WEBVTT 01:40.133 --> 01:41.933 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Funding for To the Contrary, provided by: 01:51.566 --> 01:54.600 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% This week, on To the Contrary: First 01:54.600 --> 01:57.600 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% gender neutral standards for military combat. 01:58.333 --> 02:02.233 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% And will Democrats momentum in the special elections 02:02.600 --> 02:05.600 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% hold through the midterms? 02:18.766 --> 02:26.066 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% Hello, I'm Bonnie Erbe, 02:26.300 --> 02:29.433 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% welcome to To the Contrary, a discussion of news 02:29.433 --> 02:32.533 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% and social trends from diverse perspectives. 02:32.533 --> 02:35.166 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Up first, women in combat. 02:35.166 --> 02:39.366 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the military 02:39.366 --> 02:43.966 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% to adopt gender neutral fitness standards for all combat roles. 02:44.300 --> 02:47.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% This directive formalizes practices 02:47.500 --> 02:51.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% that are standard in many, but not all, combat positions. 02:52.400 --> 02:55.800 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Experts predict the military will have a harder time 02:55.800 --> 02:58.133 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% finding and retaining women. 02:58.133 --> 03:00.200 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% Hegseth previously said 03:00.200 --> 03:03.133 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% he didn't want women in combat, period. 03:03.133 --> 03:04.333 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% Joining me on the panel 03:04.333 --> 03:08.266 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% this week, Sam Bennett of the New York Amsterdam News, 03:08.533 --> 03:12.866 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% Republican strategist Whitley Yates, Democratic strategist 03:13.166 --> 03:18.733 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% Nailah Amaru and Genevieve Wood of the Heritage Foundation. 03:18.733 --> 03:21.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% So first question to you, Nailah. 03:21.366 --> 03:25.166 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Will this policy help or hinder our combat readiness? 03:26.233 --> 03:29.333 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% Well, I think it really depends, most specifically 03:29.333 --> 03:32.300 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% on the considerations that we need to consider. 03:32.533 --> 03:33.033 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% And speaking 03:33.600 --> 03:36.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% from my own experience as a combat veteran of Iraq, 03:37.100 --> 03:38.466 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% it was an ammunition specialist. 03:38.466 --> 03:39.900 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% I think the most important 03:39.900 --> 03:43.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% considerations are when thinking through scientific validity. 03:43.166 --> 03:43.500 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% Right. 03:44.366 --> 03:47.866 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% So if the fitness standards that they're trying to change, 03:48.100 --> 03:50.633 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% I think it's really important to make sure that they are based 03:50.633 --> 03:50.900 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% on the 03:51.833 --> 03:54.733 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% actual physical requirements of specific combat roles and 03:54.733 --> 03:58.100 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% not just arbitrary benchmarks, because if we go through 03:58.733 --> 04:01.700 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% specific physical requirements, 04:01.700 --> 04:04.133 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% then that's your best way of ensuring that fairness across 04:04.133 --> 04:05.266 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% all service members 04:05.266 --> 04:09.000 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% instead of through a necessarily specific gender lens. 04:09.000 --> 04:09.366 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% Well, I 04:09.833 --> 04:11.066 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% want the strongest force possible, 04:11.066 --> 04:12.566 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% and I think that we ought 04:12.566 --> 04:14.900 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% to have standards that make sure we have that. 04:14.900 --> 04:16.966 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% I'm not interested in how many women we recruit 04:16.966 --> 04:18.600 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% or how many this or that we recruit. 04:18.600 --> 04:21.266 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% I want the strongest people defending this country, 04:21.266 --> 04:23.466 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% specifically in combat roles. 04:23.466 --> 04:25.833 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And there's no doubt that over the recent years, 04:25.833 --> 04:28.733 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% in many of these roles, we have taken down 04:28.733 --> 04:31.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% what the standards are, whether it's push ups 04:31.000 --> 04:31.766 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% you can do, 04:32.133 --> 04:35.100 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% how far you can run or complete a two mile, assessment. 04:35.333 --> 04:37.333 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Those standards have been lowered 04:37.333 --> 04:40.500 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% so that we can put more women into these particular roles. 04:40.500 --> 04:42.133 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And I don't think that's a good idea. 04:42.133 --> 04:45.133 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% We require more push ups by a college mascot 04:45.133 --> 04:47.933 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% after their team scores a football touchdown, 04:47.933 --> 04:51.133 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% than we do in many cases, people were putting on the field. 04:51.133 --> 04:51.966 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% My perspective 04:52.166 --> 04:54.500 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% is this having grown up in a military household, 04:54.500 --> 04:56.433 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% my father was a marine officer and pilot. 04:56.433 --> 04:59.133 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% I was an ROTC Ranger, and I was able to back 04:59.133 --> 05:01.666 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% in the day to do 60 pushups by myself. Right. So, 05:02.866 --> 05:06.000 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% bottom line, men and women decision make differently. 05:06.000 --> 05:07.700 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% That is a truth. And 05:07.700 --> 05:11.466 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% so you need that women decision making on the battlefield. 05:11.766 --> 05:14.733 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I think it's erroneous to think that 05:14.733 --> 05:17.633 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% combat readiness and having the strongest 05:17.633 --> 05:20.300 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% armed forces is limited to how many push ups you can do. 05:20.300 --> 05:21.733 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% It's also about your ability 05:21.733 --> 05:24.733 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% to make the right decisions in the right moment on the field. 05:25.000 --> 05:26.766 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% And women approach decision 05:26.766 --> 05:28.566 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% making very differently than men do. 05:28.566 --> 05:31.066 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And that difference is important and valuable 05:31.066 --> 05:32.166 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% in a combat setting. 05:32.166 --> 05:33.733 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% In order to be super fit, 05:33.733 --> 05:36.800 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% then we need to train them in combat together. 