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Hey there! Sorry we’ve been out of commission the past few weeks. We’ve recently switched tech platforms and I’ll just say it took our whole village and then some. We look to keep providing content in the politically heated months to come!

In today’s edition: The biggest VP debate in modern memory will occur this coming Tuesday. Trump calls for huge potential penalties against manufacturer John Deere. Nebraskan politicians have dealt a big blow for Trump in the electoral college sweepstakes. Eric Adams (Mayor of NYC) is now facing criminal charges.

• Vance & Walz Showdown - VP Debate Preview

• Deere In The Headlights

• Nebraska Plays Spoiler

• NYC Mayor Indicted on Federal Charges

Vance & Walz Showdown - VP Debate Preview

September 27th, 2024 - One small fraction of one percent of undecided voters. That’s the target JD Vance and Tim Walz are aiming for in their upcoming debate on Tuesday. While both candidates look to express their commitment to their respective core base, both have the firm understanding that undecided voters must be won over in order to get their party over the 270 electoral vote line. Disaffected blue collar workers in Pennsylvania are a potential target for Vance, while appealing to college educated women across the swing states would be a likely target for Walz.

Both contenders are honing their tactics to tackle the pressing issues for the public as the debate draws closer. Economics is likely to be the cornerstone of debate between the two parties. With Vance stressing his ideas to boost GDP growth, lower taxes, and slash red tape to empower companies, solving economic woes will probably be the main focus for his outreach to the swing state voter. He will most likely assert that Trump's initiatives will boost employment nationwide, provide protection from the outsourcing of jobs via tariffs, and raise wage levels through lower tax burdens. Vance is positioned to challenge the economic practices of Vice President Harris and portray the former presidents' platform as the suitable alternative. Conversely, Walz will most likely appeal to undecided voters by proposing increased legislative protection and provision for government led programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. The Minnesota governor could pitch that the Harris administration will accomplish this through the act of increasing tax burdens on the wealthy. He may also convey a more conciliatory approach to trade with other nations in order to lower the cost of goods and services.

Healthcare is likely to be a major topic as well. In line with right of center philosophy, Vance could paint market-driven solutions which promote choice via competition and lower costs while simultaneously promoting changes meant to cut government involvement in healthcare. Presenting his strategy as a means to give consumers more options and superior care, Vance could single out Obamacare for its inefficiencies and high costs, and replace it with the “Make America Healthy Again” slogan brought forth by RFK Jr. The vice presidential candidate could also speak on problems with rising insurance premiums, prescription drug prices, and general access to healthcare services, distinguishing Trump's platform as a way of enabling autonomy while stripping government of its influence in the field of medicine. Walz, on the other hand, is expected to defend and pitch the idea of potentially expanding the existing healthcare framework, emphasizing the need for comprehensive coverage and protections for all Americans. He might advocate for policies that ensure affordable healthcare access, reduce disparities in healthcare outcomes, and address the rising costs of medical services. Walz could highlight Minnesota's healthcare initiatives for comparison, such as expanded Medicaid coverage and efforts to improve mental health services, as evidence of his commitment to creating a more inclusive and effective healthcare system. He may also discuss the importance of preventive care and public health measures in reducing overall healthcare costs and improving population health.

The contenders will not only express their policy stances but also fight through a clash of personalities and leadership approaches as the debate progresses. With his dynamic and forceful style, Vance has the capacity to inspire confidence and decisiveness to his base, thereby appealing to those who give notable weight to stolid, upright leadership. A broad variety of viewers looking for authenticity and relatability in their leaders may find a connection through his ability to explain complex ideas in an understandable way while relating to his own account of overcoming hardship. Renowned for his collegial style, Walz may stress his capacity to work across political lines and foster collaboration in order to produce legislation. His experience in military duties and over twenty years as an educator illustrates his devotion to public service as well as his recognition that there are various belief systems and concerns with different kinds of voters. Voters who recognize compassion and teamwork in tackling national challenges could find appeal in Walz's sympathetic approach and emphasis on inclusiveness. His experience as governor could become his key to pitch the American people on the effectiveness of what the Harris administration can bring to the table.

This is likely the most consequential Vice Presidential debate in modern history, and will therefore serve as a crucible and barometer for both political campaigns.

Deere In The Headlights

September 25th, 2024 - U.S. manufacturer John Deere is actually in the headlights of Donald Trump. The former president came out earlier this week in favor of a 200% tariff with any product that Deere wants to sell in the United States. A large number of Pennsylvania farmers have responded fervently in favor to this decision. The sentiment is palpable with these voters for a few reasons. One reason being that they continually see foreign countries as a threat to their ability to make a profit given the influx of competition. A second reason being that quality of the equipment can be more closely monitored stateside as opposed to relying on overseas manufacturing standards. The farmers' response points out the entrenched tensions in the agriculture industry, and it's all too likely that these tensions can't be diminished by words alone.

The response of the farming community emphasizes the larger discussion on trade policies and their effects on home industry. Advocates of the tariff contend that it is an essential instrument for combating unfair trade practices and safeguarding of national economic goals. Without such policies, they argue, American businesses like John Deere could find it difficult to keep their market share, which would result in possible job losses and a decrease in local production capacity. The tariff offers these farmers a proactive means of protecting their livelihoods and the guides a firm direction for the the US agricultural sector.

