1 00:01:40,133 --> 00:01:41,933 Funding for To the Contrary, provided by: 2 00:01:51,566 --> 00:01:54,600 This week, on To the Contrary: First 3 00:01:54,600 --> 00:01:57,600 gender neutral standards for military combat. 4 00:01:58,333 --> 00:02:02,233 And will Democrats momentum in the special elections 5 00:02:02,600 --> 00:02:05,600 hold through the midterms? 6 00:02:18,766 --> 00:02:26,066 Hello, I'm Bonnie Erbe, 7 00:02:26,300 --> 00:02:29,433 welcome to To the Contrary, a discussion of news 8 00:02:29,433 --> 00:02:32,533 and social trends from diverse perspectives. 9 00:02:32,533 --> 00:02:35,166 Up first, women in combat. 10 00:02:35,166 --> 00:02:39,366 U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the military 11 00:02:39,366 --> 00:02:43,966 to adopt gender neutral fitness standards for all combat roles. 12 00:02:44,300 --> 00:02:47,300 This directive formalizes practices 13 00:02:47,500 --> 00:02:51,766 that are standard in many, but not all, combat positions. 14 00:02:52,400 --> 00:02:55,800 Experts predict the military will have a harder time 15 00:02:55,800 --> 00:02:58,133 finding and retaining women. 16 00:02:58,133 --> 00:03:00,200 Hegseth previously said 17 00:03:00,200 --> 00:03:03,133 he didn't want women in combat, period. 18 00:03:03,133 --> 00:03:04,333 Joining me on the panel 19 00:03:04,333 --> 00:03:08,266 this week, Sam Bennett of the New York Amsterdam News, 20 00:03:08,533 --> 00:03:12,866 Republican strategist Whitley Yates, Democratic strategist 21 00:03:13,166 --> 00:03:18,733 Nailah Amaru and Genevieve Wood of the Heritage Foundation. 22 00:03:18,733 --> 00:03:21,366 So first question to you, Nailah. 23 00:03:21,366 --> 00:03:25,166 Will this policy help or hinder our combat readiness? 24 00:03:26,233 --> 00:03:29,333 Well, I think it really depends, most specifically 25 00:03:29,333 --> 00:03:32,300 on the considerations that we need to consider. 26 00:03:32,533 --> 00:03:33,033 And speaking 27 00:03:33,600 --> 00:03:36,033 from my own experience as a combat veteran of Iraq, 28 00:03:37,100 --> 00:03:38,466 it was an ammunition specialist. 29 00:03:38,466 --> 00:03:39,900 I think the most important 30 00:03:39,900 --> 00:03:43,166 considerations are when thinking through scientific validity. 31 00:03:43,166 --> 00:03:43,500 Right. 32 00:03:44,366 --> 00:03:47,866 So if the fitness standards that they're trying to change, 33 00:03:48,100 --> 00:03:50,633 I think it's really important to make sure that they are based 34 00:03:50,633 --> 00:03:50,900 on the 35 00:03:51,833 --> 00:03:54,733 actual physical requirements of specific combat roles and 36 00:03:54,733 --> 00:03:58,100 not just arbitrary benchmarks, because if we go through 37 00:03:58,733 --> 00:04:01,700 specific physical requirements, 38 00:04:01,700 --> 00:04:04,133 then that's your best way of ensuring that fairness across 39 00:04:04,133 --> 00:04:05,266 all service members 40 00:04:05,266 --> 00:04:09,000 instead of through a necessarily specific gender lens. 41 00:04:09,000 --> 00:04:09,366 Well, I 42 00:04:09,833 --> 00:04:11,066 want the strongest force possible, 43 00:04:11,066 --> 00:04:12,566 and I think that we ought 44 00:04:12,566 --> 00:04:14,900 to have standards that make sure we have that. 45 00:04:14,900 --> 00:04:16,966 I'm not interested in how many women we recruit 46 00:04:16,966 --> 00:04:18,600 or how many this or that we recruit. 47 00:04:18,600 --> 00:04:21,266 I want the strongest people defending this country, 48 00:04:21,266 --> 00:04:23,466 specifically in combat roles. 49 00:04:23,466 --> 00:04:25,833 And there's no doubt that over the recent years, 50 00:04:25,833 --> 00:04:28,733 in many of these roles, we have taken down 51 00:04:28,733 --> 00:04:31,000 what the standards are, whether it's push ups 52 00:04:31,000 --> 00:04:31,766 you can do, 53 00:04:32,133 --> 00:04:35,100 how far you can run or complete a two mile, assessment. 54 00:04:35,333 --> 00:04:37,333 Those standards have been lowered 55 00:04:37,333 --> 00:04:40,500 so that we can put more women into these particular roles. 56 00:04:40,500 --> 00:04:42,133 And I don't think that's a good idea. 57 00:04:42,133 --> 00:04:45,133 We require more push ups by a college mascot 58 00:04:45,133 --> 00:04:47,933 after their team scores a football touchdown, 59 00:04:47,933 --> 00:04:51,133 than we do in many cases, people were putting on the field. 60 00:04:51,133 --> 00:04:51,966 My perspective 61 00:04:52,166 --> 00:04:54,500 is this having grown up in a military household, 62 00:04:54,500 --> 00:04:56,433 my father was a marine officer and pilot. 63 00:04:56,433 --> 00:04:59,133 I was an ROTC Ranger, and I was able to back 64 00:04:59,133 --> 00:05:01,666 in the day to do 60 pushups by myself. Right. So, 65 00:05:02,866 --> 00:05:06,000 bottom line, men and women decision make differently. 66 00:05:06,000 --> 00:05:07,700 That is a truth. And 67 00:05:07,700 --> 00:05:11,466 so you need that women decision making on the battlefield. 68 00:05:11,766 --> 00:05:14,733 I think it's erroneous to think that 69 00:05:14,733 --> 00:05:17,633 combat readiness and having the strongest 70 00:05:17,633 --> 00:05:20,300 armed forces is limited to how many push ups you can do. 71 00:05:20,300 --> 00:05:21,733 It's also about your ability 72 00:05:21,733 --> 00:05:24,733 to make the right decisions in the right moment on the field. 73 00:05:25,000 --> 00:05:26,766 And women approach decision 74 00:05:26,766 --> 00:05:28,566 making very differently than men do. 75 00:05:28,566 --> 00:05:31,066 And that difference is important and valuable 76 00:05:31,066 --> 00:05:32,166 in a combat setting. 77 00:05:32,166 --> 00:05:33,733 In order to be super fit, 78 00:05:33,733 --> 00:05:36,800 then we need to train them in combat together. 