TOPICS DISCUSSED

Vice Presidential Debate
- War in the Middle East
- Hurricane Helene and Climate Change
- Immigration
- The Role of the Vice President
- School Shootings
- Child Care
- Abortion
- January 6
- The Moderators
Outside of Politics: Containers and Boundaries in Modern Life

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EPISODE RESOURCES

We are thrilled to announce a joint live show this November with one of our favorites, Vanessa Zoltan of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text! Join us in Boston vis live stream on November 7 - for a fun night among friends.

THE VP DEBATE

Read the full VP debate transcript from the Walz-Vance showdown (CBS News)

A Wider War in the Middle East, From Hamas to Hezbollah and Now Iran (The New York Times)
Trump backs out of "60 Minutes" election special; Kamala Harris to be interviewed (CBS News)
Ta-Nehisi Coates explores how oppression can breed oppression in 'The Message' (NPR)
How Mexico is Trying to Stop U.S. Gun Manufacturers with Jon Lowy (Pantsuit Politics)
Childcare Is A Men's Issue, Too (Jill Filipovic, Marie Claire)
On Children, Meaning, Media and Psychedelics (The Ezra Klein Show)
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals (Amazon)
Book Report: Four Thousand Weeks (More to Say)

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TRANSCRIPT

Sarah [00:00:07] This is Sarah Stewart Holland.

Beth [00:00:09] This is Beth Silvers.

Sarah [00:00:10] You're listening to Pantsuit Politics.

Beth [00:00:12] Where we take a different approach to the news.

[00:00:14] Music Interlude.

[00:00:29] We're so glad you're here with us as we consider the debate between vice presidential nominees J.D. Vance and Tim Walz that took place last night on CBS News. There's a lot to say about the debate, and it brought up a lot for us about some of the current events discussed during that format. So we're going to dive into all of that. And then Outside of Politics, I don't know, I think we're just going to talk about the struggles of modern life and what happens when everything bleeds into everything else and how we wish for maybe a little bit more compartmentalization, but also greater connection and also lower expectations. It was helpful to me, and I hope it's helpful to you.

Sarah [00:01:07] But first, we wanted to make an exciting announcement. We will be in Boston for a live show on Thursday, November 7th with Vanessa Zoltan of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text Podcast. Yes, November 7th, as in two days after the Election Day. We think it will be the perfect time to come together and join our really unique blends of insightful political commentary with a deep, reflective lens of HP ST. No matter the outcome of the election, it's bound to be a fun and meaningful night with lots of laughter and community spirit. If you can't get to Boston, don't worry, there's going to be a livestream option that's on sale starting today as well. If you are a premium member, we sent out a code last night for $5 off the tickets that are on sale now and we'd love to see you there.

Beth [00:01:48] Let's talk about the debate.

[00:01:49] Music Interlude.

[00:01:57] In the lead up to the vice presidential debate and then again in the aftermath, so much is discussed and written about whether this matters. And I would like to make a motion that we expel that analysis from the conversation because I have just felt, especially since Covid, we don't know what is going to matter or how it's going to matter or when it's going to matter. And so I just kind of like to release that question.

Sarah [00:02:27] Well, the more accurate statement would probably be everything matters. What do we do with that? Because in an election this close, everything does matter. Paradoxically, to some people, nothing matters because they're not going to change their opinions no matter what about Kamala or Donald. I'm trying to be consistent in whether I use their first names or last name. And so I think that that's what we're struggling with when we have endless doesn't matter. Is because we are stuck in between everything matters to one group of Americans and nothing matters to another group of Americans. And we don't know quite what to do with that.

Beth [00:03:10] And watching a debate is no longer a shared experience because so many people take in clips. So you can't even really tell much from viewership whether something matters and how many people watched it, how many of those people were actually undecided and this impacted their decision. I think the w...