05:36.800 --> 05:41.000 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% And so making sure that our military is trained adequately, 05:41.000 --> 05:42.233 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% no matter the gender, 05:42.233 --> 05:45.633 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% specifically for combat roles, should be first and foremost, 05:45.633 --> 05:47.633 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% because we want to have a sovereign nation. 05:47.633 --> 05:50.200 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And in order to do that, we need a strong military. 05:50.200 --> 05:53.266 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And that strong military comes with the foundation of fitness. 05:53.266 --> 05:54.700 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% So if women want to be on the 05:54.700 --> 05:56.466 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% front lines and in the combat roles, 05:56.466 --> 06:00.033 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% they should be able to hang with fitness first. 06:00.033 --> 06:03.800 align:left position:37.5% line:5% size:52.5% Couldn't that cut off unnecessarily 06:03.800 --> 06:06.666 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% a lot of women who in every other 06:06.666 --> 06:09.666 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% aspect of being in combat would be 06:09.966 --> 06:12.966 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% as good as, if not better, officers. 06:13.300 --> 06:14.366 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% You know, my grandmother used to say, 06:14.366 --> 06:16.266 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. 06:16.266 --> 06:18.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And what I'm saying is, if a woman wants to be 06:18.533 --> 06:20.466 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% on the front lines and in those combat roles, 06:20.466 --> 06:22.400 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and she's going to do whatever is necessary 06:22.400 --> 06:24.166 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% to learn the training and excel, 06:24.166 --> 06:24.766 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% I've seen it 06:24.766 --> 06:25.666 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% time and time again, 06:25.666 --> 06:26.266 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% and I know 06:26.566 --> 06:28.033 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% we are all women on this panel, and when 06:28.033 --> 06:30.433 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% we set our minds to do things, we will do it. 06:30.433 --> 06:32.933 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% No matter the challenges or adversities 06:32.933 --> 06:35.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% that are ahead of us. But we should go on. 06:35.100 --> 06:36.733 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% These strong is on the front line. 06:36.733 --> 06:39.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% If that is not, one of the female cannot make it. 06:39.700 --> 06:40.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And unfortunately, that's just not 06:40.866 --> 06:44.000 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% one of the females that will be in a combat role. 06:44.000 --> 06:46.033 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% But we know that throughout history, 06:46.033 --> 06:49.800 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and I'm not talking about just World War 2 or 80 years ago, 06:49.800 --> 06:52.666 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% I'm talking about thousands of years of history. 06:52.666 --> 06:56.866 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% These combat, requirements were set by men, 06:56.866 --> 06:59.833 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and they were set without regard to whether any women 07:00.233 --> 07:03.466 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% or people of color or whatever you want to, 07:03.466 --> 07:06.466 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% you know, whatever group you want to refer to, 07:06.466 --> 07:09.900 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% how they would be affected by it and how their gifts 07:10.300 --> 07:12.900 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% in other areas besides maybe 07:12.900 --> 07:16.033 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% only be being able to do 59 07:16.033 --> 07:17.033 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% push ups in a minute, 07:17.033 --> 07:18.300 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% not 60, I don't know, I'm 07:18.300 --> 07:21.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% pulling these numbers out of the air, but, 07:21.366 --> 07:24.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% without regard to what the gifts are on top of that, 07:24.333 --> 07:24.866 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% does that 07:25.533 --> 07:28.866 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% make good military strategy as far as you are concerned? 07:28.866 --> 07:29.366 align:left position:37.5% line:89% size:52.5% It does. 07:29.366 --> 07:30.833 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% For combat roles. 07:30.833 --> 07:32.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% We're not talking about if you can cook good 07:32.700 --> 07:35.266 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% or be a morale officer, we're talking about 07:35.266 --> 07:36.100 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% those that are going to be 07:36.366 --> 07:39.200 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% enhancing hand combat and going up against the enemy 07:39.200 --> 07:40.233 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% on the front lines. 07:40.233 --> 07:41.500 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% There are many different positions 07:41.500 --> 07:43.633 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% in the military that they can apply for. 07:43.633 --> 07:46.900 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% However, when we are talking about our front line security, 07:46.900 --> 07:48.066 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% I do believe 07:48.066 --> 07:50.366 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% that we should have the strongest 07:50.366 --> 07:52.366 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and if the strongest is not a woman, 07:52.366 --> 07:54.300 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% then a strong, the strongest is not a woman. 07:54.300 --> 07:58.566 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And I don't think that we should dilute any of the requirements 07:58.566 --> 08:01.800 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% in order to make it a peaceable so we can have more women. 08:01.800 --> 08:02.633 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% We want the strongest. 08:03.033 --> 08:04.966 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And if you believe that that's you, these are the requirements. 08:04.966 --> 08:05.400 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% Meet them. 08:05.800 --> 08:08.466 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% Well, it's an interesting, point. 08:09.666 --> 08:11.200 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% When we're talking about 08:11.200 --> 08:14.200 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% one, how are you going to identify a combat role? 08:14.833 --> 08:17.466 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% Because the front line has changed throughout history. 08:17.466 --> 08:17.766 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% Right. 08:18.500 --> 08:20.600 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% And so back in 2003, when I was serving in Iraq 08:20.600 --> 08:23.600 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% as ammunition specialist, I was on the front line. 08:23.600 --> 08:26.600 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Would that have been considered necessarily a combat role then? 08:26.600 --> 08:27.633 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% May or may not have been. 08:27.633 --> 08:29.533 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% I was, you know, enlisted soldier. 08:29.533 --> 08:31.933 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% I was just trying to execute my orders. 