79 00:05:36,800 --> 00:05:41,000 And so making sure that our military is trained adequately, 80 00:05:41,000 --> 00:05:42,233 no matter the gender, 81 00:05:42,233 --> 00:05:45,633 specifically for combat roles, should be first and foremost, 82 00:05:45,633 --> 00:05:47,633 because we want to have a sovereign nation. 83 00:05:47,633 --> 00:05:50,200 And in order to do that, we need a strong military. 84 00:05:50,200 --> 00:05:53,266 And that strong military comes with the foundation of fitness. 85 00:05:53,266 --> 00:05:54,700 So if women want to be on the 86 00:05:54,700 --> 00:05:56,466 front lines and in the combat roles, 87 00:05:56,466 --> 00:06:00,033 they should be able to hang with fitness first. 88 00:06:00,033 --> 00:06:03,800 Couldn't that cut off unnecessarily 89 00:06:03,800 --> 00:06:06,666 a lot of women who in every other 90 00:06:06,666 --> 00:06:09,666 aspect of being in combat would be 91 00:06:09,966 --> 00:06:12,966 as good as, if not better, officers. 92 00:06:13,300 --> 00:06:14,366 You know, my grandmother used to say, 93 00:06:14,366 --> 00:06:16,266 if you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. 94 00:06:16,266 --> 00:06:18,533 And what I'm saying is, if a woman wants to be 95 00:06:18,533 --> 00:06:20,466 on the front lines and in those combat roles, 96 00:06:20,466 --> 00:06:22,400 and she's going to do whatever is necessary 97 00:06:22,400 --> 00:06:24,166 to learn the training and excel, 98 00:06:24,166 --> 00:06:24,766 I've seen it 99 00:06:24,766 --> 00:06:25,666 time and time again, 100 00:06:25,666 --> 00:06:26,266 and I know 101 00:06:26,566 --> 00:06:28,033 we are all women on this panel, and when 102 00:06:28,033 --> 00:06:30,433 we set our minds to do things, we will do it. 103 00:06:30,433 --> 00:06:32,933 No matter the challenges or adversities 104 00:06:32,933 --> 00:06:35,100 that are ahead of us. But we should go on. 105 00:06:35,100 --> 00:06:36,733 These strong is on the front line. 106 00:06:36,733 --> 00:06:39,700 If that is not, one of the female cannot make it. 107 00:06:39,700 --> 00:06:40,866 And unfortunately, that's just not 108 00:06:40,866 --> 00:06:44,000 one of the females that will be in a combat role. 109 00:06:44,000 --> 00:06:46,033 But we know that throughout history, 110 00:06:46,033 --> 00:06:49,800 and I'm not talking about just World War 2 or 80 years ago, 111 00:06:49,800 --> 00:06:52,666 I'm talking about thousands of years of history. 112 00:06:52,666 --> 00:06:56,866 These combat, requirements were set by men, 113 00:06:56,866 --> 00:06:59,833 and they were set without regard to whether any women 114 00:07:00,233 --> 00:07:03,466 or people of color or whatever you want to, 115 00:07:03,466 --> 00:07:06,466 you know, whatever group you want to refer to, 116 00:07:06,466 --> 00:07:09,900 how they would be affected by it and how their gifts 117 00:07:10,300 --> 00:07:12,900 in other areas besides maybe 118 00:07:12,900 --> 00:07:16,033 only be being able to do 59 119 00:07:16,033 --> 00:07:17,033 push ups in a minute, 120 00:07:17,033 --> 00:07:18,300 not 60, I don't know, I'm 121 00:07:18,300 --> 00:07:21,366 pulling these numbers out of the air, but, 122 00:07:21,366 --> 00:07:24,333 without regard to what the gifts are on top of that, 123 00:07:24,333 --> 00:07:24,866 does that 124 00:07:25,533 --> 00:07:28,866 make good military strategy as far as you are concerned? 125 00:07:28,866 --> 00:07:29,366 It does. 126 00:07:29,366 --> 00:07:30,833 For combat roles. 127 00:07:30,833 --> 00:07:32,700 We're not talking about if you can cook good 128 00:07:32,700 --> 00:07:35,266 or be a morale officer, we're talking about 129 00:07:35,266 --> 00:07:36,100 those that are going to be 130 00:07:36,366 --> 00:07:39,200 enhancing hand combat and going up against the enemy 131 00:07:39,200 --> 00:07:40,233 on the front lines. 132 00:07:40,233 --> 00:07:41,500 There are many different positions 133 00:07:41,500 --> 00:07:43,633 in the military that they can apply for. 134 00:07:43,633 --> 00:07:46,900 However, when we are talking about our front line security, 135 00:07:46,900 --> 00:07:48,066 I do believe 136 00:07:48,066 --> 00:07:50,366 that we should have the strongest 137 00:07:50,366 --> 00:07:52,366 and if the strongest is not a woman, 138 00:07:52,366 --> 00:07:54,300 then a strong, the strongest is not a woman. 139 00:07:54,300 --> 00:07:58,566 And I don't think that we should dilute any of the requirements 140 00:07:58,566 --> 00:08:01,800 in order to make it a peaceable so we can have more women. 141 00:08:01,800 --> 00:08:02,633 We want the strongest. 142 00:08:03,033 --> 00:08:04,966 And if you believe that that's you, these are the requirements. 143 00:08:04,966 --> 00:08:05,400 Meet them. 144 00:08:05,800 --> 00:08:08,466 Well, it's an interesting, point. 145 00:08:09,666 --> 00:08:11,200 When we're talking about 146 00:08:11,200 --> 00:08:14,200 one, how are you going to identify a combat role? 147 00:08:14,833 --> 00:08:17,466 Because the front line has changed throughout history. 148 00:08:17,466 --> 00:08:17,766 Right. 149 00:08:18,500 --> 00:08:20,600 And so back in 2003, when I was serving in Iraq 150 00:08:20,600 --> 00:08:23,600 as ammunition specialist, I was on the front line. 151 00:08:23,600 --> 00:08:26,600 Would that have been considered necessarily a combat role then? 152 00:08:26,600 --> 00:08:27,633 May or may not have been. 153 00:08:27,633 --> 00:08:29,533 I was, you know, enlisted soldier. 154 00:08:29,533 --> 00:08:31,933 I was just trying to execute my orders. 