Episode
Why Democrats Are Bankrolling Far-Right Candidates
26:21
Published: Wed Aug 03 2022
Description
Democrats are meddling in Republican primaries this year to an unusual degree, attempting to elevate extremist candidates who they think will be easy to defeat in midterms in the fall.Nowhere has that strategy been more divisive than in the election for a House seat in Michigan.Guest: Jonathan Weisman, a congressional correspondent for The New York Times.Want more from The Daily? For one big idea on the news each week from our team, subscribe to our newsletter. Background reading: The meddling in Republican primaries has prompted angry finger-pointing and a debate among Democrats over the perils and wisdom of the strategy.For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
Chapters
Democrats are meddling in Republican primaries to elevate far-right candidates who they think will be easier to defeat in this fall's midterms.
00:00 - 02:46 (02:46)
Summary
Democrats are meddling in Republican primaries to elevate far-right candidates who they think will be easier to defeat in this fall's midterms. This is happening to an unprecedented degree.
EpisodeWhy Democrats Are Bankrolling Far-Right Candidates
PodcastThe Daily
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is backing a far-right candidate, John Gibbs, instead of their own Democratic candidate, Melanie Meyer, in an attempt to secure an easier path to a general election win.
02:46 - 09:14 (06:28)
Summary
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is backing a far-right candidate, John Gibbs, instead of their own Democratic candidate, Melanie Meyer, in an attempt to secure an easier path to a general election win. However, Gibbs has been known to endorse far-fetched conspiracy theories, causing some to question the strategy.
EpisodeWhy Democrats Are Bankrolling Far-Right Candidates
PodcastThe Daily
Back in 2012, Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill executed a strategy to boost the far-right Republican candidate in the hopes of a win in the general election.
09:18 - 14:36 (05:17)
Summary
Back in 2012, Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill executed a strategy to boost the far-right Republican candidate in the hopes of a win in the general election. Her strategy paid off when her preferred candidate became the Republican nominee and lost to her in the subsequent general election.
EpisodeWhy Democrats Are Bankrolling Far-Right Candidates
PodcastThe Daily
Democrats are taking a big risk if they back far-right candidates in the primaries, warns journalist Ryan Grim.
14:36 - 23:40 (09:04)
Summary
Democrats are taking a big risk if they back far-right candidates in the primaries, warns journalist Ryan Grim. With the potential for wave election years to unseat politicians that vote too far from center, the current inflation rates and poor approval ratings for President Biden could lead to the election of more Republicans this year.
EpisodeWhy Democrats Are Bankrolling Far-Right Candidates
PodcastThe Daily
Kansas voters overwhelmingly chose to protect the right to an abortion in their state's Constitution, which blocks the Republican-controlled legislature from banning the procedure.
23:44 - 26:14 (02:29)
Summary
Kansas voters overwhelmingly chose to protect the right to an abortion in their state's Constitution, which blocks the Republican-controlled legislature from banning the procedure. Meanwhile, China held military drills off the coast of Taiwan in response to a visit from a high-profile leader, citing its claim of control over Taiwan and desire to diplomatically isolate it.