Confronting Unlawful Invasion, Disinformation, and Empathy Gap in Politics - Episode Hero Image

Confronting Unlawful Invasion, Disinformation, and Empathy Gap in Politics

Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov · · Listen to Original Episode →
Original Title:

TL;DR

  • The US operation in Venezuela, lacking congressional authorization, constitutes an unlawful invasion, prioritizing political expediency over constitutional principles and potentially enabling adversarial foreign influence.
  • The Democratic Party's challenge lies in defending constitutional principles without appearing to support dictators, necessitating a values-based approach rather than politically advantageous positioning.
  • The proliferation of "rage bait" content online exploits psychological vulnerabilities, creating a fertile ground for simplistic, often divisive, political narratives that prey on public anxiety.
  • The effectiveness of right-wing disinformation campaigns is amplified by social media algorithms and coordinated efforts, demonstrating a need for robust left-leaning media strategies to counter false narratives.
  • Wealth inequality is exacerbated by tax code loopholes and subsidies for billionaires, creating public frustration and a perceived "welfare program for billionaires" that contrasts with unmet social needs.
  • Political discourse is increasingly framed by adversarial media ecosystems and the strategic use of distractions, requiring a focus on core human needs and empathetic communication to resonate with voters.

Deep Dive

The core argument is that the Trump administration's operation against Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, while seemingly a law-enforcement win, represents an unlawful invasion lacking congressional authorization and is being used to reframe US foreign policy around "spheres of influence" rather than democratic principles. This analysis highlights the strategic implications of this shift, the effectiveness of right-wing disinformation in shaping public perception, and the need for Democrats to prioritize authentic connection with voters over purely political calculations.

The operation against Maduro, framed by the Trump administration as a law-enforcement action, is critiqued as an unlawful invasion due to the absence of congressional authorization, a violation of constitutional principles. This action, coupled with Trump's rhetoric about "running Venezuela," signals a broader geopolitical shift towards a "spheres of influence" doctrine, where major powers like the US, Russia, and China divvy up global resources. This approach is contrasted with a commitment to democratic values and international law, raising concerns about its impact on global stability and the erosion of American leadership. The discussion also emphasizes the role of adversarial nations like China, Russia, and Iran in Venezuela, noting their presence in mining and drone manufacturing, a factor often downplayed in mainstream coverage.

Furthermore, the episode delves into the strategic advantage gained by right-wing disinformation campaigns. The Minnesota welfare fraud scandal, weaponized against Governor Tim Walz, illustrates how a state-level issue can be amplified into a national flashpoint through coordinated media efforts, particularly on platforms like X. This highlights a significant asymmetry in media strategy, where Democrats often struggle to counter effectively, leading to leaders like Walz withdrawing from races to avoid becoming distractions. The broader implication is that the right-wing ecosystem excels at framing narratives and creating "traps" to divert attention from core issues like economic hardship.

In response to these challenges, the analysis proposes a path forward for Democrats centered on authentic connection and empathy. This involves moving beyond purely political messaging to address the "psychological torture" of economic precarity faced by many Americans, as evidenced by the large crowds drawn by figures like Bernie Sanders and AOC. The strategy emphasizes listening to voters, acknowledging their struggles, and offering genuine care and solutions, a stark contrast to the simplistic, often divisive, narratives promoted by the right. This human-centered approach is seen as crucial for combating the broader international movement of right-wing populism that utilizes similar rhetoric across various countries. The discussion on the billionaire wealth tax proposal in California further underscores this tension, pitting the need for social investment against the concerns of wealthy donors, suggesting that a balanced approach is necessary to address wealth inequality effectively.

The closing takeaway is that political success, particularly for Democrats, hinges on a renewed commitment to core principles, empathetic communication, and a robust media strategy that can effectively counter disinformation by fostering genuine connection with voters' lived experiences. This approach is vital not only for electoral victories but also for upholding democratic values against a rising tide of authoritarian-leaning movements globally.

