1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:00,960 Welcome back everybody. 2 00:00:00,960 --> 00:00:03,600 We're diving deep today into, well, 3 00:00:03,600 --> 00:00:05,480 the impacts of these political changes 4 00:00:05,480 --> 00:00:06,320 that have been happening. 5 00:00:06,320 --> 00:00:07,800 It's certainly been a turbulent time. 6 00:00:07,800 --> 00:00:08,400 Yeah, definitely. 7 00:00:08,400 --> 00:00:10,160 And we've got a whole stack of news articles here 8 00:00:10,160 --> 00:00:12,040 from February 24th, 2025. 9 00:00:12,040 --> 00:00:13,320 So pretty recent stuff. 10 00:00:13,320 --> 00:00:14,920 Yeah, looking forward to digging into these. 11 00:00:14,920 --> 00:00:15,420 Me too. 12 00:00:15,420 --> 00:00:18,680 And today's focus is really going to be on the fallout, 13 00:00:18,680 --> 00:00:21,000 how these changes could actually affect you. 14 00:00:21,000 --> 00:00:22,280 The real world implications. 15 00:00:22,280 --> 00:00:22,920 Exactly. 16 00:00:22,920 --> 00:00:24,880 And I think you might be surprised by some of this, 17 00:00:24,880 --> 00:00:26,960 even if you've been keeping up with the news. 18 00:00:26,960 --> 00:00:27,680 So are you ready? 19 00:00:27,680 --> 00:00:28,280 Let's do it. 20 00:00:28,280 --> 00:00:28,780 All right. 21 00:00:28,780 --> 00:00:30,800 First up, it seems like Republican voters 22 00:00:30,800 --> 00:00:33,960 are starting to feel some of the negative effects of Trump 23 00:00:33,960 --> 00:00:35,160 and Musk's policies. 24 00:00:35,160 --> 00:00:35,720 Oh, really? 25 00:00:35,720 --> 00:00:36,320 Like what? 26 00:00:36,320 --> 00:00:38,520 Well, specifically, it's that whole government downsizing 27 00:00:38,520 --> 00:00:39,120 thing. 28 00:00:39,120 --> 00:00:41,520 Remember how Musk promised to make the government leaner 29 00:00:41,520 --> 00:00:42,360 and more efficient? 30 00:00:42,360 --> 00:00:44,960 Right, using AI and automation and all that. 31 00:00:44,960 --> 00:00:45,240 Yeah. 32 00:00:45,240 --> 00:00:47,360 Well, it turns out that a lot of those cuts are actually 33 00:00:47,360 --> 00:00:49,240 leading to job losses. 34 00:00:49,240 --> 00:00:51,160 And now people are not so happy about it. 35 00:00:51,160 --> 00:00:53,880 I guess it's one thing to agree with downsizing in theory. 36 00:00:53,880 --> 00:00:55,480 But when it's your job on the line, 37 00:00:55,480 --> 00:00:56,760 it's a whole different story. 38 00:00:56,760 --> 00:00:57,440 Exactly. 39 00:00:57,440 --> 00:00:59,640 And the articles mentioned town hall meetings turning 40 00:00:59,640 --> 00:01:01,600 into shouting matches, representatives 41 00:01:01,600 --> 00:01:03,560 are facing some seriously angry constituents. 42 00:01:03,560 --> 00:01:04,160 Yeah. 43 00:01:04,160 --> 00:01:04,720 That makes sense. 44 00:01:04,720 --> 00:01:06,680 People are worried about their livelihoods, their families. 45 00:01:06,680 --> 00:01:08,000 It's a natural reaction. 46 00:01:08,000 --> 00:01:08,600 Absolutely. 47 00:01:08,600 --> 00:01:09,880 And some of the stories in these articles 48 00:01:09,880 --> 00:01:10,760 are pretty heartbreaking. 49 00:01:10,760 --> 00:01:13,440 Like there's one about Anna Foy, who spent six years 50 00:01:13,440 --> 00:01:16,200 preparing for her job at the Bureau of Land Management, 51 00:01:16,200 --> 00:01:17,480 only to be let go. 52 00:01:17,480 --> 00:01:18,520 Six years. 53 00:01:18,520 --> 00:01:19,080 That's rough. 54 00:01:19,080 --> 00:01:19,760 I know, right? 55 00:01:19,760 --> 00:01:22,000 She was so excited to finally start her career. 56 00:01:22,000 --> 00:01:23,560 And now she's back to square one, 57 00:01:23,560 --> 00:01:26,720 all because of Musk's push for AI-driven efficiency. 58 00:01:26,720 --> 00:01:28,760 I can see how that would create a lot of resentment 59 00:01:28,760 --> 00:01:31,160 and disillusionment among Republican voters. 60 00:01:31,160 --> 00:01:31,660 Yeah. 61 00:01:31,660 --> 00:01:33,720 And you can bet that the Democrats are paying attention 62 00:01:33,720 --> 00:01:34,360 to all of this. 63 00:01:34,360 --> 00:01:36,600 They'll likely try to use this growing discontent 64 00:01:36,600 --> 00:01:37,480 to their advantage. 65 00:01:37,480 --> 00:01:40,120 Especially in those swing districts that could go either way. 66 00:01:40,120 --> 00:01:40,960 Exactly. 67 00:01:40,960 --> 00:01:42,760 It's going to be interesting to see how this all plays out. 68 00:01:42,760 --> 00:01:46,360 It's a reminder that politics isn't just some abstract game. 69 00:01:46,360 --> 00:01:48,800 It has real world consequences for real people. 70 00:01:48,800 --> 00:01:49,800 Couldn't agree more. 71 00:01:49,800 --> 00:01:51,520 So speaking of changing tides, it 72 00:01:51,520 --> 00:01:54,400 looks like Trump's approval ratings are starting to slip, 73 00:01:54,400 --> 00:01:56,120 and not just among Democrats. 74 00:01:56,120 --> 00:01:57,040 Huh. 75 00:01:57,040 --> 00:01:57,560 Interesting. 76 00:01:57,560 --> 00:01:59,000 So even some of his supporters are 77 00:01:59,000 --> 00:02:00,640 starting to have second thoughts. 78 00:02:00,640 --> 00:02:01,680 It seems that way. 79 00:02:01,680 --> 00:02:03,480 The articles mentioned that his approval ratings 80 00:02:03,480 --> 00:02:05,680 are particularly low among non-Republicans. 81 00:02:05,680 --> 00:02:07,880 Well, that could spell trouble for him and the Republicans, 82 00:02:07,880 --> 00:02:09,520 especially as we head into the midterms. 83 00:02:09,520 --> 00:02:09,720 Right. 84 00:02:09,720 --> 00:02:11,040 Those Republicans in tight races 85 00:02:11,040 --> 00:02:13,720 are going to have to work extra hard to hold onto their seats. 