No Mercy / No Malice: The Testosterone Election

Summary

The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway: "No Mercy / No Malice: The Testosterone Election"

In this compelling episode of The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway, titled "No Mercy / No Malice: The Testosterone Election," host Scott Galloway delves deep into the seismic shifts in American politics, particularly focusing on the 2024 election cycle. Through a nuanced analysis, Galloway explores how masculinity and the erosion of America's social contract became pivotal in shaping voter behavior and election outcomes.

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1. Introduction to the Testosterone Election (01:50 - 03:54)

The episode opens with Sky Galloway introducing the concept of the "Testosterone Election," highlighting how masculinity served as the central fault line in the recent political upheaval. George Hahn narrates the discussion, emphasizing that the election was less about traditional political issues and more about the broader discontent with the existing social contract.

George Hahn (02:20): "America elected President T. Only the T doesn't stand for Trump, but testosterone."

Galloway posits that the underlying issue was the breakdown of the social contract between America and its citizens, where the promise was that hard work and adherence to societal norms would ensure prosperity for future generations. However, this contract appears to have frayed, leading to widespread dissatisfaction, especially among younger demographics.

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2. The Crisis of Young American Men (03:54 - 07:07)

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the plight of young American men, who find themselves grappling with underemployment, social isolation, and economic instability. Galloway highlights alarming statistics:

George Hahn (06:22): "Nearly 60% of men aged 18 to 24 live with their parents, and one in five still live with their parents at 30."

The decline in college enrollment among young men—from 47% in 2011 to 42%—coupled with the offshoring of manufacturing jobs, has left many without viable career paths. The resultant economic and social stagnation has made young men susceptible to issues like obesity, drug addiction, and radicalization.

George Hahn (07:12): "They make inadequate mates, employees and citizens."

This demographic crisis has profound implications not only for the individuals affected but also for the broader societal fabric, fostering environments ripe for political polarization and extremism.

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3. Generational Wealth Transfer and Voting Patterns (07:07 - 09:04)

Galloway discusses the tension between younger and older generations, particularly in the context of wealth distribution and political influence. He underscores the disparity in wealth accumulation:

George Hahn (10:56): "Compared to 40 years ago, the average 70-plus-year-old is 72% wealthier, and the average person under 40 is 24% less wealthy."

This generational wealth gap has translated into divergent voting behaviors, with older generations supporting policies that preserve their economic standing, often at the expense of younger Americans.

George Hahn (08:05): "From 2020 to 2024, Trump gained 15 points among 18 to 29-year-old men. The mothers of young voters, women ages 45 to 64 voted for Trump more than any other age group of women, including women over 65."

The alignment of young men and their parents in supporting Trump highlights a collective shift towards candidates who resonate with their sense of disruption and dissatisfaction.

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4. Policy Recommendations to Address Economic Disparities (09:04 - 16:50)

Galloway presents a series of policy proposals aimed at rectifying the economic and social challenges facing young Americans:

• Increase Minimum Wage: Advocating for a federal minimum wage of $25 per hour to empower young workers financially.

  George Hahn (11:19): "The fastest way to put more money in their hands is to give them a raise."

• National Service Programs: Proposing two years of paid service to build grit, camaraderie, and social consciousness among youths.

  George Hahn (12:04): "Service builds grit, camaraderie, connections and social conscience."

• Affordable Education: Encouraging public universities to offer free admission to students who meet minimum academic requirements, tying educational accessibility to institutional endowments.

  George Hahn (15:40): "Any university that has an endowment over a billion that's not expanding its freshman class faster than population growth should lose its tax-free status."

• Vocational Training and Apprenticeships: Emphasizing the importance of technical skills and paid apprenticeships, especially for men, to foster employment in sectors requiring physical and technical expertise.

  George Hahn (16:09): "Especially men, thrive in careers that require strength, sweat and technical skill."

• Housing Initiatives: Addressing the housing shortage by advocating for the construction of 3 million housing units, which would simultaneously generate jobs and increase tax revenues.

  George Hahn (13:18): "Building housing at that scale would create more than a million jobs and generate billions in tax revenue."

• Energy Policies: Promoting nuclear energy as a means to combat climate change and support the AI revolution, suggesting tax incentives similar to Portugal's model to retain and attract young professionals.

  George Hahn (14:20): "Increasing our nuclear output 3x would likely create 1.5 million jobs."

These recommendations aim to rebuild the economic foundation for young Americans, fostering an environment where they can thrive both personally and professionally.

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5. The Role of Masculinity and Cultural Shifts (16:50 - 18:49)

A critical examination is offered on how masculinity has been politicized and its impact on voting behaviors:

George Hahn (17:38): "They make inadequate mates, employees and citizens."