155 00:08:31,933 --> 00:08:33,666 But what I do know is, while I pass 156 00:08:33,666 --> 00:08:35,733 my physical fitness test every quarter, 157 00:08:35,733 --> 00:08:38,500 I wasn't necessarily the fastest or did the most pushups 158 00:08:38,500 --> 00:08:40,733 or did the most set ups, but I did understand the ins 159 00:08:40,733 --> 00:08:43,033 and outs of my job that I was trained to do, 160 00:08:43,033 --> 00:08:44,500 which were not rooted in 161 00:08:44,500 --> 00:08:46,733 how many push ups or sit ups I could do. 162 00:08:46,733 --> 00:08:49,866 And also warfare strategy is not rooted 163 00:08:49,866 --> 00:08:53,033 so much in it and had to hand combat more 164 00:08:53,033 --> 00:08:56,100 so than it is technology, more so than it is in science. 165 00:08:56,100 --> 00:08:56,300 Right? 166 00:08:57,233 --> 00:08:59,366 And that doesn't matter how many push ups or sit ups, 167 00:08:59,366 --> 00:09:02,300 a soldier or an airport airman, 168 00:09:02,300 --> 00:09:06,233 or say their can do it's a different definition of combat 169 00:09:06,233 --> 00:09:08,600 readiness outside of physical capabilities. 170 00:09:08,600 --> 00:09:09,433 Absolutely. 171 00:09:09,766 --> 00:09:12,100 You know, the definition of combat has radically changed, 172 00:09:12,100 --> 00:09:15,833 and no more stronger evidence than the war in Ukraine, right, 173 00:09:15,833 --> 00:09:18,266 where so much of this is being done by drones 174 00:09:18,266 --> 00:09:20,166 and technologies behind all of it. 175 00:09:20,166 --> 00:09:23,800 So, again, do we all need to be fit when we serve in the Corps 176 00:09:24,000 --> 00:09:26,533 or in any of the armed services? Of course we do. 177 00:09:26,533 --> 00:09:28,766 But there is a difference in decision 178 00:09:28,766 --> 00:09:30,200 making that women bring to the table 179 00:09:30,200 --> 00:09:32,466 that's invaluable in combat situations. 180 00:09:32,466 --> 00:09:33,800 And to this point, 181 00:09:33,800 --> 00:09:34,533 there's a difference 182 00:09:34,933 --> 00:09:38,300 in technology requirements, education focus, ability 183 00:09:38,300 --> 00:09:39,300 when it comes to these 184 00:09:39,300 --> 00:09:41,133 applications of warfare in today's world. 185 00:09:41,133 --> 00:09:42,433 Bonnie, I would just quickly 186 00:09:42,433 --> 00:09:43,066 add, though, 187 00:09:43,066 --> 00:09:44,200 that I don't think anybody 188 00:09:44,200 --> 00:09:46,000 would argue that we have the fittest, 189 00:09:46,000 --> 00:09:48,500 most ready military right now that we've ever had. 190 00:09:48,500 --> 00:09:49,333 We just don't. 191 00:09:49,333 --> 00:09:50,866 Recruitment numbers have been down, 192 00:09:50,866 --> 00:09:53,333 physical fitness across the board has been down. 193 00:09:53,333 --> 00:09:55,866 We have lowered standards because we had a hard time 194 00:09:55,866 --> 00:09:58,233 getting people into the Army, into the Marines, 195 00:09:58,233 --> 00:10:00,300 into the air Force, into the Navy and all. 196 00:10:00,300 --> 00:10:01,300 I don't want to leave anybody out. 197 00:10:01,300 --> 00:10:03,600 The the Coast Guard, 198 00:10:03,600 --> 00:10:04,133 they've all 199 00:10:04,733 --> 00:10:07,233 had trouble recruiting, and so we lowered our standards. 200 00:10:07,233 --> 00:10:08,800 That is not what we want to be doing. 201 00:10:08,800 --> 00:10:11,733 We want to be getting the very best we can in the U.S. 202 00:10:11,733 --> 00:10:14,333 military. And that's not just brainpower. 203 00:10:14,333 --> 00:10:15,533 That's physical power. 204 00:10:15,533 --> 00:10:18,766 We need a fit military to defend this country. 205 00:10:18,766 --> 00:10:19,333 Okay. 206 00:10:19,966 --> 00:10:22,366 And the good news is it's going up under President Trump. 207 00:10:22,366 --> 00:10:23,933 But we need to revisit these standards. 208 00:10:23,933 --> 00:10:26,466 Well, it's changing under President Trump 209 00:10:26,466 --> 00:10:28,400 and different experts 210 00:10:28,400 --> 00:10:29,900 have different views of whether 211 00:10:29,900 --> 00:10:31,800 that's a better thing or a worse thing. 212 00:10:31,800 --> 00:10:34,600 It's debatable is what we have to say about it. 213 00:10:34,600 --> 00:10:35,700 But but 214 00:10:37,233 --> 00:10:38,233 but Trump 215 00:10:38,233 --> 00:10:41,466 was, you know, heads up, for example, 216 00:10:41,466 --> 00:10:45,266 wanted to get women out of combat completely. 217 00:10:45,500 --> 00:10:48,533 He said it many times in his position as a common 218 00:10:48,533 --> 00:10:52,333 data, not a general, on Fox News. 219 00:10:52,766 --> 00:10:56,700 And, I wonder if there is gender 220 00:10:57,033 --> 00:11:00,800 anti female gender prejudice going on there. 221 00:11:01,933 --> 00:11:03,733 Well, if I could I think Genevieve's points 222 00:11:03,733 --> 00:11:04,766 very well taken. 223 00:11:04,766 --> 00:11:06,666 The standards were lowered because recruitment 224 00:11:06,666 --> 00:11:08,333 was becoming increasingly difficult. 225 00:11:08,333 --> 00:11:09,400 I think that's an important 226 00:11:09,400 --> 00:11:11,366 standards were not lowered to accept more women. 227 00:11:11,366 --> 00:11:13,733 It was it was they were lowered because they were having 228 00:11:13,733 --> 00:11:15,233 trouble recruiting. 229 00:11:15,233 --> 00:11:18,466 That being said, it is true that Pete Hegseth, 230 00:11:19,233 --> 00:11:21,300 is on the record as a Fox News commentary 231 00:11:21,300 --> 00:11:23,400 saying he doesn't believe women should be in combat roles. 232 00:11:23,400 --> 00:11:24,500 That is, that is accurate. 233 00:11:26,033 --> 00:11:27,333 And, and other thoughts. 234 00:11:27,333 --> 00:11:29,600 Genevieve, you're come back to that, please. 235 00:11:29,600 --> 00:11:30,800 Well, to your point earlier 236 00:11:30,800 --> 00:11:32,200 mind, that's a debatable question. 237 00:11:32,200 --> 00:11:34,533 I think there are people on both sides of that thing 238 00:11:34,533 --> 00:11:37,366 that decide they believe that women should be in military 239 00:11:37,366 --> 00:11:38,400 or in combat roles. 