US Politics Election Extra: Harris - Trump Showdown Update
Table of Contents 📖
"Trump doesn't care about America. He doesn't care about Americans. He roots for bad things to happen to Americans so he can exploit it. Trump only cares about Trump."
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:15⏩
Jonathan opens with a warm welcome to viewers for another US Election daily update, focusing on the ongoing political showdown between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.
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Trump's Foreign Policy Stances Alarm GOP Lawmakers
🎦 00:15-09:11⏩
Jonathan delves into an article from The Hill highlighting the growing alarm amongst national security-minded Republican lawmakers over Trump’s recent foreign policy stances, including:
- A push to raise NATO defence spending to 3% of GDP, potentially creating obstacles for member nations and serving as a pretext for the US to withdraw from the alliance.
- Trump's suggestion that Taiwan should handle more of its defence spending, implying a reluctance to aid the island nation against Chinese aggression.
- Republican senators express concern over Trump's meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a pro-Russian figure, at his Mar-a-Lago resort.
- Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's public distancing from Trump's running mate, J.D. Vance, who opposed the Ukraine assistance package.
- Jonathan draws parallels between Trump's foreign policy approach and the isolationist "America First" movement of the 1930s, which advocated against US involvement in World War II until the Pearl Harbor attack.
Jonathan also mentions prominent figures critical of Trump's stance, such as Adam Kinzinger, a veteran and staunch supporter of Ukraine who left the Republican party due to concerns about its direction. He recommends Liz Cheney's book "Oath and Honour" for deeper insights into these political divisions.
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Immigration Numbers and Campaign Fundraising
🎦 09:11-13:28⏩
Jonathan shifts focus to domestic issues:
- He cites a decline in unlawful migrant crossings at the US southern border, reaching its lowest point since 2020. While acknowledging potential criticisms regarding data collection methods, he points out that this trend benefits the Democrats heading into the election.
- Jonathan compares fundraising efforts by the Trump campaign and the Harris campaign, revealing that while Trump raised a substantial $138.7 million in July, Harris matched that amount within a remarkable 72 hours.
He emphasises the significance of positive economic data and decreasing crime rates, suggesting that such trends typically favour incumbent governments during elections.
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Grassroots Support for Harris
🎦 13:28-15:24⏩
Jonathan analyses the impressive grassroots support for Harris’s campaign:
- July marked a historic month for presidential fundraising, driven by small-dollar donations.
- Harris's campaign received more contributions from grassroots channels in the four days following Biden's endorsement than Trump's large-donor operation raised throughout the entire month.
- Over three million individual donors contributed, with more than two million making their first-ever donation in this election cycle.
- A staggering 94% of all donations were under $200, demonstrating widespread support.
- Teachers and nurses remain among the most frequent donor occupations.
- The campaign saw a surge in donations from Gen Z and millennial demographics compared to the previous month.
- Jonathan highlights that 60% of all donors in July were women, showcasing strong support from female voters.
He underscores the impact of voter registration drives, hinting at upcoming discussions on related controversies.
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Trump's Temperament and Fallout from NABJ Conference
🎦 15:24-17:42⏩
Jonathan discusses Trump's appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) conference, drawing upon insights from the "Rest is Politics US" podcast hosted by Katie Kay and Anthony Scaramucci:
- Scaramucci, who briefly served in the Trump administration, believes Trump was genuinely angered by the reception he received during the interview with black journalists.
- Jonathan points to Trump's subsequent appearance in Pennsylvania where he made several uncharacteristic gaffes, suggesting this as evidence of his agitated state.
- Scaramucci speculates that Trump's anger stemmed from the interview not going as planned, as he intended to control the narrative and garner positive attention.
Trump's Comments on Kamala Harris' Race
🎦 17:42-19:53⏩
Jonathan revisits Trump's controversial remarks regarding Harris' racial identity, condemning his attempts to weaponise her biracial heritage for political gain.
- Jonathan highlights the absurdity of Trump's assertion that Harris can only identify with one aspect of her heritage, labelling it as a desperate attempt to exploit racial divisions.
