00:00 Introduction and Diplosphere
00:58 Life in a Swing State During the US Election
02:35 Voter Key Issues
15:38 Money, & Tightrope of U.S. Politics
17:34 The Influence of Lobby Groups in American Elections
20:54 Reflections on Democracy and Global Influence
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Summary of Discussion with Nathan
Swing states like Michigan influence the U.S. election significantly due to the Electoral College system. They receive disproportionate attention and funding during campaigns because they hold the key to electoral victory. This concentration on a few states means intense media and candidate focus on Michigan and similar battlegrounds.
over a hundred thousand of those Arab Americans vote uncommitted votes at his primary,” highlighting the decisive nature of small voting blocs in these states.
Foreign policy might play a larger role than anticipated in shaping U.S. election outcomes. However, US unconditional support of Israel in its ongoing military onslaught on Gaza is affecting voter decisions. Many Arab Americans on one side of the fence, while many Jewish Americans are on the other. Lobby groups like the National Rifle Association within the US are legal via “Political Action Committees” that funnel donor funds, and the Israel Lobby in the US (AIPAC) wields significant political power on Middle East foreign policy by funnelling funds to pro-Israel politicians across the political divide. It is a tightrope for politicians to manage and political suicide to challenge directly the power of the lobby groups - as happened to a New York return candidate recently. All foreign policy begins at home.
There's a lot of Americans here think that foreign policy won't be a big thing... I do not agree with that view at all. […]
over a hundred thousand of those Arab Americans vote uncommitted votes at his primary [Michigan]
Economic issues dominate the concerns of Michigan voters. Amidst inflation and economic uncertainty, the electorate seeks leadership that addresses fundamental economic conditions. Political parties exploit these anxieties to galvanise support. While economic discourse remains central, climate issues are sidelined
Kamala Harris...toed down her climate policies, she doesn't want to alienate the moderate voters.
Money and media wield substantial influence in American politics, with campaign finances and media narratives curating public opinion. Elon Musk’s backing of Trump exemplifies how billionaires and media shape election dynamics. The power of social media cannot be understated, as it now serves as the primary information channel for many voters.
There's just not enough benevolent billionaires.
The youth vote holds significant sway, but has to be galvanized - which is yet to be seen - often determining electoral outcomes in close races. Engagement through social media, with targeted messaging and campaigns, dramatically influences youth turnout.
“It's really unpredictable. So it's really exciting. In some ways it's like a form of entertainment to be honest.”
Will NZ follow this path of a moneyed system, attack politics, and zero sum thinking of the world or is there a better way?
So I'm like, we have something really special, people are hungry for this, they need this authenticity that the Māori culture provides, they're hungry, they're missing out on it. So that then, from then, I realized it's so important for us just to, just not just honor That, that side of who we are as an identity of New Zealand but to really, because it is a successful model to, to get people listening and be interested and engage and create business and accomplish another different, exchanges through that particular approach.
More from Nathan
https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360464806/swing-states-again-fore-us-congress-elections
https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/350417203/harris-v-trump-view-battleground-state
Donald Trump in Michigan recently - courting Muslim and Arab Americans, quite successfully, it appears at least.
Polls suggest Donal Trump has the momentum, and some think that the polls underestimate Trump support as some don’t like to admit their inclination
https://x.com/foo_4_thought/status/1850237923289162206
Democrats trust in mass media also slumps …
https://x.com/mtaibbi/status/1847058576101011522
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