240 00:11:38,400 --> 00:11:40,433 That is a debate that we can that we can have. 241 00:11:40,433 --> 00:11:42,200 But let's let's talk about what's 242 00:11:42,200 --> 00:11:45,233 being discussed right now, which is he's not saying 243 00:11:45,233 --> 00:11:46,600 women shouldn't be in the military, 244 00:11:46,600 --> 00:11:48,766 and he's not saying they should be in combat roles, 245 00:11:48,766 --> 00:11:50,966 but he's saying we need to have a set standard 246 00:11:50,966 --> 00:11:53,866 for certain roles, and they need to be gender neutral. 247 00:11:53,866 --> 00:11:56,100 Everybody has to be able to meet these standards. 248 00:11:56,100 --> 00:11:57,300 So I think that's it. 249 00:11:57,300 --> 00:12:00,000 Talk about fair. I think that is fair. 250 00:12:00,000 --> 00:12:01,700 That's not lowering standards for people. 251 00:12:01,700 --> 00:12:03,566 It's like saying you get in because you're this color 252 00:12:03,566 --> 00:12:05,366 or you're this you're this sex. 253 00:12:05,366 --> 00:12:06,700 You're getting in because you can meet 254 00:12:06,700 --> 00:12:09,000 the standards we set for this role. I don't 255 00:12:10,000 --> 00:12:11,300 I've been out of the military. 256 00:12:11,300 --> 00:12:13,033 Men think he's 20. 257 00:12:13,033 --> 00:12:16,066 Genevieve, as we mentioned earlier, combat 258 00:12:16,066 --> 00:12:19,400 standards were just what people on the right 259 00:12:19,400 --> 00:12:22,400 and the left would consider lowered 260 00:12:22,700 --> 00:12:25,700 because not because of trying to get more women, 261 00:12:25,966 --> 00:12:29,766 more people of color, more who knows what in the military. 262 00:12:29,766 --> 00:12:32,766 But because not enough people were applying? 263 00:12:33,300 --> 00:12:34,400 That's right. 264 00:12:34,400 --> 00:12:36,900 Many of the men in the military would not meet the 265 00:12:36,900 --> 00:12:38,900 the fitness standards of 20 years ago. 266 00:12:38,900 --> 00:12:39,333 I mean, 267 00:12:39,933 --> 00:12:41,900 and I it's a sad because that's also a problem 268 00:12:41,900 --> 00:12:43,600 with another show, another topic. 269 00:12:43,600 --> 00:12:45,000 But the obesity epidemic 270 00:12:45,000 --> 00:12:46,666 I mean, a lot of our young people, 271 00:12:46,666 --> 00:12:47,766 we're having a tough time 272 00:12:47,766 --> 00:12:50,866 finding enough fit young people to go into the service. 273 00:12:50,866 --> 00:12:53,400 And that's another whole, you know, like we said, topic. 274 00:12:53,400 --> 00:12:54,800 And that's part of the problem. 275 00:12:54,800 --> 00:12:55,866 But these are individual 276 00:12:55,866 --> 00:12:57,333 concerns that we ought to be addressing. 277 00:12:57,333 --> 00:12:59,566 And I think that's why we're having this debate. 278 00:12:59,566 --> 00:13:01,466 Whitley, your thoughts please. 279 00:13:01,466 --> 00:13:04,100 You know, I honestly think that the military 280 00:13:04,100 --> 00:13:05,166 under President Biden 281 00:13:05,166 --> 00:13:07,700 focus more on pronouns and protecting America. 282 00:13:07,700 --> 00:13:10,733 And we saw that with the way in which they responded 283 00:13:10,733 --> 00:13:11,933 to Afghanistan. 284 00:13:11,933 --> 00:13:14,566 We saw that when we lost those 13 soldiers 285 00:13:14,566 --> 00:13:17,233 with the way in which our military was operating. 286 00:13:17,233 --> 00:13:18,133 And so I think 287 00:13:18,400 --> 00:13:21,966 what needs to happen now is just a refocus on protection, 288 00:13:22,166 --> 00:13:25,700 a refocus on safety, a refocus on sovereignty. 289 00:13:25,700 --> 00:13:28,466 And with that comes that foundation of fitness 290 00:13:28,466 --> 00:13:30,066 for those that are in combat roles. 291 00:13:30,066 --> 00:13:33,200 So whether it's man or woman, it doesn't matter. 292 00:13:33,200 --> 00:13:35,766 Having a set standard, especially in a time 293 00:13:35,766 --> 00:13:37,666 where women are screaming about their rights 294 00:13:37,666 --> 00:13:39,100 and wanting to be equal to men, 295 00:13:39,100 --> 00:13:41,000 I don't see why we wouldn't be lauding 296 00:13:41,000 --> 00:13:43,033 and applauding these types of maneuvers. 297 00:13:43,033 --> 00:13:44,833 But you know what's interesting to me? 298 00:13:44,833 --> 00:13:47,833 A quick question to you in that regard is, 299 00:13:48,266 --> 00:13:50,866 last time we quote unquote, lowered our standards 300 00:13:50,866 --> 00:13:54,000 was because we weren't getting enough applicants. 301 00:13:54,000 --> 00:13:57,000 Is that a reason we should be changing standards? 302 00:13:57,000 --> 00:13:59,000 I think when the military deviated 303 00:13:59,000 --> 00:14:00,633 from protecting its citizens 304 00:14:00,633 --> 00:14:03,633 to pushing pronouns and gender ideology, 305 00:14:03,633 --> 00:14:05,466 no one cares when you're on the front lines. 306 00:14:05,466 --> 00:14:07,266 You have bullets passing by you. 307 00:14:07,266 --> 00:14:10,533 You have bombs going off what your pronoun is, 308 00:14:10,533 --> 00:14:11,766 or misgendering someone. 309 00:14:11,766 --> 00:14:12,666 The truth is, it's 310 00:14:12,933 --> 00:14:15,733 really about staying safe and protecting this country 311 00:14:15,733 --> 00:14:17,666 and fighting for one another. 312 00:14:17,666 --> 00:14:21,633 And so when the focus shifted from protecting America 313 00:14:21,633 --> 00:14:25,633 to all of these other issues, I think people lost interest 314 00:14:25,633 --> 00:14:27,066 in joining the military 315 00:14:27,066 --> 00:14:30,200 and putting their lives on the line and fighting for us. 316 00:14:30,200 --> 00:14:31,266 Would you say that was 317 00:14:31,266 --> 00:14:34,866 that was the fault of women for trying to get into 318 00:14:34,866 --> 00:14:36,600 the military or some other reason? 319 00:14:36,600 --> 00:14:38,633 It was Biden's fault. 