Podcast Summary: Everything is Fine – Episode: "We're in this Together"

Released on November 11, 2024

Hosts: Jennifer Romolini and Kim France
Guest: Jen Bluestein

Everything is Fine is a podcast dedicated to women navigating life over 40, exploring the identity shifts and challenges of this unique life stage. In the episode titled "We're in this Together," hosts Jennifer Romolini and Kim France engage in a profound discussion with political consultant Jen Bluestein about the recent election results, their emotional aftermath, and the path forward for activism and engagement.

1. Emotional Aftermath of the Election

The episode opens with the hosts expressing their immediate emotional responses to the election outcomes. Kim France shares feeling overwhelmed and disoriented:

“I have a great guest for you guys today, Jen Bluestein... It feels like somebody had just punched me.”
— Kim France [02:19]

Jennifer Romolini echoes this sentiment, describing herself as both "very angry" and experiencing "a new kind of negative energy":

“I started to feel like a fire, like a deep anger... I feel that I was built to fight, and this is going to require a fight.”
— Jennifer Romolini [02:19]

These expressions set the tone for the episode, highlighting the intense emotional impact the election has had on the hosts and their guest.

2. Analyzing the Election Results

Jen Bluestein delves into the election outcomes, revealing a significant Republican victory that grants them control over the Senate, House, and White House—a rare trifecta. She breaks down voter demographics, noting unexpected support for Trump among various groups:

“White men voted for Trump 60%, white women voted 53% for Trump... Latino men voted for Trump 55% to 43%.”
— Jen Bluestein [08:16]

Bluestein emphasizes the troubling trend of the Democratic Party's declining support among non-college-educated voters, suggesting a potential realignment of the electorate that poses challenges for future Democratic campaigns.

3. The Importance of Local Engagement and Action

Transitioning from analysis to action, the discussion shifts towards the necessity of local engagement. Bluestein stresses that democracy thrives on participation beyond national elections:

“Democracy... is mostly run by volunteers. Library boards are volunteers, school boards are volunteers... Show up at those meetings.”
— Jen Bluestein [60:21]

Jennifer Romolini adds frustration over voter complacency, attributing election losses to a lack of consistent political engagement:

“A lot of what just happened was complacency. That's what I see in the people who didn't show up.”
— Jennifer Romolini [54:37]

4. Successes in Abortion Rights Ballot Initiatives

A significant portion of the episode highlights victories in abortion rights through ballot initiatives across various states. Bluestein outlines the successes and their implications:

“We won all of them, starting with Kansas... including conservative strongholds like Missouri... Abortion Access still received 5.8 million votes, more than DeSantis himself did in his last election.”
— Jen Bluestein [34:45]

These victories not only ensure continued access to abortion services in multiple states but also reduce the burden on neighboring states and enhance overall healthcare quality.

5. Challenges Ahead: Abortion Bans and Other Issues

Despite successes, the episode does not shy away from discussing the looming threats posed by potential federal abortion bans and the enforcement of restrictive laws like the Comstock Act. Bluestein warns of systemic challenges:

“Republicans will start enforcing the Comstock Act... prohibit people from buying abortion pills online.”
— Jen Bluestein [37:20]

She further elaborates on the strategies Republicans may employ to extend fetal personhood by leveraging the 14th Amendment, underscoring the urgency for continued advocacy and legislative resistance.

6. Strategies for Continued Activism

The conversation pivots to actionable strategies for listeners to remain engaged and effective in their activism. Bluestein advocates for a diversified approach, balancing time, talents, and resources:

“Find roles that work for you... engage with groups that feel the most comfortable to you.”
— Jen Bluestein [43:18]

She encourages supporting abortion funds, donating to local advocacy groups, and participating in both positive and negative accountability measures to influence legislators. Jennifer Romolini prompts listeners to overcome fatigue and actively participate in shaping policies:

“We can't go quietly. We have to participate.”
— Jennifer Romolini [56:51]

7. Building and Sustaining Coalitions

Addressing the need for broader coalitions, Romolini and Bluestein discuss the importance of inclusive engagement beyond traditional liberal spaces. Bluestein highlights the necessity of supporting a diverse range of voters and representatives to build a resilient opposition:

“A governing coalition is going to have some people who are more progressive and some people who are more centrist.”
— Jen Bluestein [61:44]

This approach aims to prevent the Democratic Party from becoming siloed and ensures a united front against policies detrimental to marginalized communities.

8. Conclusion: Resilience and Persistence

The episode concludes on a note of resilience, emphasizing the collective responsibility to sustain activism and uphold democratic values. Bluestein encapsulates the essence of the discussion with a call to action:

“Don't go quietly... Our voices matter in our own way.”
— Jen Bluestein [66:43]

Romolini reinforces the importance of continual participation and the power of shared stories in driving societal change:

“The outcome of this election did not change my values. Continuing to share what we think is the foundational piece.”
— Jennifer Romolini [67:00]

Key Takeaways:

• Emotional Resilience: Acknowledge and process the intense emotions following election results to channel them into productive activism.

• Voter Demographics: Understand the shifting voter landscapes and address the concerns of non-college-educated and working-class voters to rebuild Democratic support.

• Local Engagement: Prioritize participation in local governance and advocacy groups to influence policies from the grassroots level.

• Celebrate Successes: Recognize and build upon victories in areas like abortion rights to maintain momentum and inspire continued efforts.

• Prepare for Challenges: Anticipate and strategize against potential federal bans and restrictive laws that threaten existing rights and freedoms.

• Diverse Activism Strategies: Utilize a combination of donations, advocacy, and volunteer work tailored to individual strengths and capacities.

• Inclusive Coalitions: Foster broad-based alliances across diverse communities to create a resilient and unified opposition against regressive policies.

• Persistence: Maintain ongoing participation and support to sustain democratic processes and safeguard against complacency.

Notable Quotes:

• Kim France [04:47]: “Kamala said it very well in her concession speech when she said, now is not the time to throw up your hands. Now is the time to roll up your sleeves.”

• Jen Bluestein [34:45]: “Abortion Access still received 5.8 million votes, more than DeSantis himself did in his last election.”

• Jen Bluestein [37:20]: “Republicans will start enforcing the Comstock Act... prohibit people from buying abortion pills online.”

• Jennifer Romolini [56:51]: “We can't go quietly. We have to participate.”

This episode of Everything is Fine serves as a clarion call for sustained engagement and resilience in the face of political setbacks. By focusing on both emotional well-being and strategic activism, Romolini, France, and Bluestein provide listeners with both the motivation and practical tools necessary to navigate and influence the evolving political landscape.