Action Items

  • Audit political communication strategies: Analyze 3-5 recent Democratic statements on foreign policy for adherence to core principles versus political expediency.
  • Create a framework for evaluating media impact: Measure engagement (e.g., views, shares) for 5-10 pieces of content across different platforms to identify effective communication channels.
  • Draft a communication guide for elected officials: Outline 3-5 principles for empathetic and principle-based messaging, focusing on addressing constituent concerns directly.
  • Measure the disconnect between stated policy and public perception: For 3-5 policy initiatives, calculate the difference between stated goals and reported public sentiment.

Related Episodes

Key Quotes

"Well, you know, we went live right away as soon as the... I'm sorry, I was into... I was watching the trial. I had no childcare. No, no, no. Oh, I wasn't. No, I know we put out a lot of content though also. But like, but the point that I was, I want to make is that when we went live with it right away, we immediately didn't hesitate in calling it an unlawful invasion because I saw the images, I saw what was happening, I saw the Chinook helicopters, and I looked at it and I observed it and said, "This is an invasion." And then I said, "Was there congressional authorization for it? Yes or no?" There was not. Does our Constitution require that there be congressional authorization when I see Chinooks and our soldiers in a foreign country? You absolutely require congressional authorization. Therefore, it's an invasion that is unlawful."

Ben Meiselas argues that the operation in Venezuela was an unlawful invasion because it lacked congressional authorization, despite the presence of military hardware like Chinook helicopters. Meiselas emphasizes that adherence to constitutional requirements for authorization is paramount, even when dealing with perceived threats. This highlights a core principle of democratic governance: the necessity of checks and balances on executive power.

"And so I think sometimes in the game of high political landscape of where do I stand on an issue, it gets filtered through a lens of politics versus a lens of basic values and principles. What's the point of having a Constitution if it ultimately means nothing? And I think a problem with the Democratic Party or with any political party at that is when you view it in terms of, is this going to help me politically or not politically? People, the general public see your behaving that way, and I think sometimes they view that as, are you staking out a position that is politically advantageous or do you feel a certain way? Leaders need to lead, not ultimately come up with a position that they think is going to be palatable. And then you as a leader should bring people along on your position, and your position as the leader should be grounded in values and principles."

Meiselas critiques political decision-making that prioritizes political expediency over fundamental values and constitutional principles. He asserts that leaders should guide public opinion based on their convictions, rather than crafting positions solely for political gain. This perspective underscores the importance of principled leadership in maintaining the integrity of democratic institutions.

"And so is there this broader implementation of that vision? Because how does Europe respond to that? You know, how do other sovereign nations respond to that?"

This quote, posed by Meiselas, questions the potential geopolitical implications of a perceived shift in global power dynamics, specifically referencing a "spheres of influence" concept. Meiselas is probing whether actions taken by the U.S. align with a broader strategy that could alter international relations and elicit responses from European and other sovereign nations. It suggests a concern about the U.S. potentially ceding global leadership or engaging in a more isolationist approach.

"But the core values and principles that we talk about are relatable on an international human level to combat a lot of the forces happening on the right wing. And I guess this is a decent time to talk about that. Now, I alluded to this earlier. I think Trump's a vessel of a broader right wing talking point regime that's found a good vessel in him. And in America, everything is bigger and louder and more obnoxious sometimes. And they found it, you know, in this Trump orange monster, whatever you want to, you know, say that he is. But the talking points there are very similar to the special operation, this and that, you know, and the immigration rhetoric. It's very similar to how Orbán sounds in Hungary. It's the language that Putin uses. It's the language that Pierre Poilievre in Canada was using, you know, before Carney really stepped in the race and neutralized that. It's the same language they're utilizing in Australia."

Meiselas identifies a global pattern of right-wing rhetoric and political movements, arguing that Donald Trump serves as a prominent example of this broader phenomenon. He contends that the talking points used by Trump, such as those concerning military operations and immigration, are echoed by leaders in Hungary, Russia, Canada, and Australia. Meiselas suggests that these shared principles and strategies are internationally relatable and can be countered by appealing to universal human values.

"And so the question is, is why is that happening? And and I've been thinking about this and I because the core values and principles that we talk about are relatable on an international human level to combat a lot of the forces happening on the right wing. And I guess this is a decent time to talk about that. Now, I alluded to this earlier. I think Trump's a vessel of a broader right wing talking point regime that's found a good vessel in him. And in America, everything is bigger and louder and more obnoxious sometimes. And they found it, you know, in this Trump orange monster, whatever you want to, you know, say that he is. But the talking points there are very similar to the special operation, this and that, you know, and the immigration rhetoric. It's very similar to how Orbán sounds in Hungary. It's the language that Putin uses. It's the language that Pierre Poilievre in Canada was using, you know, before Carney really stepped in the race and neutralized that. It's the same language they're utilizing in Australia."

Meiselas posits that the Midas Touch network's message resonates internationally because its core values and principles are universally relatable, serving as a counterpoint to right-wing movements. He views Donald Trump as a figurehead for a global right-wing agenda, noting the similarity in rhetoric across different countries. Meiselas believes that understanding this broader international context is crucial for effectively addressing these political forces.

"And Democrats, I think the only way to combat a lot of what you see on the right wing is by being human and not being robotic and not being so laboratory tested and emoting and showing people that you care about them truthfully. And so when we talk about Democrats building a media environment, I truly believe, and it's not to end this on like a corny note of like love will beat hate, but to some extent, you have to deal with these broader forces of what galvanizes and energizes and excites people. And that actually is kind of bringing people together and reminding people that there's a way to be happy together and there's a way to help and live in a world that isn't filled with toxicity and hate every day."

Meiselas advises that Democrats can effectively counter right-wing movements by embracing authenticity and empathy, rather than adopting a rigid, calculated approach. He emphasizes the importance of demonstrating genuine care for people and fostering a sense of community. Meiselas suggests that this human-centered approach, which focuses on shared happiness and a world free from toxicity, is key to galvanizing support and building a strong media presence.

Resources

External Resources

Books

  • "Explain It to Me" by Vox - Mentioned in relation to the currency of rage bait in online content.

People

  • Nicholas Maduro - Mentioned as being in a US courtroom on narco-terrorism charges.
  • Donald Trump - Mentioned in relation to the US "running Venezuela" and his justification for operations based on oil.
  • Delcy Rodriguez - Mentioned as Maduro's vice president, potentially running Venezuela, and her swearing-in ceremony.
  • Marco Rubio - Mentioned for stating that adversaries are operating in the US's backyard in Venezuela.
  • Jared Kushner - Mentioned in relation to meetings with Russians in Miami.
  • Maria Machado - Mentioned as an opposition leader who won the Nobel Prize and her interactions with the US administration.
  • Edmundo Gonzalez - Mentioned as the proxy candidate in the July 2024 Venezuelan election.
  • Diosdado Cabello - Mentioned as an enforcer within the Venezuelan regime.
  • Hannity - Mentioned as the host of a program where Machado was interviewed.
  • Diaz Balart - Mentioned as a Republican congressman who screamed at a reporter.
  • Salazar - Mentioned as a Republican congresswoman who discussed the Dignity Act.
  • Tim Walls - Mentioned as the governor of Minnesota dropping his bid for a third term due to a welfare fraud scandal.
  • Melissa Hormann - Mentioned as someone whose assassination was allegedly ordered by Walls.
  • Nick Shirley - Mentioned for a viral video related to a welfare fraud scandal in Minnesota.
  • Elon Musk - Mentioned for reposting Nick Shirley's viral video.
  • J.D. Vance - Mentioned for reposting Nick Shirley's viral video.
  • Colin Kaepernick - Mentioned as a former client of Ben Mycelis in an NFL case.
  • Pierre Poilievre - Mentioned in relation to language used in Canadian politics.
  • Joe Biden - Mentioned in relation to the Hunter Biden investigation and the economy.
  • Hunter Biden - Mentioned in relation to accusations of being a crime boss family.
  • Amy Klobuchar - Mentioned as a potential candidate for the Minnesota gubernatorial race.
  • Mickey Sherrill - Mentioned as a politician speaking about costs.
  • Abigail Spanberger - Mentioned as a politician speaking about costs.
  • Gavin Newsom - Mentioned as the governor of California and his stance on a billionaire wealth tax.
  • Bernie Sanders - Mentioned in relation to drawing crowds and his political ideology.
  • Elizabeth Warren - Mentioned in relation to wealth taxes.
  • Donald Trump - Mentioned in relation to his taxes and paying zero dollars for filing fees.
  • Ro Khanna - Mentioned as a representative backing a proposed billionaire wealth tax in California.

