In the Field with Grace Kuhlenschmidt

Summary

The Daily Show: Ears Edition – "In the Field with Grace Kuhlenschmidt"

Release Date: April 23, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition, host Grace Kuhlenschmidt delves into pressing societal issues with a blend of humor, insightful interviews, and candid discussions. The episode navigates through sustainable living, the cognitive capabilities of political leaders, election predictions, and the pervasive influence of social media. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key points, notable quotes, and the nuanced interactions that make this episode both informative and entertaining.

---

I. Eco-Warrior Josh Spodek and Sustainable Living

Guest Introduction: Grace introduces Josh Spodek, an astrophysicist, NYU professor, and self-proclaimed "Captain Planet," who has taken significant steps towards sustainable living.

Key Discussions:

• Reducing Waste: Josh shares his remarkable achievement of minimizing his garbage output to one load per year. He states, "I keep all my garbage here. And the last time I emptied this was Christmas 2019. So this is my fourth year on one load of garbage." [03:27]

• Off-Grid Living: Josh has taken his Manhattan apartment off the electrical grid, relying solely on solar panels to charge his battery. When questioned about his stance on electricity, he clarifies, "I try to minimize my footprint as much as I can." [01:54]

• Health and Environment: Josh emphasizes the long-term environmental impact of plastic, noting, "Plastic... it doesn't decompose. It messes with your hormonal system. It causes disease." [03:43]

Notable Insights: Josh's commitment showcases the feasibility of a low-impact lifestyle even in urban settings, inspiring listeners to consider personal changes for broader environmental benefits.

---

II. The Host's Attempt at Zero Electricity and Zero Waste Lifestyle

Grace embarks on a personal challenge to adopt Josh's sustainable practices for 24 hours, humorously documenting the trials and tribulations of living without electricity and producing no waste.

Highlights:

• Morning Routine: Without electricity, Grace improvises her morning with a toxin-filled roommate's food, humorously stating, "No electricity means no lights. Luckily, my toxin, my sick roommate, isn't home." [04:29]

• Visit to Pre Cycle: She visits a packaging-free store, Pre Cycle, and manages to shop only 90 minutes, exclaiming, "I did it. That was only 90 minutes. Me. Woo hoo hoo." [06:27]

• Challenges Faced: Grace encounters difficulties in maintaining the lifestyle, leading to exaggerated frustrations and comedic interactions, such as struggling with reusable containers.

Conclusion: Despite the challenges, Grace highlights the personal satisfaction derived from making environmentally conscious choices, echoing Josh's sentiment, "For me, it's really about joy." [04:24]

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III. Age and Cognitive Decline in Political Leaders

Grace shifts focus to a critical examination of the age demographics of political leaders, questioning the cognitive robustness of elderly politicians.

Expert Interview: Mark Fisher, a neuropolitics researcher at UC Irvine, discusses cognitive decline associated with aging, particularly in executive functions vital for decision-making.

Key Points:

• Cognitive Testing for Politicians: Mark advocates for cognitive assessments for all politicians, stating, "An individual is given a number of things to remember... But by itself, it doesn't determine a whole lot. You have to look at the entire exam." [08:09]

• Young vs. Old Leaders: Grace humorously engages with Maxwell Frost, a young congressman, to debate the necessity and fairness of such tests. Maxwell counters, "I don't think we should have that." [11:33]

Notable Quotes:

• Grace provocatively asks, "What is your problem with electricity? Did it kill your family or did it." [01:54]
• Mark Fisher adds, "Nothing damages you more than to do something that you believe is wrong." [04:55]

Discussion Outcome: The segment underscores the tension between valuing experience and ensuring cognitive competence, urging a balanced approach to political leadership.

---

IV. Election Predictions: Rational vs. Astrological

The episode takes a deep dive into the realm of election forecasting, juxtaposing Alan Lichtman's data-driven 13 Keys system with an astrologer's predictions.

