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What does the presence or absence of swing voters say about the progression of political realignment?
Hello Marshall and Saagar, I am not in politics professionally but my career in defense tech is highly influenced by policy objectives, leading me to watch the landscape closely. It appears to me that there are virtually no undecided voters anymore, as most everyone has had a solidified view of Trump for many years now. Furthermore, it appears that Biden won in 2020 not by appealing to swing voters, but instead activating low propensity voters to come out against Trump rather than for Biden. I'm not sure the Biden campaign will be able to pull off that maneuver again this fall given the disparity many of those exact low propensity voters have felt during the Biden presidency and the loss of youth support due to Israel/Gaza policies. This would imply that the realignment is stopped (or paused) because the parties are set in to their views due to there being so few voters left in the middle to fight over. I was hoping you could reflect on the framing here (victory via low propensity voters, minimal swing voters remaining, implications for this election, etc.) and use it as a opportunity to describe where in the process of realignment you think we are. You used to frequently say that a realignment would be a years or decade+ long process, and we are now nearly 9 years out from the escalator ride on June 16, 2015. I've been a subscriber since the beginning and a premium supporter for as long as I've been able. Greatly appreciate all the work you do. Best, Josh
He's doing it to himself, right?
I recently heard Trump was posting about a Judge's daughter, and I have to question does anyone else think that Trump is doing it to himself? How do you feel about his actions? I get its a ploy to make this stuff last till he has a 50% shot at the president and ignore it for another 4 years.
What philosophical school do you subscribe to?
Not politically, and to a lesser extent - but related - spiritually, what school of philosophy do you subscribe both subscribe to. I am of the belief you two will likely differ from one another. Additionally, do you think that 20th and 21st century philosophy is just repackaged ancient teachings by a new name?
Strong Towns
Hey Marshal and Saagar, I have been recently researching more of the New Urbanism movement in the US, specifically the Strong Towns movement founded by Charles Marohn. I recently read his first book Strong Towns (which is free on Spotify premium and I highly recommend) laying out the post-war economic model around Suburbinaztion and growth over wealth. It was very interesting viewing US history 1945-present through the lens of Urban planning, and Infrastructure and as a child of the Rust Belt it really helped me understand what went wrong in the 20th Century. Also Benjamin Harold was just on the Strong Towns podcast and I think anyone who enjoyed your episode with him would benefit from that episode. I wanted to get your take on the post-war Suburbanization and interstate highway system craze that characterizes the 1950s, if it was a mistake do you think it was worth it etc. and your take on the New Urbanism movement as a political force as it does seem to be able to reach out to both the right and the left fairly well. I sincerely hope you guys program more of this material into your content as I think it is what will actually solve the problems of the day. Keep up the great work. Thanks,