Organizations & Institutions

  • Vox - Mentioned as the source of a piece on why the internet is pissing people off.
  • Mightiest Touch Network - Mentioned as the largest pro-democracy network, founded by Ben Mycelis.
  • CIA - Mentioned in relation to a potential deal with Delcy Rodriguez.
  • NFL (National Football League) - Mentioned in relation to Colin Kaepernick's case.
  • Midas Touch - Mentioned as a network that covers topics and resonates with people internationally.
  • YouTube - Mentioned as a platform where Nick Shirley's video gained views.
  • X (formerly Twitter) - Mentioned as a platform where Nick Shirley's video gained significant views.
  • The Five - Mentioned as a program where Nick Shirley's story was discussed.
  • CNN - Mentioned as a network where Venezuelans in Florida were interviewed.
  • Fox - Mentioned as a network with limited discussion time.
  • Republican Party (Minnesota) - Mentioned as coordinating with Nick Shirley regarding a viral video.
  • Nato - Mentioned in relation to a joint European statement in defense of Greenland and Denmark.
  • SIU (Union) - Mentioned as the proposer of a wealth tax ballot initiative in California.
  • Healthcare - Mentioned as a recipient of funds from a proposed wealth tax.
  • Food Assistance - Mentioned as a recipient of funds from a proposed wealth tax.
  • Education - Mentioned as a recipient of funds from a proposed wealth tax.

Websites & Online Resources

  • Midas Touch YouTube Channel - Mentioned for videos that received significant views.

