In this deeply personal and reflective episode of Relative Clarity, Shawn and Susan break away from their usual format to process the aftermath of the election. They share their emotional struggles, discuss the challenges of staying politically engaged, and explore the toll of a decade dominated by Donald Trump’s presence in media and politics. The conversation touches on themes of burnout, empathy, and the difficulty of navigating relationships in a politically divided country.

The hosts reflect on the broader societal loss, not just of an election, but of shared values and unity, while acknowledging the despair, anger, and grief many are experiencing. They discuss the importance of self-care, managing information intake, and focusing on community. They also explore the tension between staying informed and avoiding the pitfalls of paranoia-driven media consumption. Ultimately, they wrestle with whether and how to continue their podcast amidst the challenges of this new political reality.

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The Bulwark Podcast episode Shawn and Susan discuss:

https://youtu.be/jeZ27kyM-ow?si=aTw7Ix2P_E14Gcpt

In this episode of Relative Clarity, Shawn and Susan discuss the atmosphere leading up to the election, touching on key moments from the recent Trump rally at Madison Square Garden. They examine Trump’s statements, dog-whistle language, and inflammatory rhetoric, emphasizing the normalization of violent language and its effect on the political climate. The hosts also tackle disinformation around immigration, comparing past anti-immigrant sentiment with current political discourse, and challenge the narrative that harsh anti-immigrant stances are necessary for national security.

The episode also explores coping mechanisms for dealing with political anxiety, with Shawn and Susan contrasting their own approaches. They end by discussing proactive actions like phone banking, wearing campaign merchandise, and contributing to efforts like ballot curing to encourage listener participation in democracy. Finally, they celebrate moments of optimism, such as Michelle Obama’s call for action and Biden’s recent display of humility at the polls.

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In this episode of Relative Clarity, Shawn and Susan dive into the latest developments as Election Day approaches.

They discuss early voting trends, particularly the record-breaking turnout and how voter enthusiasm could impact the election. They explore the stark contrast between the confidence of GOP voters and the cautious optimism of Democrats, addressing the importance of engaging non-frequent voters. The duo critiques the ongoing silence and passivity of Republican men like Mitch McConnell and General John Kelly, who, despite their inside knowledge of Trump’s actions, have been hesitant to publicly criticize him. They also analyze Kamala Harris’s recent Fox News interview, applauding her composed, assertive demeanor in the face of media bias. In a heartfelt segment, Susan shares her personal perspective on the chilling calls for public execution of “false accusers,” connecting it to broader discussions about control, trauma, and Christian nationalism.

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In this episode of Relative Clarity, Shawn and Susan take a deep dive into Project 2025, a plan that seeks to reshape the U.S. federal government under a conservative agenda, with significant involvement from former Trump administration officials. They discuss the origins of the plan, the key players (including Russell Vought, John McEntee, Chad Wolf, and Stephen Miller), and its potential consequences for democracy, civil service, and key policies such as immigration, healthcare, and climate change. The hosts also explore how this project could lead to the consolidation of executive power, dismantling of regulatory frameworks, and a shift towards authoritarianism. Trump’s denial of involvement is questioned, as many of his former officials are key architects of the plan.

The episode aims to raise awareness about the real risks Project 2025 poses to American democracy and encourages listeners to stay informed, vote, and engage in discussions to counter its effects.

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Everything Is Politics

In this episode, Shawn and Susan discuss the growing numbness many feel toward the political landscape, addressing cognitive dissonance, disinformation, and the differing media strategies from the Trump and Harris campaigns. They dive into the rise of chaos and misinformation around national disasters and explore how people can critically assess information amidst political manipulation. They also touch on the phenomenon of “permission structures” in politics and how it impacts voters’ willingness to support candidates. Finally, they reflect on the importance of finding clarity in the midst of political noise, and share thoughts on Kamala Harris’ efforts to connect with diverse audiences through platforms like Fox News and Joe Rogan.

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Polls, Podcasts, and Political Strategy

In this lively episode, Shawn and Susan dive into the drama of election season, discussing everything from outdated polling methods to the power of political podcasts. With less than a month until election day, they break down the importance of voter turnout and why polling can often lead us astray.

They also chat about Kamala Harris’s media blitz, her headline-making interviews, and how she’s changing the game in political communication. Plus, find out why certain bro-podcasts are fueling political chaos, and why the media’s approach to interviews might need a serious revamp. The episode also highlights key social media voices who bring much-needed clarity during election madness.

And of course, Shawn and Susan cap it off with some laughs, wins, and fails of the week—including Trump’s latest grift with $60 Bibles and Dolly Parton’s heartwarming contributions to hurricane relief.

Join us for a mix of political insights, humor, and a few hot takes as we navigate the final stretch before election day!

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Finding Clarity: Issues that Shape Our Votes in 2024

In the inaugural episode of Relative Clarity, second cousins Shawn and Susan introduce the podcast and dive into their personal political backgrounds, sharing insights on what has shaped their current moderate perspectives. With a focus on breaking down the political chaos, they explore key issues leading up to the November election, including abortion, immigration, inflation, and the economy.

Susan opens up about her personal evolution on the abortion issue, having once been deeply involved in the pro-life movement, and how listening to diverse perspectives reshaped her views. Shawn, a gay man, discusses why abortion rights matter to him from a broader rights and healthcare standpoint, emphasizing the potential ripple effects of current policies on LGBTQ+ rights.

The conversation then shifts to immigration, where Shawn shares personal stories, calling for serious reform of the broken immigration system and expressing frustration with how the topic is politicized during election cycles. Susan echoes this sentiment, sharing personal anecdotes of the impact of immigration on everyday lives.

They wrap up with a discussion of economic issues, highlighting the complex forces that have shaped inflation and gas prices post-pandemic. The episode concludes with their “wins and fails” segment, where Susan celebrates Jimmy Carter turning 100, and Shawn discusses the continued momentum behind Kamala Harris and critiques Trump’s handling of current events.

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