Episode Summary: "October Surprises and the Final Campaign Stretch"

Podcast: Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlove
Hosts: Scott Galloway & Jessica Tarlove
Episode Title: October Surprises and the Final Campaign Stretch
Release Date: October 8, 2024

In this episode of Raging Moderates, Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlove delve into the pivotal developments shaping the final stretch of the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign. Covering significant legal revelations, campaign strategies, media dynamics, and international events, the hosts provide a comprehensive analysis through a centrist lens.

1. October Surprises: Jack Smith's Filing on Trump

Timestamp: [02:31]

The episode opens with a discussion on Special Counsel Jack Smith's 165-page filing that exposes former President Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. The filing elaborates on Trump's communications with family members and his acknowledgment that his legal claims were unfounded.

Jessica Tarlove emphasizes the broader implications:

"There are 165 pages of available information now about how Donald Trump as a private citizen... was a criminal plot to overturn the election" ([02:31]).

Scott Galloway expresses the unprecedented nature of these actions, contrasting Trump's refusal to concede with previous presidents:

"Just remember as you head into the voting booth. This is the guy who tried to obstruct the peaceful transfer of power..." ([04:51]).

The hosts highlight that these revelations are likely to resonate more deeply in the national consciousness than the election outcome itself.

2. Impact on the Election and Voter Perception

Timestamp: [04:51]

Tarlove discusses how the filing might influence undecided voters who prioritize protecting democracy. She notes that while some may remember specific anecdotes, such as Trump's comments about Mike Pence, the overall impact may extend beyond immediate electoral outcomes.

3. Vice President Harris's Campaign Strategy and Media Utilization

Timestamp: [11:58]

The conversation shifts to Vice President Kamala Harris's strategic use of the Jack Smith filing in her campaign advertisements. A sample ad is played, underscoring the narrative that opposing Trump threatens democracy.

Scott Galloway critiques the performative aspect of such ads:

"It's like a movie trailer... making something as exciting as that sounds, I think that's exactly the right thing" ([12:16]).

Jessica Tarlove praises the Harris campaign's financial prowess and targeted advertising, stating:

"The Harris campaign has so much money that they can make an ad about toilet paper if they want..." ([12:31]).

Additionally, Tarlove introduces her first public iteration of a campaign idea, suggesting that the Trump campaign lacks an effective ground game, potentially undermining their electoral chances.

4. The Trump Campaign's Ground Game and Strategy

Timestamp: [14:23]

Galloway and Tarlove debate whether Trump's campaign is genuinely attempting to win or merely asserting claims of victory despite legal challenges. Galloway speculates that Trump's potential legal troubles might motivate him to fully commit to winning the election, whereas Tarlove suggests possible campaign incompetence.

5. Media Strategies: Embracing Podcasting Over Traditional TV

Timestamp: [17:34]

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the evolving media landscape. Both hosts advocate for the effectiveness of podcasts over traditional television interviews in reaching and engaging voters. Tarlove highlights Harris's strategic appearances on influential podcasts like Call Her Daddy, which allows for more nuanced and extended dialogue.

Scott Galloway supports this shift, noting the growing dominance and impact of podcasts:

"People really like the medium for a long form interview... podcasting is growing faster than any other medium" ([20:38]).

They agree that podcasts offer a more authentic and less constricted platform, enabling candidates to connect deeply with voters without the limitations of clip culture inherent in TV formats.

6. Liz Cheney's Endorsement and Its Influence

Timestamp: [26:54]

The hosts play a clip of Liz Cheney endorsing Vice President Harris, highlighting her shift from Republican to Democratic support due to her commitment to democracy. Tarlove discusses Cheney's appeal to white suburban women who are disillusioned with the current Republican Party.

Jessica Tarlove:

"These voters are Liz Cheney voters... they're white suburban women who can't believe that their daddy's Republican Party looks like this." ([28:20]).

7. Elon Musk's Involvement in Trump's Campaign

Timestamp: [30:14]

Elon Musk's unexpected support for Trump becomes a focal point. Galloway criticizes Musk's role, questioning his motives and character, despite acknowledging his positive contributions to technology and society.

Scott Galloway:

"The whole thing is very unsettling... there's this element of if you're brash, you're angry and mask for... that's a bad imitation." ([32:14]).

Tarlove remains concerned about Musk's influence, portraying him as a complex figure whose support for Trump is troubling despite his technological advancements.

8. Melania Trump's Press Tour and Contradictory Messaging

Timestamp: [40:46]

The discussion transitions to Melania Trump's press tour promoting her memoir, where she advocates for individual freedom and reproductive rights—stance seemingly at odds with her husband's policies. Both hosts express skepticism about the authenticity of her statements, viewing them as a calculated attempt to soften Trump's image.

Scott Galloway:

"Whenever I hear this shit, I'm like, is this really real?" ([41:06]).

9. Reflection on One Year Since the October 7 Hamas Attack

Timestamp: [44:16]

Galloway and Tarlove reflect on the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack, discussing the ongoing Middle East tensions and their potential impact on the election. They analyze the Biden administration's response and the shifting sentiments towards Israeli leadership under Netanyahu.

Scott Galloway:

"I think the most surprising thing that has happened... that 99.9% of antisemitism was lying below the surface and it just erupted." ([35:40]).

10. Potential Election Impacts from International and Domestic Events

Timestamp: [45:26]

Tarlove assesses the likelihood of events like a Middle East conflict influencing swing states. Both hosts agree that while substantial shifts are possible, the direct impact on voter behavior may be limited to marginal groups.

Jessica Tarlove:

"Potentially in a Pennsylvania or a Michigan, I guess Arizona... but really on the margins." ([49:49]).

Notable Quotes

• Jessica Tarlove on Jack Smith's filing:
  "This should not be normalized. This was outrageous, unprecedented behavior." ([04:51])

• Scott Galloway on media strategies:
  "Podcasting is growing faster than any other medium. Joe Rogan reaches more people than literally any TV show, exponentially." ([20:44])

• Jessica Tarlove on Liz Cheney's endorsement:
  "They're white suburban women who can't believe that their daddy's Republican Party looks like this." ([28:20])

• Scott Galloway on Elon Musk:
  "There are few people that could be worse role models for young men than Donald Trump or Elon Musk." ([35:40])

Conclusion

As Raging Moderates navigates the complexities of the 2024 election landscape, Galloway and Tarlove underscore the critical role of centrist voters and the evolving strategies employed by both Democratic and Republican campaigns. From legal battles and media innovations to international crises, the episode offers a nuanced exploration of the factors that could ultimately shape the election's outcome.

For those interested in further insights and discussions, Raging Moderates is available on the Prop G Pod every Tuesday and on YouTube every Wednesday.