5 chapters across the catalog
The hosts examine the specific misconduct of DA Mike Nifong, who rigged photo lineups and conspired with a DNA lab to hide exonerating evidence. They argue his primary motive was winning a contested election by appealing to black voters in Durham. They describe his behavior as an extraordinary violation of prosecutorial ethics.
Using sports analogies involving LeBron James and Michael Jordan, the hosts discuss the emotional connection fans have with Trump. They lament that Trump's actions on January 6th have forced his followers to become "closeted," making it socially unacceptable to support him. They express sadness for the fans who viewed Trump as their last hope against a corrupt political system.
Senator Bernie Sanders officially ended his 2020 presidential campaign, making Joe Biden the presumptive Democratic nominee. Sanders cited the insurmountable lead held by Biden and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as primary reasons for his withdrawal. Media reports highlight that Sanders delivered his concession remarks from his home in Vermont without the typical fanfare of a campaign rally.
The discussion shifts to the central theme of the episode: the history and power of the black vote in America. Projections for the 2020 Democratic primaries suggest that one out of every four votes will be cast by black voters, marking a potential historical peak in influence. Moe argues that while black voters are often viewed as a monolith, there is a growing internal divide regarding political demands and the strategy of abstaining from voting.
Black voters are encouraged to use their vote as leverage by withholding it from candidates who do not offer specific "tangibles." Strategies discussed include not voting in Democratic primaries to send a signal to the party or focusing exclusively on local elections where impact is more direct. The South Carolina primary is highlighted as a crucial early test where the black populace has significant power to determine the party's momentum.
