Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club Episode: INTERVIEW: Teslin Figaro Talks Kamala Harris's Missteps, Celebrity Roles in Campaigns, Push The Line Movement + More
Release Date: November 20, 2024
Host: DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God
Guest: Teslin Figaro

1. Introduction of Guest

[02:52]
DJ Envy introduces Teslin Figaro as a returning special guest:
"We got a special guest in the building, ladies and gentlemen. She's back. Ms. Teslin Figaro."
Teslin Figaro expresses enthusiasm about returning to the show:
"I'm really feeling good. It's good to be back. Back with family. Chop it up with y'all. Drop some dimes, name some names."
Charlamagne Tha God welcomes her back:
"Welcome back."

2. Analysis of Vice President Kamala Harris's Election Loss

a. Multiple Reasons Behind the Loss

[03:24]
DJ Envy poses the critical question:
"Well, let's start right off with the presidential election. Why did VP Harris lose?"
Teslin Figaro responds by highlighting the complexity of the loss:
"Oh, man, I should have brought my whiteboard. That many reasons... it's really in the Midwest. A tornado requires water, humidity, when, you know, multiple things."
He emphasizes that there wasn't a single cause:
"Yeah, it's not one reason. And when I hear people saying, you know, oh, if he just did better with the messaging... we've been told this multiple times."

b. Significance of Race in the Election

[04:55]
Teslin Figaro attributes part of the loss to racial dynamics:
"And America was not going to vote for a woman of color, period."
He critiques the Democratic Party's approach:
"Allyship. Alleged allyship. I have never known a white woman to give a job to a woman of color before they got it... they didn't give it to Hillary Clinton. Why would they give it to Harris?"
Charlamagne Tha God counters by acknowledging the positive influence of black women:
"I think Kamala as a black woman is the only reason... she raised all of this money, ended up having the second most votes of any Democratic nominee ever with 74 million votes."
Teslin Figaro maintains that while there are positives, negatives outweighed them:
"There might be a black and brown coalition in New York, but in the south, the Midwest, and the west, there is no black, brown coalition."
He further argues that many black voters are moderate or lean conservative:
"Black people are the side chicken. Bottom line, we need to just accept that."

3. Campaign Strategies and Resource Allocation

a. Focus on Entertainment vs. Ground Organizing

[10:53]
DJ Envy inquires about campaign spending:
"Is it normal for candidates to give so much money to quote, unquote, entertainment when you seeing that they paid this person to speak...?"
Teslin Figaro critiques the disproportionate spending:
"They spent more on entertainment setups and not on the ground... Organizations like Until Freedom, Tameka, Mallory, they got $150,000... that's a problem."
He stresses the need for a balanced approach:
"No war is won by just the Air Force. You need the ground. You need marines and the army."

b. Mismanagement of Funds

[13:22]
Lauren La Rosa questions the use of campaign funds:
"What did they do with that?"
Teslin Figaro responds critically:
"Nothing they can do with it. Projects like gatekeepers got gatekeeped... Derrick Johnson calling out the campaign for not spending money with black media."
He highlights the delayed distribution of funds:
"Organizations had to use the money on their own, making it impossible to effectively get out the vote."
Charlamagne Tha God notes Trump’s different approach:
"Trump didn't use his money as much for entertainers, did he?"
Teslin Figaro contrasts this with Democrats:
"Trump has been organizing and he's never stopped. He has a nonstop organizing machine that Democrats just don't do."

c. The Importance of Year-Round Organization

[12:07]
Charlamagne Tha God emphasizes continuous effort:
"I would like to see some of the grassroots activists on the ground. Start adapting to social media as well."
Teslin Figaro agrees and elaborates:
"We're trying to get people in position, putting money year-round, not just during election seasons."
He criticizes last-minute funding:
"Opponent is over building a house with adding on swimming pools, garages... but black organizations got their funds three weeks out."

4. Messaging Failures

a. Focusing on Democracy and Reproductive Rights

[26:53]
Teslin Figaro criticizes the Democratic campaign's messaging:
"They ran on reproductive rights and democracy, but people didn’t care about democracy."
He cites specific policy failures:
"Abortion was on the ballot in Arizona and Nevada, but it didn’t resonate with voters."
Charlamagne Tha God adds:
"The First Step Act was not credited enough. People wanted tangible results like getting homies out of prison."

b. Lack of Economic Focus

[23:45]
Teslin Figaro argues that economic issues were neglected:
"Why not focus on local economic policies that directly affect voters?"
He references Governor Kemp’s actions in Georgia:
"Reducing gas prices during high inflation made a significant impact."

c. Ignoring Constituent Needs

[43:29]
Teslin Figaro points out that the campaign ignored essential community concerns:
"People are more concerned about their own front door issues than geopolitical matters like Gaza."
He emphasizes local relevance:
"If you can have a successful business with zero regulations in Michigan, why didn't the campaign highlight that?"

5. Impact on Voter Engagement

a. Black and Latino Voters

[07:15]
Teslin Figaro discusses Latino voter behavior:
"Latinos have always strategically split their votes, 50-50, giving themselves leverage."
Charlamagne Tha God notes unexpected voting patterns:
"Latino men voting conservatively was a surprise."
Teslin Figaro explains the split:
"Iranate in Florida and California have different voting behaviors based on local community dynamics."

b. The Lost Votes and Their Influence

[09:10]
Teslin Figaro highlights the critical margins:
"A 2% loss across key states like Michigan and North Carolina made the difference."
He attributes this to misaligned messaging:
"Messaging was all wrong, focusing on the wrong demographics."

6. Comparisons to Trump’s Campaign Tactics

a. Continuous Organizing and Media Engagement

[14:01]
Teslin Figaro praises Trump's relentless campaigning:
"Trump has a nonstop organizing machine, with monthly rallies and constant media engagement."
Charlamagne Tha God agrees:
"He's an entertainer first, never stopped engaging."

b. Appealing to Marginalized Communities

[16:19]
Teslin Figaro contrasts Trump's approach to community engagement:
"Trump appeared connected by partnering with local influencers and organizers, unlike Democrats."
He cites examples like Kwame Kilpatrick's influence:
"Trump utilized relationships that have deep roots in communities."

7. Critique of Democratic Leadership and Consultants

a. Elitism and Disconnection from Grassroots

[41:43]
Charlamagne Tha God reflects on advice from genuine supporters versus paid consultants:
"The genuine advice came from those not paid by the campaign, but they weren't listened to."
Teslin Figaro criticizes the party’s internal dynamics:
"White liberal consultants run this party, ignoring grassroots needs and advice."

b. Failure to Listen to Community Leaders

[39:33]
Teslin Figaro points out the lack of support for grassroots organizations:
"They didn't connect with real organizers who are actively working in the community."
He mentions specific cases like the National Action Network:
"Allocations went to high-profile individuals rather than on-the-ground efforts."

8. The Role of Celebrities in Campaigns

a. Use of Entertainers versus Effective Organizers

[15:27]
Charlamagne Tha God highlights the use of celebrities to fill stadiums:
"They filled the stadium in Houston because of Beyonce."
Teslin Figaro acknowledges the importance but stresses authenticity:
"Celebrities need to partner with organizers who can sustain year-round engagement."
He uses Killer Mike as an example:
"Killer Mike is an organizer first. He actively engages with the community beyond performances."

b. Push The Line Movement’s Perspective

[50:20]
Teslin Figaro discusses his own initiative, Push The Line:
"Push The Line is about nonpartisan training to empower candidates and organizers year-round."
He describes the training’s effectiveness:
"We had over 300 people attend training sessions, showing genuine interest in grassroots organizing."

9. State-Level Policies and Their Impact

a. California’s Governor Newsom’s Policies

[17:34]
Teslin Figaro praises Governor Newsom's legislation:
"Governor Newsom passed bills that allow individuals to re-enter society, helping reduce incarceration rates."
Charlamagne Tha God adds appreciation for state-level reforms:
"The First Step Act helped people come home from prison, which is a significant achievement."

b. Georgia’s Governor Kemp’s Policies

[35:55]
Teslin Figaro cites Governor Kemp’s efforts in Georgia:
"Governor Kemp’s policies on reducing gas prices and supporting local businesses had a direct positive impact."
He contrasts this with Democratic neglect:
"Democrats failed to highlight these state-level successes that mattered to voters' daily lives."

10. Conclusion and Teslin Figaro’s Call to Action

a. Push The Line Movement Details

[50:23]
Teslin Figaro wraps up by promoting his movement:
"Push The Line Politics until something happens. Text PUSH THE LINE to 66866 to join."
He emphasizes the need for continuous engagement:
"Activists are eagerly seeking training to make real change at the local level."

b. Encouragement for Year-Round Engagement

[51:19]
Teslin Figaro encourages proactive organizing:
"We need to partner with entertainers who can support year-round efforts, not just during campaigns."
He underscores the importance of grassroots support:
"Building momentum requires consistent resources and commitment beyond election cycles."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Teslin Figaro [03:24]:
  "That many reasons... it's really in the Midwest. A tornado requires water, humidity, when, you know, multiple things."

• Teslin Figaro [04:55]:
  "And America was not going to vote for a woman of color, period."

• Charlamagne Tha God [06:15]:
  "Killer Mike talks about it all the time. We need entertainers to mobilize."

• Teslin Figaro [10:53]:
  "No war is won by just the Air Force. You need the ground."

• Charlamagne Tha God [14:01]:
  "He has a nonstop organizing machine that Democrats just don't do."

• Teslin Figaro [26:53]:
  "They ran on reproductive rights and democracy, but people didn’t care about democracy."

• Charlamagne Tha God [43:29]:
  "They were focusing on the wrong demographics."

• Teslin Figaro [50:23]:
  "Push The Line is about nonpartisan training to empower candidates and organizers year-round."

Final Thoughts

In this episode, Teslin Figaro provides a critical analysis of the Democratic campaign strategies, particularly focusing on Vice President Kamala Harris's loss. He argues that racial dynamics, mismanagement of campaign funds, ineffective messaging, and lack of grassroots organization significantly contributed to the defeat. Teslin emphasizes the necessity for year-round engagement and authentic partnerships between entertainers and organizers to mobilize voters effectively. He also introduces his initiative, Push The Line, aimed at empowering community leaders and fostering sustained political activism.