Conversely, detractors of the envisioned tariff warn of more negative impacts than positive. They contend that tariffs can result in more expenses for both consumers and companies since the additional cost of imported items may translate into greater costs for farmers depending on competitive pricing for their equipment. Furthermore, there is worry that retaliatory tariffs from other nations can develop into more general trade conflicts, therefore affecting other spheres of the economy. Critics further note that tariffs could distort the market and fail to solve the fundamental problems of unfair competition, therefore creating greater inefficiencies and less incentives for innovation.

Additionally, it cannot be ignored that there are worldwide consequences for levying a 200% tariff on John Deere. John Deere is a worldwide business that conducts commerce in many different marketplaces; so, retaliatory actions from other nations could cause disturbance of international commercial relations. This might have a domino effect on other American companies who depend on exporting goods and services, therefore causing a more general economic crisis. With that examination in mind, there is still not a final picture on how the second order consequences will play out as only theory of outcome can be entertained.

Pennsylvania farmers' support for Trump's tariff threat shows how important agricultural towns are to the national political conversation. A major portion of the American economy is devoted to agriculture, and policies that affect this sector can have a monumental impact on rural communities, jobs, and food production security. Consequently, the viewpoints of farmers play a pivotal role in molding trade policies which aim to reconcile the concerns of producers, consumers, and the wider economy.

With consequences as far reaching as they are, the agricultural quagmire will continue to live on far longer as a hot topic than the short lived and upcoming presidential race.

Nebraska Plays Spoiler

September 24th, 2024 - Nebraskan politicians delivered a humungous “no” to the Trump campaign and it’s allies this week as it will definitively not be an electoral “winner take all” in the upcoming presidential cycle. If Donald Trump successfully took all 5 electoral votes, it becomes a greater likelihood that the electoral college ties at 269 votes a piece for each candidate come November. A last ditch effort to award all electoral votes to the statewide winner was dismantled by a few republican state senators who did not align with voting “yes” in granting all electoral votes to the winner. One of the republican holdouts, State Senator Mike McDonnell, expressed that it was “unfair” to come such a decision so close to the election, but that he would be open to giving a voters a say on what direction they wanted to go in the next legislative session targeted for January 2025.

The genetic makeup of the state is unlike in that the legislature does not abide by the “winner-take-all” approach. Rather than giving all of Nebraska's electoral votes to the statewide victor, this unusual approach—known as the Congressional District Method—allows Nebraska to divide them according on the results inside each of its congressional districts.

Critics of the winner take all system have stated that it does not accurately reflect the will of the people in the state. Considering that it's become essential for political efforts and voter connection, the Congressional District Method carries enormous weight during the political cycle. Allocating electoral votes depending on local congressional districts encourages candidates to address the particular interests and concerns of voters in various areas of the state. Critics also argue that this specialized emphasis can result in more focused and successful campaigning plans, therefore guaranteeing that presidential candidates pay attention to urban and rural areas. Knowing that the choices of their particular district may affect the general electoral result, voters may feel more personally represented and driven to engage in the electoral system.

The republicans who are in favor of the winner take all system have the overt desire to see Trump get all the electoral votes if the state went red (it’s a near certainty). The possible second order consequence being the 269 electoral vote tie that sends the fate of the presidential candidates to the House where Republicans hold a slight edge. With one electoral vote that is almost certain to go to Harris in the current Nebraskan system, there is a scenario where that puts her at the 270 mark and becomes the president.

Irrespective of how outsiders of the state feel, Nebraska has the power and potential to upend the political table as we know it.

NYC Mayor Indicted on Federal Charges

September 26th, 2024 - Over 8 million citizens of a city woke up to find that their mayor has been indicted on federal charges. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has just become the centerpiece of a scandal brought forth by the Department of Justice. The indictment states Adams is facing serious charges like bribery, wire fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations.  This will likely have major knock-on effects with his position as mayor and the general political climate in New York City.

Renowned in New York political circles, Mayor Adams has developed his career on promises of openness and reform. His government has concentrated on several programs meant to enhance community relations, economic growth, and public safety. But the indictment presents an almost intractable obstacle to his leadership, it undoubtedly creates eroding confidence in voters who have put their faith in leaders who have inspired that trust. Should the claims be proven valid in a court of law, they would certainly taint his legacy and hinder any attempt for effective governance as you've most likely lost the faith of your staff and constituents.

Adams has maintained his innocence in reaction to the indictment, claiming political motivation and spurious charges are driving them. Emphasizing his dedication to respect the law and serve the needs of New York City's varied population, he has demanded a fair and unbiased legal process. Seeking to defend his name and rebuild his reputation, Adams's legal team is anticipated to aggressively dispute the claims. The mayor's defense plan probably will center on refuting the accusations and proving his commitment to moral government.

Given the very heated national environment in which the indictment takes place, the political consequences are rather noteworthy. Adams's supporters see the indictment as an attempt to thwart his progressive agenda and reduce his impact inside the Democratic Party. They contend that the charges are overdone and part of a larger plan meant to discredit political leaders supporting significant changes. On the other hand, detractors argue that the criticism is a vital step to guarantee responsibility and integrity among public servants, therefore supporting the idea that nobody is above the law. Legal experts have responded to the matter saying that indictments of sitting mayors are quite rare and have great political and legal weight. Such a case could set a precedent that shapes how contact could be made between law enforcement and elected officials, therefore changing the way public behavior is investigated. Furthermore, the case can inspire other states and municipalities to review their own ethical policies and systems of governance in order to avoid like problems developing.

The 110th mayor of NYC will now be dealing with the enormous pressure of a damaged reputation while simultaneously running one of the largest cities in the world. Although the new dynamic of a federally indicted mayor has come, it’s not yet clear how local political alliances and governance in general will shift in the coming months.

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