heads every time. 108 00:03:20,200 --> 00:03:21,040 That's a lot of heads. 109 00:03:21,040 --> 00:03:25,880 We're talking overlaps in social issues, immigration policies, 110 00:03:25,880 --> 00:03:28,840 government staffing, the economy, foreign policy. 111 00:03:28,840 --> 00:03:32,320 I mean, it's almost every major area you can think of. 112 00:03:32,320 --> 00:03:33,600 So it makes you wonder, right? 113 00:03:33,600 --> 00:03:36,480 Is Project 2025 serving as a roadmap 114 00:03:36,480 --> 00:03:37,760 for the Trump administration? 115 00:03:37,760 --> 00:03:41,440 It's a crucial question, purely coincidental. 116 00:03:41,440 --> 00:03:43,240 Or a deliberate strategy. 117 00:03:43,240 --> 00:03:46,080 If it's the latter, it raises some concerns 118 00:03:46,080 --> 00:03:48,680 about the influence of this preexisting plan 119 00:03:48,680 --> 00:03:52,400 and what it might mean for the direction of the country. 120 00:03:52,400 --> 00:03:55,000 I mean, some of the core goals of Project 2025, 121 00:03:55,000 --> 00:03:57,880 they're pretty controversial, especially those related 122 00:03:57,880 --> 00:04:00,040 to social issues and the role of government. 123 00:04:00,040 --> 00:04:00,800 I can see that. 124 00:04:00,800 --> 00:04:02,880 It's a vision that, well, a lot of people 125 00:04:02,880 --> 00:04:05,360 would find alarming, to say the least. 126 00:04:05,360 --> 00:04:08,080 And to see it potentially being implemented, 127 00:04:08,080 --> 00:04:10,560 it raises a lot of questions about the future 128 00:04:10,560 --> 00:04:11,920 of American society. 129 00:04:11,920 --> 00:04:12,920 Definitely food for thought. 130 00:04:12,920 --> 00:04:13,920 We've talked about Trump. 131 00:04:13,920 --> 00:04:15,240 But what about the other big player 132 00:04:15,240 --> 00:04:17,200 in this political drama, Elon Musk? 133 00:04:17,200 --> 00:04:18,960 Oh, can't forget about Elon. 134 00:04:18,960 --> 00:04:22,240 He's gone from tech CEO to something, I don't know, 135 00:04:22,240 --> 00:04:23,960 almost like a co-president with Trump. 136 00:04:23,960 --> 00:04:24,920 It's interesting, isn't it? 137 00:04:24,920 --> 00:04:27,240 How he's become so involved in politics, 138 00:04:27,240 --> 00:04:30,600 it really blurs the lines between the tech world 139 00:04:30,600 --> 00:04:31,720 and the political sphere. 140 00:04:31,720 --> 00:04:32,400 Big time. 141 00:04:32,400 --> 00:04:34,840 And he's not just tweeting opinions anymore. 142 00:04:34,840 --> 00:04:36,080 No, not at all. 143 00:04:36,080 --> 00:04:38,120 He's putting forward actual proposals, 144 00:04:38,120 --> 00:04:41,320 using his influence to try and actually impact policy. 145 00:04:41,320 --> 00:04:42,760 He's a force to be reckoned with. 146 00:04:42,760 --> 00:04:45,160 And one of his latest proposals, well, let's just say 147 00:04:45,160 --> 00:04:46,280 it's gotten people talking. 148 00:04:46,280 --> 00:04:47,520 What's he up to now? 149 00:04:47,520 --> 00:04:49,920 He wants to send every tax payer a check. 150 00:04:49,920 --> 00:04:51,760 Like literally send everyone money. 151 00:04:51,760 --> 00:04:52,800 Wow, OK. 152 00:04:52,800 --> 00:04:54,680 On the surface, that sounds pretty appealing. 153 00:04:54,680 --> 00:04:55,200 Yeah. 154 00:04:55,200 --> 00:04:56,440 Who wouldn't want some extra cash? 155 00:04:56,440 --> 00:04:56,960 Right. 156 00:04:56,960 --> 00:04:58,760 But the devil's in the details. 157 00:04:58,760 --> 00:04:59,080 Always. 158 00:04:59,080 --> 00:05:00,840 Because how does he plan to fund this? 159 00:05:00,840 --> 00:05:01,960 Budget cuts. 160 00:05:01,960 --> 00:05:02,880 Oh, OK. 161 00:05:02,880 --> 00:05:04,120 So that's where it gets tricky. 162 00:05:04,120 --> 00:05:04,720 Exactly. 163 00:05:04,720 --> 00:05:06,080 Where would those cuts come from? 164 00:05:06,080 --> 00:05:09,680 What impact would they have on essential government programs 165 00:05:09,680 --> 00:05:10,760 and services? 166 00:05:10,760 --> 00:05:15,080 It's a classic case of a move that might be popular, 167 00:05:15,080 --> 00:05:17,160 but maybe not the most responsible. 168 00:05:17,160 --> 00:05:19,560 Like that saying, there's no such thing as a free lunch. 169 00:05:19,560 --> 00:05:20,280 Exactly. 170 00:05:20,280 --> 00:05:21,960 Someone always has to fit the bill. 171 00:05:21,960 --> 00:05:22,520 Right. 172 00:05:22,520 --> 00:05:24,720 And in this case, it could mean cuts to programs 173 00:05:24,720 --> 00:05:27,240 that a lot of people rely on, not to mention 174 00:05:27,240 --> 00:05:28,720 we'd need congressional approval. 175 00:05:28,720 --> 00:05:30,200 Oh, good luck with that. 176 00:05:30,200 --> 00:05:32,160 I can't imagine budget hawks would be too happy 177 00:05:32,160 --> 00:05:33,240 about this whole thing. 