Other Resources

  • Rage Bait - Mentioned as the currency behind much online content.
  • Democracy - Mentioned as a core value and principle.
  • Constitution - Mentioned in relation to requiring congressional authorization for military action.
  • Narco-terrorism Charges - Mentioned in relation to Nicholas Maduro.
  • Law Enforcement Operation - Mentioned as the Trump administration's description of the operation in Venezuela.
  • Regime Change - Mentioned as a political risk for Democrats.
  • Oil Companies - Mentioned in relation to potential investment in Venezuela and subsidies.
  • American Taxpayers - Mentioned in relation to subsidizing oil companies in Venezuela.
  • Mining Sites - Mentioned as being controlled by China in Venezuela.
  • Drone Manufacturing Facilities - Mentioned as being operated by Iran in Venezuela.
  • Russian Radar/Array Systems - Mentioned as being used in Venezuela.
  • Drugs - Mentioned as a stated reason for operations in Venezuela.
  • Cocaine - Mentioned in relation to drug trafficking boats.
  • Lethal Double Tap Strike - Mentioned in relation to drug trafficking boats.
  • Oil Industry - Mentioned as being in disrepair in Venezuela.
  • National Security Threat - Mentioned as a consideration for military action.
  • Spheres of Influence - Mentioned as a concept discussed by Marco Rubio regarding global power dynamics.
  • John Brown Doctrine - Mentioned in relation to Marco Rubio's discussion of spheres of influence.
  • Authoritarian Regime - Mentioned in relation to the Venezuelan government.
  • Paramilitary Operations - Mentioned as bolstering the Venezuelan regime.
  • Election - Mentioned in relation to the July 2024 Venezuelan election.
  • Democracy - Mentioned as a framework for Venezuela.
  • Nobel Peace Prize - Mentioned in relation to Maria Machado.
  • Dignity Act - Mentioned in relation to Salazar's discussion of immigration operations.
  • Immigration Operations - Mentioned in relation to the Dignity Act.
  • Propaganda Bubble - Mentioned as something to break through.
  • January 6th - Mentioned as an anniversary and a topic of discussion.
  • Rule of Law - Mentioned in relation to a president's respect for it.
  • Constitutional Right to Vote - Mentioned as being trampled on.
  • Grocery Prices - Mentioned as a concern for the public.
  • Healthcare Costs - Mentioned as a concern for the public.
  • Kilmar O'Reilly Garcia - Mentioned in relation to immigration public opinion.
  • Drug Traffickers - Mentioned in relation to immigration public opinion.
  • Insurrection - Mentioned as an injustice to call out.
  • Bullying of Marginalized Communities - Mentioned as an injustice to call out.
  • Hate and Harm - Mentioned as something to call out.
  • Transgender Community - Mentioned in relation to political ads.
  • Empathy, Love, Respect - Mentioned as guiding principles.
  • Toxic Empathy - Mentioned as a term used by the right wing.
  • Western Civilization - Mentioned in relation to toxic empathy.
  • Existential Issues - Mentioned as issues people face.
  • International Lenses - Mentioned as a way to view global movements.
  • Maga Movement - Mentioned in relation to international political trends.
  • Paycheck - Mentioned in relation to people feeling psychologically tortured.
  • Healthcare Affordability - Mentioned as a decision people face.
  • Child's Pencils - Mentioned as a decision people face.
  • Rent Affordability - Mentioned as a decision people face.
  • Dread and Confusion - Mentioned as feelings people experience.
  • Mass Information Environment - Mentioned as a factor in people seeking answers.
  • Bad Information - Mentioned as prevalent in the information environment.
  • Immigrants - Mentioned as a scapegoat for problems.
  • Kidnapping - Mentioned in relation to people being taken from restaurants and farms.
  • Military Gear - Mentioned in relation to people being kidnapped.
  • Net Plus/Net Negative - Mentioned as a lens to assess actions.
  • Leadership Change - Mentioned as a description of events in Venezuela.
  • Tariffs - Mentioned in relation to Supreme Court cases.
  • Congressional Oversight - Mentioned as something Donald Trump disregards.
  • Joint Statement - Mentioned from Dick Durban and Chuck Grassley regarding oversight.
  • Terrible Maduro - Mentioned as an acknowledgment by Democratic leaders.
  • Prop 50 - Mentioned in relation to Gavin Newsom's actions.
  • Midterms - Mentioned in relation to political races.
  • House of Representatives - Mentioned as a potential Democratic takeover.
  • Senate - Mentioned as a potential Democratic takeover.
  • Accountability Path - Mentioned as a path for senators.
  • Democratic Socialist Path - Mentioned as a path for candidates.
  • Hope and Change - Mentioned as a past galvanizing message.
  • Midwest Politics - Mentioned as a focus for the Midas Touch network.
  • Welfare Fraud Scandal - Mentioned as escalating in Minnesota.
  • Federal Indictments - Mentioned in relation to the Minnesota scandal.
  • Viral Conservative Video - Mentioned in relation to the Minnesota scandal.
  • House Oversight Hearing - Mentioned in relation to the Minnesota scandal.
  • Distraction to the Party - Mentioned as a reason for stepping down.
  • Weaponized Information - Mentioned in relation to the Minnesota scandal.
  • Immigrant Population - Mentioned as being attacked in the Minnesota scandal.
  • Conspiracy Theories - Mentioned in relation to the Minnesota scandal.
  • PPP Program - Mentioned as a program rolled out by Trump with few safeguards.
  • Missing Funds - Mentioned in relation to the PPP program.
  • Nursing Home Mogul - Mentioned in relation to Philip S. Form.
  • Commuted Sentence - Mentioned in relation to Philip S. Form.
  • Epstein Files - Mentioned as something Trump tries to distract from.
  • Economy - Mentioned as something Trump tries to distract from.
  • Asymmetry in Media Chambers - Mentioned in relation to left vs. right media.
  • Media Strategy - Mentioned as something Democrats lack.
  • Bad Information - Mentioned as something Democrats need

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