08:31.933 --> 08:33.666 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% But what I do know is, while I pass 08:33.666 --> 08:35.733 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% my physical fitness test every quarter, 08:35.733 --> 08:38.500 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I wasn't necessarily the fastest or did the most pushups 08:38.500 --> 08:40.733 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% or did the most set ups, but I did understand the ins 08:40.733 --> 08:43.033 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and outs of my job that I was trained to do, 08:43.033 --> 08:44.500 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% which were not rooted in 08:44.500 --> 08:46.733 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% how many push ups or sit ups I could do. 08:46.733 --> 08:49.866 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And also warfare strategy is not rooted 08:49.866 --> 08:53.033 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% so much in it and had to hand combat more 08:53.033 --> 08:56.100 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% so than it is technology, more so than it is in science. 08:56.100 --> 08:56.300 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% Right? 08:57.233 --> 08:59.366 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And that doesn't matter how many push ups or sit ups, 08:59.366 --> 09:02.300 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% a soldier or an airport airman, 09:02.300 --> 09:06.233 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% or say their can do it's a different definition of combat 09:06.233 --> 09:08.600 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% readiness outside of physical capabilities. 09:08.600 --> 09:09.433 align:left position:35% line:5% size:55% Absolutely. 09:09.766 --> 09:12.100 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% You know, the definition of combat has radically changed, 09:12.100 --> 09:15.833 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% and no more stronger evidence than the war in Ukraine, right, 09:15.833 --> 09:18.266 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% where so much of this is being done by drones 09:18.266 --> 09:20.166 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and technologies behind all of it. 09:20.166 --> 09:23.800 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So, again, do we all need to be fit when we serve in the Corps 09:24.000 --> 09:26.533 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% or in any of the armed services? Of course we do. 09:26.533 --> 09:28.766 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% But there is a difference in decision 09:28.766 --> 09:30.200 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% making that women bring to the table 09:30.200 --> 09:32.466 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% that's invaluable in combat situations. 09:32.466 --> 09:33.800 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% And to this point, 09:33.800 --> 09:34.533 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% there's a difference 09:34.933 --> 09:38.300 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% in technology requirements, education focus, ability 09:38.300 --> 09:39.300 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% when it comes to these 09:39.300 --> 09:41.133 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% applications of warfare in today's world. 09:41.133 --> 09:42.433 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% Bonnie, I would just quickly 09:42.433 --> 09:43.066 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% add, though, 09:43.066 --> 09:44.200 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% that I don't think anybody 09:44.200 --> 09:46.000 align:left position:35% line:5% size:55% would argue that we have the fittest, 09:46.000 --> 09:48.500 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% most ready military right now that we've ever had. 09:48.500 --> 09:49.333 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% We just don't. 09:49.333 --> 09:50.866 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% Recruitment numbers have been down, 09:50.866 --> 09:53.333 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% physical fitness across the board has been down. 09:53.333 --> 09:55.866 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% We have lowered standards because we had a hard time 09:55.866 --> 09:58.233 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% getting people into the Army, into the Marines, 09:58.233 --> 10:00.300 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% into the air Force, into the Navy and all. 10:00.300 --> 10:01.300 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% I don't want to leave anybody out. 10:01.300 --> 10:03.600 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% The the Coast Guard, 10:03.600 --> 10:04.133 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% they've all 10:04.733 --> 10:07.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% had trouble recruiting, and so we lowered our standards. 10:07.233 --> 10:08.800 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% That is not what we want to be doing. 10:08.800 --> 10:11.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% We want to be getting the very best we can in the U.S. 10:11.733 --> 10:14.333 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% military. And that's not just brainpower. 10:14.333 --> 10:15.533 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% That's physical power. 10:15.533 --> 10:18.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% We need a fit military to defend this country. 10:18.766 --> 10:19.333 align:left position:42.5% line:89% size:47.5% Okay. 10:19.966 --> 10:22.366 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And the good news is it's going up under President Trump. 10:22.366 --> 10:23.933 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% But we need to revisit these standards. 10:23.933 --> 10:26.466 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% Well, it's changing under President Trump 10:26.466 --> 10:28.400 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% and different experts 10:28.400 --> 10:29.900 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% have different views of whether 10:29.900 --> 10:31.800 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% that's a better thing or a worse thing. 10:31.800 --> 10:34.600 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% It's debatable is what we have to say about it. 10:34.600 --> 10:35.700 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% But but 10:37.233 --> 10:38.233 align:left position:37.5% line:5% size:52.5% but Trump 10:38.233 --> 10:41.466 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% was, you know, heads up, for example, 10:41.466 --> 10:45.266 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% wanted to get women out of combat completely. 10:45.500 --> 10:48.533 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% He said it many times in his position as a common 10:48.533 --> 10:52.333 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% data, not a general, on Fox News. 10:52.766 --> 10:56.700 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And, I wonder if there is gender 10:57.033 --> 11:00.800 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% anti female gender prejudice going on there. 11:01.933 --> 11:03.733 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Well, if I could I think Genevieve's points 11:03.733 --> 11:04.766 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% very well taken. 11:04.766 --> 11:06.666 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% The standards were lowered because recruitment 11:06.666 --> 11:08.333 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% was becoming increasingly difficult. 11:08.333 --> 11:09.400 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% I think that's an important 11:09.400 --> 11:11.366 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% standards were not lowered to accept more women. 11:11.366 --> 11:13.733 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% It was it was they were lowered because they were having 11:13.733 --> 11:15.233 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% trouble recruiting. 11:15.233 --> 11:18.466 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% That being said, it is true that Pete Hegseth, 11:19.233 --> 11:21.300 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% is on the record as a Fox News commentary 11:21.300 --> 11:23.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% saying he doesn't believe women should be in combat roles. 11:23.400 --> 11:24.500 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% That is, that is accurate. 11:26.033 --> 11:27.333 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% And, and other thoughts. 11:27.333 --> 11:29.600 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Genevieve, you're come back to that, please. 11:29.600 --> 11:30.800 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Well, to your point earlier 11:30.800 --> 11:32.200 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% mind, that's a debatable question. 11:32.200 --> 11:34.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% I think there are people on both sides of that thing 11:34.533 --> 11:37.366 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that decide they believe that women should be in military 11:37.366 --> 11:38.400 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% or in combat roles. 11:38.400 --> 11:40.433 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% That is a debate that we can that we can have. 11:40.433 --> 11:42.200 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% But let's let's talk about what's 11:42.200 --> 11:45.233 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% being discussed right now, which is he's not saying 11:45.233 --> 11:46.600 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% women shouldn't be in the military, 11:46.600 --> 11:48.766 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and he's not saying they should be in combat roles, 11:48.766 --> 11:50.966 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% but he's saying we need to have a set standard 11:50.966 --> 11:53.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% for certain roles, and they need to be gender neutral. 11:53.866 --> 11:56.100 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Everybody has to be able to meet these standards. 11:56.100 --> 11:57.300 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% So I think that's it. 11:57.300 --> 12:00.000 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Talk about fair. I think that is fair. 12:00.000 --> 12:01.700 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% That's not lowering standards for people. 12:01.700 --> 12:03.566 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% It's like saying you get in because you're this color 12:03.566 --> 12:05.366 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% or you're this you're this sex. 12:05.366 --> 12:06.700 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% You're getting in because you can meet 12:06.700 --> 12:09.000 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% the standards we set for this role. I don't 12:10.000 --> 12:11.300 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% I've been out of the military. 12:11.300 --> 12:13.033 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% Men think he's 20. 12:13.033 --> 12:16.066 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% Genevieve, as we mentioned earlier, combat 12:16.066 --> 12:19.400 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% standards were just what people on the right 12:19.400 --> 12:22.400 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and the left would consider lowered 12:22.700 --> 12:25.700 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% because not because of trying to get more women, 12:25.966 --> 12:29.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% more people of color, more who knows what in the military. 12:29.766 --> 12:32.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% But because not enough people were applying? 12:33.300 --> 12:34.400 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% That's right. 12:34.400 --> 12:36.900 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Many of the men in the military would not meet the 12:36.900 --> 12:38.900 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% the fitness standards of 20 years ago. 12:38.900 --> 12:39.333 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% I mean, 12:39.933 --> 12:41.900 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% and I it's a sad because that's also a problem 12:41.900 --> 12:43.600 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% with another show, another topic. 12:43.600 --> 12:45.000 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% But the obesity epidemic 12:45.000 --> 12:46.666 align:left position:40% line:5% size:50% I mean, a lot of our young people, 12:46.666 --> 12:47.766 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% we're having a tough time 12:47.766 --> 12:50.866 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% finding enough fit young people to go into the service. 12:50.866 --> 12:53.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And that's another whole, you know, like we said, topic. 12:53.400 --> 12:54.800 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And that's part of the problem. 12:54.800 --> 12:55.866 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% But these are individual 12:55.866 --> 12:57.333 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% concerns that we ought to be addressing. 12:57.333 --> 12:59.566 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And I think that's why we're having this debate. 12:59.566 --> 13:01.466 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% Whitley, your thoughts please. 13:01.466 --> 13:04.100 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% You know, I honestly think that the military 13:04.100 --> 13:05.166 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% under President Biden 13:05.166 --> 13:07.700 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% focus more on pronouns and protecting America. 13:07.700 --> 13:10.733 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% And we saw that with the way in which they responded 13:10.733 --> 13:11.933 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% to Afghanistan. 13:11.933 --> 13:14.566 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% We saw that when we lost those 13 soldiers 13:14.566 --> 13:17.233 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% with the way in which our military was operating. 13:17.233 --> 13:18.133 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% And so I think 13:18.400 --> 13:21.966 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% what needs to happen now is just a refocus on protection, 13:22.166 --> 13:25.700 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% a refocus on safety, a refocus on sovereignty. 13:25.700 --> 13:28.466 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And with that comes that foundation of fitness 13:28.466 --> 13:30.066 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% for those that are in combat roles. 13:30.066 --> 13:33.200 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% So whether it's man or woman, it doesn't matter. 13:33.200 --> 13:35.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Having a set standard, especially in a time 13:35.766 --> 13:37.666 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% where women are screaming about their rights 13:37.666 --> 13:39.100 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% and wanting to be equal to men, 13:39.100 --> 13:41.000 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% I don't see why we wouldn't be lauding 13:41.000 --> 13:43.033 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and applauding these types of maneuvers. 13:43.033 --> 13:44.833 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% But you know what's interesting to me? 13:44.833 --> 13:47.833 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% A quick question to you in that regard is, 13:48.266 --> 13:50.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% last time we quote unquote, lowered our standards 13:50.866 --> 13:54.000 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% was because we weren't getting enough applicants. 13:54.000 --> 13:57.000 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Is that a reason we should be changing standards? 13:57.000 --> 13:59.000 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% I think when the military deviated 13:59.000 --> 14:00.633 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% from protecting its citizens 14:00.633 --> 14:03.633 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% to pushing pronouns and gender ideology, 14:03.633 --> 14:05.466 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% no one cares when you're on the front lines. 14:05.466 --> 14:07.266 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% You have bullets passing by you. 14:07.266 --> 14:10.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% You have bombs going off what your pronoun is, 14:10.533 --> 14:11.766 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% or misgendering someone. 14:11.766 --> 14:12.666 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% The truth is, it's 14:12.933 --> 14:15.733 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% really about staying safe and protecting this country 14:15.733 --> 14:17.666 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% and fighting for one another. 14:17.666 --> 14:21.633 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% And so when the focus shifted from protecting America 14:21.633 --> 14:25.633 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% to all of these other issues, I think people lost interest 14:25.633 --> 14:27.066 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% in joining the military 14:27.066 --> 14:30.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and putting their lives on the line and fighting for us. 14:30.200 --> 14:31.266 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% Would you say that was 14:31.266 --> 14:34.866 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% that was the fault of women for trying to get into 14:34.866 --> 14:36.600 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% the military or some other reason? 14:36.600 --> 14:38.633 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% It was Biden's fault. 14:38.633 --> 14:42.400 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And so it has decreased people being interested 14:42.400 --> 14:43.733 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% in risking their lives 14:43.733 --> 14:46.166 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and putting their lives on the line for this country. 14:46.166 --> 14:49.300 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% I have to strongly disagree with blaming President Biden 14:49.300 --> 14:49.633 align:left position:37.5% line:5% size:52.5% for that. 14:50.266 --> 14:51.833 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% I would actually refer back to Genevieve. 14:51.833 --> 14:52.533 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% We had strong 14:53.066 --> 14:55.800 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% societal and cultural changes that have made the military, 14:55.800 --> 14:58.200 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% the young people, rising up to feel very differently 14:58.200 --> 15:00.066 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% about the military than they have in the past. 15:00.066 --> 15:02.400 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And to Genevieve's very important point, 15:02.400 --> 15:05.100 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% fitness overall in the country has changed. 15:05.100 --> 15:07.866 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% So I have to strongly disagree with you respectfully 15:07.866 --> 15:08.866 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% with me on that one. 15:08.866 --> 15:11.833 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% But I do agree that there was a big sea change 15:11.833 --> 15:13.100 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% and we had to adapt to it. 15:13.100 --> 15:15.933 align:left position:37.5% line:5% size:52.5% So please let us know what you think. 15:15.933 --> 15:19.200 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% Please follow me on Twitter @bonnieerbe. 15:19.533 --> 15:24.133 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% From the military to politics, Democrats have been performing 15:24.133 --> 15:25.500 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% strongly in recent 15:25.500 --> 15:29.100 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% special elections, often surpassing expectations. 15:29.400 --> 15:34.066 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% They outperformed Kamala Harris's results by 12 points 15:34.400 --> 15:38.000 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% on average across 11 races. 15:38.266 --> 15:41.000 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% This includes flipping two Republican 15:41.000 --> 15:44.633 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% state Senate seats in Iowa and Pennsylvania. 15:44.866 --> 15:49.066 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Special election show Democrats excel with highly engaged 15:49.366 --> 15:52.333 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% regular voters, especially college graduates. 15:52.633 --> 15:54.166 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% Pollsters warn 15:54.166 --> 15:58.166 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% this strength may not be reflected in a high turnout 15:58.400 --> 16:02.266 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% presidential election, but it could potentially point 16:02.266 --> 16:06.433 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% to strength in the midterms, where turnout is lower. 16:06.433 --> 16:09.466 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% To win in 2026, Democrats 16:09.466 --> 16:12.600 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% must bring back disaffected women and people of color 16:12.833 --> 16:16.766 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% to the fold and make inroads among white men. 16:17.100 --> 16:21.433 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% So, Genevieve Wood, your thoughts on this topic 16:21.433 --> 16:25.133 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% and how it's being affected by today's news? 16:25.133 --> 16:26.833 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% We're going to have the midterms in 2026, 16:26.833 --> 16:29.633 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% and I don't think either side to be comfortable at this point. 16:29.633 --> 16:31.300 align:left position:30% line:5% size:60% Just this week, we obviously had the races 16:31.300 --> 16:33.633 align:left position:35% line:5% size:55% in Florida, the races up in Wisconsin. 16:33.633 --> 16:36.066 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% And you know, honestly, there weren't huge surprises. 16:36.066 --> 16:37.366 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% The Republicans won the races. 16:37.366 --> 16:39.766 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% They should have won in Florida and Wisconsin, 16:39.766 --> 16:40.800 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% even though I would have loved 16:40.800 --> 16:43.733 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% to see the Republicans take to the Supreme Court. 16:43.733 --> 16:44.866 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% It just it's a 16:44.866 --> 16:46.733 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% they remain the thing the Democrat won, 16:46.733 --> 16:48.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% but it was already A43 Democrat majority. 16:48.766 --> 16:51.333 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% So that's not a big win. 16:51.333 --> 16:54.766 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% And that sets it's important but it's not a big surprise. 16:55.066 --> 16:57.166 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% So look I think one of the things to look at here, 16:57.166 --> 16:58.633 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% and I think Republicans and conservatives 16:58.633 --> 17:00.233 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% in particular should look at this. 17:00.233 --> 17:02.766 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% We know money doesn't always win an election. 17:02.766 --> 17:04.366 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% Donald Trump was outspent by Hillary, 17:04.366 --> 17:06.433 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% Donald Trump was outspent by Kamala. 17:06.433 --> 17:08.700 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% But in these specialized elections, 17:08.700 --> 17:10.900 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% where it's really about turning out 17:10.900 --> 17:13.033 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% specific interest groups and getting those people 17:13.033 --> 17:15.533 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% the polls in special elections and in midterms, 17:15.533 --> 17:18.100 align:left position:42.5% line:83% size:47.5% money can have a much bigger impact. 17:18.100 --> 17:21.133 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% And I think you saw a lot of that, honestly, in Wisconsin. 17:21.133 --> 17:24.100 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% But I will note, and in Florida, even though Democrats 17:24.100 --> 17:25.466 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% maybe did better than many hoped 17:25.466 --> 17:27.033 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% or many thought that they might, 17:27.033 --> 17:29.000 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% Donald Trump still came closer to beating 17:29.000 --> 17:30.500 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% Kamala Harris in New York. 17:30.500 --> 17:31.566 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% Then they came to winning 17:31.566 --> 17:33.266 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% the congressional district in Florida. 17:33.266 --> 17:35.466 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% So I just we got to have perspective on it. 17:35.466 --> 17:36.233 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% But I take note 17:36.533 --> 17:39.966 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% neither side should be feeling great about things. 17:39.966 --> 17:41.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And they've got it all sewed up 17:41.166 --> 17:42.466 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% because I don't think either does. 17:42.466 --> 17:46.666 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% We have, about a year and a half between now and the midterms, 17:46.966 --> 17:51.466 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% which is frequently longer than gaps between special elections. 17:51.700 --> 17:55.400 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% So, you first Genevieve, and then everybody jump on in. 17:55.766 --> 17:59.066 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% How is this time going to be different for Democrats, 17:59.066 --> 17:59.666 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% if at all? 17:59.666 --> 18:00.933 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% The first really election 18:00.933 --> 18:03.266 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% coming up is in 2025 and new Jersey in Virginia, 18:03.266 --> 18:04.233 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% I think those are going to be the first, 18:04.233 --> 18:06.600 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% quote unquote, midterms, if you if you will. 18:06.600 --> 18:07.933 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And I think there's going to be a lot of money 18:07.933 --> 18:10.400 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% spent, a lot of outside groups coming to all of them. 18:10.400 --> 18:12.266 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% I think Republicans ought to talk about the issues. 18:12.266 --> 18:12.866 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% Can they do that? 18:13.166 --> 18:15.000 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% I think they when and focus, you know, 18:15.000 --> 18:16.933 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% but that's the key in getting your bases out. 18:16.933 --> 18:18.266 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% That's going to be really important. 18:18.266 --> 18:24.600 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% You have, a very highly catalyzed, sliver of Democrats 18:24.833 --> 18:27.833 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% who are call themselves the resisters. 18:27.833 --> 18:32.000 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% They're horrified at the, rollbacks of, of civil rights 18:32.000 --> 18:34.500 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% in this country under Trump's administration to date. 18:34.500 --> 18:36.100 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And so they're they're the ones 18:36.100 --> 18:37.400 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% that are going to have this inordinate 18:37.400 --> 18:38.966 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% influence on special elections. 18:38.966 --> 18:40.666 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% So I think for Democrats 18:40.666 --> 18:43.033 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% who are still trying to figure out their narrative. Right, 18:43.966 --> 18:46.866 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% around how to work, 18:46.866 --> 18:48.533 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% both with and in opposition 18:48.533 --> 18:51.533 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% to Trump when there's, you know, ideological differences. 18:51.533 --> 18:54.533 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% I think that there is a reason for 18:55.000 --> 18:55.366 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% I don't know 18:55.900 --> 18:57.066 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% if the right word is hope, but they're 18:57.066 --> 19:01.800 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% seeing these highly catalyzed, very energized, Democrats. 19:02.400 --> 19:06.200 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I think most notably, I'm a 35 year, Pennsylvania resident, 19:06.600 --> 19:09.233 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% and it was a shock to everyone in Pennsylvania 19:09.233 --> 19:11.966 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% to see that seat go Democrat and remember, 19:11.966 --> 19:13.400 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% you know, Pennsylvania is, 19:13.400 --> 19:16.200 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% you know, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Pennsyltucky 19:16.200 --> 19:18.500 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% in between is James Carville one point. Right. 19:18.500 --> 19:21.333 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% So, I think that Democrats, 19:21.333 --> 19:23.666 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% I think, can start pulling the thread 19:23.666 --> 19:26.166 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% on how to figure out how they work with 19:26.166 --> 19:27.266 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% and how they work in 19:27.266 --> 19:30.033 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% constructive opposition with the Trump administration 19:30.033 --> 19:33.500 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% so that the right outcome happen 19:34.500 --> 19:35.733 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% But really, it's these 19:35.733 --> 19:37.333 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% very catalyzed resistors 19:37.333 --> 19:39.700 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% that are making a difference for the Democratic ticket 19:39.700 --> 19:41.233 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% in the special elections. 19:41.233 --> 19:45.600 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Does that hold, in Milwaukee and in Wisconsin, 19:45.600 --> 19:49.200 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% as well as it does in Florida and other places? 19:49.200 --> 19:52.833 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% I wouldn't underestimate, the power of these resistors. 19:53.733 --> 19:55.066 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% You know, they are 19:55.066 --> 19:56.300 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% if you look at all the protests that 19:56.300 --> 19:58.533 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% are going around the country. Right. 19:58.533 --> 20:00.733 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% In front of city halls and town halls, 20:00.733 --> 20:03.533 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% very vociferous in the small community 20:03.533 --> 20:05.366 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% in Santa Cruz, where we have a second home. 20:05.366 --> 20:08.100 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% We had a 5000 people assembled. 20:08.100 --> 20:10.433 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And those protests are happening across the country. 20:10.433 --> 20:13.100 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% So I wouldn't underestimate the power. 20:13.100 --> 20:14.366 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% Again, it's a sliver. 20:14.366 --> 20:17.100 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% It doesn't translate to a large turnout election, 20:17.100 --> 20:19.833 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% but it does have big impact in these special elections. 20:19.833 --> 20:21.866 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% And I would say across the board, across the country. 20:21.866 --> 20:23.600 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Were we surprised by the strength 20:23.600 --> 20:26.300 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% we saw from Democratic voters this time? 20:26.300 --> 20:27.333 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% I think it depends. Right. 20:27.333 --> 20:29.933 align:left position:25% line:5% size:65% I think going back to do these recent elections, 20:30.933 --> 20:32.366 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% you know, how indicative are 20:32.366 --> 20:35.366 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% they, for, you know, either side of the aisle? 20:37.000 --> 20:38.566 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% You know, it's important to acknowledge 20:38.566 --> 20:40.966 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% that special elections turnout, our triple prime voters. 20:40.966 --> 20:41.700 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% Right. 20:42.233 --> 20:45.000 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% Those are your folks who, you know, show up every election. 20:45.000 --> 20:47.766 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% Rain, sleet, snow. 20:47.766 --> 20:50.300 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% And that's not necessarily indicative of the broader 20:50.300 --> 20:53.300 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% electorate when it comes to general elections. 20:53.300 --> 20:53.566 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% Right. 20:54.000 --> 20:56.500 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% And so because we, we, we have, 20:56.500 --> 20:58.866 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% midterms coming up, I think to the point 20:58.866 --> 21:01.933 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% that Genevieve made neither side of the aisle is, 21:02.166 --> 21:05.133 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% you know, really taking anything, 21:05.466 --> 21:07.366 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% for granted or taking any specific key 21:07.366 --> 21:10.500 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% takeaways as this is the direction that we're going. 