178 00:05:33,240 --> 00:05:34,440 There would definitely be pushback. 179 00:05:34,440 --> 00:05:36,920 Concerned about the deficit, the whole nine yards. 180 00:05:36,920 --> 00:05:38,240 So it's a balancing act, right? 181 00:05:38,240 --> 00:05:41,400 Appealing to voters, but also governing responsibly. 182 00:05:41,400 --> 00:05:42,280 Absolutely. 183 00:05:42,280 --> 00:05:43,760 A delicate dance. 184 00:05:43,760 --> 00:05:46,720 Speaking of which, this kind of leads us to Musk's, well, 185 00:05:46,720 --> 00:05:48,920 his growing political ambitions. 186 00:05:48,920 --> 00:05:51,040 It's not just policy proposals anymore. 187 00:05:51,040 --> 00:05:53,360 He's getting involved in specific elecans. 188 00:05:53,360 --> 00:05:55,200 Like the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. 189 00:05:55,200 --> 00:05:55,960 Exactly. 190 00:05:55,960 --> 00:05:57,280 That one's getting a lot of attention. 191 00:05:57,280 --> 00:05:58,560 And not just in Wisconsin, right? 192 00:05:58,560 --> 00:06:00,280 No, it's a national story. 193 00:06:00,280 --> 00:06:03,440 Because the outcome could have a big impact on, well, 194 00:06:03,440 --> 00:06:06,360 some major issues, abortion unions, voting rights. 195 00:06:06,360 --> 00:06:09,040 It could set precedents that have ripple effects 196 00:06:09,040 --> 00:06:09,840 across the country. 197 00:06:09,840 --> 00:06:11,880 And Musk is really going for it, backing 198 00:06:11,880 --> 00:06:14,120 the conservative candidate, Brad Schimmel. 199 00:06:14,120 --> 00:06:17,040 I mean, he's already donated like $1.5 million. 200 00:06:17,040 --> 00:06:17,560 Wow. 201 00:06:17,560 --> 00:06:18,240 It's a big statement. 202 00:06:18,240 --> 00:06:19,320 Yeah, he's not mentoring around. 203 00:06:19,320 --> 00:06:20,920 It's a bold move for sure. 204 00:06:20,920 --> 00:06:23,680 And it already attracting attention from both sides. 205 00:06:23,680 --> 00:06:24,120 I bet. 206 00:06:24,120 --> 00:06:28,120 And if more liberal donors start supporting Schimmel 207 00:06:28,120 --> 00:06:30,600 opponent, well, I wouldn't be surprised if Musk 208 00:06:30,600 --> 00:06:31,920 upped the ante even more. 209 00:06:31,920 --> 00:06:33,360 Things could get very interesting. 210 00:06:33,360 --> 00:06:35,840 This race could become a real proxy war, 211 00:06:35,840 --> 00:06:37,800 with a lot riding on the outcome. 212 00:06:37,800 --> 00:06:39,760 It feels like politics is just constantly 213 00:06:39,760 --> 00:06:41,400 in upheaval these days. 214 00:06:41,400 --> 00:06:43,920 It's like, just when you think things can't get any crazier, 215 00:06:43,920 --> 00:06:44,840 something else happens. 216 00:06:44,840 --> 00:06:45,440 Oh, yeah. 217 00:06:45,440 --> 00:06:46,680 Always another twist. 218 00:06:46,680 --> 00:06:48,360 And speaking of things getting crazy, 219 00:06:48,360 --> 00:06:50,960 Musk isn't just facing pushback here in the US. 220 00:06:50,960 --> 00:06:52,160 It's going international. 221 00:06:52,160 --> 00:06:52,680 Oh, that's right. 222 00:06:52,680 --> 00:06:54,960 You know, with his ties to Trump and his growing 223 00:06:54,960 --> 00:06:58,240 role in US politics, he's become a bit of a target 224 00:06:58,240 --> 00:07:00,240 for countries who, well, maybe want 225 00:07:00,240 --> 00:07:02,400 to exert some pressure on the Trump administration. 226 00:07:02,400 --> 00:07:05,000 It's almost like they're using Musk's companies as leverage. 227 00:07:05,000 --> 00:07:07,800 Right, like a pawn in this geopolitical chess game. 228 00:07:07,800 --> 00:07:08,720 Yeah, exactly. 229 00:07:08,720 --> 00:07:10,400 And we're already seeing signs of this. 230 00:07:10,400 --> 00:07:12,200 You know, China could potentially 231 00:07:12,200 --> 00:07:15,440 slow down those approvals for Tesla's self-driving cars. 232 00:07:15,440 --> 00:07:16,680 I heard about that. 233 00:07:16,680 --> 00:07:18,440 And then there's Canada talking about tariffs 234 00:07:18,440 --> 00:07:19,600 on imported Teslas. 235 00:07:19,600 --> 00:07:20,560 And it's not just taught. 236 00:07:20,560 --> 00:07:23,680 I mean, Ontario actually canceled its contract with Starlink. 237 00:07:23,680 --> 00:07:24,120 Wow. 238 00:07:24,120 --> 00:07:26,520 It shows how interconnected everything is. 239 00:07:26,520 --> 00:07:29,000 Global politics, economics, all of it. 240 00:07:29,000 --> 00:07:29,880 It's all tangled up. 241 00:07:29,880 --> 00:07:32,920 And Musk's companies, they're caught in the crossfire. 242 00:07:32,920 --> 00:07:33,360 Right. 243 00:07:33,360 --> 00:07:34,520 So how does he navigate this? 244 00:07:34,520 --> 00:07:36,000 It's like he's walking a tightrope, right? 245 00:07:36,000 --> 00:07:36,800 Exactly. 