Morning Wire Podcast Summary: "Black Friday & Kamala’s Next Steps" | 11.29.24

Release Date: November 29, 2024
Host/Author: The Daily Wire
Presented by: John Bickley and Georgia Howe

1. Black Friday Consumer Confidence and Shopping Trends

Black Friday Performance Expectations
Daley Weiher opens the episode at [00:03] discussing retailers' optimism for a profitable Black Friday, citing increased shopper enthusiasm compared to the previous year.

Exclusive Deals and Shopping Atmosphere
John Bickley elaborates at [00:09] on the substantial discounts available, mentioning deals "up to 70% off our everyday prices," and anticipates a "excitement on Black Friday, not a craziness."

Holiday Shopping Forecast
Georgia Howe introduces the segment on holiday shopping forecasts at [00:19], setting the stage for an in-depth analysis.

Increased Consumer Participation
Amanda Prestigiacomo, a Daily Wire reporter, explains at [01:56] that Black Friday has evolved into a multi-day shopping event extending through Cyber Monday, driven by a significant rise in online shopping. Last year saw nearly $10 billion spent online during this period, a sharp increase from under $2 billion a decade ago.

Impact of Inflation on Shopping Behavior
At [02:48], Prestigiacomo addresses ongoing inflation concerns, noting that consumers are focusing on deals for essential items over luxury goods. She warns shoppers to be vigilant about "supposed deals that aren't really deals," citing a WalletHub report at [03:36] which found that "41% of the items at major retailers are actually not less expensive compared to their pre Black Friday prices."

Tariff Concerns and Consumer Purchases
The discussion shifts to President Trump's proposed tariffs at [03:36]. Prestigiacomo explains that a potential 10% tariff on Chinese imports and a 25% levy on products from Mexico and Canada could influence consumer behavior, with some experts predicting a surge in sales before any tariff impacts take hold.

Corporate Responses to Tariffs
She further highlights corporate strategies to mitigate potential tariff effects. For instance, Steve Madden plans to "move production out of China," reducing its reliance from "more than 70% of the brand's US imports" to about a quarter [03:36].

2. President Trump's Energy Policy and Tariff Implications

Trump’s Vision for Energy Independence
At [05:03], Georgia Howe transitions to discussing Trump's energy agenda with Tim Rice, Daily Wire Deputy Managing Editor. John Bickley quotes Trump at [05:45]: “I just said, but Bobby, leave the oil to me. We have more liquid gold, oil and gas...”

Executive Orders and Policy Shifts
John Bickley outlines Trump's plan to reverse Biden's energy policies, including expediting drilling approvals and lifting bans on LNG exports [05:45]. These actions signify a pivot back to traditional energy sources like oil and gas, emphasizing "global dominance as much as it's about energy independence."

Long-Term Energy Strategy
Daley Weiher probes at [07:04] about Trump's plans beyond immediate executive orders. Bickley responds by mentioning the intention to replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and potentially withholding funding from the International Energy Agency (IEA), reinforcing the U.S.'s commitment to energy self-sufficiency.

Leadership Appointments in Energy Sector
John Bickley discusses key appointments, including Chris Wright leading the Department of Energy and Doug Burgum chairing the National Energy Council [08:11]. Wright's stance reflects skepticism towards climate change's impact, advocating for continued reliance on fossil fuels.

Symbolic and Strategic Moves
Trump's strategy includes both substantive policy changes and symbolic actions, such as reducing support for the IEA, positioning the U.S. as resistant to foreign influence on its energy policies [07:13].

3. Kamala Harris’s Political Future Post-Election Defeat

Harris’s Current Status and Future Plans
Daley Weiher introduces the topic at [09:00], highlighting Kamala Harris's retreat to Hawaii post-defeat. Mary Margaret Olihan, a senior reporter, details at [09:20] that Harris is "plotting her next move over the holidays," considering a presidential run in 2028 or a gubernatorial bid in California.

Strategic Positioning Within the Democratic Party
Olihan explains that Harris aims to "establish herself as a Democratic leader," particularly by opposing President Trump, positioning herself favorably for future leadership roles [09:20].

Democratic Party's Reception of Harris
At [10:45], Olihan discusses the Democrats' support for Harris, noting her strong performance with "more than 74 million votes." A Puck News poll indicates Harris is still the top choice for the 2028 Democratic nominee, ahead of Gavin Newsom and Josh Shapiro [10:45].

Potential Gubernatorial Ambitions and Implications
The possibility of Harris running for California governor is examined at [11:56]. While a gubernatorial run could capitalize on her popularity in the state, it may delay her presidential ambitions until 2032, a significant gap in political timelines.

Financial Challenges and Campaign Debt
Olihan addresses Harris's financial struggles at [12:29], revealing that her campaign is "reportedly $20 million in debt." Despite ongoing fundraising efforts to "fight back against Trump," the campaign has faced significant expenditures, including a costly town hall event [12:36].

Democratic Party's Internal Dynamics
The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is undergoing changes, with the upcoming election for its chair and layoffs affecting long-term staffers [12:36]. This period of transition could influence Harris's strategic positioning within the party.

Notable Quotes

• John Bickley on Black Friday Deals
  "We have items on sale up to 70% off our everyday prices. We anticipate excitement on Black Friday, not a craziness."
  [00:09]

• Donald Trump on Energy Independence
  "I just said, but Bobby, leave the oil to me. We have more liquid gold, oil and gas... More than Saudi Arabia. We have more than Russia, Bahamas. Bobby, stay away from the liquid gold."
  [05:45]

• Mary Margaret Olihan on Kamala Harris’s Ambitions
  "I'm staying in the fight."
  [09:20]

Conclusion

In this episode of Morning Wire, John Bickley and Georgia Howe delve into the evolving dynamics of Black Friday shopping, analyzing consumer confidence and the impact of potential tariffs on retail behavior. They also explore President Trump's strategic shifts in energy policy aimed at reinforcing U.S. energy independence and global dominance. Additionally, the podcast examines Kamala Harris's post-election strategies, her standing within the Democratic Party, and the financial challenges facing her campaign. Through insightful discussions and expert analysis, the hosts provide listeners with a comprehensive overview of current political and economic landscapes.

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