Podcast Summary: Overdue Episode 675 - "The Kid Who Ran For President" by Dan Gutman

Introduction

In Episode 675 of Overdue, hosted by Headgum, Andrew and Craig delve into Dan Gutman's children's book, The Kid Who Ran For President. Released on November 4, 2024, this episode serves as an election special, intertwining discussions about the book with contemporary political anxieties surrounding the election season.

Host Introductions and Context

The episode opens with Craig and Andrew introducing themselves and framing the discussion within the context of the ongoing election. Craig emphasizes the importance of voting, prompting listeners to consider their voting plans:

• Craig (02:04): "I will be at the poll at my neighborhood polling station all day, working in the polls, helping people vote and find their polling place."

Overview of "The Kid Who Ran For President"

Andrew recounts his childhood experience with the book, noting its original publication in 1996 and a subsequent E-Book update in 2012 aimed at modernizing the content for new generations. The hosts critique the book’s attempt to stay relevant, highlighting aspects that feel outdated or incongruent with contemporary political realities:

• Andrew (03:51): "A lot of what we're going to be talking about today is how that in this book especially like really, really doesn't work and seems so like, silly that it kind of defeats the purpose of doing it."

Discussion on Dan Gutman

The conversation shifts to Dan Gutman's background, exploring his career as a children's author and his ventures into various genres, including sports and humorous essays. Gutman's creative evolution is discussed, emphasizing his ability to engage young readers with quirky and imaginative storylines:

• Craig (05:12): "He has like book quizzes and trailers and things for all of his. It's a good. This is a decent website."

Political Parallels and Satire

Andrew and Craig draw parallels between the book's protagonist, Judson Moon, and real-world political figures, notably Donald Trump. They explore how the book inadvertently foreshadows aspects of the 2016 election, such as anti-establishment sentiments and unconventional campaign strategies:

• Craig (12:27): "The Scholastic website has a link to an Indiewire piece about, like, it's, like, on the Scholastic website, the featured on the John Oliver Show."

Gutman's 2012 update to the book is examined, revealing changes that attempt to modernize the narrative but often result in inconsistencies:

• Andrew (10:27): "What else do you want to talk about first before we talk about the book?"

Character Analysis and Themes

Judson Moon, a 12-year-old from Madison, Wisconsin, serves as a satirical lens through which Gutman critiques the American political system. The hosts analyze Moon's interactions, campaign strategies, and the superficiality of political operatives depicted in the book:

• Craig (41:20): "And Judson is instant. Instantly. Like immediately he's like, oh, it's Abby. It's got to be Abby for First Babe."

The dynamic between Judson and his campaign manager, Lane Brainard, is scrutinized for its portrayal of manipulative political tactics and lack of genuine leadership:

• Andrew (25:02): "Judson Moon, you just gotta let Moon be Moon. You do. You gotta, you do."

Modernization Attempts and Their Shortcomings

The hosts critique the 2012 update, pointing out anachronisms and technological references that feel out of place, such as mentions of Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr. These updates attempt to align the book with the digital age but often miss the mark, creating a disjointed narrative:

• Craig (71:35): "We jump from Facebook to Twitter to Tumblr to invent a heretofore unmentioned character."

Election Night and Climactic Events

The discussion moves to the book’s portrayal of election night, highlighting unrealistic electoral outcomes and the abrupt constitutional amendments that facilitate Judson Moon’s presidency. Andrew and Craig express skepticism about the feasibility of such events, noting their divergence from actual political processes:

• Andrew (75:35): "Not like my deal with Judson Moon."

The culmination of Judson’s campaign leads to a satirical commentary on the American political system, showcasing the futility and mockery inherent in Moon’s presidency:

• Craig (77:55): "It's the bleakest satire in the book."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Andrew and Craig wrap up the episode by reflecting on the book’s satirical elements and its relevance to modern political discourse. They acknowledge the challenges of updating children's literature to stay pertinent while maintaining its essence and appeal:

• Andrew (98:52): "It's a hard era to try and update for because so much about like, society and especially kidd dumb and childhood and like, teenager dumb is so, so different than it was like, pre Internet that you can't just like, pre Internet, pre smartphone, pre social media."

The hosts encourage listeners to engage in the political process, tying back to the episode’s initial emphasis on voting and civic responsibility.

Notable Quotes

1. Craig (02:04): "I will be at the poll at my neighborhood polling station all day, working in the polls, helping people vote and find their polling place."
2. Andrew (03:51): "A lot of what we're going to be talking about today is how that in this book especially like really, really doesn't work and seems so like, silly that it kind of defeats the purpose of doing it."
3. Craig (12:27): "The Scholastic website has a link to an Indiewire piece about, like, it's, like, on the Scholastic website, the featured on the John Oliver Show."
4. Craig (41:20): "And Judson is instant. Instantly. Like immediately he's like, oh, it's Abby. It's got to be Abby for First Babe."
5. Andrew (98:52): "It's a hard era to try and update for because so much about like, society and especially kidd dumb and childhood and like, teenager dumb is so, so different than it was like, pre Internet that you can't just like, pre Internet, pre smartphone, pre social media."

Final Notes

Throughout the episode, Overdue offers a critical yet humorous examination of The Kid Who Ran For President, using it as a springboard to discuss broader themes in politics and literature. Andrew and Craig adeptly balance nostalgia with modern critiques, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the book's relevance and shortcomings in today's political climate.