US Election Extra: The Economist Robust Endorsement - Harris for Security and the Economy
Table of Contents 📖
Imagine you were going for a job and your prospective bosses wrote to all the people that you work with that you see in this picture and only one of them endorsed you out of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18. One out of 18 and the other 18 said basically don't employ him or her. Don't employ this person. They're a fascist, they're a this, they're a that, they're a danger. You would never get that job.
Hello Team
🎦 00:00-00:28⏩
Jonathan welcomes viewers to a US Election special. He is particularly excited about this election as it will have a significant global impact. The first topic is economics.
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US Election - Impact of Tariffs on the US Economy
🎦 00:28-00:41⏩
Jonathan discusses JPMorgan Chase's prediction that tariff increases proposed by Trump would negatively impact GDP growth.
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Trump's lack of understanding of Economics/Macroeconomic policy
🎦 00:41-05:05⏩
Jonathan argues that the perception of Trump as economically astute is unfounded, citing his ignorance of macroeconomics and tariffs. He explains how across-the-board tariffs are inflationary and lack strategic value. Jonathan cites Trump's claim that tariffs aren't a sales tax and how this demonstrates his lack of understanding of how they are passed on to consumers. Jonathan believes strategic tariffs can be useful (citing the UK's use of tariffs during the industrial revolution), but that across-the-board tariffs are ridiculous. Jonathan observes that most economists, including Nobel laureates, support Harris's campaign, signifying her superior economic policies.
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Kamala Harris winning key demographics
🎦 05:05-06:28⏩
Jonathan discusses a JP Morgan report which highlights that women and older voters are increasingly supporting Kamala Harris. Reasons cited include Harris's stances on abortion rights, the Affordable Care Act, and social security, contrasting with Trump's plans to restrict, remove, or reduce funding for these issues. The report suggests that Trump and Musk's comments about temporary hardships from their spending cuts and tariffs contribute to voters' concerns, particularly regarding the economy, which is the primary issue in this election.
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The Economist Endorses Kamala Harris
🎦 06:28-07:09⏩
Jonathan introduces The Economist's endorsement of Kamala Harris, a significant event as the magazine champions classical economic liberalism (small "l" liberalism). He highlights that this endorsement carries weight due to the magazine's reputation and focus on free markets and individual freedom.
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The Economist Editor in Chief interview
🎦 07:09-13:58⏩
Jonathan plays a clip from an interview with The Economist's editor-in-chief, Zanny Minton Beddoes, where she explains the magazine's decision to endorse Harris. The Economist, known for endorsing presidential candidates since 1980, based its decision on its commitment to liberal values and the belief that Harris is the best candidate to lead America. The magazine, through its editorials, aims to advise political leaders on policies. They felt it was crucial to endorse a candidate this election due to their tradition and commitment to their values. They held a meeting with journalists where arguments for both candidates were heard, and they concluded that endorsing Harris was the best course of action.
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Comparison of Trump vs Harris shortcomings
🎦 13:58-15:09⏩
Jonathan analyses the interview with Beddoes, stating that The Economist’s endorsement is more of a critique of Trump's unsuitability than enthusiastic support for Harris. He points out that while Harris has ordinary shortcomings typical of any election, Trump's flaws are disqualifying, making the choice clear for The Economist. Jonathan agrees with Beddoes that, despite any disagreements with her economic policies, Harris is the better choice compared to the alternative.
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Importance of international alliances - NATO / EU
🎦 15:09-17:19⏩
Jonathan emphasizes the importance of the US's approach to international alliances, particularly highlighting Biden's role in strengthening NATO and collaborating with the EU. He criticizes Trump's transactional approach to foreign policy, referencing Madeleine Albright's book "Fascism," which argues that Trump fails to grasp the concept of mutually beneficial relationships. Jonathan believes that organisations like NATO and the EU are vital for global stability and provide collective benefits that individual nations cannot achieve alone. He suggests that Trump's misunderstanding of alliances and his focus on competition over cooperation make him unfit for the presidency.
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Concerns about lack of 'Guardrails' in a second Trump administration
🎦 17:19-19:09⏩
Jonathan raises concerns about the lack of "guardrails" in a potential second Trump administration. He explains that Trump's unexpected 2016 win led him to rely on established GOP figures who acted as a moderating influence. He claims this time, Trump's administration would likely consist of ideologically extreme individuals who would enable rather than restrain his impulses.
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Project 2025 - concerns about policy platform/direction
🎦 19:09-20:03⏩
Jonathan expresses apprehension over "Project 2025," a policy platform driven by individuals from the Heritage Foundation. He believes these individuals hold extreme views, even by Trump’s standards, and their influence could lead to a radical and potentially dangerous agenda.
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Potential economic impact of Trump policies
🎦 20:03-21:09⏩
Jonathan speculates about the potential global economic consequences of a second Trump administration. He argues that Trump's policies, such as trade wars with China and strained relations with the EU, could destabilize the global economy. He cites the EU's preparations for a potential trade war with the US as evidence of the seriousness of the situation. He believes a Trump presidency would be an economic "car crash waiting to happen."
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National Security Leaders endorse Kamala Harris
🎦 21:09-22:58⏩
Jonathan highlights the unprecedented endorsement of Kamala Harris by "National Security Leaders for America," a group comprising over 1,000 national security experts. He reads from a tweet by Chris Iwiki about how significant the endorsement from these security experts is. He stresses that this endorsement should be a major red flag for voters considering Trump. He argues that if a job applicant received near-unanimous disapproval from their former colleagues, they would be unlikely to be hired. Jonathan questions why the American electorate would consider Trump when so many experienced national security figures deem him unfit.
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Arizona Daily Star endorsement for Kamala Harris
🎦 27:57-28:28⏩
Jonathan mentions the Arizona Daily Star, Tucson's largest newspaper, also endorsed Kamala Harris. They denounce Trump's rhetoric as "vile, racist, and sexist," further highlighting the broad opposition to his candidacy.
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Harrison Ford endorses Kamala Harris
🎦 28:28-29:45⏩
Jonathan shares a clip of Harrison Ford's endorsement of Kamala Harris. Ford emphasizes that many former members of the Trump administration are cautioning against re-electing him, urging Americans to listen to their warnings. He points out that these individuals, including governors and generals, are not prone to exaggeration and are risking their reputations by speaking out against their own party leader. Jonathan appreciates Ford's message, particularly the idea that Harris will protect the right to disagree, a fundamental aspect of a functioning democracy.
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Wrap up
🎦 29:45-31:42⏩
Jonathan concludes by reiterating his confusion about the continued support for Trump, especially given the overwhelming opposition from national security experts and the potential economic risks. He believes that The Economist's stance and Beddoes's arguments are well-reasoned and compelling. He ponders the unprecedented nature of a former president facing 91 felony indictments while still being considered a viable candidate by a significant portion of the population. He encourages viewers to share their thoughts, expressing his admiration for The Economist’s analysis and their decision to endorse Harris based on their principles.
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