246 00:07:36,800 --> 00:07:38,560 Balancing those business interests 247 00:07:38,560 --> 00:07:40,200 with his political alliances. 248 00:07:40,200 --> 00:07:41,360 One wrong step. 249 00:07:41,360 --> 00:07:42,920 And there could be big consequences, 250 00:07:42,920 --> 00:07:45,480 both for his companies and his relationship with Trump. 251 00:07:45,480 --> 00:07:47,080 High stakes, for sure. 252 00:07:47,080 --> 00:07:49,160 Makes you wonder, will this international backlash 253 00:07:49,160 --> 00:07:51,360 make him rethink his alliance with Trump? 254 00:07:51,360 --> 00:07:52,800 Or will he just double down? 255 00:07:52,800 --> 00:07:53,920 Only time will tell. 256 00:07:53,920 --> 00:07:56,720 It's a fascinating story to watch on full, that's for sure. 257 00:07:56,720 --> 00:07:59,560 And just when you thought things couldn't get any more complex, 258 00:07:59,560 --> 00:08:02,920 Musk is also facing criticism from within Trump's own camp. 259 00:08:02,920 --> 00:08:04,280 Yeah, things are getting messy. 260 00:08:04,280 --> 00:08:06,360 It's like even within Trump's own circle, 261 00:08:06,360 --> 00:08:08,440 there are these cracks starting to show. 262 00:08:08,440 --> 00:08:11,560 We're seeing this play out in the very public feud 263 00:08:11,560 --> 00:08:13,680 between Musk and Steve Bannon. 264 00:08:13,680 --> 00:08:14,360 Oh, yeah, Bannon. 265 00:08:14,360 --> 00:08:16,360 He's a big name in the MAGA movement. 266 00:08:16,360 --> 00:08:18,360 And he's been going after Musk pretty hard, 267 00:08:18,360 --> 00:08:22,000 accusing him of being an elite, an illegal immigrant, 268 00:08:22,000 --> 00:08:24,240 using those terms to discredit him. 269 00:08:24,240 --> 00:08:25,720 He didn't hold back at all. 270 00:08:25,720 --> 00:08:27,360 Called Musk a parasite, accused him 271 00:08:27,360 --> 00:08:30,280 of trying to impose a freak experiment on the country. 272 00:08:30,280 --> 00:08:31,080 Strong words. 273 00:08:31,080 --> 00:08:32,680 Yeah, it's pretty shocking to hear 274 00:08:32,680 --> 00:08:34,600 that kind of language directed at, 275 00:08:34,600 --> 00:08:36,920 while someone who's supposed to be an ally. 276 00:08:36,920 --> 00:08:37,840 Makes you wonder, right? 277 00:08:37,840 --> 00:08:39,000 What's really going on here? 278 00:08:39,000 --> 00:08:41,960 It's a clear sign of tension within the conservative coalition. 279 00:08:41,960 --> 00:08:43,400 I mean, Bannon's rhetoric, it really 280 00:08:43,400 --> 00:08:46,160 reveals this deep-seated resentment towards anyone 281 00:08:46,160 --> 00:08:48,600 perceived as elite, even if they agree with Trump 282 00:08:48,600 --> 00:08:49,720 on certain issues. 283 00:08:49,720 --> 00:08:51,440 It's like this internal struggle, almost. 284 00:08:51,440 --> 00:08:54,520 And it makes you think, could this actually weaken Trump's base 285 00:08:54,520 --> 00:08:57,800 of support if his own allies are turning against each other? 286 00:08:57,800 --> 00:08:59,560 It's definitely a possibility. 287 00:08:59,560 --> 00:09:03,600 It creates an opening, maybe, for his opponents to exploit. 288 00:09:03,600 --> 00:09:06,160 Because political alliances, they're often fragile, 289 00:09:06,160 --> 00:09:08,800 especially when they're based on personalities, 290 00:09:08,800 --> 00:09:10,760 rather than actual shared principles. 291 00:09:10,760 --> 00:09:12,120 Right, it all comes back to that. 292 00:09:12,120 --> 00:09:13,640 And this whole Bannon-Musk thing, 293 00:09:13,640 --> 00:09:16,680 it's a symptom of a larger battle 294 00:09:16,680 --> 00:09:18,440 within the conservative movement. 295 00:09:18,440 --> 00:09:20,320 Yeah, it's something to keep an eye on, for sure. 296 00:09:20,320 --> 00:09:23,160 It could have a big impact on how things play out 297 00:09:23,160 --> 00:09:24,200 with Trump's agenda. 298 00:09:24,200 --> 00:09:25,320 Definitely something to watch. 299 00:09:25,320 --> 00:09:27,120 It seems like we're in this constant state 300 00:09:27,120 --> 00:09:28,280 of political upheaval. 301 00:09:28,280 --> 00:09:29,280 It's a roller coaster. 302 00:09:29,280 --> 00:09:32,320 And just when you think things can't get any more unpredictable, 303 00:09:32,320 --> 00:09:34,360 damn, something else happens. 304 00:09:34,360 --> 00:09:35,800 Like, take Trump's latest move. 305 00:09:35,800 --> 00:09:38,080 He signed an executive order that basically gives him 306 00:09:38,080 --> 00:09:41,160 direct control over independent agencies. 307 00:09:41,160 --> 00:09:44,240 You know, the FDA, FCC, SEC, those kinds of places. 308 00:09:44,240 --> 00:09:45,080 Oh, wow. 309 00:09:45,080 --> 00:09:45,920 Big power mode. 310 00:09:45,920 --> 00:09:46,760 That's a major development. 