Lovett or Leave It: Episode Summary
Episode Title: What a Weekday: See You on the Other Side
Host/Author: Crooked Media
Description: Every Saturday, former Obama speechwriter and comedian Jon Lovett is joined by a lineup of comics, journalists, politicians, and celebrities to dissect the biggest and most absurd stories in politics and culture.
1. Introduction and Pop Culture Chat (00:31 - 01:37)
The episode kicks off with a light-hearted discussion about the TV series Deadwood.
- Kendra James (00:31): "I started my Deadwood rewatch this weekend."
- John Lovett (00:34): "I love Deadwood."
The conversation highlights the show's impact on Kendra, particularly the character Al Swearengen.
2. Election Day Rush and Voter Outreach (01:37 - 06:10)
As Election Day approaches, the hosts delve into their experiences canvassing in Arizona and Nevada.
- John Lovett (01:37): "We were knocking on doors... A lot of people aren't home. A lot of people aren't answering."
- Sarah Lazarus (02:14): Discusses the challenges of persuading undecided voters and the importance of providing clear voting information.
They emphasize the exhaustion of door-to-door efforts and the critical nature of reaching the final undecided voters.
3. The Seltzer Poll and Iowa's Shifting Dynamics (06:10 - 09:32)
The recent Seltzer Poll by the Des Moines Register shows Kamala Harris leading Donald Trump in Iowa, sparking discussions on polling accuracy and voter sentiments.
- John Lovett (06:57): "The reason she is leading is because of her strength with women generally."
- Sarah Lazarus (07:17): "Women over 65 are a significant voting bloc showing strong support for Harris."
The hosts analyze potential polling errors and the implications of Harris's support among older women, especially concerning abortion laws.
4. Campaign Highlights: Kamala on SNL and Trump's Rallies (08:25 - 16:32)
The conversation shifts to recent campaign events:
- John Lovett (08:25): "Kamala Harris came face to face with her doppelganger Maya Rudolph on Saturday Night Live."
- Halie Kiefer (08:35): "She changed my mind completely."
Trump's campaign antics are critiqued, including his interactions with surrogates and unexpected endorsements.
- John Lovett (09:06): "Donald Trump is just unleashing RFK Jr. Here in the homestretch."
The discussion underscores the contrast between Harris's strategic messaging and Trump's erratic behavior, raising concerns about the latter's influence on undecided voters.
5. RFK Jr.'s Controversial Stances and Trump's Response (16:32 - 25:46)
The hosts explore RFK Jr.'s platform, particularly his plan to remove fluoride from drinking water, and Trump's ambiguous stance on the matter.
- John Lovett (36:30): "The fluoridation of water... considered by the CDC to be one of the ten great public health achievements of the 20th century."
Trump's minimal response is critiqued as insufficient and potentially aligning with controversial figures.
- John Lovett (25:32): "He was actually looking out for their welfare far more than his own."
The segment highlights concerns over public health policies and the potential impact of such stances on voter perceptions.
6. Trump's Rhetoric and Threats Against the Media (25:46 - 43:14)
A critical examination of Trump's recent rhetoric, including his unsettling comments about the media and violent imagery.
- John Lovett (24:01): "He's fantasizing... about Liz Cheney being assassinated."
- Halie Kiefer (25:32): "If any previous politician had said... completely disqualifying."
The discussion emphasizes the dangerous implications of Trump's language and its potential to incite violence or erode trust in the media.
7. The Peanut the Squirrel Incident (40:01 - 46:48)
An odd yet politically charged incident involving a squirrel named Peanut becomes a focal point.
- John Lovett (40:01): "Peanut the squirrel was euthanized... after biting."
- Donald Trump Supporter (45:13): "If you like seeing those nuts get buried."
This segment satirizes how minor incidents can be politicized, reflecting the absurdity and extremity within certain political factions.
8. Final Push to Vote and Volunteer Efforts (46:48 - 50:09)
As the episode nears its end, the hosts rally listeners to vote and volunteer in the final hours before Election Day.
- Halie Kiefer (46:48): "Please vote. There is still time for you."
- John Lovett (46:50): "We have 24 fucking hours left."
They provide actionable steps for listeners to ensure every vote is counted, emphasizing the high stakes of the election outcome.
9. Closing Remarks and Credits (50:09 - End)
The episode wraps up with acknowledgments to the production team and a final encouragement to stay engaged.
- John Lovett (51:43): "I'm ready to banter."
- Sarah Lazarus (51:49): "I don't know. I'm just gonna close my eyes, let my hand do the talking."
The hosts express gratitude towards their team and listeners, reiterating the show's commitment to processing the complexities of modern politics together.
Key Takeaways:
- Voter Engagement: The relentless efforts of canvassing highlight the thin margins that can decide an election.
- Polling Accuracy: The Seltzer Poll's surprising results raise questions about current polling methodologies and voter behavior trends.
- Campaign Strategies: Kamala Harris's strategic appearances contrast sharply with Trump's unpredictable and concerning rhetoric.
- Public Health Policies: RFK Jr.'s controversial proposals underscores the intense debates surrounding public health and safety.
- Media Relations: Trump's hostile comments toward the media are portrayed as alarming and potentially harmful to democratic norms.
- Political Enthusiasm: The bizarre Peanut the squirrel incident serves as a critique of extreme political behavior and the trivialization of serious issues.
- Call to Action: The episode emphasizes the urgency of voting and volunteering to ensure democratic processes are upheld.
Notable Quotes:
- Kendra James (00:31): "I started my Deadwood rewatch this weekend."
- John Lovett (06:57): "The reason she is leading is because of her strength with women generally."
- John Lovett (24:01): "He's fantasizing... about Liz Cheney being assassinated."
- Halie Kiefer (46:48): "Please vote. There is still time for you."
- John Lovett (46:50): "We have 24 fucking hours left."
This detailed summary encapsulates the episode's discussions on political strategies, voter behavior, campaign dynamics, and the critical importance of participation in the electoral process. It provides listeners—including those unfamiliar with the episode—with a comprehensive overview of the key themes and insights presented by Jon Lovett and his co-hosts.