Alan Lichtman's 13 Keys:

• Methodology: Lichtman explains his system based on historical patterns, correctly predicting nine out of ten elections. He states, "I don't pay attention to the polls. They're snapshots, not predictors." [16:04]

• 2024 Prediction: Initially, Lichtman confidently predicts Kamala Harris as the first female President, saying, "The keys indicate that Kamala Harris will become the first woman President of the U.S." [16:43]

Astrologer's Take:

• Astrological Predictions: An astrologer provides planetary alignments supporting Kamala Harris's victory, asserting, "Donald Trump's chart is giving desire for power and control, and Kamala's chart is giving more following her life path." [18:14]

Predictions and Reactions:

• Outcome: When Trump's victory is realized, Grace confronts Lichtman, leading to a humorous yet pointed exchange: "Can you just admit that you got it wrong with your foolish little equation?" [20:31]

• Lichtman's Defense: Lichtman defends his methodology, citing unprecedented political shifts, and emphasizes learning from mistakes: "If you can't learn from your mistakes, then you're in big trouble." [24:14]

Humorous Interlude: Grace also engages in playful banter with the astrologer, discussing personal chart impacts, culminating in light-hearted admissions about possible future scenarios.

Conclusion: This segment highlights the complexities and unpredictabilities of election forecasting, blending serious analysis with comedic revelations about prediction fallibility.

---

V. The Debate on Social Media and Addiction

In a concluding segment, Grace addresses the widespread frustration with social media platforms, debating their influence and personal addiction.

Key Discussions:

• Social Media Control: Grace critiques the monopolistic control by billionaires, saying, "The wealth of trillion dollars sits right in front of the cabinet right next to the president." [28:33]

• Attempt to Delete Apps: She attempts to persuade guests to delete social media apps, leading to comical resistance and humorous confessions of addiction, such as, "I didn't do it, and I can't get off." [28:34]

Notable Moments:

• Grace jokes about the irrationality of certain frustrations, blending personal anecdotes with broader societal critiques.

• Interaction culminates in a failed attempt to collectively delete apps, emphasizing the deep-rooted nature of social media dependency.

Final Remarks: Grace wraps up by acknowledging the complexity of breaking social media habits, leaving listeners with both laughter and contemplation on digital well-being.

---

Closing Thoughts

Throughout the episode, Grace adeptly balances critical societal issues with humor, providing listeners with both entertainment and thoughtful commentary. From sustainable living and political competence to election predictions and social media addiction, the episode offers a comprehensive exploration of contemporary challenges, all while maintaining the signature wit and incisiveness of The Daily Show.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• "Nothing damages you more than to do something that you believe is wrong." – Mark Fisher [04:55]
• "I keep all my garbage here. And the last time I emptied this was Christmas 2019." – Josh Spodek [03:27]
• "Donald Trump's chart is giving desire for power and control." – Astrologer [18:25]

This episode serves as a compelling narrative that not only entertains but also provokes thought, encouraging listeners to engage with the world's pressing issues through a lens of humor and critical analysis.

Transcript

[Talkspace Announcer]

You know, when you're really stressed or not feeling so great about your life or about yourself, talking to someone who understands can really help. But who is that person? How do you find them? Where do you even start? Talkspace. Talkspace makes it easy to get the support you need. With Talkspace, you can go online, answer a few questions about your preferences, and be matched with a therapist. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You, you'll meet on your schedule wherever you feel most at ease. If you're depressed, stressed, struggling with a relationship, or if you want some counseling for you and your partner or just need a little extra one on one support, Talkspace is here for you. Plus, Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a zero dollar copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off of your first month with promo code SPACE80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com save $80 with code SPACE. At talkspace.com you're listening to Comedy Central.

[Host]

When you hear off the Grid, you probably think of living in a cute cottage in the woods like Ted Kaczynski. But you don't have to venture way the into the wilderness to live like Ted. Meet Josh Spodek, astrophysicist, NYU professor, and real life Captain Planet.

[Josh Spodek]

I used to empty my garbage weekly. Now I empty once in 2019, once in 2018, once in 2017.

[Host]

Okay, twin. I also only take out my trash once a year. But recently, Josh went even further, taking his Manhattan apartment off the electrical grid completely. So what is your problem with electricity? Did it kill your family or did it. Because I'm now realizing that's kind of something that could happen.