320 00:14:38,633 --> 00:14:42,400 And so it has decreased people being interested 321 00:14:42,400 --> 00:14:43,733 in risking their lives 322 00:14:43,733 --> 00:14:46,166 and putting their lives on the line for this country. 323 00:14:46,166 --> 00:14:49,300 I have to strongly disagree with blaming President Biden 324 00:14:49,300 --> 00:14:49,633 for that. 325 00:14:50,266 --> 00:14:51,833 I would actually refer back to Genevieve. 326 00:14:51,833 --> 00:14:52,533 We had strong 327 00:14:53,066 --> 00:14:55,800 societal and cultural changes that have made the military, 328 00:14:55,800 --> 00:14:58,200 the young people, rising up to feel very differently 329 00:14:58,200 --> 00:15:00,066 about the military than they have in the past. 330 00:15:00,066 --> 00:15:02,400 And to Genevieve's very important point, 331 00:15:02,400 --> 00:15:05,100 fitness overall in the country has changed. 332 00:15:05,100 --> 00:15:07,866 So I have to strongly disagree with you respectfully 333 00:15:07,866 --> 00:15:08,866 with me on that one. 334 00:15:08,866 --> 00:15:11,833 But I do agree that there was a big sea change 335 00:15:11,833 --> 00:15:13,100 and we had to adapt to it. 336 00:15:13,100 --> 00:15:15,933 So please let us know what you think. 337 00:15:15,933 --> 00:15:19,200 Please follow me on Twitter @bonnieerbe. 338 00:15:19,533 --> 00:15:24,133 From the military to politics, Democrats have been performing 339 00:15:24,133 --> 00:15:25,500 strongly in recent 340 00:15:25,500 --> 00:15:29,100 special elections, often surpassing expectations. 341 00:15:29,400 --> 00:15:34,066 They outperformed Kamala Harris's results by 12 points 342 00:15:34,400 --> 00:15:38,000 on average across 11 races. 343 00:15:38,266 --> 00:15:41,000 This includes flipping two Republican 344 00:15:41,000 --> 00:15:44,633 state Senate seats in Iowa and Pennsylvania. 345 00:15:44,866 --> 00:15:49,066 Special election show Democrats excel with highly engaged 346 00:15:49,366 --> 00:15:52,333 regular voters, especially college graduates. 347 00:15:52,633 --> 00:15:54,166 Pollsters warn 348 00:15:54,166 --> 00:15:58,166 this strength may not be reflected in a high turnout 349 00:15:58,400 --> 00:16:02,266 presidential election, but it could potentially point 350 00:16:02,266 --> 00:16:06,433 to strength in the midterms, where turnout is lower. 351 00:16:06,433 --> 00:16:09,466 To win in 2026, Democrats 352 00:16:09,466 --> 00:16:12,600 must bring back disaffected women and people of color 353 00:16:12,833 --> 00:16:16,766 to the fold and make inroads among white men. 354 00:16:17,100 --> 00:16:21,433 So, Genevieve Wood, your thoughts on this topic 355 00:16:21,433 --> 00:16:25,133 and how it's being affected by today's news? 356 00:16:25,133 --> 00:16:26,833 We're going to have the midterms in 2026, 357 00:16:26,833 --> 00:16:29,633 and I don't think either side to be comfortable at this point. 358 00:16:29,633 --> 00:16:31,300 Just this week, we obviously had the races 359 00:16:31,300 --> 00:16:33,633 in Florida, the races up in Wisconsin. 360 00:16:33,633 --> 00:16:36,066 And you know, honestly, there weren't huge surprises. 361 00:16:36,066 --> 00:16:37,366 The Republicans won the races. 362 00:16:37,366 --> 00:16:39,766 They should have won in Florida and Wisconsin, 363 00:16:39,766 --> 00:16:40,800 even though I would have loved 364 00:16:40,800 --> 00:16:43,733 to see the Republicans take to the Supreme Court. 365 00:16:43,733 --> 00:16:44,866 It just it's a 366 00:16:44,866 --> 00:16:46,733 they remain the thing the Democrat won, 367 00:16:46,733 --> 00:16:48,766 but it was already A43 Democrat majority. 368 00:16:48,766 --> 00:16:51,333 So that's not a big win. 369 00:16:51,333 --> 00:16:54,766 And that sets it's important but it's not a big surprise. 370 00:16:55,066 --> 00:16:57,166 So look I think one of the things to look at here, 371 00:16:57,166 --> 00:16:58,633 and I think Republicans and conservatives 372 00:16:58,633 --> 00:17:00,233 in particular should look at this. 373 00:17:00,233 --> 00:17:02,766 We know money doesn't always win an election. 374 00:17:02,766 --> 00:17:04,366 Donald Trump was outspent by Hillary, 375 00:17:04,366 --> 00:17:06,433 Donald Trump was outspent by Kamala. 376 00:17:06,433 --> 00:17:08,700 But in these specialized elections, 377 00:17:08,700 --> 00:17:10,900 where it's really about turning out 378 00:17:10,900 --> 00:17:13,033 specific interest groups and getting those people 379 00:17:13,033 --> 00:17:15,533 the polls in special elections and in midterms, 380 00:17:15,533 --> 00:17:18,100 money can have a much bigger impact. 381 00:17:18,100 --> 00:17:21,133 And I think you saw a lot of that, honestly, in Wisconsin. 382 00:17:21,133 --> 00:17:24,100 But I will note, and in Florida, even though Democrats 383 00:17:24,100 --> 00:17:25,466 maybe did better than many hoped 384 00:17:25,466 --> 00:17:27,033 or many thought that they might, 385 00:17:27,033 --> 00:17:29,000 Donald Trump still came closer to beating 386 00:17:29,000 --> 00:17:30,500 Kamala Harris in New York. 387 00:17:30,500 --> 00:17:31,566 Then they came to winning 388 00:17:31,566 --> 00:17:33,266 the congressional district in Florida. 389 00:17:33,266 --> 00:17:35,466 So I just we got to have perspective on it. 390 00:17:35,466 --> 00:17:36,233 But I take note 391 00:17:36,533 --> 00:17:39,966 neither side should be feeling great about things. 392 00:17:39,966 --> 00:17:41,166 And they've got it all sewed up 393 00:17:41,166 --> 00:17:42,466 because I don't think either does. 394 00:17:42,466 --> 00:17:46,666 We have, about a year and a half between now and the midterms, 395 00:17:46,966 --> 00:17:51,466 which is frequently longer than gaps between special elections. 