Episode Summary: "The America Party Is A Joke" | As The World Churns

In this episode of "As The World Churns," hosts Andy Levy and Danielle Moody delve into the multifaceted crises facing America today, ranging from devastating natural disasters exacerbated by climate change to the emergence of new political movements. Joined by special guests Jordan Lasker, the Media Director of Climate Central, and Anthony Fisher, Senior Editor and Writer for MSNBC Daily, the discussion navigates through environmental challenges, political fragmentation, and the state of American patriotism.

1. Devastating Floods in Texas and Infrastructure Cuts

The episode opens with the harrowing account of the Guadalupe River flooding in Texas, which tragically claimed 95 lives with more individuals still missing in search and rescue operations.

Andy Levy underscores the severity of the situation, attributing the catastrophe to cuts in critical infrastructure under former administrations:

"At the time of this recording, there have been 90 deaths because of the flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas... the cuts of agencies like the National Weather Service and NOAA... are now doing what many National Weather Service leaders had put in an open letter to the American people, that these cuts were going to cost lives." (02:00)

Jordan Lasker adds context by highlighting the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, emphasizing that such tragedies are preventable with adequate funding and resources:

"It's a failure. It's obviously a huge failure. We should not have anyone go through this... There are people who no longer working at NOAA. People who've worked there for 30 years are gone." (25:12)

2. The Downfall of NOAA and National Weather Service

The discussion pivots to the intentional underfunding and defunding of NOAA and the National Weather Service (NWS). Andy Levy references the Project 2025 memo from the Heritage Foundation, which laid out plans to dismantle these crucial agencies:

"They believed that the National Weather Service and NOAA had become politicized... and that it needed to be shrunk right?" (28:10)

Jordan Lasker laments the loss of experienced meteorologists and the consequent impact on weather forecasting and emergency preparedness:

"One thing that I always loved about NOAA... is that these forecasts aren't coming from Washington, D.C., they're coming from an office that lives in the community." (37:10)

3. Climate Change Exacerbating Extreme Weather Events

Host Andy Levy connects the Texas floods to broader climate change trends, stressing that extreme weather events are becoming more common and severe:

"These catastrophic natural disasters, or I will not call them natural disasters, they are climate disasters, will continue to happen and they will continue to strengthen..." (07:38)

Jordan Lasker elaborates on the scientific consensus linking climate change to increased extremes in weather patterns, emphasizing the urgent need for communities to adapt and prepare:

"Climate change is not picky. It will do what it does somewhere. It's just a matter of time." (37:45)

4. The Epstein Files and Political Conspiracy Theories

Transitioning from environmental issues, the hosts tackle the ongoing saga surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's files. Andy Levy criticizes the MAGA movement for promoting unfounded conspiracy theories:

"They have told us for so long that they got everything. Now, drum roll, they are offering absolutely nothing." (12:58)

Tom Deliberido expresses skepticism about the claims of a hidden Epstein client list, reflecting on the broader issue of misinformation:

"I sort of am a full-on... conspiracy theorist, but... I just have to think that if this FBI... says the sky is blue, I am pretty much assuming that the sky is red because that's what they do." (18:00)

5. Interview with Jordan Lasker: The Impacts of Infrastructure Cuts

In a focused segment, Jordan Lasker discusses the direct consequences of defunding NOAA and the NWS. He highlights how these cuts have led to:

• Reduced forecasting capabilities.
• Loss of experienced personnel.
• Diminished community-based weather services.

Lasker emphasizes the necessity of robust government agencies in mitigating the effects of climate change and safeguarding lives:

"We are not prepared for the extreme weather of today, let alone what we are going to see in the future due to climate change." (23:36)

6. The America Party and Political Fragmentation

The conversation shifts to Elon Musk's announcement of forming the America Party, which he claims represents the "80% in the middle." Both hosts and Anthony Fisher critically assess this move, questioning the authenticity and political stance of the proposed party.

Anthony Fisher underscores the illusion of centrism often propagated by political figures:

"I just think Elon Musk... he's an extremist among extremists." (52:39)

Tom Deliberido and Andy Levy express skepticism, labeling Musk's platform as a façade for deeper political tribalism and extremism.

7. The Decline of American Patriotism

Anthony Fisher presents alarming poll data indicating a significant decline in Americans' pride in their country:

"58% of Americans feel extremely or very proud to be an American. That is the lowest number since Gallup started taking the poll in January of '01." (41:30)

The discussion explores the nuances of patriotism versus nationalism, with Fisher advocating for a constructive patriotism focused on improving the nation rather than blind allegiance:

"The American values that I love and am proud of... checks and balances, free speech... are being under attack." (42:52)

Tom Deliberido emphasizes the importance of separating patriotism from political tribalism, arguing that genuine love for one's country involves striving for its betterment:

"I don't think we should cede the word patriotism or the concept of patriotism to the right the way we always seem to let them frame the debate." (46:04)

8. Critique of Media Practices: The New York Times and Accountability

A contentious segment addresses media accountability, specifically criticizing The New York Times for its handling of sources and bias:

"The New York Times cut a deal with Jordan Lasker, who is a eugenicist and a far-right activist... to get hacked data from Columbia University for a story casting aspersions on Zoran Mamdani's hyphenated identity." (65:05)

Andy Levy condemns the media's collaboration with extremist sources, highlighting the lack of transparency and ethical reporting standards:

"They whitewash literally what he believes and who he is... The New York Times and all these people... are trying to coordinate to bring down Mamdani." (67:58)

Tom Deliberido echoes these sentiments, questioning the journalistic integrity and the selective outrage exhibited by mainstream media:

"Even by the New York Times' current standards, this was bad... He did not describe him accurately. They whitewash literally what he believes and who he is." (69:36)

9. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with hosts expressing frustration over the systemic failures in addressing both environmental and societal issues. They call for greater transparency, accountability, and a recommitment to scientific and ethical standards to navigate the tumultuous landscape of modern America.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Andy Levy on infrastructure cuts leading to loss of lives:
  "...the cuts of agencies like the National Weather Service and NOAA... are now doing what many National Weather Service leaders had put in an open letter to the American people, that these cuts were going to cost lives." (02:00)

• Jordan Lasker on the downfall of NOAA:
  "People who've worked at NOAA for 30 years are gone... All of that experience is gone." (25:12)

• Andy Levy on the inevitability of climate disasters:
  "These catastrophic natural disasters... they are climate disasters, will continue to happen and they will continue to strengthen..." (07:38)

• Jordan Lasker on communication and community-based forecasting:
  "These forecasts aren't coming from Washington, D.C., they're coming from an office that lives in the community." (37:10)

• Anthony Fisher on declining patriotism:
  "58% of Americans feel extremely or very proud to be an American. That is the lowest number since Gallup started taking the poll in January of '01." (41:30)

• Andy Levy on Elon Musk's America Party:
  "He's an extremist among extremists." (52:39)

• Anthony Fisher on media bias:
  "They whitewash literally what he believes and who he is... They are trying to coordinate to bring down Mamdani." (67:58)

Conclusion

This episode of "As The World Churns" offers a critical examination of the intersection between political decisions, environmental crises, and societal trust. Through incisive dialogue and expert insights, the hosts and guests paint a sobering picture of the challenges facing America, urging listeners to reconsider the implications of policy cuts, media accountability, and the true meaning of patriotism in today's volatile landscape.