Christmas Presents!

In this special bonus episode, 2 very exciting things happen! 1) Karin announces her new podcast, What Can You Do? This commute length podcast brings on experts in some of the biggest issues facing the world today - polarisation, the housing crisis, inequality, climate change - to get a quick briefing on the issue and point you to some practical things you can do to help. 2) Karin speaks to Edward-Isaac Dovere, political journalist for the Atlantic, about his "cracking" new book Battle for the Soul. They talk about how Pete Buttigieg got robbed of his post Iowa momentum, the tensions between Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, how close Mike Bloomberg came to being the nominee before Warren decimated him in his first debate, and - of course - about how Democrats wound up choosing Joe Biden and the country wound up electing him. They discuss the anti-democracy turn of the Republican Party post-election and how big D Democrats should respond to it. And, they play a "greatest hits" version of the Gut Check Game, reacting to quotes and sayings from throughout the campaign.  

In this final episode of Democratically: 2020, Karin explains the medical dramas that kept her away from podcasting for the first couple months of the Biden era, and talks to Political Director of Data for Progress Marcella Mulholland and former Republican strategist Marshall Manson about the American Rescue Act, the prospects for improving our political system, and the (surprisingly?) impressive start to the Biden Administration. 

Karin speaks again to Matthew McGregor of Hope Not Hate to follow up their earlier conversation about the rise of the far right and discuss the President's complicity in directly inciting the mob that broke into the Capitol building. We discuss the second impeachment of Trump and how we are all living as victims of domestic terrorism. They also look forward to the inauguration and how the Biden administration can start to deal with these ongoing threats. 

This week, Karin speaks to Julie Norman, a Lecturer in US Politics at University College London about the insurrection that led to Trump supporters taking over the Capitol Building on Wednesday night, and also about the Democrats winning two Senate seats in Georgia following Tuesday's election. 

This week, Karin welcomes in the new year with a quick recap of the rollercoaster of horrors that was 2020, and also gives you a rundown of what you can expect in Tuesday's 2 Georgia Senate runoff races.  Happy New Year to you and yours! 

In a special Christmas themed episode of the podcast, Karin talks to Friend of the Pod Emma Burnell about what politically themed Christmas gifts they would both wish to give to the current President, the President-Elect, and the major players in the Democratic Primary.  Happy holidays to you and yours! 

Karin speaks to Friend of the Pod Khary Penebaker, who was one of the 306 Electoral College members who cast their ballots for Joe Biden this week. He tells us about what the vibe was like in the room, how he drew a little heart over Kamala Harris' name, how he has dealt with death threats and "twisted logic" from Trump supporters, and much more.  

Karin catches up with writer and Friend of the Pod Skylar Baker Jordan to talk about Biden's cabinet nominees, including:  * the controversial appointment of recently retired 4-star General Lloyd Austin as Defence Secretary, and why this presents a threat to the principle of a civilian-led military * Skylar's enthusiasm for Secretary of State nominee Anthony Blinken, and the respect it pays to the expertise of diplomacy * Karin's enthusiasm for Treasury Secretary Janet Yellin, who has played a leading role in moving financial policy into a more progressive direction. We also talked about the possibility that Pete Buttigieg might be offered a job as Ambassador for China, and the pros and cons of this option.  And finally, we discussed the changing political nature of the American South, and whether it still makes sense to think of this area as a cohesive region given the changing demographics there.  And, of course, we play the Gut Check Game!

Karin speaks to comedian and American Exchange podcast host Erich McElroy about the very different goings on in Trump's universe and Biden's universe. In Trump's world, long-shot hearings continue in a certainly futile attempt to overturn the results of the election, while general pardons are being considered for Trumps kids (and possibly Trump himself?). Meanwhile over in Biden's world, preparations have begun for an orderly inauguration and a bunch of highly qualified and competent people have been appointed to Cabinet posts.  Plus: We play the Gut Check Game, reacting to some colourful facts and personal anecdotes about some of Biden's Cabinet appointees. 

This recording captures the live online event that took place on Saturday, November 28th and features: * Stand up (or rather, sit-down) comedy from Erich McElroy * A presentation by Karin digging into the turnout and persuasion performance of Democrats in Georgia this year * A conversation between Emma and Karin about the major themes of (and future for) this podcast * A panel and Q&A facilitated by Emma and featuring Karin as well as: Data For Progress Deputy Director for Climate Marcella Mulholland, Political strategist and Mind of State podcast co-host Jonathan Kopp and Comedian Erich McElroy.  Special thanks to Paddy Collins, author of the newsletter Because the Internet for moderating the session and identifying audience questions for the Q&A.