Today, Explained: The Most Important “Most Important Election”?
Podcast Information:
- Title: Today, Explained
- Host/Author: Vox
- Description: Today, Explained is Vox's daily news explainer podcast. Hosts Sean Rameswaram and Noel King guide listeners through the most important stories of the day.
- Episode: The Most Important “Most Important Election”?
- Release Date: November 5, 2024
Introduction: The Persistent Claim
The episode opens with Hosts Sean Rameswaram and Noel King addressing a ubiquitous claim circulating during election seasons: "This is the most important election of our lifetime." Rameswaram remarks at [00:01], “Remember, remember the 5th of November, because this is the most important election of our lifetime,” setting the stage for a critical examination of this assertion.
Historical Perspective with Jeffrey Engel
To assess the validity of labeling any election as the "most important," the hosts consult Jeffrey Engel, Director of the Center for Presidential History at Southern Methodist University. Engel challenges the notion at [02:12], stating, “I think the better question is has anyone not said it?” He emphasizes that declaring each election as the most important has been a recurring theme, regardless of the era.
Comparing to the 1932 Election
Engel draws parallels between the 2024 election and the pivotal 1932 presidential election during the Great Depression. At [04:50], he explains:
“Franklin Roosevelt, the challenger, the Democrat, he basically made the following campaign slogan, which is, vote for me, I'm not him. And the him was Herbert Hoover.”
He highlights the stark ideological differences of that time, where Roosevelt's promise to "do more" contrasted sharply with Hoover's reluctance for government intervention. The desperation of the Great Depression made the 1932 election exceptionally consequential, ultimately leading to Roosevelt’s historic New Deal policies.
The 1860 Election and the Civil War
Engel also references the 1860 election, a moment when the stakes were existential for the Union. He notes:
“Abraham Lincoln or any Republican... they [Southern Democrats] were to secede because they didn’t like the outcome.”
This election directly led to the Civil War, underscoring how certain elections can indeed determine the very survival of the republic.
The 1800 Election: A Peaceful Transfer of Power
Further back, Engel discusses the 1800 election between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. This election is celebrated for establishing the precedent of a peaceful transfer of power between rival political parties, a cornerstone of American democracy.
Current Election Stakes: Democracy vs. Division
Transitioning to the present, the episode features insights from Julia Azari, a Professor of Political Science at Marquette University, alongside Kamala Harris. They analyze the current election’s rhetoric and its emphasis on democracy.
At [18:43], Kamala Harris states:
“For the Harris campaign, it's very much about democracy.”
She contrasts this with Donald Trump’s messaging, which focuses on national identity, referencing his January 6, 2021, remarks:
“If you don't fight like hell, you're not gonna have a country anymore.”
Azari adds at [19:56]:
“We have some very bad people. We have some sick people, radical left lunatics...”
This polarized discourse underscores the high emotional stakes and deep societal divisions present in the 2024 election.
Voter Turnout: A Sign of Engagement
The hosts and guests discuss the correlation between the perceived importance of an election and voter turnout. Kamala Harris explains at [20:02]:
“Voter turnout does go up when people care about the difference between the two candidates and perceive that difference to be meaningful.”
This suggests that framing the election as crucial can mobilize higher participation, contrasting with past decades where voter apathy was more prevalent.
Is the Election Truly the Most Important?
Engel urges caution in accepting the "most important election" narrative without context. He points out that while some elections have had transformative impacts, others may be overstated by media and political actors for mobilization purposes.
At [25:10], Kamala Harris reflects on the fatigue of repeatedly hearing this claim:
“I think maybe this is just because elections are real important. I want to sort of give credence to the idea that every election maybe is the most important.”
This perspective suggests a cyclical and perhaps cynical view of the repeated labeling of elections as unprecedentedly significant.
Conclusion: A Balanced View
The episode wraps up by acknowledging the complexity of evaluating an election’s historical significance in real-time. While certain elections undeniably shape the nation's trajectory profoundly, the frequent declaration of "most important election" can be both a motivator for higher engagement and a potential source of fatigue or skepticism among voters.
Notable Quotes:
- Sean Rameswaram [00:01]: “Remember, remember the 5th of November, because this is the most important election of our lifetime.”
- Jeffrey Engel [02:12]: “I think the better question is has anyone not said it?”
- Kamala Harris [18:43]: “For the Harris campaign, it's very much about democracy.”
- Julia Azari [19:56]: “We have some very bad people. We have some sick people, radical left lunatics...”
- Kamala Harris [25:10]: “I want to sort of give credence to the idea that every election maybe is the most important.”
Final Thoughts
"Today, Explained" offers a nuanced exploration of whether the 2024 election merits the grandiose title of "most important election." By juxtaposing historical pivotal elections with the current political climate, the podcast encourages listeners to critically assess such claims and understand the broader context of electoral significance.