- Jonathan argues that this tactic could backfire, potentially alienating the very voters Trump needs to win over.
Trump's Relationship with Project 2025
🎦 19:53-25:01⏩
Jonathan delves into the complex relationship between Trump and "Project 2025," a conservative policy roadmap:
- Trump publicly distanced himself from Project 2025, claiming ignorance about its details. However, Jonathan finds this denial disingenuous, pointing to the extensive involvement of Trump's allies in its development.
- Jonathan argues that Trump's distancing was likely a strategic move, influenced by advisors who recognise that the project’s more extreme elements are unpopular with moderate voters.
- He explains this dynamic as a "box with a ceiling," implying that Trump's core MAGA base, while deeply loyal, is insufficient to secure an election victory.
- Jonathan suggests that appealing to a broader electorate requires Trump to moderate his stance and move away from divisive rhetoric and policies like those outlined in Project 2025.
Jonathan postulates that Trump’s recent actions, including sidelining advisors who advocated for moderation, indicate his preference for the comfort and adulation of his base over the strategic necessity of broadening his appeal.
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Harris Faulkner's Reaction to Trump at NABJ Conference
🎦 25:01-31:09⏩
Jonathan examines Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner's reaction to Trump's behaviour during the NABJ interview:
- Jonathan recounts Scaramucci's observation that Faulkner, a supporter of Trump, audibly gasped when he dismissed a question from journalist Rachel Scott as "nasty".
- He speculates on the internal conflict experienced by journalists like Faulkner who work for outlets that strongly support Trump, questioning their genuine beliefs and the compromises they might make.
- Jonathan expresses disappointment that Faulkner, after initially reacting negatively to Trump's behaviour, later defended him on her Fox News show, suggesting she prioritised her network’s pro-Trump stance over her personal observations.
Jonathan highlights Faulkner's shift as a symptom of the broader issue of partisan media and its potential to distort perceptions.
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Trump's Disagreement with NABJ Over Fact-Checking
🎦 31:09-32:52⏩
Jonathan discusses a behind-the-scenes controversy at the NABJ conference:
- Trump reportedly stalled the interview until the organisers agreed not to fact-check his statements live.
- Jonathan reveals that NABJ President Ken Lemon had prepared a statement explaining Trump's absence due to this disagreement but ultimately did not have to present it as Trump eventually appeared on stage.
Jonathan points to this incident as further evidence of Trump's aversion to scrutiny and accountability.
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Trump’s "Black Jobs" Comment, Simone Biles' Reaction
🎦 32:52-34:08⏩
Jonathan examines the public response to Trump's NABJ appearance, highlighting negative reactions from figures like Simone Biles:
- Trump's use of the phrase "black jobs" during the interview sparked criticism and speculation about his underlying meaning, with some interpreting it as a dog whistle.
- Jonathan shares Simone Biles' tweet, "I love my black job," posted after she won her second gold medal at the Olympics, interpreting it as a pointed jab at Trump's rhetoric.
Jonathan argues that these public rebukes demonstrate the interview's negative impact on Trump's image and his failure to win over crucial demographics.
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Prisoner Swap: US and Russia
🎦 34:08-38:25⏩
Jonathan analyses the recent prisoner exchange between the US and Russia, focusing on the political implications and contrasting viewpoints:
- He acknowledges criticisms that the US might have received less valuable assets in the exchange compared to those it released to Russia.
- Jonathan cites counterarguments from sources like the "Ukraine: The Latest" podcast, suggesting that the individuals returned to the US, such as Vladimir Kara-Murza, are significant assets whose release represents a substantial victory for the Biden administration.
- Jonathan praises the powerful imagery of freed prisoners, like US veteran Paul Whelan, reuniting with their families and with Vice President Harris, noting the positive impact such visuals could have for the Democrats.
- He questions the timing of the prisoner swap, which occurred before the US election, speculating on whether this was strategically beneficial for Russia or the Biden administration.
- Jonathan criticises Trump for his silence on the release of American prisoners, viewing it as a demonstration of his self-serving nature and inability to acknowledge any successes achieved by his political opponents.