396 00:17:51,700 --> 00:17:55,400 So, you first Genevieve, and then everybody jump on in. 397 00:17:55,766 --> 00:17:59,066 How is this time going to be different for Democrats, 398 00:17:59,066 --> 00:17:59,666 if at all? 399 00:17:59,666 --> 00:18:00,933 The first really election 400 00:18:00,933 --> 00:18:03,266 coming up is in 2025 and new Jersey in Virginia, 401 00:18:03,266 --> 00:18:04,233 I think those are going to be the first, 402 00:18:04,233 --> 00:18:06,600 quote unquote, midterms, if you if you will. 403 00:18:06,600 --> 00:18:07,933 And I think there's going to be a lot of money 404 00:18:07,933 --> 00:18:10,400 spent, a lot of outside groups coming to all of them. 405 00:18:10,400 --> 00:18:12,266 I think Republicans ought to talk about the issues. 406 00:18:12,266 --> 00:18:12,866 Can they do that? 407 00:18:13,166 --> 00:18:15,000 I think they when and focus, you know, 408 00:18:15,000 --> 00:18:16,933 but that's the key in getting your bases out. 409 00:18:16,933 --> 00:18:18,266 That's going to be really important. 410 00:18:18,266 --> 00:18:24,600 You have, a very highly catalyzed, sliver of Democrats 411 00:18:24,833 --> 00:18:27,833 who are call themselves the resisters. 412 00:18:27,833 --> 00:18:32,000 They're horrified at the, rollbacks of, of civil rights 413 00:18:32,000 --> 00:18:34,500 in this country under Trump's administration to date. 414 00:18:34,500 --> 00:18:36,100 And so they're they're the ones 415 00:18:36,100 --> 00:18:37,400 that are going to have this inordinate 416 00:18:37,400 --> 00:18:38,966 influence on special elections. 417 00:18:38,966 --> 00:18:40,666 So I think for Democrats 418 00:18:40,666 --> 00:18:43,033 who are still trying to figure out their narrative. Right, 419 00:18:43,966 --> 00:18:46,866 around how to work, 420 00:18:46,866 --> 00:18:48,533 both with and in opposition 421 00:18:48,533 --> 00:18:51,533 to Trump when there's, you know, ideological differences. 422 00:18:51,533 --> 00:18:54,533 I think that there is a reason for 423 00:18:55,000 --> 00:18:55,366 I don't know 424 00:18:55,900 --> 00:18:57,066 if the right word is hope, but they're 425 00:18:57,066 --> 00:19:01,800 seeing these highly catalyzed, very energized, Democrats. 426 00:19:02,400 --> 00:19:06,200 I think most notably, I'm a 35 year, Pennsylvania resident, 427 00:19:06,600 --> 00:19:09,233 and it was a shock to everyone in Pennsylvania 428 00:19:09,233 --> 00:19:11,966 to see that seat go Democrat and remember, 429 00:19:11,966 --> 00:19:13,400 you know, Pennsylvania is, 430 00:19:13,400 --> 00:19:16,200 you know, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Pennsyltucky 431 00:19:16,200 --> 00:19:18,500 in between is James Carville one point. Right. 432 00:19:18,500 --> 00:19:21,333 So, I think that Democrats, 433 00:19:21,333 --> 00:19:23,666 I think, can start pulling the thread 434 00:19:23,666 --> 00:19:26,166 on how to figure out how they work with 435 00:19:26,166 --> 00:19:27,266 and how they work in 436 00:19:27,266 --> 00:19:30,033 constructive opposition with the Trump administration 437 00:19:30,033 --> 00:19:33,500 so that the right outcome happen 438 00:19:34,500 --> 00:19:35,733 But really, it's these 439 00:19:35,733 --> 00:19:37,333 very catalyzed resistors 440 00:19:37,333 --> 00:19:39,700 that are making a difference for the Democratic ticket 441 00:19:39,700 --> 00:19:41,233 in the special elections. 442 00:19:41,233 --> 00:19:45,600 Does that hold, in Milwaukee and in Wisconsin, 443 00:19:45,600 --> 00:19:49,200 as well as it does in Florida and other places? 444 00:19:49,200 --> 00:19:52,833 I wouldn't underestimate, the power of these resistors. 445 00:19:53,733 --> 00:19:55,066 You know, they are 446 00:19:55,066 --> 00:19:56,300 if you look at all the protests that 447 00:19:56,300 --> 00:19:58,533 are going around the country. Right. 448 00:19:58,533 --> 00:20:00,733 In front of city halls and town halls, 449 00:20:00,733 --> 00:20:03,533 very vociferous in the small community 450 00:20:03,533 --> 00:20:05,366 in Santa Cruz, where we have a second home. 451 00:20:05,366 --> 00:20:08,100 We had a 5000 people assembled. 452 00:20:08,100 --> 00:20:10,433 And those protests are happening across the country. 453 00:20:10,433 --> 00:20:13,100 So I wouldn't underestimate the power. 454 00:20:13,100 --> 00:20:14,366 Again, it's a sliver. 455 00:20:14,366 --> 00:20:17,100 It doesn't translate to a large turnout election, 456 00:20:17,100 --> 00:20:19,833 but it does have big impact in these special elections. 457 00:20:19,833 --> 00:20:21,866 And I would say across the board, across the country. 458 00:20:21,866 --> 00:20:23,600 Were we surprised by the strength 459 00:20:23,600 --> 00:20:26,300 we saw from Democratic voters this time? 460 00:20:26,300 --> 00:20:27,333 I think it depends. Right. 461 00:20:27,333 --> 00:20:29,933 I think going back to do these recent elections, 462 00:20:30,933 --> 00:20:32,366 you know, how indicative are 463 00:20:32,366 --> 00:20:35,366 they, for, you know, either side of the aisle? 464 00:20:37,000 --> 00:20:38,566 You know, it's important to acknowledge 465 00:20:38,566 --> 00:20:40,966 that special elections turnout, our triple prime voters. 466 00:20:40,966 --> 00:20:41,700 Right. 467 00:20:42,233 --> 00:20:45,000 Those are your folks who, you know, show up every election. 468 00:20:45,000 --> 00:20:47,766 Rain, sleet, snow. 469 00:20:47,766 --> 00:20:50,300 And that's not necessarily indicative of the broader 470 00:20:50,300 --> 00:20:53,300 electorate when it comes to general elections. 471 00:20:53,300 --> 00:20:53,566 Right. 472 00:20:54,000 --> 00:20:56,500 And so because we, we, we have, 473 00:20:56,500 --> 00:20:58,866 midterms coming up, I think to the point 474 00:20:58,866 --> 00:21:01,933 that Genevieve made neither side of the aisle is, 475 00:21:02,166 --> 00:21:05,133 you know, really taking anything, 476 00:21:05,466 --> 00:21:07,366 for granted or taking any specific key 477 00:21:07,366 --> 00:21:10,500 takeaways as this is the direction that we're going. 