Topic: Political Strategy

15 chapters across the catalog

100: Hard R
34:11 - 41:27

100: Hard R

Pronouns, Fluid Language, and Political Calculus

The hosts critique the rapid shifts in acceptable terminology, such as the transition from "birthing person" back to "woman" during election cycles. They question why certain events, like the police shooting of Sonya Massey in Illinois, do not receive the same national media elevation as previous incidents. They suggest that political groups only amplify tragedies when it "behooves" their specific strategic goals.

99: Devil in the Details
31:38 - 35:01

99: Devil in the Details

Democratic Party Succession and the Potential Wes Moore Ticket

Black Lives Matter issued a statement criticizing the Democratic Party for "anointing" Kamala Harris without a public primary vote. Speculation arises regarding Maryland Governor Wes Moore as a potential vice-presidential pick to create a "double black" ticket. This strategy is viewed as an attempt to shore up support among black male voters and balance the ticket's perceived gaps.

95: IDK
2:30:34 - 2:33:23

95: IDK

Strategy 12, Grand Strategy and Political Sacrifices

Strategy 12, "Lose Battles but Win the War," focuses on long-term goals over minor victories. The hosts discuss political "sacrifices" like George Santos and Sam Brinton, suggesting that the establishment is willing to give up certain individuals to maintain the broader system. They argue that "Grand Strategy" requires looking beyond emotional reactions to achieve ultimate rewards.

77: No Hugs Needed
58:48 - 1:01:05

77: No Hugs Needed

Republican Political Calculus, Flipping the Black Vote

The Republican Party is analyzing the "negative vote," where Black voters staying home or switching parties creates a significant electoral shift. The hosts discuss how flipping a single household can result in a "plus four" swing in political calculus. Tucker Carlson's recent segments are viewed as a signal of this changing strategy.

49: Brothas Be Voting
34:13 - 38:42

49: Brothas Be Voting

The Trick Baby Strategy and Political Neutralization

A clip from the 1974 film "Trick Baby" is used to illustrate a theory on how liberals and conservatives handle "smart" individuals from marginalized communities. The film suggests that moving talented Black individuals into white society neutralizes them as potential leaders by alienating them from their roots. The hosts apply this concept to modern politics, suggesting the media and political parties use similar tactics to manage the Black electorate.

37: A Shell Game
1:55:26 - 1:58:29

37: A Shell Game

NPR on the Moral Tinge of the Civil War

NPR reporting confirms that Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation to add a "moral tinge" to the war and recruit more soldiers for the Union. The hosts suggest that modern media outlets like NPR may be discrediting Lincoln now to counter the Republican Party's "Party of Lincoln" talking point.

35: Take That, Take That
11:00 - 15:08

35: Take That, Take That

Business Transactions, Political Strategy and The Hill Analysis

Crystal Ball and Saagar Enjeti discuss Diddy's "hostage" comment as a rational business transaction rather than radicalism. They argue the Democratic Party's primary innovation over the last 30 years has been a strategy of ignoring the economic populist left while assuming they have no choice but to vote against the opposition. The hosts express validation that mainstream media figures are finally articulating these long-held sentiments.

33: Sandbagged
9:58 - 13:19

33: Sandbagged

Media Criticism of Sanders and the Black Vote Analogy

Mainstream media outlets, specifically CNN, criticized Bernie Sanders for not offering a warmer embrace of Joe Biden during his concession speech. The hosts compare the Democratic Party's treatment of "Bernie Bros" to their historical treatment of the Black vote, characterized as a "shut up and vote" strategy. They argue that the party uses the threat of a "boogeyman" opponent to force compliance from progressive and minority voting blocs.

33: Sandbagged
13:20 - 15:46

33: Sandbagged

Donald Trump Reacts to Sanders Dropping Out

President Donald Trump commented on Bernie Sanders' exit, questioning the legitimacy of the withdrawal since Sanders intended to keep his delegates for the convention. The hosts suggest Trump's strategy is to keep the "wound open" among Sanders supporters to encourage them to stay home or defect. This tactic is identified as a "negative vote" strategy previously tested on other demographics.

33: Sandbagged
15:47 - 19:48

33: Sandbagged

Jimmy Dore Critiques Sanders' Campaign Strategy

Comedian and commentator Jimmy Dore criticizes Bernie Sanders for effectively running Joe Biden's campaign by calling him a "decent guy" who can beat Trump. Dore argues that Sanders failed to use potent political weapons, such as Hillary Clinton's emails in 2016, to actually win. The hosts discuss Dore's position on the political spectrum and his overlap with independent media audiences.

18: Shero to Zero
53:21 - 56:21

18: Shero to Zero

Hubris and Laziness, California Political Background

The hosts speculate on whether Harris's failure was due to hubris or a lack of intelligence, suggesting her easy political rise in California left her unprepared for the scrutiny of a national campaign. They argue she "fumbled the bag" by failing to pander effectively to her core demographic.

04: Facts and Fallacies
1:36:32 - 1:40:42

04: Facts and Fallacies

Political Strategy and the 14th Amendment Loophole

The hosts question why conservative think tanks do not more aggressively use the issue of illegal immigration to win over Black voters. They argue that the "anchor baby" loophole is a direct theft of the birthright intended for the descendants of slaves under the Civil Rights Act of 1866. The segment suggests that both political parties benefit from illegal immigration at the elite level, which is why the issue is rarely framed as a threat to Black American interests.

03: Opportunity Zone
5:50 - 9:51

03: Opportunity Zone

Media Protection, Kamala Harris Staffer Defense

An analysis of an MSNBC panel discussion suggests that mainstream media outlets protect Kamala Harris by attributing controversial statements to her staffers. Despite the segment being titled as "mocking" the Senator, the hosts argue the pundits actually provided her with an excuse for her poorly timed Smollett tweet. The conversation highlights a perceived pattern of the media handling Harris with "kid gloves" compared to other candidates.