Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"The entire thing was fake sincerity, but it seemed authentic. Yeah, he's way better at it." — Unidentified Male Speaker
"When a fly lands on Mike Pence's head, it's like, well, flies are attracted to shit. I mean, that is the same flies on shit." — Unidentified Male Speaker
"So moments after the bait, they tweet pitch in five dollars to help this campaign fly. And they got a picture of Biden looking youthful on it. Like as you can look holding the fly. So water. And then the next day the fly swatter goes on sale and now sold out on his website." — Unidentified Male Speaker
The discussion begins with an assessment of Kamala Harris's debate performance, contrasting it with Mike Pence's perceived sincerity. The speakers note that while Harris aimed for a slow, sincere tone, Pence's presentation, even if perceived as faked, appeared more authentic, drawing comparisons to professional hosts. A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the unexpected appearance of a fly on Mike Pence's head during the debate. This event is highlighted as a prime example of how a spontaneous, unscripted moment can capture public attention and become a dominant topic, overshadowing the candidates' prepared remarks. The speakers humorously speculate on Pence's reptilian-like composure and the surreal nature of the moment.
The conversation then explores the concept of "all publicity is good publicity" and how controlling the narrative, especially through internet memes and social media, can be a winning strategy. The speakers suggest that the fly incident, by becoming a viral meme, allowed the Pence campaign (or its allies) to control the conversation. They analyze how this overshadowed any substantive points made by either candidate. The discussion touches upon the effectiveness of marketing campaigns that quickly capitalize on such viral moments, citing the Biden campaign's immediate sale of "fly swatters" as a strategic move to monetize the event. There is also speculation about whether the fly incident was a planned event, with some suggesting the possibility of drones.
Further analysis delves into the perceived authenticity and strategy of Kamala Harris, particularly her past criticisms of Joe Biden during the primary and her subsequent role as his Vice President. The speakers discuss the nature of political primaries, where candidates often engage in sharp criticism only to unite afterward. The transcript also touches upon broader societal stereotypes and perceptions, including discussions about cultural identity and how certain events or individuals are viewed through those lenses. The conversation then shifts to a more abstract discussion about the nature of political branding and how campaigns leverage even the most unconventional moments for engagement and fundraising.