Episodios

  • 2025 5-2 Matters of Democracy VIX and Economy, Cabinet Shuffle, Congress, Courts.
    May 2 2025

    the rapid decline in market volatility. VIX has dropped significantly

    anticipate inflation decelerating towards +2.31% for the upcoming report, current macro data suggests potential for rate cuts

    Federal employee initial jobless claims and government sector job cuts have been decreasing.

    difficulty confirming a UN Ambassador. NSA Mike Waltz is mentioned as the likely choice

    Rubio's portfolio has expanded to include four jobs, adding USAID and Architect of the United States

    growing pushback from Congress

    Senate overwhelmingly voted (59-49) to overturn the administration's "emergency" tariffs

    federal district court judge, Fernando Rodriguez Jr., issued a 36-page opinion challenging the administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798

    White House attempted to revoke TPS for over 600,000 Venezuelans but was blocked by a San Francisco judge

    North Carolina Electoral Integrity

    Victory Day as May 8th, aligning it with Victory in Europe Day, rather than November 11th

    The Canada Liberal party lost a recent by-election, reducing their parliamentary seats by one.

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    13 m
  • 2025 5-1 Matter of Democracy Economic Slowdown, Judicial Actions, Gen Z, Harvard
    May 1 2025

    Global Economic Slowdown and Quad4 Environment, Multiple data points strongly suggest a global economic slowdown

    "Trumponomics" and its internal contradictions regarding tariffs, manufacturing, spending, and debt.

    House Bill Expanding Judiciary Committee Power

    Judicial Actions

    the ongoing partisan divide

    Generational Divide (Gen Z)

    IRS and Harvard's Tax Exemption

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    12 m
  • 2025 4-30 Matters of Democracy 100 days in review
    Apr 30 2025

    covering various aspects including economics, immigration, government operations, the rule of law, appointments, retribution, foreign policy, and public perception.

    Trump's first 100 days has had a minimal impact on the economy, so far.

    Immigration remains a major focus of Trump's presidency.

    Trump's efforts to reduce the size and scope of the federal government.

    Trump's relationship with the legal system and established norms

    Trump's frequent use of executive orders

    retribution against perceived enemies is evident

    Trump's foreign policy approach is characterized as transactional and unpredictable.

    approval rating is starting near historical lows but has seen a slight increase.

    Promises kept, including enacting tariffs, ending funding for gender transition, instructing agencies to cease promoting gender transition, firing woke generals, signing an executive order on birthright citizenship, increasing funding for military deportations, terminating IRA programs, and repealing certain AI rights.

    A significant hurdle for the administration is the status of a budget bill.

    David Perdue's confirmation as Ambassador to China

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    14 m
  • 2025 4-29 Matters of Democracy Recession? Canada, Imigration
    Apr 29 2025

    recession risk remains elevated, largely driven by policy-related uncertainty, specifically concerning tariffs. without a "fuller 'pivot' in tariff-related uncertainty," the odds of a recession are "better than even."

    The Canadian federal election held yesterday resulted in a Liberal Party victory, led by PM Mark Carney

    alarming reports of U.S. citizen children being deported alongside their mothers

    Attorney General Pam Bondi, appears to be encouraging or directing immigration officials to disregard due process and legal constraints.

    The pursuit of a third term is seen as legally improbable but serves to freeze the Republican Party's 2028 presidential nominating process, hindering potential candidates and benefiting Trump's ego and finances.

    "100 Days, Billy Joel-Style" lyrics provides a satirical and critical perspective on the first 100 days of a hypothetical second Trump term

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    18 m
  • 2025 4-28 Matters of Democracy Approval #'s, Incompetence, Dem Strategy/Dynamics, Canada
    Apr 28 2025

    Declining Presidential Approval and Shifting Public Perception: Honeymoon Over

    Only 37% approve of Trump's economic program

    51% disapproving of his handling of immigration versus 47% approving

    Executive Overreach and Erosion of Institutional Norms: Limits on Presidential Power, Use of Executive Orders

    A Growing List of Administration "Mistakes" and Incompetence: Pete Hegseth: Harvard Funding Threat: IRS Commissioner Fiasco: Disastrous Tariffs: Budget Cuts and Reversals: Market Instability: HHS Secretary's Mishap:

    "Executive Branch" Club: New Approach to Grifting: Targeting the Wealthy

    Republican Division and Opposition (Limited)

    Justice Department Policy Shifts and Controversies Under AG Bondi

    Democratic Strategy in the House:

    Internal Democratic Party Dynamics:

    Sen. Adam Schiff's Assertive Role in the Senate:

    Senator Susan Collins' Declining Popularity in Maine

    Canadian Election Impacted by Trump:

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    18 m
  • 2025 4-25 Matters of Democracy 1,361 DAYS TO GO, Higher Ed, Ukraine, ActBlue, Book bans
    Apr 25 2025

    The Economist's Perspective: The cover of The Economist magazine, featuring a wounded eagle with the headline "ONLY 1,361 DAYS TO GO,"

    An anecdote about a high school graduating class highlights a trend where many students are not planning to attend college.

    "paper ceiling," This refers to the phenomenon where individuals without bachelor's degrees are overlooked for jobs despite having the necessary skills. A growing recognition among employers that a college degree is not always essential,

    Shifts in US Foreign Policy Towards Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is reported to have dismissed this proposal, stating "no."

    Scrutiny of Online Political Influence and Fundraising, Investigation into ActBlue, Concerns about "Straw Donations", Republican Fundraising Challenges.

    Challenges to Book Selections, Arguments Against Certain Books, Arguments for the Books and Against Censorship

    Deportation Efforts, Challenges in Enforcing Returns:

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    13 m
  • 2025 4-24 Matters of Democracy Economic Concerns and Public Dissatisfaction
    Apr 24 2025

    Lingering Impact of Trump Administration and Policies:

    Economic Concerns and Public Dissatisfaction: widespread economic anxieties among Americans, with many reporting struggling or getting by with limited security.

    Generational and Demographic Divides in Political Sentiment: Poll data presented indicates significant differences in political views and financial well-being across age groups, education levels, and racial/ethnic backgrounds. Younger Americans and minority groups appear to be disproportionately experiencing financial hardship and expressing negative views about the country's direction.

    Legal Challenges and Political Maneuvering: various legal battles involving Donald Trump and their potential political ramifications.

    Potential Electoral Shifts and Retirements

    Fundraising and Campaign Finance

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    8 m
  • 2025 4-23 Matters of Democracy Tesla,
    Apr 23 2025

    Tesla Down, Elon Musk's Focus and Potential Departure, Economic and Geopolitical Factors

    the Deportation Courts. Contempt Sanctions and Their Purpose. Legal Challenges in Texas

    Supreme Court's Role and Potential Outcomes

    Harvard University is facing a significant financial deficit due to various factors

    Perceived chaos and incompetence

    Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Ed Martin is Out of Control

    potential presidential candidacies of Gavin Newsom and Ron DeSantis in 2028

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    12 m
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