What A Day

Latest Episodes:

Another Brick In The Blue Wall Nov 05, 2020

Show notes

Joe Biden now has the most votes of any presidential candidate in history, and he’s won two more key states in his path to 270 electoral votes: Michigan and Wisconsin. We’re still waiting on calls in five battleground states: Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. We discuss where things stand, and how the two campaigns are responding. Spoiler alert: one is being dignified and the other is trying to derail the democratic process.

Meanwhile, things aren't looking so good for Democrats in the Senate. Susan Collins won re-election in Maine, making the chances of a Dem majority much slimmer.

And in headlines: the US sees over 100,000 new COVID cases in a single day, passage of California’s Proposition 22 sends ride-share stocks soaring, and re-examining the gender roles of hunter-gatherers.

No Winner, No Cry Nov 04, 2020

Show notes

Yesterday was Election Day, and it ended as we expected it to: without an official call on the presidential race. There wasn’t a Biden landslide like we hoped, but as we went to record last night, he still had a path to victory. We discuss that path, some surprising and less surprising calls, and how the two presidential candidates treated the results.

Looking at Congress, Democrats retained control of the House, adding some cool new progressives including Cori Bush, Jamaal Bowman, and Marie Newman. The jury’s still out on who will control the Senate.

And in headlines: the US is no longer part of the Paris Climate Agreement, record-setting COVID numbers in the US, and Trump destroys Lil Wayne’s relationship.

No Sleep Til Votes In Nov 03, 2020

Show notes

After four long hard years, we’ve made it to election day… now we just need to make it through the next 24, to 48, to 100-plus hours. We discuss when the results will come in and what we’ll be watching out for. Plus, a look at some key Senate races in states that could flip.

And in headlines: battleground states were hit hardest with misinformation, voter preferences by first name, and a whale statue saves a train.

Show Notes:

If you run into any issues voting or witness voter suppression or intimidation, call the voter protection hotline: 1-833-DEM-VOTE — 1-833-336-8683

Make a plan to vote: votesaveamerica.com/plan

Listen to Akilah's Spotify playlist "Chill Times Bro" https://open.spotify.com/playlist/69Sif17z5Lec1TTDudahnz?si=lET8v3wxRKKtkKmOGK-6Iw

First Vote's The Charm Nov 02, 2020

Show notes

Over 93 million people have voted as of Sunday night. More than 8 million of those voters are doing so for the first time, according to the data firm TargetSmart. We talk to a group of first time voters about why they are participating this year, and why they’re choosing Biden.

The US hit a new record high of Covid-19 cases last Friday — with many swing states hitting record highs as well. And the UK announced a new lockdown to combat their rise in cases.

And in headlines: Typhoon Goni hits the Philippines, high school journalists bust Kentucky State Police, and a new giant coral discovered at the Great Barrier Reef.

In This COVID Economy? Oct 30, 2020

Show notes

Another 5 million people cast ballots yesterday, bringing the vote total to over 80 million so far. We explain two recent Supreme Court decisions over voting rights in Pennsylvania and North Carolina… and what they could mean for the post-election count.

The GDP went up by 7.4 percent in the third quarter, but the economy is still 3.5 percent smaller than it was pre-pandemic. Plus, we check in on the chances for a new relief bill after the election.

And in headlines: Trump HHS can’t find one celebrity to make a PSA with, Jerry Falwell Jr. sues Liberty University, and Taiwan hasn’t had a domestic COVID case for 200 days. Plus, Phillip Picardi joins us as a special guest!

Show Links:

Listen to Phillip's show "Unholier Than Thou"

https://crooked.com/podcast-series/unholier-than-thou/

Ballot Cleanser Oct 29, 2020

Show notes

COVID-19 numbers are up in the US, with more than 500,000 new cases over the past week. Trouble spots include El Paso, TX, where hospitals are stretched to capacity, plus the Dakotas, Wisconsin, and Montana. Europe is also seeing numbers spike, leading some countries to re-implement national shutdowns.

There are five days until election day, so we’re continuing to review notable ballot initiatives. Today, we discuss Utah and Nebraska amendments that would outlaw slavery as punishment for crimes, a Florida amendment that would raise the minimum wage, and more.

And in headlines: tens of thousands protested a new abortion law in Poland, tech CEOs testify about content moderation, a look at how swordfish stab.

Show Links:

votesaveamerica.com/volunteer

I've Got Polls But I'm Not A Pollster Oct 28, 2020

Show notes

With less than a week until November 3rd, almost 70 million people have already voted in this election as of last night, which is over half the total in 2016.

We talk with Charlotte Swasey, the Vice President of polling at Data for Progress, about how things are looking for Biden, how to read the polls, and what results we may and may not get on Election night.

And in headlines: protests in Philly over the shooting of Walter Wallace Jr., California’s record-breaking fire season continues, and Russia implements mask mandate.

Show Links:

Make a plan to vote: votesaveamerica.com

I Just Can't Barrett Oct 27, 2020

Show notes

Amy Coney Barrett was officially confirmed as a Supreme Court justice, cementing a 6-3 conservative majority on the court. Barrett has not said whether she will recuse herself from cases having to do with this election… meanwhile, her confirmation has led even more moderate Democrats to warm up to the idea of court reform or expansion.

Policing is on the ballot this year, with over 20 state and local measures that deal with law enforcement budgets, police oversight, marijuana legalization and more. We talk through some of those measures and the effect they might have if they pass.

And in headlines: Chile votes to replace its constitution, China’s Ant Group has largest IPO in history, and the nation of Kazakhstan reclaims “very nice.”

Show Links:

votesaveameria.com/volunteer

Pence Like Nobody's Watching Oct 26, 2020

Show notes

At least 5 aides of Mike Pence including his Chief of Staff have tested positive for Covid-19, but Pence still isn’t going to quarantine. The country is seeing record numbers of new cases, with over 85,000 new cases last Friday… that fits with a recent admission from White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows that the federal government is “not going to control the pandemic.”

Over 59 million people have already voted in the election and far fewer votes are undecided this year than they were in 2016. We take a look at how Trump and Biden are spending their final week on the campaign trail and how polls are looking in key states.

And in headlines: police fatally shoot 19-year-old Marcellis Stinnette in Illinois, Spain declares a national state of emergency, and HHS blows a deal with Santa.

A More Muted Presidential Debate Oct 23, 2020

Show notes

Last night Biden and Trump faced off in the second and final presidential debate. It was less interrupt-y and the candidates discussed everything from the pandemic to climate change and racism. We break down what Biden and Trump had to say, and the biggest news leading into the night.

And in headlines: Remdesivir approved, Pompeo signs an anti-abortion declaration, and a beautiful green dog is born in Italy.

Show Links:

“What Prop 22’s Defeat Would Mean For Uber and Lyft — And Drivers”

https://www.latimes.com/business/technology/story/2020-10-19/prop-22-explained

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