311 00:09:46,760 --> 00:09:48,680 I mean, it raises some serious concerns 312 00:09:48,680 --> 00:09:51,160 about the balance of power in our government. 313 00:09:51,160 --> 00:09:53,080 These agencies, they've always operated 314 00:09:53,080 --> 00:09:54,840 with a certain degree of independence. 315 00:09:54,840 --> 00:09:56,000 Right, they're supposed to be independent. 316 00:09:56,000 --> 00:09:59,080 Three from direct presidential control. 317 00:09:59,080 --> 00:10:01,160 But this executive order, it changes all that. 318 00:10:01,160 --> 00:10:03,560 It concentrates more power in the hands of the president. 319 00:10:03,560 --> 00:10:04,400 It's a big shift. 320 00:10:04,400 --> 00:10:07,280 And it's hard not to think about the potential consequences. 321 00:10:07,280 --> 00:10:10,160 I mean, what if the FDA starts approving drugs 322 00:10:10,160 --> 00:10:13,960 based on political pressure rather than scientific evidence? 323 00:10:13,960 --> 00:10:16,400 Or the FCC starts punishing media outlets 324 00:10:16,400 --> 00:10:17,800 that criticize Trump? 325 00:10:17,800 --> 00:10:19,480 Those are some serious risks. 326 00:10:19,480 --> 00:10:20,400 Scary stuff. 327 00:10:20,400 --> 00:10:23,440 If these agencies become tools of the president 328 00:10:23,440 --> 00:10:25,760 rather than independent watchdogs, 329 00:10:25,760 --> 00:10:28,120 it could really erode public trust. 330 00:10:28,120 --> 00:10:30,640 And it undermines those checks and balances 331 00:10:30,640 --> 00:10:33,520 that are so important to a functioning democracy. 332 00:10:33,520 --> 00:10:34,960 Tilling thought makes you wonder 333 00:10:34,960 --> 00:10:36,600 how Congress is gonna respond to this. 334 00:10:36,600 --> 00:10:39,120 Will they step up a surrogate oversight role? 335 00:10:39,120 --> 00:10:40,880 Or will they just go along with it? 336 00:10:40,880 --> 00:10:42,600 It'll be interesting to see how it plays out. 337 00:10:42,600 --> 00:10:45,280 And we're already seeing a very clear difference 338 00:10:45,280 --> 00:10:47,560 in the reactions from Republicans and Democrats. 339 00:10:47,560 --> 00:10:48,400 Oh yeah. 340 00:10:48,400 --> 00:10:52,520 Many Republicans seem to be accepting of this power grab. 341 00:10:52,520 --> 00:10:54,480 But the Democrats, they're scrambling 342 00:10:54,480 --> 00:10:55,640 for ways to fight back. 343 00:10:55,640 --> 00:10:57,600 It's that classic partisan divide. 344 00:10:57,600 --> 00:10:59,360 Right, but the stakes are high this time. 345 00:10:59,360 --> 00:11:00,360 Incredibly high. 346 00:11:00,360 --> 00:11:02,360 It's like we're watching this political thriller 347 00:11:02,360 --> 00:11:04,080 unfold in real time. 348 00:11:04,080 --> 00:11:06,720 Power struggles, backroom deals, 349 00:11:06,720 --> 00:11:09,040 and just a whole lot of uncertainty about the future. 350 00:11:09,040 --> 00:11:10,040 It's a wild ride. 351 00:11:10,040 --> 00:11:10,880 That's for sure. 352 00:11:10,880 --> 00:11:12,840 It's crucial to stay informed, 353 00:11:12,840 --> 00:11:14,720 keep up with everything that's happening. 354 00:11:14,720 --> 00:11:15,560 Absolutely. 355 00:11:15,560 --> 00:11:16,760 Because what's happening now, 356 00:11:16,760 --> 00:11:18,960 it's gonna have a lasting impact 357 00:11:18,960 --> 00:11:20,200 on the future of our country. 358 00:11:20,200 --> 00:11:21,280 Well said. 359 00:11:21,280 --> 00:11:22,720 We'll be right back after a quick break 360 00:11:22,720 --> 00:11:26,640 to delve even deeper into this wild world of US politics. 361 00:11:26,640 --> 00:11:27,480 We're back. 362 00:11:27,480 --> 00:11:28,920 And we were talking about the reactions 363 00:11:28,920 --> 00:11:31,960 to Trump's power grab, that executive order. 364 00:11:31,960 --> 00:11:34,840 And it's amazing how different the Republicans 365 00:11:34,840 --> 00:11:36,280 and Democrats are responding. 366 00:11:36,280 --> 00:11:38,160 Like they're on completely different planets. 367 00:11:38,160 --> 00:11:40,000 Yeah, the divide is really stark. 368 00:11:40,000 --> 00:11:41,760 It just shows how polarized things are 369 00:11:41,760 --> 00:11:43,160 in American politics right now. 370 00:11:43,160 --> 00:11:44,000 It's crazy, right? 371 00:11:44,000 --> 00:11:46,080 I mean, on one side you have a lot of Republicans 372 00:11:46,080 --> 00:11:49,680 who seem totally fine with Trump consolidating power. 373 00:11:49,680 --> 00:11:51,960 And then on the other side, you have Democrats 374 00:11:51,960 --> 00:11:53,520 desperately trying to figure out 375 00:11:53,520 --> 00:11:54,840 like how do we fight back? 376 00:11:54,840 --> 00:11:55,920 What can we do? 377 00:11:55,920 --> 00:11:56,880 Yeah, what can we do? 378 00:11:56,880 --> 00:11:59,480 And one of the most surprising reactions I gotta say 379 00:11:59,480 --> 00:12:02,920 came from Senator Chuck Grassley, the Republican Senator. 