The episode discusses how traditional notions of masculinity—providers and protectors—have been challenged, leading to a backlash that manifests in political support for candidates who embody a disruptive and assertive form of masculinity.

Galloway argues that the electorate, especially young men, did not vote based on policy issues but rather on attributes that align with their desire for disruption and a rejection of a system they perceive as broken.

George Hahn (17:56): "How do we get young people pairing and make more men more attractive by leveling up young people economically."

This section underscores the intertwined nature of economic disenfranchisement and cultural identity, suggesting that addressing one without the other is insufficient.

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6. Conclusion and Future Outlook (18:49 - 19:07)

In wrapping up, Galloway reflects on the significant shift in political dynamics, emphasizing that the election was not a referendum on specific policy issues like women's rights but a broader manifestation of economic and social frustrations channeled through the lens of masculinity.

George Hahn (18:58): "It was a cold plunge into testosterone."

Galloway posits that understanding these underlying currents is essential for crafting policies that genuinely address the root causes of discontent and foster a more inclusive and prosperous society.

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Key Takeaways

• Masculinity as a Political Fault Line: The recent election highlighted how perceptions of masculinity and traditional gender roles have become central to political mobilization and voter alignment.

• Economic Disenfranchisement of Youth: Young Americans, particularly men, face significant economic challenges, including unemployment, underemployment, and housing insecurity, which influence their political choices.

• Generational Wealth Gap: The disparity in wealth accumulation between older and younger generations fuels political tensions and divergent voting patterns.

• Comprehensive Policy Solutions: Addressing the crisis requires multi-faceted policy interventions targeting wage increases, education affordability, housing, energy, and vocational training to rebuild economic opportunities for young people.

• Cultural and Economic Interplay: Effective solutions must consider both economic empowerment and cultural identity to create meaningful and lasting change.

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This episode of The Prof G Pod offers a profound analysis of the 2024 election, framing it as a turning point driven by deep-seated issues of masculinity and economic disparity. Scott Galloway's insights provide a roadmap for policymakers and society to address these challenges holistically, ensuring a more equitable and stable future for all generations.

Transcript

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[Sky Galloway]

I'm Sky Galloway and this is no mercy, no malice. Young people were the epicenter of the political earthquake last week. The fault line masculinity, the testosterone election.

[George Hahn]

As read by George Hahn. I believe the more interesting conversation than.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Why she lost is how he won.

[George Hahn]

We on the left try to comfort each other with the cold that is freezing comfort of he barely won the.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Popular vote or Wisconsin was decided by just 30,000 people.

[George Hahn]

But the reality is Donald Trump destroyed Kamala Harris.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Trump for the first time won the.

[George Hahn]

Popular vote and took all seven swing states. It was a political earthquake that rendered legacy media and knocking on doors as 20th century relics. The aftershocks will be felt for the next four years and beyond. But we know where the epicenter was. Despite a 5148 split in the popular.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Vote, 3/4 of Americans agree on one thing.

[George Hahn]

We are on the wrong track. That's been the political reality for most of this century. High levels of dissatisfaction resulting in a series of change elections. The reason voters recognize that millennials and zoomers aren't as prosperous as their boomer.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

And gen X parents.

[George Hahn]

One example in 1981.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

The median age of a home buyer was 38.

[George Hahn]

Today it's 54. The epicenter of the 2024 political earthquake wasn't immigration, bodily autonomy, or democracy. It was the social contract between America and its citizens. The contract is straightforward.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Work hard and play by the rules, and your children will have a better life than you did. For the first time in 250 years.

[George Hahn]

That contract has not held during an earthquake. Solid ground is an illusion. I Learned this in 1971, when the Sylmar quake devastated Los Angeles. The movement of tectonic plates, usually just.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

A few centimeters per year, goes unnoticed.

[George Hahn]

Until they slip, releasing enough energy to rip apart the ground beneath your feet. Tectonic plates meet, pressure builds, and ultimately breaks apart at the fault line. If the epicenter of this election was America's social contract, the fault line was masculinity.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Before the election, I predicted the outcome would be decided by whoever presented a.

[George Hahn]

More aspirational vision of masculinity. The reasoning was correct. The call was wrong.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Instead of seeing men as providers and.

[George Hahn]

Protectors, voters embraced crypto. The UFC and Hulk Hogan, Tesla, Bitcoin, Ethereum and Dogecoin are up 29%, 25%, 24% and 106% respectively. Note the S&P is up nearly 4% over the same period. And we Democrats were stood up, left bereft by voters motivated by bodily autonomy.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Who didn't show up. Trump was able to distance himself from.

[George Hahn]

The bodily autonomy issue.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Five of the seven states that voted.

[George Hahn]

For pro choice amendments split the ticket.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

On the issue, pulling the lever for the former president.

[George Hahn]

America elected President T. Only the T doesn't stand for Trump, but testosterone.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

How Americans vote should be taken seriously regarding the direction of the country. But much of the rhetoric has been.

[George Hahn]

Ugly and should not be normalized. I receive a lot of emails from.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Worried parents, particularly mothers, along these lines.

[George Hahn]

Quote, I have a daughter who lives.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

In Chicago and works in PR and.

[George Hahn]

Another daughter who's at Pennsylvania.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

My son lives in our basement, vapes and plays video games.

[George Hahn]

Unquote. Young American men are in a crisis.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Of underemployment and undersocialization. Soaring college costs affect people regardless of.

[George Hahn]

Gender, but since 2011, the percentage of young men enrolled in college has dropped.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

From 47% to 42%.

[George Hahn]

Manufacturing jobs, once a ticket to the.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Middle class for men without college degrees, have been offshored. Housing is increasingly unaffordable.

[George Hahn]

Nearly 60% of men aged 18 to 24 live with their parents, and one in five still live with their parents at 30. Many men are stuck, isolated, despairing and unproductive, prone to obesity, drug addiction and.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Suicide, susceptible to misogyny, conspiracy theories and radicalization.

[George Hahn]

They make inadequate mates, employees and citizens. An African proverb states, quote, the child.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.

[George Hahn]

When young men are struggling, they and their parents vote based on an attribute versus an issue. That attribute this cycle was disruption. These voters didn't vote for the party that believes the solution for young men is to act more like women or even traditional Republicans. They opted for whoever would disrupt an America that's broken its most basic contract. As Cersei Lannister said, I choose violence. The electorate chose chaos.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

When parents see their kids hurting, they become single issue voters.

[George Hahn]

From 2020 to 2024, Trump gained 15 points among 18 to 29 year old men. The mothers of young voters, women ages 45 to 64 voted for Trump more.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Than any other age group of women, including women over 65.

[George Hahn]

Their fathers, men ages 45 to 64.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Voted for Trump at a higher rate than any other male age group, except.

[George Hahn]

For men over 65 who supported him by 1 percentage point more. The boys burned down the village to feel its warmth, and their parents gave them the matches. In April, I gave a TED talk about America's war on the young. The war is being waged on nearly every front, but one especially revealing battleground.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Is our social SAF safety net. If it seems like we care more.

[George Hahn]

About senior citizens than our children, trust your instincts.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Recall that we let the child tax.

[George Hahn]

Credit expansion expire post pandemic.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Meanwhile, Social Security remains the third rail.

[George Hahn]

Of American politics, with old people electing.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Older people who vote themselves more money.

[George Hahn]

To paraphrase Warren Buffett, there is a generational war in America, and my generation is winning. After a campaign where most of the oxygen was consumed by performative pandering over culture war issues, voters reminded us that their number one issue is the economy.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

America is a platform that provides two.

[George Hahn]

The defense of our shores and citizens and economic opportunity.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Everything else comes in a distant third. In a capitalist society, the fastest path.

[George Hahn]

To expanding and protecting rights is give people more money. When you put expanding rights ahead of increasing economic opportunity, you're treating the symptom, not the disease. In America, and this has not always.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Been the case and should be celebrated. Your opportunities are more a function of.

[George Hahn]

Your economic weight class than your identity. Demographics are no longer destiny.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Today in America, you'd rather be born.

[George Hahn]

Non white or gay than poor. Our spending priorities like entitlements, tax policies.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Like capital gains and mortgage interest deductions and fiscal policies like bailouts of incumbents.

[George Hahn]

Are nothing but a transfer of wealth from young to old.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Compared to 40 years ago, the average.

[George Hahn]

70 plus year old is 72% wealthier and the average person under 40 is 24% less wealthy.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

In addition, social media notifications remind them.

[George Hahn]

210 times a day that everyone else is killing it.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

The most noxious emission in America is.

[George Hahn]

Not carbon but shame. The disease is simple to diagnose. Young people don't have enough money. We should treat the disease not with leeches like tariffs and cocaine, like tax cuts for the wealthy, but treatments that are proven to work. A few suggestions do the minimum 70% of minimum wage workers are between 16 and 34. The fastest way to put more money.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

In their hands is to give them a raise. I believe the federal minimum wage should be $25 per hour.

[George Hahn]

Ask what you can do for your country.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Only 18% of 18 to 34 year olds say they're proud to be an American. We should require or encourage one or.

[George Hahn]

Two years of paid service for young people.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Service builds grit, camaraderie, connections and social conscience. It heals political divisions and restores faith in the country.

[George Hahn]

The left will cry fascism, the right communism.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Angering both extremes is a tell for good policy which generally appeals to the center rather than the fringes.

[George Hahn]

Note when the extremes agree, it's usually centered on reckless spending or antisemitism. Get fit.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

JFK challenged Americans to improve their physical fitness. The President's physical fitness test emphasized performance.

[George Hahn]

But it was replaced by the Presidential Youth Fitness Program, which emphasized health. We should do both as some studies.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Have shown that physical strength and exercise are 1.5 times as effective as antidepressants at battling depression. Build, baby, build.

[George Hahn]

We have a shortage of affordable housing.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

One conservative estimate suggests we need to build 3 million housing units. This isn't rocket science. Building housing at that scale would create more than a million jobs and generate.

[George Hahn]

Billions in tax revenue.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

The private sector responds to incentives. This should likely be done via a.

[George Hahn]

Tax credit versus regulation nuclear option. FDR's new deal put millions to work.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Building the Hoover Dam and LaGuardia Airport and bringing electricity to the south.

[George Hahn]

Eisenhower's Interstate highway system, a project of immeasurable benefit for jobs and commerce, continues.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

To pay dividends 70 years later. Today we need carbon free energy to combat climate change and fuel the AI revolution. Nuclear accounts for 20% of our total.

[George Hahn]

Power output and half our clean energy.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Increasing our nuclear output 3x would likely create 1.5 million jobs. Nuclear energy feels more masculine than wind and solar.

[George Hahn]

I'm hopeful Trump will embrace it. IRS Yovum we should take a page from Portugal and grant a tax holiday.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

For 18 to 35 year olds as.

[George Hahn]

A means of staunching generational wealth transfer.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

The Portuguese government recognized the most talented.

[George Hahn]

Young Portuguese had one thing in common.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

They'D left the country. The new tax benefits extend over 10 years, including no taxation for the first year. The program is meant to help retain.

[George Hahn]

And attract young professionals in the U.S.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

We have the most anxious and depressed younger generation in history. The incumbents will plead complexity as a misdirect from a simple solution.

[George Hahn]

More prosperity that is money.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

The program would not be that expensive.

[George Hahn]

As it requires no increase in the administrative state and young people don't generate.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Much tax revenue to begin with.

[George Hahn]

Make education affordable Again Nothing says we believe in you like education.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Some public universities offer free admission to students who meet minimum academic requirements.

[George Hahn]

This should be the rule, not the exception.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Any university that has an endowment over.

[George Hahn]

A billion that's not expanding its freshman class faster than population growth should lose its tax free status.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

It's no longer a public servant, but.

[George Hahn]

A hedge fund offering classes. Also, we should bulk up on vocational.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Training and paid apprenticeships as many people.

[George Hahn]

Especially men, thrive in careers that require strength, sweat and technical skill. These are good paying jobs shamed by.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

The zeitgeist in our society which says if you're one of the two thirds.

[George Hahn]

Of families whose kid doesn't graduate from college, you and your kid have fucked up.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

See above. Shame.

[George Hahn]

Make dating great again.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Young people are having less sex. This contributes to a delay in unlocking adult milestones, marriage, kids and sets up.

[George Hahn]

A demographic time bomb without the prospect.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Of a romantic relationship. Women pour energy into other relationships and work men into addiction and resentment. Remote work is a disaster for young people.

[George Hahn]

A quarter of all couples meet at work.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

We need to get more young people.

[George Hahn]

Into an office, classroom or some other.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Environment where they're serving in the agency.

[George Hahn]

Of something bigger than themselves.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

See above.

[George Hahn]

National Service Today's venue for connection or lack thereof is online dating. But like every other sector that's being digitized, it's become a winner take most arena.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

A small number of men garner all the attention, leaving a man of average.

[George Hahn]

Attractiveness totally shut out of the market.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Which validates his sense of worthlessness.

[George Hahn]

And the top decile of men are given license to engage in Porsche polygamy.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Which doesn't encourage the formation of long.

[George Hahn]

Term relationships and issues a hall pass for bad behavior.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Who wants more economically and emotionally viable men a women.

[George Hahn]

How do we get young people pairing a make more men more attractive by leveling up young people economically. AI, GDP S&P Innovation, shareholder growth.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

These things are all means.

[George Hahn]

The ends are deep and meaningful relationships. They are everything and the center of literally everything is the well being of your kids. When they're not doing well, they and.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

Their mothers become the mother of single issue voters. Change Disruption so how did Trump win a he? His campaign determined the best way to win over young men and their parents was to act like a young bro himself. Think about it.

[George Hahn]

Rockets crypto Rogan Coarse language offensive jokes.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

This election was supposed to be a.

[George Hahn]

Referendum on women's rights.

[Unnamed Political Analyst]

It wasn't.

[George Hahn]

It was a cold plunge into testosterone.

[Sky Galloway]

Life is so rich.

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