[Josh Spodek]

I do use electricity. I have my solar panels that I take up to the roof and charge the battery, but that's it. I try to minimize my footprint as much as I can.

[Host]

Now, what exactly is electricity? And I know the basics. It's the stuff that's in the air.

[Josh Spodek]

Electricity actually is very complicated.

[Host]

When people think it's simple, I'm like, are you dumb?

[Josh Spodek]

In one sense, it's simple in that it just works because that's how gravity.

[Host]

Gravity.

[Josh Spodek]

So we've learned to control this power through wires and batteries and things like that. So almost always you're going, you're gonna be polluting. And I don't wanna put it.

[Host]

I'm gonna. Josh's typical day as an eco warrior starts with Cardio. Going up 11 flights of stairs with his solar panels. His heavy, heavy solar panels, by the way. You know, we're, like, breathing out carbon right now.

[Josh Spodek]

Yeah, that's all part of the biosphere, but it's not bringing new carbon from outside the biosphere.

[Host]

I'll be right up there, man. Just give me, like. Luckily, I was able to find a TaskRabbit to go up the remaining 10.

[Josh Spodek]

Flights of stairs, connect the solar panel to the battery.

[Host]

Cool. And it's not just about saving energy. Josh has also been living packaging free for a decade. Americans throw away 268 million tons of trash per year, which is enough to feed 10 rats. But Josh says there's a better way.

[Josh Spodek]

I keep all my garbage here. And the last time I emptied this was Christmas 2019. So this is my fourth year on one load of garbage.

[Host]

Do you mind if I give this to you?

[Josh Spodek]

I'd pass on that.

[Host]

Okay.

[Josh Spodek]

And if you bring a reusable container next time.

[Host]

This isn't reusable.

[Josh Spodek]

People in the future will be dealing with it for 500 years or more.

[Host]

So 500 years, someone will be using it, Maybe my great, great granddaughter.

[Josh Spodek]

They won't be using it so much as it'll be in their bloodstreams. Plastic. It doesn't decompose. It messes with your hormonal system. It. It causes disease.

[Host]

You have quite the imagination. Josh also uses that imagination in the kitchen.

[Josh Spodek]

So this is split pea. I got carrot, beet, cabbage. I just put in nutritional yeast.

[Host]

It's, like, really fragrant.

[Josh Spodek]

Bon appetit. I hope you like it. Mmm. I think this will be better tomorrow after the flavor is mixed a bit more.

[Host]

This way of life seemed really difficult. How was Josh keeping himself?

[Josh Spodek]

So this lifestyle may look like deprivation, sacrifice to others, but for me, it's really about joy.

[Host]

Totally. You seem very joyful.

[Josh Spodek]

People are saying, you know, I compost, I recycle, and I do what I can, but I have to balance that with living my regular life.

[Host]

Right. That's usually what I'm saying to myself.

[Josh Spodek]

And you think, do I have to think about every other person on the planet every time I do anything?

[Host]

That's exactly how I think. It's like you're reading my brain.

[Josh Spodek]

But systemic change begins with personal change. I gotta quote Abraham Lincoln here.

[Host]

Okay?

[Josh Spodek]

Nothing damages you more than to do something that you believe is wrong.

[Host]

And I'll quote Abraham Lincoln. God bless America. He said that a lot, probably, yeah. Wow. Josh had inspired me, and I was ready to make a difference, too. Going a full 24 hours living life, Spodex style. This is a day in my life with zero electricity and zero waste. I start my day by waking up. Whoops. No electricity means no lights. Luckily, my toxin, my sick roommate, isn't home. So I'm using her food to make my famous green glow smoothie. I start with bananas, some beautiful organic kale, one scoop of collagen, and then next up, a trip to Pre Cycle, a packaging free store where you bring your own containers. Good thing I always travel with my Tupperwares. Josh, if you're watching, check it out, man. I'm really doing this. Hello. So these are oats right here. And then last but not least, these. This flour. Sure, yeah. You can probably just weigh my whole hand just to make it a little bit easier. Oh my God, I did it. That was only 90 minutes. Me. Woo hoo hoo. Thank you so much. I mean, you have the wrong apartment. Get out of here. Little did I know things were about to get really, really bad. 1%. You said you had 5% 10 minutes ago. You okay? All good, all good. Just me here with my thoughts. That's chill. I know what to do. Sadly, I didn't make it. But you know what? I did make a difference. And that's something they can never take away from me. America's democracy may not be the strongest, but at least it's the oldest. There seems to be some sort of gerontocracy. We have the oldest leaders among rich countries, and we love all of them. Joe Biden, Donald Trump, this guy. But are there drawbacks to having our leadership with one foot in heaven? I spoke to Mark Fisher, neuropolitics researcher at UC Irvine.

[Mark Fisher]

We know that brain function tends to deteriorate with aging. One of the first to go of all the cognitive functions is called executive function. It's decision making.

[Host]

I see.

[Mark Fisher]

What can be more important for a political leader than decision making?

[Host]

What am I gonna have for freaking lunch? I'm President of the United States. What the heck am I gonna have for lunch? That's a hard decision. And I hope that I have a burger for lunch. I guess I've had this freaky misconception that old people are wiser and smarter than me. And it feels like what you're telling me is that that's not true and I should never trust them.

[Mark Fisher]

Oh, I wouldn't say that. I wouldn't say that. No. I think that the experience that one gains over the course of a lifetime, extraordinarily important. But there are some measurable cognitive functions that do begin to decline over the age of 60.

[Host]

So even though you have more experience experiences, you are still getting dumber.

[Mark Fisher]

You know, I'm a neurologist. Dumb is not a word that we use.

[Host]

Okay, all right, I'll say it then. Don't worry. So having a bunch of old brains in charge might be a bit of a problem, but this wise old neurologist actually has a solution.

[Mark Fisher]

Our Neuropolitics Center. We came out with a recommendation that cognitive testing should be done on all politicians. Not just older politicians, all politicians.

[Alan Lichtman]

Woman, Man, Camera, tv.

[Host]

Unsurprisingly, Trump says he aced his cognitive test already.

[Alan Lichtman]

If you get it in order, you get extra points.

[Mark Fisher]

An individual is given a number of things to remember, and then after a period of time, three to five minutes, they're asked to repeat that.

[Host]

I mean, those aren't hard things to remember, right person. Mama, dad.

[Mark Fisher]

It's only one part of the exam.

[Host]

Yeah, thank God.

[Mark Fisher]

And by itself, it doesn't determine a whole lot. I mean, you have to look at the entire exam and you have to.

[Host]

Look at someone's personality. I mean, I have a really good personality.

[Mark Fisher]

Absolutely.

[Host]

Thank you.

[Mark Fisher]

But that's not really. That's really not assessed in real cognitive.

[Host]

It doesn't need to be. Without seeing his test results, we can only guess how well or not well Trump's brain is doing, leading by a lot, including Obama.

[Alan Lichtman]

I'll tell you what.

[Host]

But it did make me curious. Could my brain be president? My name Grace. My date of birth, June 30, 1995.

[Mark Fisher]

This first part of the exam, this isn't scored, so this is just identification material.

[Host]

Okay. God. I would like to be scored on those two actually, if possible, because I think I got them right. Do you have more difficulties doing everyday activities due to thinking problems? No, I have almost nothing to do on a daily basis. At the bottom of the very last page, write I have finished on the blank line provided.

[Mark Fisher]

So this is a test of delayed recall.

[Host]

Got it. This one is so easy. Can I call my mom to just double check? Last question.

[Mark Fisher]

In the course of just a few pages, we've covered many cognitive domains.

[Host]

Sir, Did I pass? Let's hear it, brother. Come on, Come on.

[Mark Fisher]

You got it.

[Host]

Woo. Let's go. Now, if only someone could go to Washington and get our elected leaders to take this test. Okay, fine, I'll do it. Hello.

[Maxwell Frost]

Hey, how you doing? Good to see you.

[Host]

You too. My name's Grace.

[Maxwell Frost]

I'm Maxwell.

[Host]

I'm looking for a congressperson.

[Maxwell Frost]

Well, I am a congressman.

[Host]

So who does, like, your. Your Botox or your work? You look incredible. Thank you.

[Maxwell Frost]

I appreciate it. I'm actually 27.

[Host]

Yes, most. Junior Congressperson Maxwell Frost is the only person who would talk to me for this story. So how would you feel about having a cognitive test required for politicians?

[Maxwell Frost]

I don't think we should have that.

[Host]

Okay. Why not? You worried you'd fail? Dude.

[Maxwell Frost]

What is a cognitive test, for example?

[Host]

I could show you one.

[Maxwell Frost]

Yeah.

[Host]

What are these?

[Maxwell Frost]

A rhino and a harp.

[Host]

Congratulations, sir. You get to keep your position. They told me that if you screwed this up, that this office would be mine.

[Maxwell Frost]

I'm gonna be honest. I had to think for, like, just two seconds about what animal that was.

[Host]

Yeah. Of course, in this baby politician's view, the issue with politics isn't old brains. It's the lack of young ones.

[Maxwell Frost]

I do think it's an issue that, yeah, young people aren't as represented. I don't think we should, like, boot out all the old people and just have young people running the country.

[Host]

Right. So you're not ageist.

[Maxwell Frost]

I'm not an ageist.

[Host]

When do you feel like you would retire?

[Maxwell Frost]

I don't know when I would retire, but I do think we need term limits.

[Host]

Do you think if you stay in Congress for 34 years, you'll be able to bring Congress to term limits because.

[Maxwell Frost]

Of how this place works? Maybe. But my hope is we'll have it way before that.

[Host]

So it's not hopeless. We just need our young politicians to stick around until they'll be able to change the system, however long it takes. You know what? I think I'll vote for you.

[Maxwell Frost]

You can't.

[Host]

Why not?

[Maxwell Frost]

Because I live in Orlando. I represent Orlando, Florida. If you move to Orlando, I could.

[Host]

Go on a paid business trip to Disney World and leave my vote there. Yeah.

[Maxwell Frost]

Yeah, that's illegal, too.

[Talkspace Announcer]

You know, when you're really stressed or not feeling so great about your life or about yourself, talking to someone who understands can really help. But who is that person? How do you find them? Where do you even start? Talkspace. Talkspace makes it easy to get the support you need. With Talkspace, you can go online, answer a few questions about your preferences, and be matched with a therapist. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You'll meet on your schedule, wherever you feel most at ease. If you're depressed, stressed, struggling with a relationship, or if you want some counseling for you and your partner, or just need A little extra one on one support. Talkspace is here for you. Plus, Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a zero dollar copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off of your first month with promo code space80 when you go to talkspace.com with a licensed therapist. Today at talkspace.com save $80 with code [e-mail].

[Host]

The election is so close and the stakes are so high. I feel like I can't think about anything else. Can someone just tell me what's gonna happen so I can chill the out? Presidential race at a dead heat. Deadlock at exactly 48% got Trump up two points.

[Josh Spodek]

Harris with a three point advantage, May.

[Alan Lichtman]

Up a point or two.

[Host]

Harris up by four.

[Josh Spodek]

Everything you're about to see is within.

[Alan Lichtman]

The margin of error.

[Host]

So what do these numbers mean? I could do the A Beautiful Mind thing, but maybe it's just quicker to talk to an expert. Anthony, who the is going to win this election?

[Josh Spodek]

I can tell you that this race is effectively tied.

[Alan Lichtman]

Has been for a while. In all the polls, there are so few undecided voters who say they may or may not vote and they'll probably decide this.

[Host]

Okay, thank you for all of this information. It's been really helpful. I'm wondering who is going to win the election?

[Josh Spodek]

I can't tell you that.

[Host]

Do you think that polls are the best way to predict elections?

[Josh Spodek]

Well, polls tell you what people are.

[Alan Lichtman]

Thinking now and more importantly, they show you why people are thinking it. But what do we know about people? They sometimes change their minds 100%.

[Host]

So this morning, for example, I was at a diner. I know what I want. It's gonna be two eggs, scrambled, sausage, potatoes. Right. But it was 11:30, so I was seriously tempted to get a chicken Caesar wrap. And that's basically exactly what you do?

[Alan Lichtman]

Not really, but it does underline the idea that people can make different decisions at different times.

[Host]

Can you just blink once if it's gonna be the person that I want it to be? Okay, that's a really bad sign. So despite that being their only job, the polls can't tell us who is going to win. Fortunately, there is someone who has called nine out of 10 of the last elections using a system of 13 questions about the economy and the electorate.

[Alan Lichtman]

I don't pay attention to the polls. They're snapshots, not predictors. My system, the 13 keys to the White House, examines the fundamental forces that drive presidential elections.

[Host]

So how did you settle on 13 keys?

[Alan Lichtman]

Using pattern recognition every election from 1860 to 1980.

[Host]

Why not 14?

[Alan Lichtman]

Could have been any number.

[Host]

Why not 15?

[Alan Lichtman]

I love all those numbers. But the big message is it's governing, not campaigning that counts. That the electorate as a whole ask whether the administration has done a good enough job for four more years or they want to make a change.

[Host]

So, Alan, what is your prediction for this election? 2024.

[Alan Lichtman]

The keys indicate that Kamala Harris will become the first woman President of the U.S. how cool.

[Host]

Alan's track record is solid, but he did make one oopsie in 2000.

[Alan Lichtman]

People say I got Florida wrong because I was calling Gore, and in fact, Bush ultimately won. I say I was correct because Florida way disproportionately rejected ballots cast by African Americans.

[Host]

So your system works perfectly unless someone is stealing an election.

[Alan Lichtman]

Yes.

[Host]

Thank God that won't happen. Right? Right. Okay, so is there one other reliable method for predicting the election?

[Astrologer]

So election results are a perfect thing for astrology to predict. The position of the planets when you're born influences a person's personality and how their life unfolds.

[Host]

And Amy has been amazingly accurate in some of her predictions, like naming the exact date that Joe Biden stepped down.

[Astrologer]

There was a full moon coming up that was in Capricorn at 29 degrees. And 29 degrees represents an ending in Capricorn represents old age. So I just put together that he was gonna drop out.

[Host]

That's fair. That makes sense, actually. So what are your current predictions for the 2024 election?

[Astrologer]

I predict Kamala's gonna win the presidency.

[Host]

So basically, with this election, what you're saying is that Kamala's chart just looks more powerful than Donald Trump's.

[Astrologer]

Yeah. Donald Trump's chart is giving desire for power and control, and Kamala's chart is giving more following her life path and what she's meant to do.

[Host]

So is it real? Is astrology real?

[Astrologer]

Yes, it's very real.

[Host]

Okay.

[Astrologer]

Very real.

[Host]

The stars had made a clear prediction for the election, but what could they predict about something that really mattered? Like me.

[Astrologer]

I do see a wealth aspect in your chart.

[Host]

That's fabulous news.

[Astrologer]

And Trump's a Gemini, and you have a lot of Gemini energy.

[Host]

So you would say Trump and I are similar.

[Astrologer]

Yeah. Actually, your Venus is on his son, so you might would fall in love with him.

[Host]

My V is on his what now?

[Astrologer]

This is a marriage aspect.

[Host]

Actually, this changes everything. I mean, are you gonna tell my girlfriend or am I?

[Astrologer]

But for Trump, it's not outside the realm of possibility that he goes to jail.

[Host]

So My husband is going to jail. Yeah, but I'll be wealthy.

[Astrologer]

Yeah.

[Host]

Okay, good.

[Astrologer]

You're gonna have the money.

[Host]

I am loving astrology. There you have it. But with both the stars and history predicting the future, do we even need to vote?

[Alan Lichtman]

Ah, here's the thing. The keys are based on history, and if people don't vote, you're gonna break the pattern of history.

[Host]

So I have to vote?

[Alan Lichtman]

You must vote. I don't care who you vote for, but you must vote.

[Host]

You're such a Leo.

[Alan Lichtman]

I'm not a Leo. I'm a tourist.

[Host]

Let's cut that part out. Last time I was in Washington, D.C. was just two months ago, which feels like a lifetime. I was so young and naive looking for answers. What is your prediction for this election? 2024. And Alan Lichtman gave them to me.

[Alan Lichtman]

Kamala Harris will become the first woman president.

[Host]

But Alan Lichtman was wrong.

[Alan Lichtman]

Donald Trump has been elected president.

[Host]

Can you just admit that you got it wrong with your foolish little equation? You got it wrong, Alan.

[Alan Lichtman]

You live in a total world of denial. You got it wrong. Say preposterously and spirit stupidly wrong.

[Host]

Alan, I seriously trusted you. Well, no, no, it's not your time to talk yet. I seriously trusted you, and I thought that what you told me was the truth.

[Alan Lichtman]

I was being honest. No, you weren't.

[Host]

You weren't, Alan.

[Alan Lichtman]

It was a prediction, not a fact. And I told you I'm a human being, right?

[Host]

You didn't tell me that you were a human being and that you might be wrong.

[Alan Lichtman]

I certainly didn't mean to hurt anyone. I'm not psychic. My predictions are based on history. And this year, which you know is the craziest year ever, the pattern of history was broken. That can happen.

[Host]

Did you even notice I got a haircut?

[Alan Lichtman]

I actually did, and it looks great.

[Host]

I agree. It really frames my face. If only Alan's political judgment was as good as his taste in haircuts. But it wasn't, and I needed to know why. What are some of your excuses?

[Alan Lichtman]

I definitely think I was thrown off by pushing Biden out. We've never seen a sitting president, the elected nominee forced out. So that leads me to perhaps reevaluate my call on the contest key.

[Host]

See, yeah, I knew that was stupid, and I was gonna tell you, but I didn't want a woman's plan.

[Alan Lichtman]

The broader point is, I do think Harris, race and gender played a role here. There are deep strains within this country of misogyny, racism, xenophobia.

[Host]

I wish you had told Me that the first time could have maybe put thrown that in there. And to be fair, Alan wasn't the only thought leader who got this prediction wrong. Have you talked to Charli XCX about this or anything?

[Alan Lichtman]

Talked to who?

[Host]

Charli xcx.

[Alan Lichtman]

Maybe I'm not hearing you right.

[Host]

Charli xcx.

[Alan Lichtman]

Charlie xcs. I don't know who that is.

[Host]

Yeah, she said that Kamala is brat, and it just. At this point, I'm kind of thinking perhaps Trump was more brat.

[Alan Lichtman]

Oh, okay.

[Host]

Yeah. But you and her have not spoken.

[Alan Lichtman]

We have not spoken.

[Host]

I was secretly glad they hadn't spoken because that would make me crazy jealous, which is an issue I'd been working on with my therapist. But did Alan have any regrets of his own? Are you thinking, why did I ever get into politics? Why didn't I, you know, just stick to modeling or something?

[Alan Lichtman]

This is one prediction in over 40 years. I was listed as number 85 of the world's hundred leading geopolitical experts. But people think, oh, he made a wrong prediction and that invalidates him as a person. It's crazy.

[Host]

I one time was in an Uber and there was an iPad on the back of the seat, and it said, what sound does a dog make? And bark was right there. I clicked moo. But lucky for me, it's not my job. And so it really had no impact on my life.

[Alan Lichtman]

I'd like to say one more thing, please. Yes. We shouldn't just write off an era. We can learn a lot about our politics and our society from analyzing the mistake.

[Host]

Wow.

[Alan Lichtman]

Yeah. If you can't learn from your mistakes, then you're in big trouble.

[Host]

You know what, Alan? I forgive you. And I hope that we're back here in four years.

[Alan Lichtman]

I hope so.

[Host]

And I hope, I hope you're right that time.

[Alan Lichtman]

The great Benjamin Disraeli, the former late Prime Minister of England, once said, finality is not a word we use in politics.

[Host]

I think Charlie Exiac said that.

[Alan Lichtman]

That's right.

[Host]

I. I think Charlie XCX is that.

[Alan Lichtman]

Every time you say that, I kind of go watch. It's not a name that rings any bells with me.

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[Host]

The world is up in arms about social media companies being run by Trump aligned billionaires. But are they mad enough to get off the apps? Let's put this on TikTok and find out. That actually made me so mad. You seem kissed. It definitely just feels very propaganda, Incredibly angry. And to see it so blatantly broadcasted that like the wealth of, I mean, combined wealth of like trillion dollars sits right in front of the cabinet right next to the president. I mean, do you think the anger is justified? 100%. Yes. Yes, yes. Completely. 100. I think it's. You guys are so pissed. You're like about to punch me. Calm down and try. And sucks. So it's kind of. I don't know. I just feel like he's gonna be pissed to hear you say that. He really likes you. What apps are you mostly on? Instagram and TikTok, definitely. Okay, gotcha. I'm on Instagram and Snapchat. Okay, Instagram and X. You're on X. So if you mostly use Instagram, at what point would you be like, okay, I have to get off this app. When I'm opening Instagram, I'm not being run by Mark Zuckerberg. I'm just like, I'm deciding, like, all right, I'm gonna go on here and yeah, like, kind of finding more cooking things to be pushed on me. An amazing one pot pasta recipe. You're like, it's actually fine. This is being monetized to Trump. Yeah, I don't, I don't. Do you think you'd be willing to pick an app and delete one with me today? No. We don't even need social media when we have books like this. Like, I'll read just a little. Okay. Okay, I won't bore you. Tuesday, mixed berries and chia seeds. Wednesday, honey and Greek yogurt. So what would it take you to delete the app? Instagram. Oh. I mean, I deleted it last week. I'll probably delete it again. We don't need it. But you. You do say you keep redownloading it. I do. So what do you think Mark Zuckerberg could do to make you kind of kick it out? I don't know. I've probably already done enough. Yeah, we probably should delete the app. Do you guys want to do it? I read now. Wait, I saw this post that was like, people get FOMO from not being on social media, but then they get FOMO from real life from being on social media. Oh, f. Is that, like, really meta? No, no. I need to go back to school. That went so over my head. All right, I'll delete with you. Can we do together? Yeah. Yeah, we'll do it together. This is a beautiful movie. I'm gonna delete Airbnb. I don't know. It doesn't count. But for the sake of this, I mean, here, you can choose one.

[Alan Lichtman]

No.

[Host]

Go with Airbnb, because I don't stop renting little houses. We'll delete it after one. Okay, so three, two, one. Delete. All right, ready? Three, three, two, one. You're such a coward. You're such a. It's not cowardice. You don't understand these things. We were doing this together. You don't understand. I'm addicted. We're doing this together. I didn't do it, and I can't get off. Come to the camera. Wow. I really got people to change their minds and delete these apps and divest from billionaires. So go ahead and, like, follow and subscribe for more. Explore more shows from the Daily Show Podcast universe by searching the Daily Show. Wherever you get your podcasts, watch the Daily show weeknights at 1110 Central on Comedy Central and stream full episodes anytime on Paramount plus Paramount Podcasts.

[Talkspace Announcer]

You know when you're really stressed or not feeling so great about your life or about yourself, talking to someone who understands can really help. But who is that person? How do you find them? Where do you even start? Talkspace. Talkspace makes it easy to get the support you need. With Talkspace, you can go online, answer a few questions about your preferences, and be matched with a therapist. And because you'll meet your therapist online, you don't have to take time off work or arrange childcare. You'll meet on your schedule wherever you feel most at ease. If you're depressed, stressed, struggling with a relationship, or if you want some counseling for you and your partner or just need a little extra one on one support. Talkspace is here for you. Plus Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off of your first month with promo code space80 when you go to talkspace.com match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com save $80 with code [e-mail].