380 00:12:02,920 --> 00:12:03,760 What did he say? 381 00:12:03,760 --> 00:12:06,200 He actually said that Congress is powerless 382 00:12:06,200 --> 00:12:08,320 to stop Trump and Musk. 383 00:12:08,320 --> 00:12:10,800 Really, that's coming from a seasoned Senator. 384 00:12:10,800 --> 00:12:13,880 Yeah, someone who's been around the block a few times. 385 00:12:13,880 --> 00:12:15,080 It's a pretty wild statement, 386 00:12:15,080 --> 00:12:16,200 especially coming from someone 387 00:12:16,200 --> 00:12:18,600 with his understanding of the Constitution. 388 00:12:18,600 --> 00:12:19,640 So what does that even mean? 389 00:12:19,640 --> 00:12:20,960 It's a headscratcher, right? 390 00:12:20,960 --> 00:12:23,840 Because Senator Grassley knows Congress has tools 391 00:12:23,840 --> 00:12:25,400 to check the president's power. 392 00:12:25,400 --> 00:12:26,360 Like what kind of tools? 393 00:12:26,360 --> 00:12:28,120 Well, things like impeachment, you know, 394 00:12:28,120 --> 00:12:30,000 or controlling the budget. 395 00:12:30,000 --> 00:12:31,640 So his statement makes it sound like, 396 00:12:31,640 --> 00:12:33,480 well, maybe he's resigned to it, 397 00:12:33,480 --> 00:12:36,040 or maybe he just doesn't wanna challenge Trump directly. 398 00:12:36,040 --> 00:12:37,160 Maybe he's picking his battles. 399 00:12:37,160 --> 00:12:39,880 Yeah, perhaps, but it raises concerns, you know, 400 00:12:39,880 --> 00:12:43,040 about whether Congress is really willing to do its job, 401 00:12:43,040 --> 00:12:45,120 you know, to be that check on the executive branch 402 00:12:45,120 --> 00:12:46,240 that they're supposed to be. 403 00:12:46,240 --> 00:12:47,520 Yeah, it's their constitutional duty. 404 00:12:47,520 --> 00:12:48,440 Right, exactly. 405 00:12:48,440 --> 00:12:49,600 So if Congress isn't gonna act, 406 00:12:49,600 --> 00:12:50,760 what are the Democrats supposed to do? 407 00:12:50,760 --> 00:12:52,600 I mean, they're facing a real uphill battle here. 408 00:12:52,600 --> 00:12:53,680 It's tough for sure. 409 00:12:53,680 --> 00:12:55,640 With limited power in Congress, 410 00:12:55,640 --> 00:12:58,400 it seems like their strategy is focusing more 411 00:12:58,400 --> 00:12:59,640 on public relations. 412 00:12:59,640 --> 00:13:00,480 PR. 413 00:13:00,480 --> 00:13:02,360 Yeah, they're trying to get the message out there, 414 00:13:02,360 --> 00:13:05,240 highlighting the negative impact of Trump's policies, 415 00:13:05,240 --> 00:13:07,160 you know, especially on everyday Americans. 416 00:13:07,160 --> 00:13:08,520 Okay, so appealing to the public. 417 00:13:08,520 --> 00:13:10,840 Exactly, hoping that we'll turn public opinion 418 00:13:10,840 --> 00:13:12,160 against Trump. 419 00:13:12,160 --> 00:13:14,440 And maybe put pressure on some of those vulnerable 420 00:13:14,440 --> 00:13:16,600 Republicans who are up for reelection. 421 00:13:16,600 --> 00:13:18,520 So the idea is to make it politically costly 422 00:13:18,520 --> 00:13:20,480 for those Republicans to support Trump. 423 00:13:20,480 --> 00:13:21,960 Exactly, it's like a classic 424 00:13:21,960 --> 00:13:24,040 David versus Goliath situation. 425 00:13:24,040 --> 00:13:25,000 I like that analogy. 426 00:13:25,000 --> 00:13:27,280 They're trying to use what little power they have 427 00:13:27,280 --> 00:13:29,760 to expose what's really going on with Trump's agenda. 428 00:13:29,760 --> 00:13:30,880 So how are they doing that? 429 00:13:30,880 --> 00:13:34,600 Well, one tactic is focusing on the potential cuts 430 00:13:34,600 --> 00:13:36,440 to programs like Medicaid. 431 00:13:36,440 --> 00:13:38,320 Ah, healthcare, that's always a big one. 432 00:13:38,320 --> 00:13:40,080 It's a big issue for a lot of people, 433 00:13:40,080 --> 00:13:42,040 especially those who rely on those programs. 434 00:13:42,040 --> 00:13:43,080 So the Democrats are saying, 435 00:13:43,080 --> 00:13:44,920 hey, these cuts are gonna hurt everyday people. 436 00:13:44,920 --> 00:13:47,520 Exactly, they're trying to frame the issue as, you know, 437 00:13:47,520 --> 00:13:49,680 taking healthcare away from those who need it most, 438 00:13:49,680 --> 00:13:52,920 like poor children, to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy. 439 00:13:52,920 --> 00:13:54,280 I see, that's a powerful message. 440 00:13:54,280 --> 00:13:55,200 It's a strong narrative, 441 00:13:55,200 --> 00:13:56,720 one that could resonate with voters. 442 00:13:56,720 --> 00:13:58,000 Yeah, it could make people think twice 443 00:13:58,000 --> 00:13:59,280 about who they support. 444 00:13:59,280 --> 00:14:00,120 For sure. 445 00:14:00,120 --> 00:14:02,440 And it's a reminder that even when it seems 446 00:14:02,440 --> 00:14:04,480 like one party has all the power, 447 00:14:04,480 --> 00:14:07,200 there are still ways to push back, to hold them accountable. 448 00:14:07,200 --> 00:14:08,440 It's not a hopeless situation. 449 00:14:08,440 --> 00:14:11,360 It takes strategy, good communication, 450 00:14:11,360 --> 00:14:12,880 and getting people on your side. 451 00:14:12,880 --> 00:14:14,560 All right, so we've talked about the political landscape, 452 00:14:14,560 --> 00:14:15,600 but let's switch gears for a minute, 453 00:14:15,600 --> 00:14:18,080 because there's this whole other battle brewing 454 00:14:18,080 --> 00:14:20,800 over one of the most influential media outlets 455 00:14:20,800 --> 00:14:22,160 in the country, Fox News. 456 00:14:22,160 --> 00:14:24,000 Oh yeah, Fox News, that's a big one. 457 00:14:24,000 --> 00:14:26,040 I mean, this goes way beyond just a business dispute. 458 00:14:26,040 --> 00:14:28,320 It's about family, legacy, power. 459 00:14:28,320 --> 00:14:30,120 To control over a media empire, basically. 460 00:14:30,120 --> 00:14:33,120 Exactly, and the power to shape public opinion, 461 00:14:33,120 --> 00:14:34,200 which is huge. 462 00:14:34,200 --> 00:14:36,040 So what's the issue with Fox News? 463 00:14:36,040 --> 00:14:38,880 Well, it all comes down to the Murdoch family trust, 464 00:14:38,880 --> 00:14:41,680 which was set up to give control of Fox 465 00:14:41,680 --> 00:14:44,320 to Rupert Murdoch's children after he passes away. 466 00:14:44,320 --> 00:14:45,480 Okay, so a family affair. 467 00:14:45,480 --> 00:14:47,240 Very much so, but here's the thing, 468 00:14:47,240 --> 00:14:49,480 Murdoch wants to make sure that Fox News 469 00:14:49,480 --> 00:14:51,760 stays true to his conservative vision, 470 00:14:51,760 --> 00:14:53,000 even after he's gone. 471 00:14:53,000 --> 00:14:55,200 He doesn't trust his kids to keep it conservative. 472 00:14:55,200 --> 00:14:58,160 Well, some of his children have more liberal views, 473 00:14:58,160 --> 00:15:01,120 and he's worried they might try to change Fox's content. 474 00:15:01,120 --> 00:15:03,240 So he's trying to control things from beyond the grave. 475 00:15:03,240 --> 00:15:06,920 You could say that it's this clash between a founder 476 00:15:06,920 --> 00:15:08,640 wanting to preserve his legacy 477 00:15:08,640 --> 00:15:11,160 and the next generation having their own ideas. 478 00:15:11,160 --> 00:15:12,480 Sounds like a recipe for drama. 479 00:15:12,480 --> 00:15:15,160 And the future of Fox News hangs in the balance, 480 00:15:15,160 --> 00:15:18,160 which could have a big impact on the political landscape. 481 00:15:18,160 --> 00:15:19,600 So what did Murdoch do? 482 00:15:19,600 --> 00:15:21,680 Well, he actually tried to take away voting rights 483 00:15:21,680 --> 00:15:22,880 from three of his children. 484 00:15:22,880 --> 00:15:23,960 Whoa, really? 485 00:15:23,960 --> 00:15:26,320 Yeah, to make sure that his chosen successor 486 00:15:26,320 --> 00:15:27,200 would take happen. 487 00:15:27,200 --> 00:15:28,200 So what happened? 488 00:15:28,200 --> 00:15:30,560 Well, a judge in Nevada ruled against him. 489 00:15:30,560 --> 00:15:31,640 Ah, interesting. 490 00:15:31,640 --> 00:15:35,000 Which means that if Murdoch dies before 2030, 491 00:15:35,000 --> 00:15:38,240 when the trust dissolves, his children could gain control 492 00:15:38,240 --> 00:15:40,640 and maybe change the direction of Fox News. 493 00:15:40,640 --> 00:15:41,800 Wow, that's a big if. 494 00:15:41,800 --> 00:15:44,120 It is, but it's a real possibility. 495 00:15:44,120 --> 00:15:46,840 Can you imagine Fox News, you know, 496 00:15:46,840 --> 00:15:48,840 the bastion of conservative media 497 00:15:48,840 --> 00:15:51,520 suddenly becoming more moderate or even liberal? 498 00:15:51,520 --> 00:15:52,600 That would be a huge shift. 499 00:15:52,600 --> 00:15:55,800 It would be a seismic shift in the media landscape. 500 00:15:55,800 --> 00:15:59,520 And it shows that even these giant media empires, 501 00:15:59,520 --> 00:16:01,040 they're not immune to change. 502 00:16:01,040 --> 00:16:04,040 Right, they're subject to family dynamics, social trends, 503 00:16:04,040 --> 00:16:05,360 legal challenges. 504 00:16:05,360 --> 00:16:07,000 It's unpredictable, just like everything else 505 00:16:07,000 --> 00:16:07,920 in politics these days. 506 00:16:07,920 --> 00:16:08,600 Exactly. 507 00:16:08,600 --> 00:16:10,760 The future of Fox News, it's very uncertain, 508 00:16:10,760 --> 00:16:12,440 just like everything else we've been talking about. 509 00:16:12,440 --> 00:16:13,480 It's a lot to keep track of. 510 00:16:13,480 --> 00:16:15,680 We've covered a lot today from court cases, 511 00:16:15,680 --> 00:16:18,080 to power struggles, media shakeups. 512 00:16:18,080 --> 00:16:21,360 It seems like we're living in a constant state of upheaval. 513 00:16:21,360 --> 00:16:22,200 And uncertainty. 514 00:16:22,200 --> 00:16:23,160 Yeah, for sure. 515 00:16:23,160 --> 00:16:26,240 Traditional norms, institutions are all being challenged. 516 00:16:26,240 --> 00:16:27,840 And new power dynamics are emerging. 517 00:16:27,840 --> 00:16:30,880 It's crucial to stay informed and engaged. 518 00:16:30,880 --> 00:16:33,360 Because the choices we make now will have a big impact 519 00:16:33,360 --> 00:16:34,000 on the future. 520 00:16:34,000 --> 00:16:35,000 Absolutely. 521 00:16:35,000 --> 00:16:37,960 It's a time of uncertainty, but also a time of opportunity. 522 00:16:37,960 --> 00:16:40,680 So what do you think is the most significant development 523 00:16:40,680 --> 00:16:41,280 in all of this? 524 00:16:41,280 --> 00:16:44,120 What should our listeners really be paying attention to? 525 00:16:44,120 --> 00:16:46,360 You know, it's hard to pick just one thing. 526 00:16:46,360 --> 00:16:49,240 I'd say it's the combination of all these factors 527 00:16:49,240 --> 00:16:50,360 happening at once. 528 00:16:50,360 --> 00:16:51,040 What do you mean? 529 00:16:51,040 --> 00:16:53,760 We're seeing this erosion of democratic norms, 530 00:16:53,760 --> 00:16:56,680 power getting concentrated in the hands of a few people, 531 00:16:56,680 --> 00:16:59,320 misinformation spreading like wildfire, 532 00:16:59,320 --> 00:17:01,720 and society becoming more and more polarized. 533 00:17:01,720 --> 00:17:02,720 Like a perfect storm. 534 00:17:02,720 --> 00:17:03,320 It is. 535 00:17:03,320 --> 00:17:05,080 And these trends, they're all connected. 536 00:17:05,080 --> 00:17:06,360 They feed off each other. 537 00:17:06,360 --> 00:17:08,040 This really dangerous situation. 538 00:17:08,040 --> 00:17:10,720 That threatens the very foundation of our democracy. 539 00:17:10,720 --> 00:17:14,400 We have to recognize this and work together to find solutions. 540 00:17:14,400 --> 00:17:16,360 It's easy to get overwhelmed by all the news 541 00:17:16,360 --> 00:17:18,720 and everything happening, but we can't tune it out. 542 00:17:18,720 --> 00:17:20,880 No, we have to stay informed, think critically 543 00:17:20,880 --> 00:17:22,320 about what we're seeing and hearing, 544 00:17:22,320 --> 00:17:23,640 and talk about it with each other. 545 00:17:23,640 --> 00:17:25,120 Have those difficult conversations. 546 00:17:25,120 --> 00:17:26,760 Even with people who disagree with us. 547 00:17:26,760 --> 00:17:27,920 It's the only way forward. 548 00:17:27,920 --> 00:17:28,960 I completely agree. 549 00:17:28,960 --> 00:17:32,080 We need active citizens who are informed and engaged. 550 00:17:32,080 --> 00:17:33,520 It's more important now than ever. 551 00:17:33,520 --> 00:17:34,480 Couldn't agree more. 552 00:17:34,480 --> 00:17:37,080 It's about shaving the direction of our country together. 553 00:17:37,080 --> 00:17:39,200 So as we wrap up this part of our deep dive, 554 00:17:39,200 --> 00:17:40,840 what's one question you think our listeners 555 00:17:40,840 --> 00:17:42,920 should be asking themselves? 556 00:17:42,920 --> 00:17:44,040 That's a good one. 557 00:17:44,040 --> 00:17:46,400 I think a crucial question is in this world 558 00:17:46,400 --> 00:17:48,240 where we have so much information, 559 00:17:48,240 --> 00:17:50,080 but it's hard to know what to trust. 560 00:17:50,080 --> 00:17:51,520 Right, information overload. 561 00:17:51,520 --> 00:17:54,040 How do we figure out what's true and what's not? 562 00:17:54,040 --> 00:17:55,480 How do we make good decisions 563 00:17:55,480 --> 00:17:57,600 about the things that matter most? 564 00:17:57,600 --> 00:17:58,440 Tough question. 565 00:17:58,440 --> 00:18:00,800 It is, it requires critical thinking, 566 00:18:00,800 --> 00:18:02,960 understanding how the media works, 567 00:18:02,960 --> 00:18:04,960 and being willing to listen to people 568 00:18:04,960 --> 00:18:06,320 who have different viewpoints. 569 00:18:06,320 --> 00:18:08,080 Yeah, being open to different perspectives. 570 00:18:08,080 --> 00:18:08,920 Exactly. 571 00:18:08,920 --> 00:18:10,920 We can't just believe everything we see on the internet 572 00:18:10,920 --> 00:18:12,920 or hear from certain sources. 573 00:18:12,920 --> 00:18:14,240 Right, we have to question things, 574 00:18:14,240 --> 00:18:16,680 look for bias, and really think for ourselves. 575 00:18:16,680 --> 00:18:19,280 It's about becoming informed and engaged citizens. 576 00:18:19,280 --> 00:18:21,320 Exactly, citizens who can contribute 577 00:18:21,320 --> 00:18:23,400 to a strong and healthy democracy. 