Forever Ago®: The Ten News – Election Day Kid Takeover

Release Date: November 5, 2024
Host/Author: American Public Media

Introduction

In this special episode of Forever Ago®, produced by Nico Gonzalez Whistler, listeners are treated to an engaging collaboration with the 10 News team. Titled "The Ten News: Election Day Kid Takeover," the episode delves into the intricacies of the U.S. Presidential election while also exploring elections happening globally in 2024. The episode is designed to educate listeners, especially younger audiences, about the electoral process in an accessible and entertaining manner.

US Presidential Election Overview

Everett, one of the child hosts, kicks off the discussion by highlighting the competitiveness of the current U.S. Presidential race. He states:

"It's finally Election day here in the United States, and the presidential race is looking like a close one. Finally, former President Donald Trump is facing off against Vice President Kamala Harris, and everyone is waiting to see who will win."
– Everett (02:10)

The episode breaks down the complex Electoral College system, emphasizing the challenge candidates face in securing the necessary 270 out of 538 votes to win. Tupelo explains:

"It is a system where each of the states have a set number of electoral votes that go to each candidate when they win the majority of votes in that state. California, for example, is a winner takes all vote. So if the candidate wins the state by even just one vote, all of California's 55 Electoral College votes are allocated to that candidate. It's bananas."
– Tupelo (03:12)

The hosts underscore the paramount importance of every vote, reassuring listeners about the integrity of U.S. elections despite claims of voter fraud by some leaders. Everett adds historical context by referencing the 2020 and 2016 elections:

"In 2016, the Associated Press called it for former President Trump the day after the election, at 2:30. In the year 2000, it took 35 days to declare the winner."
– Everett (04:34)

Highlighting personal perspectives, young voter Ben shares his hopes for the candidates:

"I hope whoever wins listens to the people and does the best job they can. And I hope they put video games in school."
– Ben (05:05)

Global Elections in 2024

Expanding the conversation beyond the United States, Tupelo introduces Jamie Garrar, a 10 News correspondent from Boston, who provides a comprehensive overview of significant elections worldwide in 2024.

Jamie begins by emphasizing the global scale of this election cycle:

"Almost half the world will be or already has voted in an election this year. With over 70 elections in total, from Iceland to Senegal, Panama to Sri Lanka, things are about to look very different for many years to come across the world."
– Jamie Garrar (05:46)

United Kingdom:
Jamie discusses the UK's recent political shift from the Conservative Party to the Labour Party led by Keir Starmer, highlighting the swift six-week campaign period contrasting with the often prolonged U.S. campaigns.

Senegal:
In Senegal, President Basirud Dio Maifai's election victory is notable for occurring just ten days after his release from prison, marking him as the youngest elected leader in Africa. Jamie remarks on the significance of this democratic triumph:

"His victory has been viewed as not just a victory for Senegal, but a victory for democracy all across the world."
– Jamie Garrar (06:38)

India:
India's monumental election, the largest in history with nearly a billion voters, is highlighted for its extended 44-day voting period to accommodate its vast population. Jamie explains:

"Instead of the election being held on one day, it was held over 44 days to ensure that everyone who was able to vote could."
– Jamie Garrar (07:25)

Despite these democratic successes, Jamie also points out the less favorable election landscapes in countries like Russia and North Korea, where elections are tightly controlled by dictators, and in Venezuela and Chad, where similar authoritarian outcomes prevail.

Conclusion and Reflections

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts reflect on the diversity and complexity of electoral processes worldwide. They emphasize the importance of democratic participation and the privilege of having a voice in selecting leadership. Everett and Tupelo express their enthusiasm and camaraderie while wrapping up the special report:

"Thanks for being my friends, guys, and thank you for listening to this 10News election special report."
– Everett & Tupelo (10:57)

The episode not only educates listeners about the mechanics of elections but also fosters a global perspective, encouraging critical thinking about history and current events.

Notable Quotes

• Everett (02:10):
  "It's finally Election day here in the United States, and the presidential race is looking like a close one. Finally, former President Donald Trump is facing off against Vice President Kamala Harris, and everyone is waiting to see who will win."

• Tupelo (03:12):
  "It is a system where each of the states have a set number of electoral votes that go to each candidate when they win the majority of votes in that state. California, for example, is a winner takes all vote. So if the candidate wins the state by even just one vote, all of California's 55 Electoral College votes are allocated to that candidate. It's bananas."

• Jamie Garrar (05:46):
  "Almost half the world will be or already has voted in an election this year. With over 70 elections in total, from Iceland to Senegal, Panama to Sri Lanka, things are about to look very different for many years to come across the world."

• Ben (05:05):
  "I hope whoever wins listens to the people and does the best job they can. And I hope they put video games in school."

This episode of Forever Ago® successfully blends educational content with engaging storytelling, making complex political processes understandable and interesting for listeners of all ages. By incorporating child perspectives and global contexts, it provides a well-rounded view of the pivotal role elections play in shaping societies worldwide.