478 00:21:10,500 --> 00:21:12,866 The other point I wanted to highlight was, 479 00:21:12,866 --> 00:21:16,000 I think it does reflect for the Democrats, the effectiveness 480 00:21:16,466 --> 00:21:18,700 of really figuring out campaign strategies 481 00:21:18,700 --> 00:21:21,133 that really focus on the tried and true role of, 482 00:21:21,133 --> 00:21:22,766 like all politics is local, right? 483 00:21:22,766 --> 00:21:25,000 I think sometimes we focus on this national platform. 484 00:21:25,000 --> 00:21:27,333 National parties, national narratives, 485 00:21:27,333 --> 00:21:29,066 and what issues are what they should be. 486 00:21:30,333 --> 00:21:33,066 But really finding a way to connect, 487 00:21:33,066 --> 00:21:36,200 or to distance, depending on the politics of the district, 488 00:21:36,200 --> 00:21:39,833 how you can really speak to, you know, the meat and potatoes, 489 00:21:39,833 --> 00:21:42,233 bread and butter, basic everyday issues, 490 00:21:42,233 --> 00:21:44,500 that resonate with the local electorate. 491 00:21:44,500 --> 00:21:48,266 Because at the end of the day, it's the local constituencies. 492 00:21:48,600 --> 00:21:49,833 But you need to connect with more 493 00:21:49,833 --> 00:21:52,966 so than any national platform or national narrative. 494 00:21:52,966 --> 00:21:53,966 On a broader level. 495 00:21:53,966 --> 00:21:56,666 Was this just a lucky one for the Democrats, 496 00:21:56,666 --> 00:22:00,066 or was this a lot of voters across the country 497 00:22:00,066 --> 00:22:02,100 from different parties, from different races, 498 00:22:02,100 --> 00:22:05,100 from different locations, etc., 499 00:22:06,100 --> 00:22:07,833 showing that they're a little sick 500 00:22:07,833 --> 00:22:09,300 with what's going on right now? 501 00:22:09,300 --> 00:22:12,900 I would say this is not a wave, but it is a ripple. 502 00:22:12,900 --> 00:22:15,766 Specifically, what happened in Pennsylvania. 503 00:22:15,766 --> 00:22:18,566 Now, mind you, we only won by a little bit over 400, 504 00:22:18,566 --> 00:22:19,800 I believe 62 votes. 505 00:22:19,800 --> 00:22:24,400 But it is a ripple in what has to happen specifically 506 00:22:24,400 --> 00:22:29,100 on the Republican side is you cannot rely on the center 507 00:22:29,100 --> 00:22:34,133 of influence known as Trump, to drive voter turnout or not. 508 00:22:34,133 --> 00:22:37,933 Talking about, voters getting registered. 509 00:22:37,933 --> 00:22:40,733 We're talking about who shows up when it matters. 510 00:22:40,733 --> 00:22:42,300 And so what you see a lot of times 511 00:22:42,300 --> 00:22:44,733 in national politics is people show up because they don't like 512 00:22:44,733 --> 00:22:46,100 the other person, 513 00:22:46,100 --> 00:22:48,233 and so they're driven by an engagement 514 00:22:48,233 --> 00:22:51,766 factor that is honestly just really usually disdain 515 00:22:51,966 --> 00:22:54,033 for the two people who are running. 516 00:22:54,033 --> 00:22:55,400 But when you don't have that in 517 00:22:55,400 --> 00:22:57,433 politics, are local, and you're talking 518 00:22:57,433 --> 00:23:00,766 about kitchen table topics, you can see an hour 519 00:23:00,766 --> 00:23:04,433 plus ten, an hour plus 15 state Senate seats. 520 00:23:04,433 --> 00:23:05,866 Flip to Democrat. 521 00:23:05,866 --> 00:23:09,133 You seem to me like a very astute analyst of the GOP. 522 00:23:09,133 --> 00:23:10,833 Do you think they'll pay attention 523 00:23:10,833 --> 00:23:14,466 or just brush this off as, oh well, we just got unlucky. 524 00:23:14,733 --> 00:23:15,833 You know, as someone who's worked 525 00:23:15,833 --> 00:23:18,800 for the GOP for over five years, I think that, 526 00:23:20,666 --> 00:23:21,700 I think that they will 527 00:23:21,700 --> 00:23:25,566 look at this and utilize it as a wave 528 00:23:25,566 --> 00:23:29,166 to get people to turn out from here on out. 529 00:23:29,366 --> 00:23:32,100 They will scare people into saying, 530 00:23:32,100 --> 00:23:34,633 this is what's happening. They're flipping our seats. 531 00:23:34,633 --> 00:23:36,500 They will utilize this to fundraise. 532 00:23:36,500 --> 00:23:39,833 But hopefully what they will do is engage in a way 533 00:23:39,833 --> 00:23:43,633 that provides tangible solutions for their constituents, 534 00:23:43,633 --> 00:23:45,500 because that's really the only way 535 00:23:45,500 --> 00:23:47,666 to remain in those positions of power. 536 00:23:47,666 --> 00:23:49,666 Donald Trump was not known prior 537 00:23:49,666 --> 00:23:50,733 to this election 538 00:23:50,733 --> 00:23:53,600 to be somebody who was willing to bend his position 539 00:23:53,833 --> 00:23:55,466 if it favored his party. 540 00:23:55,466 --> 00:23:59,466 He seemed anyway to care primarily about number 541 00:23:59,466 --> 00:24:03,066 one himself and secondarily his party. 542 00:24:03,066 --> 00:24:04,966 But since the election, 543 00:24:04,966 --> 00:24:08,400 he's done a lot of things to try to quiet down the noisier, 544 00:24:08,633 --> 00:24:10,400 more difficult to temper. 545 00:24:10,400 --> 00:24:14,933 Like Defense Secretary heads us, voices in the Republican Party 546 00:24:14,933 --> 00:24:17,866 who are likely to do nothing more than turn votes. 547 00:24:17,866 --> 00:24:20,300 You have to understand that President Trump 548 00:24:20,300 --> 00:24:24,366 is in a very unique situation in this second term. 549 00:24:24,600 --> 00:24:27,600 That was split with Biden coming in. 550 00:24:27,833 --> 00:24:31,566 He has to not only provide tangibles quickly, 551 00:24:31,566 --> 00:24:33,100 but he has to be able 552 00:24:33,100 --> 00:24:34,300 to build a party 553 00:24:34,300 --> 00:24:37,733 that is going to maintain the White House in four years. 