578 00:18:23,400 --> 00:18:25,400 Right, well, I think that's a great place to pause for now. 579 00:18:25,400 --> 00:18:27,960 We'll be back in just a bit to wrap up our deep dive 580 00:18:27,960 --> 00:18:30,800 into US politics with some final thoughts and takeaways. 581 00:18:32,600 --> 00:18:35,400 Okay, we're back ready to wrap up this wild deep dive 582 00:18:35,400 --> 00:18:36,520 into US politics. 583 00:18:36,520 --> 00:18:38,320 It's been quite a journey, hasn't it? 584 00:18:38,320 --> 00:18:39,960 Lots of twists and turns. 585 00:18:39,960 --> 00:18:41,200 Definitely, I feel like we've covered 586 00:18:41,200 --> 00:18:43,800 a whole year's worth of news in just one episode. 587 00:18:43,800 --> 00:18:45,200 Well, that's the politics for you, right? 588 00:18:45,200 --> 00:18:46,920 Always moving, always changing. 589 00:18:46,920 --> 00:18:48,680 So let's try to break it all down. 590 00:18:48,680 --> 00:18:51,000 If we had to sum up everything we talked about, 591 00:18:51,000 --> 00:18:52,160 what are the key takeaways? 592 00:18:52,160 --> 00:18:55,120 What should our listeners really remember from this? 593 00:18:55,120 --> 00:18:56,920 Well, I think the biggest takeaway is 594 00:18:56,920 --> 00:18:58,680 we're at a real crossroads right now. 595 00:18:58,680 --> 00:18:59,520 Okay, I like that. 596 00:18:59,520 --> 00:19:01,560 You know, those traditional checks and balances, 597 00:19:01,560 --> 00:19:03,040 they're being tested. 598 00:19:03,040 --> 00:19:05,280 Technology is changing how politics works, 599 00:19:05,280 --> 00:19:07,520 and even what it means to be American, 600 00:19:07,520 --> 00:19:08,560 that's up for debate. 601 00:19:08,560 --> 00:19:09,400 Big questions. 602 00:19:09,400 --> 00:19:10,840 We need to understand these challenges 603 00:19:10,840 --> 00:19:14,080 and really talk about them, figure out how to move forward. 604 00:19:14,080 --> 00:19:16,400 And it's not enough to just skim the headlines, right? 605 00:19:16,400 --> 00:19:17,240 No, not at all. 606 00:19:17,240 --> 00:19:19,320 We gotta go deeper, really understand the issues, 607 00:19:19,320 --> 00:19:22,040 think critically about what we're reading and hearing. 608 00:19:22,040 --> 00:19:23,040 I couldn't agree more. 609 00:19:23,040 --> 00:19:25,320 And we're not just spectators in all of this. 610 00:19:25,320 --> 00:19:26,160 No way. 611 00:19:26,160 --> 00:19:28,040 We have a voice, we can make a difference. 612 00:19:28,040 --> 00:19:30,960 Whether it's voting, speaking out of the things we care about, 613 00:19:30,960 --> 00:19:32,960 even just having those conversations 614 00:19:32,960 --> 00:19:33,960 with our friends and family. 615 00:19:33,960 --> 00:19:35,520 Those conversations matter. 616 00:19:35,520 --> 00:19:36,440 So any final thoughts? 617 00:19:36,440 --> 00:19:38,360 What's like one question that our listeners 618 00:19:38,360 --> 00:19:39,960 should be thinking about after this? 619 00:19:39,960 --> 00:19:42,200 You know, in this world where we're bombarded 620 00:19:42,200 --> 00:19:43,920 with information all the time. 621 00:19:43,920 --> 00:19:44,760 Oh, yeah. 622 00:19:44,760 --> 00:19:46,720 And it's hard to know what's true and what's not. 623 00:19:46,720 --> 00:19:47,880 How do we figure that out? 624 00:19:47,880 --> 00:19:50,680 How do we make good decisions when it's all so confusing? 625 00:19:50,680 --> 00:19:52,400 That's the million dollar question, isn't it? 626 00:19:52,400 --> 00:19:53,240 It really is. 627 00:19:53,240 --> 00:19:54,600 It takes critical thinking, 628 00:19:54,600 --> 00:19:56,360 understanding how the media works. 629 00:19:56,360 --> 00:19:58,280 And being open to different viewpoints, right? 630 00:19:58,280 --> 00:19:59,120 Exactly. 631 00:19:59,120 --> 00:20:01,120 We can't just accept everything we see or hear. 632 00:20:01,120 --> 00:20:02,720 Gotta be skeptical, gotta ask questions. 633 00:20:02,720 --> 00:20:03,560 Exactly. 634 00:20:03,560 --> 00:20:05,160 Look for bias, think for ourselves. 635 00:20:05,160 --> 00:20:08,160 That's how we become informed and engaged citizens. 636 00:20:08,160 --> 00:20:09,720 Who can contribute to a, you know, 637 00:20:09,720 --> 00:20:11,560 a healthy and functioning democracy? 638 00:20:11,560 --> 00:20:12,960 Well said. 639 00:20:12,960 --> 00:20:14,280 Well, I think we've given everyone a lot 640 00:20:14,280 --> 00:20:15,120 to think about today. 641 00:20:15,120 --> 00:20:17,680 Thanks for joining us for this deep dive into US politics. 642 00:20:17,680 --> 00:20:18,560 It's been my pleasure. 643 00:20:18,560 --> 00:20:22,360 And remember, stay curious, stay informed, stay engaged. 644 00:20:22,360 --> 00:20:49,040 We'll see you next time.