GD POLITICS Podcast Summary
Episode: Gaza, Gen Z, And A Gay President
Host: Galen Druke
Guest: Lenny Brauner, Senior Data Scientist at The Washington Post
Release Date: July 31, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of GD POLITICS, host Galen Druke engages in a comprehensive discussion with Lenny Brauner, a senior data scientist at The Washington Post. The primary focus centers around pressing political issues, including the conflict in Gaza, shifting public opinions among Gen Z, and the evolving landscape of American politics concerning LGBTQ+ representation. The conversation is enriched with data analysis, expert insights, and pertinent listener questions.

Air Conditioning: Europe vs. the United States

[00:02] Galen introduces the episode with a humorous take on two hot topics: Israel and air conditioning in America.

Tyler Cowen's Assertion:
Galen references an article by George Mason economist Tyler Cowen, who posits that more Europeans die from heat-related issues due to limited access to air conditioning than Americans die from gunshot wounds. Cowen cites an AI analysis linking data from the UN and Johns Hopkins' Center for Gun Violence Solutions, claiming 175,000 heat-related deaths in Europe annually compared to 40-50,000 gunshot deaths in the U.S. This assertion serves as a springboard for their discussion.

Data Discrepancies:
Lenny challenges Cowen's figures, noting a Nature study from 2024 estimates 47,000 heat-related deaths in Europe in 2023, significantly lower than the 175,000 figure. He compares this to the U.S. data, highlighting the discrepancy and suggesting methodological differences in data collection.

Air Conditioning Accessibility:
Cowan further argues that European governments restrict air conditioning through stringent permits and preservation laws. However, Galen counters with personal experience, stating that air conditioning is prevalent in places like New York City and Europe, questioning Cowen's characterization.

Quality of Life and Economic Standards:
Cowan concludes that American living standards surpass those in Western Europe by 20-30%, a subjective assertion. Lenny expresses skepticism, emphasizing that quality of life metrics like life expectancy remain high in Europe despite slower economic growth, suggesting that Galen's subjective judgment may not align with broader data.

Notable Quote:

Galen Drouke [08:03]: "My subjective judgment is that American living standards are 20 to 30% higher than those in Western Europe, and the difference is likely to grow."

Public Opinion on Israel's Military Actions in Gaza

Galen transitions to listener questions, focusing first on Tasha's inquiry about polling on Israel, especially among the youth.

Gallup Poll Insights:

• Support for Israel's Actions: 32% of Americans back Israel's military actions in Gaza, marking a new low.
• Disapproval: 60% disapprove, indicating a substantial 28-point drop in support.

Demographic Breakdown:

• Age: Only 9% of 18-34 year-olds approve, versus 49% of those 55 and older.
• Gender: 41% of men support Israel's actions compared to 24% of women.
• Ethnicity: 40% of non-Hispanic white adults approve, while only 18% of people of color do.

Political Affiliation:

• Republicans: 70% approve of Israel's actions.
• Democrats: Only 8% approve.
• Independents: 25% show approval, a significant decrease from previous years.

Notable Quotes:

Galen Drouke [12:13]: "32% in the U.S. back Israel's military action in Gaza, a new low."

Lenny Brauner [12:13]: "Amongst 18 to 34 year olds, only 9% of the people who approve of Israel's military action in Gaza compared to 49% amongst those that are 55 and older."

Shifts Over Time:

• Sympathy Trends: A YouGov poll indicates a decline in sympathy towards Israel from 48% in October 2023 to 31% recently, while sympathy for Palestinians has increased from 13% to 23%.

Impact on Political Narratives:

• Political Statements:
  • Marjorie Taylor Greene refers to the actions as genocide.
  • Angus King, a moderate independent from Maine, condemned Israel's actions, advocating for an end to U.S. support until significant policy changes occur.

Angus King's Statement:

Galen Drouke [19:00]: "I cannot defend the indefensible Israel's actions in the conduct of the war in Gaza... My litmus test will be simple. No aid of any kind as long as there are starving children in Gaza due to the action or inaction of the Israeli government."

Lenny's Analysis: Lenny observes that public opinion is exerting pressure on elected officials, potentially accelerating shifts in political support and policies regarding Israel.

Youth Political Shifts: Are Young Men Becoming More Right-Wing?

Polenjoyer raises concerns about young men leaning more right-wing, prompting Galen to consult historical polling data.

Historical Context:

• Using Roper data, Galen affirms that there have been periods where younger generations were more conservative than their predecessors, implying that such shifts are not unprecedented.

Current Trends:

• Pod Save America highlights an irreversible change, suggesting Democrats may no longer offer unconditional military aid to Israel, reflecting a broader skepticism within the party.

Lenny's Perspective: He notes that while such shifts often take time to permeate through all levels of government, the current momentum suggests a rapid realignment may be underway.

Listener Questions and Engagement

Throughout the episode, Galen emphasizes the importance of listener participation, encouraging submissions through various channels, including subscriber chats and social media. He highlights that paid subscribers receive additional content and engagement opportunities, fostering a community-driven dialogue around pressing political issues.

Conclusion

This episode of GD POLITICS delves deep into the complex interplay between public opinion, generational shifts, and political alliances in the context of international conflict and domestic policies. Through data-driven discussions and expert insights, Galen and Lenny provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the evolving political landscape, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the shifting political inclinations of younger Americans.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Galen Drouke [00:12]: "We got some great questions from listeners... including public opinion on the war in Gaza, the youth vote, and President Trump's conflict with American universities."

• Lenny Brauner [03:34]: "I think as evidence to claim that Europe is a worse place to live in than the U.S., I think it's a little dubious."

• Galen Drouke [10:06]: "And in the United States has actually fallen, though it looks like it is now probably recovering in the United States a little bit."

• Lenny Brauner [17:27]: "78% of the people polled believe that Israel is committing a genocide in Gaza."

For a more in-depth exploration of these topics and additional listener questions, consider subscribing to GD POLITICS at www.gdpolitics.com.