554 00:24:37,733 --> 00:24:41,766 And he really only has about two years to get that done. 555 00:24:41,766 --> 00:24:44,800 So he has to be able to kind of play peacemaker 556 00:24:44,800 --> 00:24:46,466 with those that are upset, 557 00:24:46,466 --> 00:24:48,733 maintain the base, and then continue 558 00:24:48,733 --> 00:24:51,200 to grow the party in order to maintain dominance, 559 00:24:51,200 --> 00:24:53,833 because if not, he becomes a flash, 560 00:24:53,833 --> 00:24:55,966 in the pan, as opposed to 561 00:24:55,966 --> 00:24:58,666 this dynamic leader who was able to restore 562 00:24:58,666 --> 00:25:00,666 and carry the Republican Party on his back. 563 00:25:00,666 --> 00:25:02,766 And as you stated, he loves himself 564 00:25:02,766 --> 00:25:03,466 so much 565 00:25:03,900 --> 00:25:06,466 that he is going to want to submit his place in history 566 00:25:06,466 --> 00:25:08,766 as someone who saved the Republican Party. 567 00:25:08,766 --> 00:25:09,233 And Barney, 568 00:25:09,800 --> 00:25:11,233 can I just said, I think a lot of this is up to, 569 00:25:11,233 --> 00:25:13,466 frankly, speaker Mike Johnson, who I think 570 00:25:13,466 --> 00:25:14,366 is doing a lot better 571 00:25:14,366 --> 00:25:16,033 than many people expected and keeping 572 00:25:16,033 --> 00:25:19,066 a very small minority or majority together. 573 00:25:19,066 --> 00:25:22,066 But a lot is going to because if Republicans in Congress 574 00:25:22,066 --> 00:25:25,666 can deliver on even half of their agenda, 575 00:25:25,666 --> 00:25:28,066 they're going to do very well. I think, in 2026. 576 00:25:28,066 --> 00:25:30,900 But that is a big hill to climb. 577 00:25:30,900 --> 00:25:32,633 And every Republican member, 578 00:25:32,633 --> 00:25:35,033 I think, has to think about that with every vote 579 00:25:35,033 --> 00:25:36,600 is that that's on them. 580 00:25:36,600 --> 00:25:37,466 That is on them. 581 00:25:37,766 --> 00:25:39,933 The president can do a lot, but at the end of the day, 582 00:25:39,933 --> 00:25:42,466 it's Congress that makes the laws. 583 00:25:42,466 --> 00:25:44,933 And if they don't do their part, Republicans 584 00:25:44,933 --> 00:25:46,733 are going to have a tough time in the midterms. 585 00:25:46,733 --> 00:25:48,066 The speaker of the House 586 00:25:48,066 --> 00:25:51,866 is a very under credited role, and it's absolutely essential. 587 00:25:51,866 --> 00:25:53,200 I mean, if you look at 588 00:25:53,200 --> 00:25:56,566 the phenomenon of Nancy Pelosi's very instrumental role 589 00:25:56,566 --> 00:25:59,466 in passing so much of the Obama administration, 590 00:25:59,466 --> 00:26:02,666 but not getting barely any credit for it, 591 00:26:02,666 --> 00:26:05,933 you had like John Boehner was on every major news, 592 00:26:05,933 --> 00:26:06,700 you know, magazine 593 00:26:07,166 --> 00:26:10,833 cover, and Nancy Pelosi only got the cover of this magazine. 594 00:26:10,833 --> 00:26:12,000 Right. That was it. 595 00:26:12,000 --> 00:26:12,700 So I think. 596 00:26:12,700 --> 00:26:13,633 I'm going to tell you right now, 597 00:26:13,633 --> 00:26:14,533 Nancy Pelosi is 598 00:26:14,533 --> 00:26:16,166 one of the most effective House speakers 599 00:26:16,166 --> 00:26:18,366 that has ever had that position. 600 00:26:18,366 --> 00:26:21,366 I don't know about John Boehner, and I don't like Nancy Pelosi, 601 00:26:21,366 --> 00:26:22,766 but I'm going to give her credit 602 00:26:22,766 --> 00:26:23,133 for being one 603 00:26:23,866 --> 00:26:26,200 of the most effective people at getting an ending. 604 00:26:26,200 --> 00:26:29,833 I mean, it's she is outpaced every male person that's had 605 00:26:29,833 --> 00:26:32,966 that role ever in history by a wide country mile, 606 00:26:32,966 --> 00:26:34,000 largely uncredited. 607 00:26:34,000 --> 00:26:36,533 I think Genevieve's point is extremely important 608 00:26:36,533 --> 00:26:38,166 that the Trump is a president. 609 00:26:38,166 --> 00:26:39,466 Whether you like him or hate him, 610 00:26:39,466 --> 00:26:40,866 he has a certain role to play. 611 00:26:40,866 --> 00:26:42,033 But one could argue 612 00:26:42,033 --> 00:26:43,766 Congress has a much more important role 613 00:26:43,766 --> 00:26:46,533 to play to carry out that agenda. 614 00:26:46,533 --> 00:26:47,700 So I think that, 615 00:26:48,733 --> 00:26:49,433 really looking 616 00:26:49,800 --> 00:26:52,433 at the speaker of the House, their effectiveness, 617 00:26:52,433 --> 00:26:55,533 and I think also we have to also look at, again, 618 00:26:55,533 --> 00:26:57,633 the previous, you know, we talked previously 619 00:26:57,633 --> 00:27:00,533 that what is happening on the grassroots level, 620 00:27:00,533 --> 00:27:02,233 what's the temperature check down there. 621 00:27:02,233 --> 00:27:04,466 So I think it's a combination of both those things. 622 00:27:04,466 --> 00:27:04,933 All right. 623 00:27:05,300 --> 00:27:07,733 And we will have at least five sets 624 00:27:07,733 --> 00:27:11,500 if not more of eyeballs watching every move. 625 00:27:11,500 --> 00:27:14,933 Every member of every party meets in this upcoming election. 626 00:27:14,933 --> 00:27:17,066 That's it for this edition of To the Country. 627 00:27:17,066 --> 00:27:19,766 Thank you all for your wonderful participation. 628 00:27:19,766 --> 00:27:22,966 Keep the conversation going on our social media platforms, 629 00:27:23,366 --> 00:27:26,266 Instagram, on Facebook X and TikTok 630 00:27:26,266 --> 00:27:29,300 and reach out to us @tothecontrary 631 00:27:29,300 --> 00:27:32,366 and visit our website address on the screen. 632 00:27:32,666 --> 00:27:35,800 Whether you agree or think to the contrary, 633 00:27:35,800 --> 00:27:36,600 see you next time. 634 00:27:57,300 --> 00:27:59,633 Funding for To the Contrary, provided by: