Hey Chris! With all of the news surrounding former CIA Agent / Author / Financier / Pastry Chef / Broadway Star George Santos (will he resign: probably not, will he be expelled: unlikely in my opinion), it got me thinking about politics in New York. I live in Santos' district...lucky me to have him "representing" us!
I believe that Biden carried Santos' NY District (District 3) by 8 points in 2020. In 2022, Santos (NY-3) and Anthony D'Esposito (NY-4) in a neighboring Long Island District were among the key flips that contributed to Republicans gaining control of the house in the 2022 Elections.
Two parts to this question!
1) If Santos somehow resigns or is expelled, NY-3 would hold a special election. Do you think it likely that this seat flips back to the Democrats in such a situation, especially if they manage to run someone credible such as Suozzi?
2) New York has been a Democratic stronghold for decades, but do you think it will enter the "toss-up" category any time soon? Kathy Hochul barely defeated longtime NY-1 Rep Lee Zeldin in the Gubernatorial Race. New York City (aside from Staten Island) is generally as blue as ever. Long Island, however, which if it were its own state would be something like the 13th-most populous state, is shifting more and more to the right. Could this put NY in play by 2028?
As a New Yorker, I co-sign to this question. Hochul's been having a really rough go of it since she was elected and I am curious if there will ever be any consequences to Democrats one party rule.
Love your writing! Do you think the current toxic political and societal environment is a direct result of the former administration or are those traits just inherent in some people? Are they looking (quite like religion IMHO) for “something to believe in”? (Poison – seems apropos 😊 )
Just finished reading your book, Chris, and really enjoyed it! My question involves the 2024 election. You've said on several occasions what the Republicans must do to defeat Trump, and with few exceptions, they have yet to do it. What about Biden in the general election? What must he do to defeat Trump again in 2024? While to me, the choice is very clear, it seems as though nothing that Trump does impacts his supporters. Conversely, Biden's notable successes, especially given the razor thin majorities in the Congress, have not received the credit they deserve. What must Biden and the Democrats do to defeat Trump in 2024? Thank you!
Chris, after watching the CNN town hall with Trump it got me thinking about political positions that the GOP has that even Trump either had crazy answers for (Jan 6th) or bumbling answers for (abortion). Do you think those issues amongst other ones like gun control, cuts to social programs and climate change that the GOP doesn't have answers for will hurt them in elections now and in the future? Do you think they will try to change their messaging on those topics or just hope that younger people lose interest in elections?
There must be a few members of Congress who are honest, hardworking, role models. Not fascists, not exploiting racial divisions, not lying regularly. Who are they, and why aren't they in the news as often as the crazies from one side or the other?
With all the information coming out regarding the sexual assault/harassment suit against Rudy Giuliani, and the fact that recordings exist, he seems to be in a bad position. One of the statements says he was constantly drinking and popping Viagra. Does he have an out by claiming he's not responsible due to alcohol abuse? Can get away with such abhorrent behavior by checking himself into a rehab center? There's still the financial aspects of the lawsuit (non-payment of wages, etc) and possible criminal investigation resulting from the facts presented in the civil litigation, which likely cannot be explained away by alcoholism. Thanks!
With trump simultaneously steamrolling to the republican nomination, while showing no interest or ability to appeal to a national electorate - why does Biden feel such pressure to run again? Seems like in a race where significant majorities do not want EITHER major party candidate to run, the party who can most seamlessly, and quickly, have a new standard bearer would have a clear advantage. Is bidens ego (or something else) doing real harm to his party?
Does money have as much effect on elections as the media suggests? Most ads are so poorly produced (both left and right) that I can’t imagine anyone being influenced by them. Almost every article on elections includes comments about the candidate’s money raising ability, suggesting it is more important than their policy positions.
Chris, love your work. Although, it seems unlikely that the debt ceiling will not be honored, it boggles my mind (at least) that the House R gang would risk the default given the almost certainty that every one of them would be voted out of office in 2024. Their constituents would probably be the most affected, so are they that ignorant? Do they really think that they would escape blame for the catastrophic consequences?
How optimistic or pessimistic are you at the end of this week concerning the odds of House Republicans and the Senate voting to approve an agreement to avoid the US defaulting on interest owed to Treasury bond purchasers by raising the National Debt Limit? I know that Senate GOP Minority Leader Mitch McConnell washed his hands of any negotiations putting the responsibility to produce an agreement on House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and President Biden. As the deadline approaches fast, the number of legislative days shrinks and the minimum amount of time for both the House and Senate to draft and then actually vote on and approve the same agreement is @1 to 2 weeks, I remain more nervous and fearful that the independent contractor grandstanders with minimal incentives to understand the consequences of a 1st ever default by the world's heretofore most stable economy, such as Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz, and notorious liar George Santos, will follow Donald Trump's CNN Town Hall recommendation that they push for the US to default.
If DeSantis or Trump win the nomination, should Democrats just write off Florida in 2024 and spend their money on states they have to win rather than a state they've shown they can win without? I think this would be the cycle to really go all in on NC and see if they can flip it.
Hey Chris! With all of the news surrounding former CIA Agent / Author / Financier / Pastry Chef / Broadway Star George Santos (will he resign: probably not, will he be expelled: unlikely in my opinion), it got me thinking about politics in New York. I live in Santos' district...lucky me to have him "representing" us!
I believe that Biden carried Santos' NY District (District 3) by 8 points in 2020. In 2022, Santos (NY-3) and Anthony D'Esposito (NY-4) in a neighboring Long Island District were among the key flips that contributed to Republicans gaining control of the house in the 2022 Elections.
Two parts to this question!
1) If Santos somehow resigns or is expelled, NY-3 would hold a special election. Do you think it likely that this seat flips back to the Democrats in such a situation, especially if they manage to run someone credible such as Suozzi?
2) New York has been a Democratic stronghold for decades, but do you think it will enter the "toss-up" category any time soon? Kathy Hochul barely defeated longtime NY-1 Rep Lee Zeldin in the Gubernatorial Race. New York City (aside from Staten Island) is generally as blue as ever. Long Island, however, which if it were its own state would be something like the 13th-most populous state, is shifting more and more to the right. Could this put NY in play by 2028?
As a New Yorker, I co-sign to this question. Hochul's been having a really rough go of it since she was elected and I am curious if there will ever be any consequences to Democrats one party rule.
Love your writing! Do you think the current toxic political and societal environment is a direct result of the former administration or are those traits just inherent in some people? Are they looking (quite like religion IMHO) for “something to believe in”? (Poison – seems apropos 😊 )
Inherent...the deep white-supremacist state of the GOP has been there since the 1960s, but kept underwraps.
Just finished reading your book, Chris, and really enjoyed it! My question involves the 2024 election. You've said on several occasions what the Republicans must do to defeat Trump, and with few exceptions, they have yet to do it. What about Biden in the general election? What must he do to defeat Trump again in 2024? While to me, the choice is very clear, it seems as though nothing that Trump does impacts his supporters. Conversely, Biden's notable successes, especially given the razor thin majorities in the Congress, have not received the credit they deserve. What must Biden and the Democrats do to defeat Trump in 2024? Thank you!
Will Ciquizza make a comeback?
Chris, after watching the CNN town hall with Trump it got me thinking about political positions that the GOP has that even Trump either had crazy answers for (Jan 6th) or bumbling answers for (abortion). Do you think those issues amongst other ones like gun control, cuts to social programs and climate change that the GOP doesn't have answers for will hurt them in elections now and in the future? Do you think they will try to change their messaging on those topics or just hope that younger people lose interest in elections?
Why don't more people talk about gerrymandering? It's a serious problem in many states and clearly has a huge (unfair!) impact on elections.
There must be a few members of Congress who are honest, hardworking, role models. Not fascists, not exploiting racial divisions, not lying regularly. Who are they, and why aren't they in the news as often as the crazies from one side or the other?
Chris,
With all the information coming out regarding the sexual assault/harassment suit against Rudy Giuliani, and the fact that recordings exist, he seems to be in a bad position. One of the statements says he was constantly drinking and popping Viagra. Does he have an out by claiming he's not responsible due to alcohol abuse? Can get away with such abhorrent behavior by checking himself into a rehab center? There's still the financial aspects of the lawsuit (non-payment of wages, etc) and possible criminal investigation resulting from the facts presented in the civil litigation, which likely cannot be explained away by alcoholism. Thanks!
Tim D.
Two questions:
1) What do you make of the Giuliani lawsuit?
2) What has been your favorite interview you have done about your book?
With trump simultaneously steamrolling to the republican nomination, while showing no interest or ability to appeal to a national electorate - why does Biden feel such pressure to run again? Seems like in a race where significant majorities do not want EITHER major party candidate to run, the party who can most seamlessly, and quickly, have a new standard bearer would have a clear advantage. Is bidens ego (or something else) doing real harm to his party?
Does money have as much effect on elections as the media suggests? Most ads are so poorly produced (both left and right) that I can’t imagine anyone being influenced by them. Almost every article on elections includes comments about the candidate’s money raising ability, suggesting it is more important than their policy positions.
Chris, love your work. Although, it seems unlikely that the debt ceiling will not be honored, it boggles my mind (at least) that the House R gang would risk the default given the almost certainty that every one of them would be voted out of office in 2024. Their constituents would probably be the most affected, so are they that ignorant? Do they really think that they would escape blame for the catastrophic consequences?
How optimistic or pessimistic are you at the end of this week concerning the odds of House Republicans and the Senate voting to approve an agreement to avoid the US defaulting on interest owed to Treasury bond purchasers by raising the National Debt Limit? I know that Senate GOP Minority Leader Mitch McConnell washed his hands of any negotiations putting the responsibility to produce an agreement on House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and President Biden. As the deadline approaches fast, the number of legislative days shrinks and the minimum amount of time for both the House and Senate to draft and then actually vote on and approve the same agreement is @1 to 2 weeks, I remain more nervous and fearful that the independent contractor grandstanders with minimal incentives to understand the consequences of a 1st ever default by the world's heretofore most stable economy, such as Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz, and notorious liar George Santos, will follow Donald Trump's CNN Town Hall recommendation that they push for the US to default.
Hello Chris. How did you come about the phrase ''so what?''? What does it mean? Just wondering. Thanks!
If DeSantis or Trump win the nomination, should Democrats just write off Florida in 2024 and spend their money on states they have to win rather than a state they've shown they can win without? I think this would be the cycle to really go all in on NC and see if they can flip it.
Will Ron DeSantis be a "serious" Repubican nominee for President in 2024? Or is he really just setting himself up for a run for President in 2028?