21:10.500 --> 21:12.866 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% The other point I wanted to highlight was, 21:12.866 --> 21:16.000 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% I think it does reflect for the Democrats, the effectiveness 21:16.466 --> 21:18.700 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% of really figuring out campaign strategies 21:18.700 --> 21:21.133 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% that really focus on the tried and true role of, 21:21.133 --> 21:22.766 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% like all politics is local, right? 21:22.766 --> 21:25.000 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% I think sometimes we focus on this national platform. 21:25.000 --> 21:27.333 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% National parties, national narratives, 21:27.333 --> 21:29.066 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% and what issues are what they should be. 21:30.333 --> 21:33.066 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% But really finding a way to connect, 21:33.066 --> 21:36.200 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% or to distance, depending on the politics of the district, 21:36.200 --> 21:39.833 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% how you can really speak to, you know, the meat and potatoes, 21:39.833 --> 21:42.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% bread and butter, basic everyday issues, 21:42.233 --> 21:44.500 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% that resonate with the local electorate. 21:44.500 --> 21:48.266 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Because at the end of the day, it's the local constituencies. 21:48.600 --> 21:49.833 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% But you need to connect with more 21:49.833 --> 21:52.966 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% so than any national platform or national narrative. 21:52.966 --> 21:53.966 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% On a broader level. 21:53.966 --> 21:56.666 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% Was this just a lucky one for the Democrats, 21:56.666 --> 22:00.066 align:left position:15% line:5% size:75% or was this a lot of voters across the country 22:00.066 --> 22:02.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% from different parties, from different races, 22:02.100 --> 22:05.100 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% from different locations, etc., 22:06.100 --> 22:07.833 align:left position:40% line:83% size:50% showing that they're a little sick 22:07.833 --> 22:09.300 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% with what's going on right now? 22:09.300 --> 22:12.900 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% I would say this is not a wave, but it is a ripple. 22:12.900 --> 22:15.766 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% Specifically, what happened in Pennsylvania. 22:15.766 --> 22:18.566 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Now, mind you, we only won by a little bit over 400, 22:18.566 --> 22:19.800 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% I believe 62 votes. 22:19.800 --> 22:24.400 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% But it is a ripple in what has to happen specifically 22:24.400 --> 22:29.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% on the Republican side is you cannot rely on the center 22:29.100 --> 22:34.133 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% of influence known as Trump, to drive voter turnout or not. 22:34.133 --> 22:37.933 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Talking about, voters getting registered. 22:37.933 --> 22:40.733 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% We're talking about who shows up when it matters. 22:40.733 --> 22:42.300 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And so what you see a lot of times 22:42.300 --> 22:44.733 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% in national politics is people show up because they don't like 22:44.733 --> 22:46.100 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% the other person, 22:46.100 --> 22:48.233 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% and so they're driven by an engagement 22:48.233 --> 22:51.766 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% factor that is honestly just really usually disdain 22:51.966 --> 22:54.033 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% for the two people who are running. 22:54.033 --> 22:55.400 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% But when you don't have that in 22:55.400 --> 22:57.433 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% politics, are local, and you're talking 22:57.433 --> 23:00.766 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% about kitchen table topics, you can see an hour 23:00.766 --> 23:04.433 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% plus ten, an hour plus 15 state Senate seats. 23:04.433 --> 23:05.866 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% Flip to Democrat. 23:05.866 --> 23:09.133 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% You seem to me like a very astute analyst of the GOP. 23:09.133 --> 23:10.833 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% Do you think they'll pay attention 23:10.833 --> 23:14.466 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% or just brush this off as, oh well, we just got unlucky. 23:14.733 --> 23:15.833 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% You know, as someone who's worked 23:15.833 --> 23:18.800 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% for the GOP for over five years, I think that, 23:20.666 --> 23:21.700 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% I think that they will 23:21.700 --> 23:25.566 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% look at this and utilize it as a wave 23:25.566 --> 23:29.166 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% to get people to turn out from here on out. 23:29.366 --> 23:32.100 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% They will scare people into saying, 23:32.100 --> 23:34.633 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% this is what's happening. They're flipping our seats. 23:34.633 --> 23:36.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% They will utilize this to fundraise. 23:36.500 --> 23:39.833 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% But hopefully what they will do is engage in a way 23:39.833 --> 23:43.633 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% that provides tangible solutions for their constituents, 23:43.633 --> 23:45.500 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% because that's really the only way 23:45.500 --> 23:47.666 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% to remain in those positions of power. 23:47.666 --> 23:49.666 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% Donald Trump was not known prior 23:49.666 --> 23:50.733 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% to this election 23:50.733 --> 23:53.600 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% to be somebody who was willing to bend his position 23:53.833 --> 23:55.466 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% if it favored his party. 23:55.466 --> 23:59.466 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% He seemed anyway to care primarily about number 23:59.466 --> 24:03.066 align:left position:35% line:83% size:55% one himself and secondarily his party. 24:03.066 --> 24:04.966 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% But since the election, 24:04.966 --> 24:08.400 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% he's done a lot of things to try to quiet down the noisier, 24:08.633 --> 24:10.400 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% more difficult to temper. 24:10.400 --> 24:14.933 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Like Defense Secretary heads us, voices in the Republican Party 24:14.933 --> 24:17.866 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% who are likely to do nothing more than turn votes. 24:17.866 --> 24:20.300 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% You have to understand that President Trump 24:20.300 --> 24:24.366 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% is in a very unique situation in this second term. 24:24.600 --> 24:27.600 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% That was split with Biden coming in. 24:27.833 --> 24:31.566 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% He has to not only provide tangibles quickly, 24:31.566 --> 24:33.100 align:left position:22.5% line:89% size:67.5% but he has to be able 24:33.100 --> 24:34.300 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% to build a party 24:34.300 --> 24:37.733 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that is going to maintain the White House in four years. 24:37.733 --> 24:41.766 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% And he really only has about two years to get that done. 24:41.766 --> 24:44.800 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% So he has to be able to kind of play peacemaker 24:44.800 --> 24:46.466 align:left position:15% line:89% size:75% with those that are upset, 24:46.466 --> 24:48.733 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% maintain the base, and then continue 24:48.733 --> 24:51.200 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% to grow the party in order to maintain dominance, 24:51.200 --> 24:53.833 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% because if not, he becomes a flash, 24:53.833 --> 24:55.966 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% in the pan, as opposed to 24:55.966 --> 24:58.666 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% this dynamic leader who was able to restore 24:58.666 --> 25:00.666 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% and carry the Republican Party on his back. 25:00.666 --> 25:02.766 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% And as you stated, he loves himself 25:02.766 --> 25:03.466 align:left position:40% line:89% size:50% so much 25:03.900 --> 25:06.466 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that he is going to want to submit his place in history 25:06.466 --> 25:08.766 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% as someone who saved the Republican Party. 25:08.766 --> 25:09.233 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% And Barney, 25:09.800 --> 25:11.233 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% can I just said, I think a lot of this is up to, 25:11.233 --> 25:13.466 align:left position:27.5% line:5% size:62.5% frankly, speaker Mike Johnson, who I think 25:13.466 --> 25:14.366 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% is doing a lot better 25:14.366 --> 25:16.033 align:left position:17.5% line:5% size:72.5% than many people expected and keeping 25:16.033 --> 25:19.066 align:left position:22.5% line:5% size:67.5% a very small minority or majority together. 25:19.066 --> 25:22.066 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% But a lot is going to because if Republicans in Congress 25:22.066 --> 25:25.666 align:left position:30% line:83% size:60% can deliver on even half of their agenda, 25:25.666 --> 25:28.066 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% they're going to do very well. I think, in 2026. 25:28.066 --> 25:30.900 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% But that is a big hill to climb. 25:30.900 --> 25:32.633 align:left position:12.5% line:89% size:77.5% And every Republican member, 25:32.633 --> 25:35.033 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I think, has to think about that with every vote 25:35.033 --> 25:36.600 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% is that that's on them. 25:36.600 --> 25:37.466 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% That is on them. 25:37.766 --> 25:39.933 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% The president can do a lot, but at the end of the day, 25:39.933 --> 25:42.466 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% it's Congress that makes the laws. 25:42.466 --> 25:44.933 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% And if they don't do their part, Republicans 25:44.933 --> 25:46.733 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% are going to have a tough time in the midterms. 25:46.733 --> 25:48.066 align:left position:17.5% line:89% size:72.5% The speaker of the House 25:48.066 --> 25:51.866 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% is a very under credited role, and it's absolutely essential. 25:51.866 --> 25:53.200 align:left position:20% line:89% size:70% I mean, if you look at 25:53.200 --> 25:56.566 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% the phenomenon of Nancy Pelosi's very instrumental role 25:56.566 --> 25:59.466 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% in passing so much of the Obama administration, 25:59.466 --> 26:02.666 align:left position:20% line:5% size:70% but not getting barely any credit for it, 26:02.666 --> 26:05.933 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% you had like John Boehner was on every major news, 26:05.933 --> 26:06.700 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% you know, magazine 26:07.166 --> 26:10.833 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% cover, and Nancy Pelosi only got the cover of this magazine. 26:10.833 --> 26:12.000 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% Right. That was it. 26:12.000 --> 26:12.700 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% So I think. 26:12.700 --> 26:13.633 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% I'm going to tell you right now, 26:13.633 --> 26:14.533 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% Nancy Pelosi is 26:14.533 --> 26:16.166 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% one of the most effective House speakers 26:16.166 --> 26:18.366 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% that has ever had that position. 26:18.366 --> 26:21.366 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% I don't know about John Boehner, and I don't like Nancy Pelosi, 26:21.366 --> 26:22.766 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% but I'm going to give her credit 26:22.766 --> 26:23.133 align:left position:32.5% line:89% size:57.5% for being one 26:23.866 --> 26:26.200 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% of the most effective people at getting an ending. 26:26.200 --> 26:29.833 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% I mean, it's she is outpaced every male person that's had 26:29.833 --> 26:32.966 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% that role ever in history by a wide country mile, 26:32.966 --> 26:34.000 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% largely uncredited. 26:34.000 --> 26:36.533 align:left position:17.5% line:83% size:72.5% I think Genevieve's point is extremely important 26:36.533 --> 26:38.166 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% that the Trump is a president. 26:38.166 --> 26:39.466 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% Whether you like him or hate him, 26:39.466 --> 26:40.866 align:left position:10% line:89% size:80% he has a certain role to play. 26:40.866 --> 26:42.033 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% But one could argue 26:42.033 --> 26:43.766 align:left position:37.5% line:83% size:52.5% Congress has a much more important role 26:43.766 --> 26:46.533 align:left position:22.5% line:83% size:67.5% to play to carry out that agenda. 26:46.533 --> 26:47.700 align:left position:27.5% line:89% size:62.5% So I think that, 26:48.733 --> 26:49.433 align:left position:30% line:89% size:60% really looking 26:49.800 --> 26:52.433 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% at the speaker of the House, their effectiveness, 26:52.433 --> 26:55.533 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% and I think also we have to also look at, again, 26:55.533 --> 26:57.633 align:left position:32.5% line:83% size:57.5% the previous, you know, we talked previously 26:57.633 --> 27:00.533 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% that what is happening on the grassroots level, 27:00.533 --> 27:02.233 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% what's the temperature check down there. 27:02.233 --> 27:04.466 align:left position:12.5% line:83% size:77.5% So I think it's a combination of both those things. 27:04.466 --> 27:04.933 align:left position:35% line:89% size:55% All right. 27:05.300 --> 27:07.733 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% And we will have at least five sets 27:07.733 --> 27:11.500 align:left position:20% line:83% size:70% if not more of eyeballs watching every move. 27:11.500 --> 27:14.933 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% Every member of every party meets in this upcoming election. 27:14.933 --> 27:17.066 align:left position:15% line:83% size:75% That's it for this edition of To the Country. 27:17.066 --> 27:19.766 align:left position:10% line:83% size:80% Thank you all for your wonderful participation. 27:19.766 --> 27:22.966 align:left position:10% line:5% size:80% Keep the conversation going on our social media platforms, 27:23.366 --> 27:26.266 align:left position:35% line:5% size:55% Instagram, on Facebook X and TikTok 27:26.266 --> 27:29.300 align:left position:32.5% line:5% size:57.5% and reach out to us @tothecontrary 27:29.300 --> 27:32.366 align:left position:12.5% line:5% size:77.5% and visit our website address on the screen. 27:32.666 --> 27:35.800 align:left position:27.5% line:83% size:62.5% Whether you agree or think to the contrary, 27:35.800 --> 27:36.600 align:left position:25% line:89% size:65% see you next time. 27:57.300 --> 27:59.633 align:left position:25% line:83% size:65% Funding for To the Contrary, provided by: