Podcast Summary: "I've Had It" – The Election Eve Special with Sen. Bernie Sanders
Podcast Information:
- Title: I've Had It
- Hosts: Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan
- Episode: The Election Eve Special with Sen. Bernie Sanders
- Release Date: November 4, 2024
Introduction and Setting the Stage
As the United States approaches a pivotal election, hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan dive deep into the political turmoil and societal tensions gripping the nation. The episode, aired on November 4, 2024, features a special guest: Senator Bernie Sanders. This episode aims to dissect the current political climate, economic concerns, climate change, the influence of big money in politics, and social issues, all culminating on the eve of the election.
Election Eve: Anxiety and Hope
Jennifer Welch sets a candid tone by expressing her anxiety about the impending election:
"It is election eve and I am shitting my pants."
[01:14]
Angie “Pumps” Sullivan echoes this sentiment, highlighting the simultaneous excitement and panic among the hosts and their audience:
"There's a part of me that is really excited and there's a part of me that is on the verge of a panic attack."
[01:26]
Jennifer emphasizes the dedication of everyday Americans fighting for their beliefs, exemplified by Betty, a baby boomer from Oklahoma actively campaigning in Pennsylvania. This narrative underscores the grassroots efforts shaping the election's outcome.
Historical Perspective on the MAGA Movement
Pumps provides a critical analysis of the MAGA movement's legacy:
"History books are not going to look kindly on the MAGA movement. No, never do they look at the history books and say, oh, the MAGA banners and the people that wanted to round other people up and the people that lacked empathy and dictators, they are on the right side of history. That just doesn't happen."
[02:23]
Jennifer concurs, emphasizing that history does not favor movements rooted in hate and division.
Welcoming Senator Bernie Sanders
After playful banter, the hosts welcome Senator Bernie Sanders, marking a significant moment as he joins their long-awaited guest list:
"Senator Bernie Sanders finally came home to mamas. All right, let's welcome to I've had it, our long awaited guest, Senator Bernie Sanders."
[06:37]
Bernie greets warmly and shares his current activities:
"We're in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Got a rally in a few hours and then we're going to go to Madison. We came back from Pennsylvania yesterday. We're working hard to make sure that Kamala Harris is at Express."
[06:43]
The Electoral Landscape and Systemic Challenges
Jennifer and Bernie Sanders discuss the intricacies of the American electoral system, highlighting its complexity and the narrow margins that could determine the election's outcome.
"It's going to be a very close election because of our crazy election system."
[07:05]
Bernie elaborates on the battleground states crucial for Kamala Harris's victory:
"It comes down to eight, ten states. Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, two of those states. Polls have them. Nip and tuck could go either way and a few thousand votes will make a difference."
[07:05]
Economic Anxiety and Policy Solutions
A significant portion of the discussion centers on economic distress faced by millions of Americans. Bernie Sanders critiques the current administration's economic policies, particularly focusing on income and wealth inequality exacerbated under Donald Trump's tax plan.
"Billionaires became much richer. We have more income and wealth inequality now than we've ever had before."
[08:13]
He contrasts this with Kamala Harris's economic proposals:
"Kamala is talking. I'm glad. She is about raising the federal minimum wage to at least $15 an hour. And I hope she goes higher than that."
[08:13]
Bernie also criticizes Trump's approach to overtime pay, advocating for the expansion of workers' rights and support for the trade union movement.
"Trump does not want to raise the minimum wage. So here's a billionaire saying it's okay for millions of workers to work in starvation wages."
[10:53]
Climate Change and Environmental Policies
The discussion shifts to climate change, where Bernie Sanders underscores its existential threat and criticizes Trump's dismissal of it as a "hoax."
"Climate change is real. It's caused by human activity and carbon emissions... If Trump gets elected, the United States surrenders the fight against climate change."
[12:49]
He praises Kamala Harris for her commitment to combating climate change and transforming the energy system to create jobs and ensure environmental sustainability.
"Kamala supports what's called a pro act. Easier for workers to go on means Trump opposes it."
[12:33]
The Influence of Big Money and Billionaires in Politics
Bernie Sanders delves into the problematic influence of billionaires and big money in the political landscape, referencing the Citizens United decision:
"The 1% is trying to buy this election... We have got to get big money out of politics, get rid of Citizens United, and, in my view, move the public funding of elections."
[19:43]
He highlights Elon Musk's financial contributions and media influence as emblematic of the oligarchic tendencies threatening democracy.
"Elon Musk... plays an enormous role in Trump's campaign, making contributions all over Pennsylvania as we speak, he uses his Twitter platform to spread lies."
[17:00]
Voter Behavior and Democratic Disillusionment
The conversation addresses the growing voter fatigue and disillusionment with the American political process:
"Almost half the American people no longer believe that American democracy works for them."
[20:16]
Bernie Sanders attributes this disenchantment to the endless election cycle, overwhelming campaign advertising, and the pervasive influence of money in politics, which undermines genuine democratic engagement.
Women's Rights and Social Justice
Jennifer brings attention to the erosion of women's rights in red states, citing specific policies in Oklahoma:
"We have a total abortion ban. We have the 10 Commandments mandated to be in all public school classrooms... This really hurts Americans, particularly women, particularly people of color."
[26:10]
Bernie Sanders echoes these concerns, linking them to broader issues of social justice and economic inequality. He emphasizes the need for government intervention to protect marginalized communities and ensure equitable access to healthcare and education.
Lighthearted Segment: "Had It or Hit It"
To add levity, the hosts introduce a game segment featuring Bernie Sanders, titled "Had It or Hit It." This playful interaction reveals Sanders's personable side, strengthening the rapport between him and the hosts.
Examples include:
-
Mittens: Sanders expresses affection for mittens, a nod to his well-known style.
"Get it. I love mittens."
[33:22] -
Trickle Down Economics: Sanders critiques the concept humorously.
"Everybody else gets poor."
[33:58] -
Prescription Drug Costs: He firmly states his stance against high medication prices.
"I have had it."
[34:11]
Closing Remarks and Call to Action
In the concluding moments, Jennifer and Pumps reiterate the importance of voting, urging listeners to support Kamala Harris and reject policies they deem harmful to marginalized communities. Bernie Sanders reinforces these messages, highlighting the critical nature of this election in shaping the nation's future.
"You keep up the great, important work you're doing."
[35:09]
Jennifer emphasizes the moral high ground, contrasting Sanders's compassionate approach with the capitalist-driven rhetoric prevalent in certain religious communities.
"Here we are in the buckle of the Bible Belt and I rarely hear anything from these people about being compassionate and lifting up sick people, poor people, marginalized groups."
[36:03]
The episode closes with a fervent call to action:
"Listen up, listener. Get out. Vote. Let's win this thing for Kamala Harris and let's try to make an impact this election..."
[37:51]
Conclusion
"I've Had It" delivers a comprehensive and impassioned discussion on the 2024 U.S. election, featuring insightful contributions from Senator Bernie Sanders. The episode navigates through pressing issues such as economic inequality, climate change, the detrimental impact of big money in politics, and the erosion of social justice. Through a blend of serious discourse and lighthearted moments, the podcast effectively mobilizes its audience to engage actively in the democratic process, underscoring the high stakes of this election for the nation's future.