86 00:02:13,720 --> 00:02:15,400 They can't just rely on the base anymore. 87 00:02:15,400 --> 00:02:17,600 Especially in those districts where they need votes 88 00:02:17,600 --> 00:02:18,760 from both sides of the aisle. 89 00:02:18,760 --> 00:02:19,640 Exactly. 90 00:02:19,640 --> 00:02:21,440 Now, this next story really caught my eye. 91 00:02:21,440 --> 00:02:25,600 Musk is proposing to lay off 50,000 civilian employees 92 00:02:25,600 --> 00:02:26,840 in the Department of Defense. 93 00:02:26,840 --> 00:02:28,360 Wow, 50,000. 94 00:02:28,360 --> 00:02:29,640 That's a huge number. 95 00:02:29,640 --> 00:02:31,560 Yeah, it's a pretty drastic move, especially considering 96 00:02:31,560 --> 00:02:34,720 that the military is usually considered off limits 97 00:02:34,720 --> 00:02:36,280 for that kind of downsizing. 98 00:02:36,280 --> 00:02:37,720 Yeah, it's almost like sacred ground. 99 00:02:37,720 --> 00:02:38,840 You don't mess with the military. 100 00:02:38,840 --> 00:02:39,400 Right. 101 00:02:39,400 --> 00:02:41,800 But Musk seems to think that even the DOD 102 00:02:41,800 --> 00:02:44,640 can benefit from some streamlining and automation. 103 00:02:44,640 --> 00:02:47,360 I wonder how that's going to go over with the military brass 104 00:02:47,360 --> 00:02:48,960 and the veterans groups. 105 00:02:48,960 --> 00:02:50,760 Well, the American Federation of Government Employees 106 00:02:50,760 --> 00:02:52,440 is definitely not happy. 107 00:02:52,440 --> 00:02:54,040 One article quotes them calling it 108 00:02:54,040 --> 00:02:56,600 a slap in the face to veterans and military families 109 00:02:56,600 --> 00:02:57,360 everywhere. 110 00:02:57,360 --> 00:02:58,760 That's a pretty strong statement. 111 00:02:58,760 --> 00:03:00,720 Yeah, and they say, well, not soon be forgotten. 112 00:03:00,720 --> 00:03:02,600 So this could definitely come back to bite Musk 113 00:03:02,600 --> 00:03:04,040 and the Republicans later on. 114 00:03:04,040 --> 00:03:05,560 It's a risky move, for sure. 115 00:03:05,560 --> 00:03:07,520 And here's another layer of irony. 116 00:03:07,520 --> 00:03:10,280 The DOD is also cutting funding for climate change 117 00:03:10,280 --> 00:03:11,240 initiatives. 118 00:03:11,240 --> 00:03:11,880 What? 119 00:03:11,880 --> 00:03:13,160 Why would they do that? 120 00:03:13,160 --> 00:03:15,360 Well, they're calling it unnecessary spending. 121 00:03:15,360 --> 00:03:17,040 But the reality is that climate change 122 00:03:17,040 --> 00:03:19,320 is a very real threat to national security. 123 00:03:19,320 --> 00:03:20,560 Oh, I see. 124 00:03:20,560 --> 00:03:23,040 You're talking about the potential for resource, scarcity, 125 00:03:23,040 --> 00:03:26,320 mass migrations, conflicts over water, and arable land. 126 00:03:26,320 --> 00:03:26,880 Exactly. 127 00:03:26,880 --> 00:03:29,960 Those are all factors that can destabilize entire regions 128 00:03:29,960 --> 00:03:33,000 and lead to war, which obviously has a direct impact 129 00:03:33,000 --> 00:03:34,200 on national security. 130 00:03:34,200 --> 00:03:36,840 So it's a bit short-sighted to cut funding for something 131 00:03:36,840 --> 00:03:39,280 that could eventually lead to bigger problems down the road. 132 00:03:39,280 --> 00:03:40,200 That's one way to put it. 133 00:03:40,200 --> 00:03:42,000 It's like ignoring a small leak in your roof 134 00:03:42,000 --> 00:03:43,520 because you don't see a puddle yet. 135 00:03:43,520 --> 00:03:44,840 Perfect analogy. 136 00:03:44,840 --> 00:03:46,520 Let's shift gears a bit and look at what's 137 00:03:46,520 --> 00:03:48,840 happening on the international stage. 138 00:03:48,840 --> 00:03:52,120 Trump's position on Ukraine has been, shall we say, 139 00:03:52,120 --> 00:03:52,960 a bit confusing. 140 00:03:52,960 --> 00:03:53,640 A bit. 141 00:03:53,640 --> 00:03:54,520 I'd say more than a bit. 142 00:03:54,520 --> 00:03:55,240 Yeah, true. 143 00:03:55,240 --> 00:03:58,160 He seems to flip-flop between supporting Ukraine's independence 144 00:03:58,160 --> 00:04:00,320 and being open to letting Russia absorb it. 145 00:04:00,320 --> 00:04:03,200 Possibly to get his hands on those valuable resources, 146 00:04:03,200 --> 00:04:04,600 like rare earth minerals. 147 00:04:04,600 --> 00:04:07,600 Right, which are crucial for all sorts of high-tech stuff, 148 00:04:07,600 --> 00:04:09,880 like electric car motors and wind turbines. 149 00:04:09,880 --> 00:04:12,400 It's making things very difficult for US allies 150 00:04:12,400 --> 00:04:15,200 who are trying to figure out where the US stands on this issue. 151 00:04:15,200 --> 00:04:17,200 Yeah, it's getting a lot of uncertainty and distrust. 152 00:04:17,200 --> 00:04:19,640 And it's deviating from the way the US has traditionally 153 00:04:19,640 --> 00:04:21,200 handled foreign policy. 154 00:04:21,200 --> 00:04:22,440 Right, there are two main approaches. 155 00:04:22,440 --> 00:04:24,320 You've got the ideology-based support, 156 00:04:24,320 --> 00:04:26,760 where you back countries that share your values. 157 00:04:26,760 --> 00:04:28,760 And then there's the spheres of influence approach, 158 00:04:28,760 --> 00:04:32,040 where powerful nations basically dictate policy 159 00:04:32,040 --> 00:04:33,040 to their neighbors. 160 00:04:33,040 --> 00:04:35,720 And Trump seems to be wavering between these two, 161 00:04:35,720 --> 00:04:38,920 which is causing confusion among allies and adversaries 162 00:04:38,920 --> 00:04:39,280 alike. 163 00:04:39,280 --> 00:04:39,920 Exactly. 164 00:04:39,920 --> 00:04:41,840 It's like he's playing some kind of high-stakes game 165 00:04:41,840 --> 00:04:42,920 of political poker. 166 00:04:42,920 --> 00:04:45,640 And the stakes couldn't be higher with Ukraine caught 167 00:04:45,640 --> 00:04:46,560 in the middle. 168 00:04:46,560 --> 00:04:47,880 It's a dangerous game, for sure. 169 00:04:47,880 --> 00:04:48,440 Absolutely. 170 00:04:48,440 --> 00:04:51,280 And it's creating a rift within the Republican Party itself. 171 00:04:51,280 --> 00:04:51,800 Hell, so. 172 00:04:51,800 --> 00:04:53,240 Well, you've got the MAGA faction, 173 00:04:53,240 --> 00:04:54,880 who are happy to appease Russia. 174 00:04:54,880 --> 00:04:56,880 And then you've got those who remember the Cold War 175 00:04:56,880 --> 00:04:58,920 and see Russia as a continued threat. 176 00:04:58,920 --> 00:05:01,120 So it's a real clash of ideologies within the party. 177 00:05:01,120 --> 00:05:01,920 Exactly. 178 00:05:01,920 --> 00:05:03,320 And it's playing out in public, too. 179 00:05:03,320 --> 00:05:05,360 There is that G7 meeting commemorating 180 00:05:05,360 --> 00:05:08,680 the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 181 00:05:08,680 --> 00:05:11,600 And the US refused to join the other nations 182 00:05:11,600 --> 00:05:13,520 in condemning Russian aggression. 183 00:05:13,520 --> 00:05:14,200 Really? 184 00:05:14,200 --> 00:05:14,480 Yeah. 185 00:05:14,480 --> 00:05:16,840 And now Trump is echoing Putin's claims 186 00:05:16,840 --> 00:05:18,440 that Ukraine was the aggressor. 187 00:05:18,440 --> 00:05:19,160 Wow. 188 00:05:19,160 --> 00:05:20,440 That's a pretty big deal. 189 00:05:20,440 --> 00:05:22,400 It is, and it's causing a lot of people 190 00:05:22,400 --> 00:05:24,800 to wonder what's really going on behind the scenes. 191 00:05:24,800 --> 00:05:26,640 Is Trump truly pro-Russia? 192 00:05:26,640 --> 00:05:29,760 Or is this all part of some elaborate negotiating tactic? 193 00:05:29,760 --> 00:05:30,840 It's hard to tell with him. 194 00:05:30,840 --> 00:05:33,080 He's definitely a master of keeping people guessing. 195 00:05:33,080 --> 00:05:33,840 That's for sure. 196 00:05:33,840 --> 00:05:36,400 And it's creating a lot of anxiety and uncertainty 197 00:05:36,400 --> 00:05:37,680 on the world stage. 198 00:05:37,680 --> 00:05:39,520 So for our listeners who might be thinking, OK, 199 00:05:39,520 --> 00:05:42,360 that's all interesting, but how does this affect me? 200 00:05:42,360 --> 00:05:46,000 How could this situation in Ukraine actually hit their wallets? 201 00:05:46,000 --> 00:05:47,240 Well, the outcome of this whole thing 202 00:05:47,240 --> 00:05:50,320 could have a direct impact on the availability 203 00:05:50,320 --> 00:05:54,880 and cost of everyday products that rely on those rare earth 204 00:05:54,880 --> 00:05:56,360 minerals we talked about earlier. 205 00:05:56,360 --> 00:05:58,560 So we're talking about things like smartphones, computers, 206 00:05:58,560 --> 00:05:59,400 electric vehicles. 207 00:05:59,400 --> 00:05:59,960 Exactly. 208 00:05:59,960 --> 00:06:02,160 Those prices could go up if Russia ends up 209 00:06:02,160 --> 00:06:04,360 controlling Ukraine's mineral wealth. 210 00:06:04,360 --> 00:06:08,400 So from political turmoil to potential economic ripples, 211 00:06:08,400 --> 00:06:11,880 it seems like no sector is immune to these global shifts. 212 00:06:11,880 --> 00:06:13,600 That's one of the key takeaways from all of this. 213 00:06:13,600 --> 00:06:15,320 We're living in an interconnected world. 214 00:06:15,320 --> 00:06:17,000 And what happens in one part of the world 215 00:06:17,000 --> 00:06:19,480 can definitely have an impact on us here at home. 216 00:06:19,480 --> 00:06:20,200 Definitely. 217 00:06:20,200 --> 00:06:22,160 And speaking of economic impacts, 218 00:06:22,160 --> 00:06:24,840 let's talk about what's happening with the US auto industry. 219 00:06:24,840 --> 00:06:25,600 Oh, what now? 220 00:06:25,600 --> 00:06:27,760 Well, it seems like they're facing some serious headwinds, 221 00:06:27,760 --> 00:06:30,080 thanks in part to Trump's trained policies. 222 00:06:30,080 --> 00:06:30,400 Right. 223 00:06:30,400 --> 00:06:33,760 Those tariffs he imposed on steel aluminum and imports 224 00:06:33,760 --> 00:06:35,440 from Mexico and Canada. 225 00:06:35,440 --> 00:06:35,940 Exactly. 226 00:06:35,940 --> 00:06:39,080 Those tariffs are driving up costs for US automakers 227 00:06:39,080 --> 00:06:41,760 and disrupting those finely tuned supply chains that 228 00:06:41,760 --> 00:06:43,720 have been built up over decades. 229 00:06:43,720 --> 00:06:43,920 Yeah. 230 00:06:43,920 --> 00:06:45,760 It takes time and a lot of effort 231 00:06:45,760 --> 00:06:48,240 to build up those relationships with suppliers 232 00:06:48,240 --> 00:06:49,960 and to make sure everything runs smoothly. 233 00:06:49,960 --> 00:06:52,280 And now those tariffs are throwing a wrench into the works. 234 00:06:52,280 --> 00:06:54,080 So what are the automakers doing about it? 235 00:06:54,080 --> 00:06:55,520 Well, they're trying to find new suppliers, 236 00:06:55,520 --> 00:06:57,640 but it's not easy to find ones that can meet 237 00:06:57,640 --> 00:06:59,560 the same quality and delivery standards. 238 00:06:59,560 --> 00:07:02,200 And then there's the added complication of tariffs 239 00:07:02,200 --> 00:07:05,800 on parts that may cross borders multiple times during assembly. 240 00:07:05,800 --> 00:07:07,200 Yeah, it's a logistical nightmare. 241 00:07:07,200 --> 00:07:09,080 So what's the end result of all of this? 242 00:07:09,080 --> 00:07:11,000 Well, it looks like US consumers could end up 243 00:07:11,000 --> 00:07:13,200 paying more for cars and trucks. 244 00:07:13,200 --> 00:07:16,120 And there could also be job losses in the auto industry 245 00:07:16,120 --> 00:07:17,920 if production slows down. 246 00:07:17,920 --> 00:07:19,520 It's a bit of a lose-lose situation. 247 00:07:19,520 --> 00:07:21,720 So much for those tariffs protecting American jobs. 248 00:07:21,720 --> 00:07:23,240 All right, let's move on to another area that's 249 00:07:23,240 --> 00:07:26,440 been in the news a lot lately, the fight over diversity, equity, 250 00:07:26,440 --> 00:07:29,080 and inclusion, or DEI, as it's often called. 251 00:07:29,080 --> 00:07:29,640 Ah, yes. 252 00:07:29,640 --> 00:07:30,960 That's been a hot topic. 253 00:07:30,960 --> 00:07:31,880 It has. 254 00:07:31,880 --> 00:07:35,760 And Trump has been actively trying to dismantle DEI initiatives. 255 00:07:35,760 --> 00:07:38,200 But ironically, demographic trends 256 00:07:38,200 --> 00:07:41,200 might actually be a more powerful force in shaping workforce 257 00:07:41,200 --> 00:07:42,680 diversity over the long term. 258 00:07:42,680 --> 00:07:43,400 How so? 259 00:07:43,400 --> 00:07:44,920 Well, the percentage of young white people 260 00:07:44,920 --> 00:07:46,880 in the overall population is declining. 261 00:07:46,880 --> 00:07:48,880 Well, the number of non-white individuals 262 00:07:48,880 --> 00:07:50,080 is steadily increasing. 263 00:07:50,080 --> 00:07:52,200 So it's a natural progression that will inevitably 264 00:07:52,200 --> 00:07:54,120 lead to a more diverse workforce, 265 00:07:54,120 --> 00:07:56,680 regardless of any specific DEI programs. 266 00:07:56,680 --> 00:07:57,520 Exactly. 267 00:07:57,520 --> 00:07:59,640 And companies that want to remain competitive 268 00:07:59,640 --> 00:08:01,880 will have to adapt to this new reality. 269 00:08:01,880 --> 00:08:02,760 Makes sense. 270 00:08:02,760 --> 00:08:04,480 And this whole conversation about DEI 271 00:08:04,480 --> 00:08:06,080 brings up an interesting question. 272 00:08:06,080 --> 00:08:08,800 Are we oversimplifying things by lumping everyone 273 00:08:08,800 --> 00:08:11,840 who's not white into this category of people of color? 274 00:08:11,840 --> 00:08:12,800 That's a great point. 275 00:08:12,800 --> 00:08:14,160 It's important to remember that there's 276 00:08:14,160 --> 00:08:16,320 a lot of diversity within those groups. 277 00:08:16,320 --> 00:08:18,160 Yeah, people's political views and priorities 278 00:08:18,160 --> 00:08:19,880 are shaped by a whole range of factors. 279 00:08:19,880 --> 00:08:21,640 It's not just about race or ethnicity. 280 00:08:21,640 --> 00:08:22,120 Right. 281 00:08:22,120 --> 00:08:25,360 And recent data actually shows that college-educated black 282 00:08:25,360 --> 00:08:27,240 and Latino voters are increasingly 283 00:08:27,240 --> 00:08:30,840 aligning themselves with college-educated white voters. 284 00:08:30,840 --> 00:08:33,360 So education and income might be becoming stronger 285 00:08:33,360 --> 00:08:37,080 predictors of voting behavior than race or ethnicity. 286 00:08:37,080 --> 00:08:38,960 It's something for the Democrats to think about. 287 00:08:38,960 --> 00:08:41,920 They've been really focused on appealing to people of color 288 00:08:41,920 --> 00:08:43,800 as a monolithic bloc. 289 00:08:43,800 --> 00:08:45,960 But that approach might be backfiring. 290 00:08:45,960 --> 00:08:48,320 Yeah, it's a good reminder that people are so complex 291 00:08:48,320 --> 00:08:49,720 and their political views are shaped 292 00:08:49,720 --> 00:08:51,720 by a whole range of factors. 293 00:08:51,720 --> 00:08:52,600 Absolutely. 294 00:08:52,600 --> 00:08:55,400 OK, let's turn our attention back to the political arena. 295 00:08:55,400 --> 00:08:58,480 It looks like Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York, 296 00:08:58,480 --> 00:09:00,040 might be eyeing a comeback. 297 00:09:00,040 --> 00:09:00,800 Really? 298 00:09:00,800 --> 00:09:02,560 I thought he was done with politics 299 00:09:02,560 --> 00:09:04,760 after those sexual harassment allegations. 300 00:09:04,760 --> 00:09:06,880 Well, it seems like he might be looking for redemption, 301 00:09:06,880 --> 00:09:08,800 or at least a return to the spotlight. 302 00:09:08,800 --> 00:09:10,280 And how's he planning to do that? 303 00:09:10,280 --> 00:09:11,960 Well, there are reports that he's considering a run 304 00:09:11,960 --> 00:09:13,440 for mayor of New York City. 305 00:09:13,440 --> 00:09:14,280 Mayor? 306 00:09:14,280 --> 00:09:16,120 That's a big step down from governor. 307 00:09:16,120 --> 00:09:17,000 It is. 308 00:09:17,000 --> 00:09:20,120 But the New York City mayoral race with its ranked choice 309 00:09:20,120 --> 00:09:23,240 voting system could be his ticket back in. 310 00:09:23,240 --> 00:09:24,400 Ranked choice voting. 311 00:09:24,400 --> 00:09:25,600 Can you explain how that works? 312 00:09:25,600 --> 00:09:26,240 Sure. 313 00:09:26,240 --> 00:09:29,120 So basically, voters rank their preferred candidates 314 00:09:29,120 --> 00:09:30,640 in order of preference. 315 00:09:30,640 --> 00:09:33,760 And if no candidate receives a majority of first place votes, 316 00:09:33,760 --> 00:09:36,240 the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, 317 00:09:36,240 --> 00:09:37,800 and their votes are redistributed 318 00:09:37,800 --> 00:09:39,520 to the voted second choices. 319 00:09:39,520 --> 00:09:41,880 And this process continues until one candidate 320 00:09:41,880 --> 00:09:42,800 reaches the majority. 321 00:09:42,800 --> 00:09:43,480 Exactly. 322 00:09:43,480 --> 00:09:45,160 It's a bit complicated, but it's 323 00:09:45,160 --> 00:09:47,000 designed to give voters more choices 324 00:09:47,000 --> 00:09:49,120 and ensure that the winner has broader support. 325 00:09:49,120 --> 00:09:49,600 I see. 326 00:09:49,600 --> 00:09:51,840 So how could this benefit Cuomo? 327 00:09:51,840 --> 00:09:53,080 Well, he's a well-known figure. 328 00:09:53,080 --> 00:09:55,880 So he might be able to garner enough first place votes 329 00:09:55,880 --> 00:09:59,320 to stay in the running, even if he isn't everyone's top choice. 330 00:09:59,320 --> 00:10:02,480 And what kind of campaign do you think he would run? 331 00:10:02,480 --> 00:10:04,400 He could potentially position himself 332 00:10:04,400 --> 00:10:07,360 as the ultimate anti-Trump candidate appealing 333 00:10:07,360 --> 00:10:10,240 to New Yorkers who are looking for a strong voice against 334 00:10:10,240 --> 00:10:11,800 the current administration. 335 00:10:11,800 --> 00:10:14,000 That could definitely resonate with a lot of voters 336 00:10:14,000 --> 00:10:15,120 in New York City. 337 00:10:15,120 --> 00:10:16,960 And Cuomo also has some other advantages. 338 00:10:16,960 --> 00:10:19,360 He has strong ties to labor unions, 339 00:10:19,360 --> 00:10:21,880 and he's built relationships with black and Jewish communities 340 00:10:21,880 --> 00:10:23,120 during his time as governor. 341 00:10:23,120 --> 00:10:25,560 So he has the experience, the name recognition, 342 00:10:25,560 --> 00:10:27,520 and a potential base of support. 343 00:10:27,520 --> 00:10:30,080 But will it be enough to overcome those sexual harassment 344 00:10:30,080 --> 00:10:30,760 allegations? 345 00:10:30,760 --> 00:10:31,680 That's the big question. 346 00:10:31,680 --> 00:10:33,640 It's going to be a fascinating race to watch, for sure. 347 00:10:33,640 --> 00:10:34,760 It sounds like it. 348 00:10:34,760 --> 00:10:36,240 Speaking of fascinating races, let's 349 00:10:36,240 --> 00:10:37,920 talk about what's happened with Eric Adams. 350 00:10:37,920 --> 00:10:39,040 You mean his legal troubles? 351 00:10:39,040 --> 00:10:39,560 Well, yes. 352 00:10:39,560 --> 00:10:41,240 But this is more about a clash of principles. 353 00:10:41,240 --> 00:10:44,040 Remember that whole saga with the interim US attorney, 354 00:10:44,040 --> 00:10:45,120 Danielle Sassoon? 355 00:10:45,120 --> 00:10:45,440 Oh, yeah. 356 00:10:45,440 --> 00:10:48,120 She reminded rather than comply with an order 357 00:10:48,120 --> 00:10:49,960 to drop the charges against Adams 358 00:10:49,960 --> 00:10:52,640 in exchange for his cooperation with Trump's immigration 359 00:10:52,640 --> 00:10:53,240 policies. 360 00:10:53,240 --> 00:10:53,840 Right. 361 00:10:53,840 --> 00:10:56,560 She argued that the request was an abuse of power 362 00:10:56,560 --> 00:10:58,160 and went against the public interest. 363 00:10:58,160 --> 00:10:59,200 It was a pretty bold move. 364 00:10:59,200 --> 00:11:00,280 It was. 365 00:11:00,280 --> 00:11:02,280 And now the judge, in the case Dale Ho, 366 00:11:02,280 --> 00:11:04,360 has to decide whether to grant that request 367 00:11:04,360 --> 00:11:05,600 to drop the charges. 368 00:11:05,600 --> 00:11:08,520 I imagine he's feeling a lot of pressure from both sides. 369 00:11:08,520 --> 00:11:10,200 Yeah, it's a tough spot to be in. 370 00:11:10,200 --> 00:11:12,200 He's clearly aware of the political implications 371 00:11:12,200 --> 00:11:14,760 of his decision, but he also seems determined to ensure 372 00:11:14,760 --> 00:11:15,960 that justice is served. 373 00:11:15,960 --> 00:11:18,280 It's a good reminder that we have a system of checks 374 00:11:18,280 --> 00:11:19,720 and balances for a reason. 375 00:11:19,720 --> 00:11:20,360 Exactly. 376 00:11:20,360 --> 00:11:22,040 And the judiciary plays a vital role 377 00:11:22,040 --> 00:11:24,680 in upholding the rule of law, especially in times like these. 378 00:11:24,680 --> 00:11:25,600 Couldn't agree more. 379 00:11:25,600 --> 00:11:28,480 OK, let's zoom out a bit and look at the global stage again. 380 00:11:28,480 --> 00:11:30,560 The recent election in Germany could 381 00:11:30,560 --> 00:11:33,200 have major implications for the relationship between Europe 382 00:11:33,200 --> 00:11:34,040 and the US. 383 00:11:34,040 --> 00:11:35,520 What happened? 384 00:11:35,520 --> 00:11:38,120 Well, it looks like Friedrich Mertz, the conservative leader, 385 00:11:38,120 --> 00:11:40,200 is poised to become chancellor. 386 00:11:40,200 --> 00:11:42,360 And how might that affect things? 387 00:11:42,360 --> 00:11:45,280 Well, Mertz has been openly critical of US interference 388 00:11:45,280 --> 00:11:46,600 in German affairs. 389 00:11:46,600 --> 00:11:49,400 He's even compared US muddling to that of Russia. 390 00:11:49,400 --> 00:11:51,280 Wow, that's a pretty strong statement. 391 00:11:51,280 --> 00:11:51,640 It is. 392 00:11:51,640 --> 00:11:53,280 He's basically saying that Germany is 393 00:11:53,280 --> 00:11:55,800 going to start prioritizing its own interests, 394 00:11:55,800 --> 00:11:58,360 even if that means disagreeing with the US. 395 00:11:58,360 --> 00:11:58,920 Interesting. 396 00:11:58,920 --> 00:12:01,320 So we could be seeing a shift in the balance of power 397 00:12:01,320 --> 00:12:02,800 between the US and Europe. 398 00:12:02,800 --> 00:12:04,520 It's definitely a possibility. 399 00:12:04,520 --> 00:12:05,760 This is all very intriguing. 400 00:12:05,760 --> 00:12:08,280 It seems like the world is becoming a much more complex 401 00:12:08,280 --> 00:12:09,760 and unpredictable place. 402 00:12:09,760 --> 00:12:10,360 I agree. 403 00:12:10,360 --> 00:12:13,320 And that's why it's so important to stay informed and engaged 404 00:12:13,320 --> 00:12:16,400 to try to understand how these global shifts could 405 00:12:16,400 --> 00:12:18,160 impact our lives here at home. 406 00:12:18,160 --> 00:12:19,320 Absolutely. 407 00:12:19,320 --> 00:12:21,200 Well, I hate to interrupt this fascinating conversation, 408 00:12:21,200 --> 00:12:23,560 but it looks like we're just about out of time for this deep dive. 409 00:12:23,560 --> 00:12:24,200 Oh, bummer. 410 00:12:24,200 --> 00:12:25,320 I was just getting warmed up. 411 00:12:25,320 --> 00:12:26,440 I know me too. 412 00:12:26,440 --> 00:12:28,960 But don't worry, we'll continue this discussion in our next episode. 413 00:12:28,960 --> 00:12:29,800 Looking forward to it. 414 00:12:29,800 --> 00:12:31,320 Thanks for joining us on this deep dive. 415 00:12:31,320 --> 00:12:32,080 We'll see you next time. 416 00:12:32,080 --> 00:12:32,920 See ya. 417 00:12:32,920 --> 00:12:34,360 He's definitely got his own agenda. 418 00:12:34,360 --> 00:12:34,680 Yeah. 419 00:12:34,680 --> 00:12:37,080 On some issues, he actually aligns more closely 420 00:12:37,080 --> 00:12:38,560 with Biden than Trump. 421 00:12:38,560 --> 00:12:39,080 Oh, really? 422 00:12:39,080 --> 00:12:39,600 Like what? 423 00:12:39,600 --> 00:12:42,680 Well, he's a big advocate for European self-reliance, 424 00:12:42,680 --> 00:12:44,800 particularly when it comes to defense. 425 00:12:44,800 --> 00:12:48,320 And he's not a fan of China wants to reduce Germany's 426 00:12:48,320 --> 00:12:49,760 economic dependence on them. 427 00:12:49,760 --> 00:12:52,720 So basically, a more independent and assertive Germany. 428 00:12:52,720 --> 00:12:54,160 Pretty much, yeah. 429 00:12:54,160 --> 00:12:56,640 It'll be interesting to see how the US reacts to that. 430 00:12:56,640 --> 00:12:59,200 Do you think this shift in Germany's stance 431 00:12:59,200 --> 00:13:02,880 could have a domino effect throughout Europe? 432 00:13:02,880 --> 00:13:05,160 Could we see other countries following suit? 433 00:13:05,160 --> 00:13:08,120 It's definitely possible, especially if Germany, 434 00:13:08,120 --> 00:13:10,200 one of the most powerful members of the EU, 435 00:13:10,200 --> 00:13:12,000 starts to distance itself from the US. 436 00:13:12,000 --> 00:13:12,280 Right. 437 00:13:12,280 --> 00:13:15,040 It's like they might start to see the US as an unreliable partner 438 00:13:15,040 --> 00:13:17,280 and look for new alliances, new partnerships. 439 00:13:17,280 --> 00:13:17,760 Exactly. 440 00:13:17,760 --> 00:13:20,320 And you could argue that the US under the current administration 441 00:13:20,320 --> 00:13:22,200 is actually accelerating this whole process. 442 00:13:22,200 --> 00:13:24,400 I know Trump's America First approach 443 00:13:24,400 --> 00:13:26,920 has alienated a lot of traditional allies. 444 00:13:26,920 --> 00:13:30,040 Pushing them towards greater independence or even alignment 445 00:13:30,040 --> 00:13:31,760 with other global powers like China. 446 00:13:31,760 --> 00:13:32,080 Right. 447 00:13:32,080 --> 00:13:35,720 It's a stark contrast to the post-World War II era 448 00:13:35,720 --> 00:13:39,120 when the US was seen as the leader of the free world, 449 00:13:39,120 --> 00:13:41,040 the guarantor of global stability. 450 00:13:41,040 --> 00:13:41,240 Yeah. 451 00:13:41,240 --> 00:13:44,040 And now it seems like we're heading towards a more fragmented 452 00:13:44,040 --> 00:13:46,400 and multipolar world where power is more diffuse. 453 00:13:46,400 --> 00:13:47,320 Exactly. 454 00:13:47,320 --> 00:13:48,800 Which brings us back to our listener. 455 00:13:48,800 --> 00:13:51,840 How will these global shifts affect their lives? 456 00:13:51,840 --> 00:13:53,640 That's the million dollar question, isn't it? 457 00:13:53,640 --> 00:13:54,120 It is. 458 00:13:54,120 --> 00:13:56,360 It's hard to predict the exact consequences. 459 00:13:56,360 --> 00:13:59,240 But it's clear that we're entering a period of profound change 460 00:13:59,240 --> 00:14:00,320 on a global scale. 461 00:14:00,320 --> 00:14:00,760 Yeah. 462 00:14:00,760 --> 00:14:02,120 The old certainties are crumbling, 463 00:14:02,120 --> 00:14:03,640 and new ones have yet to solidify. 464 00:14:03,640 --> 00:14:03,920 Right. 465 00:14:03,920 --> 00:14:06,520 And that creates both risks and opportunities. 466 00:14:06,520 --> 00:14:09,800 It's important for everyone to stay informed and engaged 467 00:14:09,800 --> 00:14:12,160 to try to understand how these shifts could impact 468 00:14:12,160 --> 00:14:13,960 their communities, their livelihoods, 469 00:14:13,960 --> 00:14:15,400 even their personal values. 470 00:14:15,400 --> 00:14:17,440 It's about being prepared for a world that's 471 00:14:17,440 --> 00:14:21,160 becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable, 472 00:14:21,160 --> 00:14:23,600 where the old rules may no longer apply 473 00:14:23,600 --> 00:14:25,080 and new ones are still being written. 474 00:14:25,080 --> 00:14:25,840 Well said. 475 00:14:25,840 --> 00:14:27,840 And that's what makes these deep dives so valuable. 476 00:14:27,840 --> 00:14:29,600 We need to understand the nuances, 477 00:14:29,600 --> 00:14:32,200 the interconnectedness, the potential unintended 478 00:14:32,200 --> 00:14:34,560 consequences of these global shifts 479 00:14:34,560 --> 00:14:37,400 if we want to navigate this new reality effectively. 480 00:14:37,400 --> 00:14:39,280 Speaking of unintended consequences, 481 00:14:39,280 --> 00:14:40,840 there's another story we need to unpack. 482 00:14:40,840 --> 00:14:42,760 It involves Eric Adams again. 483 00:14:42,760 --> 00:14:45,640 But this time, it's not about his personal legal battles. 484 00:14:45,640 --> 00:14:48,040 It's more about a clash of principles. 485 00:14:48,040 --> 00:14:50,600 You're talking about Daniels Assume, the interim US 486 00:14:50,600 --> 00:14:53,720 attorney who resigned rather than dropped the charges 487 00:14:53,720 --> 00:14:56,080 against Adams in exchange for his cooperation 488 00:14:56,080 --> 00:14:57,960 with Trump's immigration crackdown. 489 00:14:57,960 --> 00:14:58,720 Exactly. 490 00:14:58,720 --> 00:15:01,760 It's a fascinating case study in ethical decision making 491 00:15:01,760 --> 00:15:03,920 and the importance of upholding the rule of law, 492 00:15:03,920 --> 00:15:05,840 even when facing immense pressure. 493 00:15:05,840 --> 00:15:06,520 It really is. 494 00:15:06,520 --> 00:15:07,920 And then there's Judge Dale Ho, who 495 00:15:07,920 --> 00:15:09,960 has to decide whether to dismiss the charges 496 00:15:09,960 --> 00:15:10,920 against Adams. 497 00:15:10,920 --> 00:15:11,880 He's in a tough spot. 498 00:15:11,880 --> 00:15:12,080 Yeah. 499 00:15:12,080 --> 00:15:14,160 He's clearly aware of the political implications 500 00:15:14,160 --> 00:15:14,920 of his decision. 501 00:15:14,920 --> 00:15:17,360 But he also seems determined to ensure 502 00:15:17,360 --> 00:15:19,160 that justice is served regardless 503 00:15:19,160 --> 00:15:20,400 of those external pressures. 504 00:15:20,400 --> 00:15:23,440 It really underscores the vital role of the judiciary, 505 00:15:23,440 --> 00:15:26,040 especially in times of political polarization 506 00:15:26,040 --> 00:15:27,120 and uncertainty. 507 00:15:27,120 --> 00:15:27,360 Right. 508 00:15:27,360 --> 00:15:29,920 The courts can act as a check on executive power, 509 00:15:29,920 --> 00:15:32,000 safeguarding individual rights, and upholding 510 00:15:32,000 --> 00:15:33,920 the principles of fairness and due process. 511 00:15:33,920 --> 00:15:34,520 Absolutely. 512 00:15:34,520 --> 00:15:36,960 They provide a sense of stability and continuity, 513 00:15:36,960 --> 00:15:39,520 ensuring that the rule of law prevails, not just 514 00:15:39,520 --> 00:15:40,880 the whims of those in power. 515 00:15:40,880 --> 00:15:42,280 OK, shifting gears again, let's talk 516 00:15:42,280 --> 00:15:44,200 about something that might seem a bit technical, 517 00:15:44,200 --> 00:15:47,520 but has huge implications for the global balance of power, 518 00:15:47,520 --> 00:15:48,920 ASML. 519 00:15:48,920 --> 00:15:51,120 Remember that Dutch company that makes those incredibly 520 00:15:51,120 --> 00:15:52,880 specialized chip making machines? 521 00:15:52,880 --> 00:15:53,880 Oh, yeah, ASML. 522 00:15:53,880 --> 00:15:56,440 They're basically the gatekeepers of advanced chip 523 00:15:56,440 --> 00:15:59,040 production, which is vital for everything 524 00:15:59,040 --> 00:16:02,560 from smartphones and computers to military hardware 525 00:16:02,560 --> 00:16:04,160 and artificial intelligence. 526 00:16:04,160 --> 00:16:06,520 And depending on who they choose to sell those machines 527 00:16:06,520 --> 00:16:08,360 to the balance of power could shift dramatically. 528 00:16:08,360 --> 00:16:09,000 Exactly. 529 00:16:09,000 --> 00:16:11,520 It's mind-blowing to think that a single company based 530 00:16:11,520 --> 00:16:14,400 in the Netherlands could have such a profound impact 531 00:16:14,400 --> 00:16:15,440 on the global order. 532 00:16:15,440 --> 00:16:17,240 It really highlights the fact that we're not just 533 00:16:17,240 --> 00:16:19,360 dealing with nation states anymore. 534 00:16:19,360 --> 00:16:22,840 It's a complex web of corporations, technologies, 535 00:16:22,840 --> 00:16:26,600 and individuals all vying for influence on a global scale. 536 00:16:26,600 --> 00:16:28,920 And this complexity is exactly why these deep dives are 537 00:16:28,920 --> 00:16:29,640 so crucial. 538 00:16:29,640 --> 00:16:32,400 We need to understand these nuances, these interconnections, 539 00:16:32,400 --> 00:16:35,400 and the potential unintended consequences 540 00:16:35,400 --> 00:16:37,920 if we want to make sense of this new global landscape. 541 00:16:37,920 --> 00:16:39,880 Well, I hate to interrupt this fascinating conversation, 542 00:16:39,880 --> 00:16:41,640 but it looks like we're just about out of time 543 00:16:41,640 --> 00:16:42,640 for this deep dive. 544 00:16:42,640 --> 00:16:43,600 Yeah, I know it's a bummer. 545 00:16:43,600 --> 00:16:45,600 But before we wrap up, I wanted to circle back 546 00:16:45,600 --> 00:16:47,800 to something you get earlier about the shifting global 547 00:16:47,800 --> 00:16:48,480 landscape. 548 00:16:48,480 --> 00:16:49,200 Sure thing. 549 00:16:49,200 --> 00:16:50,120 What was it? 550 00:16:50,120 --> 00:16:53,520 You mentioned how the US might be inadvertently accelerating 551 00:16:53,520 --> 00:16:56,000 that process with its current foreign policy. 552 00:16:56,000 --> 00:16:57,400 Can you unpack that a bit more? 553 00:16:57,400 --> 00:16:58,440 Oh, yeah, absolutely. 554 00:16:58,440 --> 00:17:02,000 So when the US prioritizes its own interests above all else, 555 00:17:02,000 --> 00:17:04,760 like we've seen with the whole America-first approach, 556 00:17:04,760 --> 00:17:07,240 it creates a vacuum on the global stage. 557 00:17:07,240 --> 00:17:07,800 A vacuum? 558 00:17:07,800 --> 00:17:09,400 Yeah, like other countries start 559 00:17:09,400 --> 00:17:12,800 to question the reliability of the US as a partner. 560 00:17:12,800 --> 00:17:15,120 And they begin to look for alternative alliances 561 00:17:15,120 --> 00:17:16,000 and arrangements. 562 00:17:16,000 --> 00:17:17,720 So basically, they're like, if the US isn't 563 00:17:17,720 --> 00:17:19,320 going to be a reliable partner, we 564 00:17:19,320 --> 00:17:20,640 need to look out for ourselves. 565 00:17:20,640 --> 00:17:21,200 Exactly. 566 00:17:21,200 --> 00:17:23,200 And we're already seeing signs of this with Germany, 567 00:17:23,200 --> 00:17:23,920 for example. 568 00:17:23,920 --> 00:17:26,480 Right, with their push for a greater European self-reliance. 569 00:17:26,480 --> 00:17:28,000 Right, and the potential for countries 570 00:17:28,000 --> 00:17:30,640 to start aligning themselves more closely with China. 571 00:17:30,640 --> 00:17:33,560 So if countries like Germany start acting more independently 572 00:17:33,560 --> 00:17:36,440 or even start acting against US interests, 573 00:17:36,440 --> 00:17:38,840 what kind of impact could that have, I mean, realistically? 574 00:17:38,840 --> 00:17:41,800 Well, it could reshape global trade, for one thing. 575 00:17:41,800 --> 00:17:42,560 How so? 576 00:17:42,560 --> 00:17:44,120 Think about ASML again. 577 00:17:44,120 --> 00:17:45,720 The Dutch chipmaking company. 578 00:17:45,720 --> 00:17:46,440 Yeah. 579 00:17:46,440 --> 00:17:49,280 If they decide to resume selling their advanced chipmaking 580 00:17:49,280 --> 00:17:51,960 equipment to China despite US objections. 581 00:17:51,960 --> 00:17:53,200 Which they very well might. 582 00:17:53,200 --> 00:17:54,120 Exactly. 583 00:17:54,120 --> 00:17:56,040 It could give China a significant boost 584 00:17:56,040 --> 00:17:57,720 in its technological capabilities, 585 00:17:57,720 --> 00:17:59,560 potentially shifting the balance of power 586 00:17:59,560 --> 00:18:02,440 in areas like artificial intelligence and supercomputing. 587 00:18:02,440 --> 00:18:05,480 So basically, a Dutch company selling equipment to China 588 00:18:05,480 --> 00:18:09,280 could end up having a bigger impact on US global influence 589 00:18:09,280 --> 00:18:11,240 than any direct political maneuver. 590 00:18:11,240 --> 00:18:12,920 It's definitely a possibility. 591 00:18:12,920 --> 00:18:16,160 It highlights how complex and often unpredictable 592 00:18:16,160 --> 00:18:18,240 this new global landscape really is. 593 00:18:18,240 --> 00:18:19,880 Power is becoming more diffuse. 594 00:18:19,880 --> 00:18:20,440 Right. 595 00:18:20,440 --> 00:18:22,800 And it's not always held by nation states anymore. 596 00:18:22,800 --> 00:18:25,360 Corporations, technology, even individuals 597 00:18:25,360 --> 00:18:28,880 can wield significant influence in this interconnected world. 598 00:18:28,880 --> 00:18:30,840 OK, so as we wrap up this deep dive, 599 00:18:30,840 --> 00:18:32,960 what are the key takeaways you'd want our listeners 600 00:18:32,960 --> 00:18:34,320 to really kind of chew on? 601 00:18:34,320 --> 00:18:35,760 Well, I think the biggest takeaway 602 00:18:35,760 --> 00:18:38,640 is that we're living in a world of accelerating change 603 00:18:38,640 --> 00:18:40,960 and the old assumptions and frameworks 604 00:18:40,960 --> 00:18:42,400 they just may no longer apply. 605 00:18:42,400 --> 00:18:42,680 Right. 606 00:18:42,680 --> 00:18:44,160 The global landscape is shifting. 607 00:18:44,160 --> 00:18:45,920 Power dynamics are evolving. 608 00:18:45,920 --> 00:18:46,560 Exactly. 609 00:18:46,560 --> 00:18:49,000 And the decisions made by individuals, corporations, 610 00:18:49,000 --> 00:18:50,720 and governments are having ripple effects 611 00:18:50,720 --> 00:18:52,400 that are felt far and wide. 612 00:18:52,400 --> 00:18:53,320 It's a lot to process. 613 00:18:53,320 --> 00:18:53,880 It is. 614 00:18:53,880 --> 00:18:55,960 But it's also an exciting time to be alive. 615 00:18:55,960 --> 00:18:56,640 How so? 616 00:18:56,640 --> 00:18:58,720 Well, it's a time to re-examine our values, 617 00:18:58,720 --> 00:19:00,920 reassess our priorities, find new ways 618 00:19:00,920 --> 00:19:03,360 to engage with this rapidly changing world. 619 00:19:03,360 --> 00:19:04,760 So what's the best way for people 620 00:19:04,760 --> 00:19:06,640 to stay ahead of the curve, in your opinion? 621 00:19:06,640 --> 00:19:09,640 I'd say it's a combination of staying informed, 622 00:19:09,640 --> 00:19:13,200 engaging in critical thinking, and being open to new perspectives. 623 00:19:13,200 --> 00:19:14,960 So not just accepting the narratives 624 00:19:14,960 --> 00:19:16,080 that are being presented to you? 625 00:19:16,080 --> 00:19:16,400 Right. 626 00:19:16,400 --> 00:19:19,000 Dig deeper, ask questions, challenge assumptions. 627 00:19:19,000 --> 00:19:21,040 And maybe just embrace the uncertainty 628 00:19:21,040 --> 00:19:23,280 and see it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and make 629 00:19:23,280 --> 00:19:25,360 a difference in this evolving world. 630 00:19:25,360 --> 00:19:26,840 Couldn't have said it better myself. 631 00:19:26,840 --> 00:19:28,280 Well, that's it for our deep dive 632 00:19:28,280 --> 00:19:31,000 into the events of February 24, 2025. 633 00:19:31,000 --> 00:19:32,480 We've covered a lot of ground today, 634 00:19:32,480 --> 00:19:35,240 from local politics to global power shifts. 635 00:19:35,240 --> 00:19:37,560 And I think it's safe to say that the future is anything 636 00:19:37,560 --> 00:19:38,640 but predictable. 637 00:19:38,640 --> 00:19:40,760 It definitely keeps us on our toes. 638 00:19:40,760 --> 00:19:41,120 It does. 639 00:19:41,120 --> 00:19:42,800 So to all our listeners out there, 640 00:19:42,800 --> 00:19:45,040 thanks for joining us on this deep dive. 641 00:19:45,040 --> 00:19:47,280 We encourage you to keep exploring these topics, 642 00:19:47,280 --> 00:19:49,800 to keep those critical thinking skills sharp, 643 00:19:49,800 --> 00:19:52,080 and to never stop learning. 644 00:19:52,080 --> 00:19:52,920 We'll see you next time. 645 00:19:52,920 --> 00:20:16,160 See you later.