Jonathan concludes by reiterating his belief that Trump prioritises personal gain over the well-being of the United States, emphasising the importance of understanding this aspect of Trump's character. He encourages viewers to share their perspectives on this viewpoint.
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Carl Rittenhouse' Refusal to Vote for Trump
🎦 38:25-41:06⏩
Jonathan covers the unexpected rift between Trump and conservative activist Kyle Rittenhouse, highlighting the ironies and absurdity of the situation:
- Rittenhouse, acquitted of homicide charges after fatally shooting two men during the Kenosha unrest, declared his refusal to vote for Trump, citing his perceived weakness on Second Amendment gun rights.
- Jonathan points out the unwavering nature of Rittenhouse's worldview, suggesting that his loyalty lies solely with those who unequivocally support unrestricted gun ownership, regardless of other political considerations.
Jonathan finds humour in the reactions to this development, showcasing social media posts from figures like Adam Kinzinger mocking the situation. He concludes that Rittenhouse underestimated the unwavering loyalty demanded by Trump and his base, implying that any dissent will be met with swift and harsh consequences.
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J.D. Vance's Controversial Comments
🎦 41:06-44:26⏩
Jonathan delves into recent controversial statements made by J.D. Vance, further cementing his opinion of him as a poor choice for Vice President:
- Vance doubled down on his earlier comments labelling childless Americans as sociopaths, defending his stance as "true" and criticising the Democratic party for being "anti-family."
- Jonathan analyses the language used by Vance in another instance where he, while defending his interracial marriage, employed phrasing that inadvertently exposed potential biases.
Jonathan draws parallels between Vance's comments and a personal anecdote about his own parents, highlighting the subtle ways in which language can reveal underlying prejudices. He suggests that while such slips might be unintentional, they offer valuable insights into individuals' worldviews and the lingering impact of societal biases.
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J.D. Vance's Network of Influence
🎦 44:26-48:23⏩
Jonathan explores the network of influence surrounding J.D. Vance, suggesting connections that raise concerns:
- He references an article detailing Vance’s ties to billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel, a major Republican donor.
- Jonathan uses a visual chart to illustrate the interconnectedness of Vance, Thiel, Rebecca Mercer (a prominent conservative donor), Tucker Carlson, and various right-wing organisations such as the Heritage Foundation, Parler, and Rumble.
- He highlights the immense wealth and political power wielded by this network, particularly Thiel's financial backing of Vance’s successful Senate campaign.
Jonathan expresses concern about the implications of such concentrated influence within the tech industry, drawing parallels to the concept of oligarchy. He encourages viewers to further investigate these connections and their potential impact on the political landscape.
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Elon Musk and Voter Data Controversy
🎦 48:23-50:31⏩
Jonathan discusses allegations against Elon Musk regarding the use of voter data:
- He criticises a website affiliated with Musk that claims to assist with voter registration but allegedly collects personal data from users in swing states without actually facilitating the registration process.
- Jonathan cites accusations that Musk is engaging in voter manipulation and suppression tactics, aiming to influence the outcome of the election in favour of Trump.
- He highlights the potential legal ramifications of these actions, noting calls for criminal investigations into Musk’s alleged interference.
Jonathan expresses his disdain for Musk, adding this incident to his list of reasons for disliking the tech billionaire.
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Polls and Betting Odds Favour Harris
🎦 50:31-51:17⏩
Jonathan concludes his update by examining recent polls and betting odds:
- He cites a poll by RNG Research, which, though not highly rated, shows Harris leading Trump by five points.
- Jonathan also mentions data from Polymarket (without specifying its reliability) indicating a substantial lead for Harris in Pennsylvania and a smaller but significant advantage in Michigan.
Jonathan acknowledges that these figures should be interpreted with caution, but points out that the narrowing betting odds, a potentially more reliable indicator, also suggest growing confidence in a Harris victory.
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Wrap Up
🎦 51:17-51:24⏩
Jonathan wraps up the video, acknowledging its length with a touch of self-deprecating humour and thanking his viewers for their time and engagement.
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