Re-introducing The Political Playlist, where I summarize recent political news stories with a playlist that captures the emotional roller coaster of staying informed in the era of alternative facts and information-overload. This project started in 2017 when, during the Comey congressional hearings, I could not get Warren Zevon’s Lawyer’s, Guns, and Money out of my head. For weeks the playlists were a way to express my frustration and dance out my rage in the aftermath of the 2016 election. Now, by popular demand and just in time for the drama of another presidential campaign, I’m bringing it back. Starting with a recap of 2018…
Trump: the New York Times released a detailed investigation into the Trump family finances (and tax fraud) that, in any other year and any other administration, should have been a major story disastrous to the president’s reputation and position. But in 2018, it was a blip on the radar crowded by scandals, lies, international embarrassments, poor policy decisions, and outright repugnant activities (difficult to choose a link for that one). Incapable or unwilling to rise to the office or at least take the advice of experienced political professionals, Trump continued to isolate himself and, in many ways, the United States, and it became increasingly clear that his “Make America Great Again” promise means America, alone. The consequences of this approach were especially pronounced for government employees, who experienced a record 3 shutdowns in 2018, the most recent of which began in December and remains unresolved.
Foreign Policy: relationships between the US, North and South Korea were touch-and-go throughout the year, creating a foreign policy love triangle with potential nuclear consequences (literally). Speaking of nukes, the Trump administration pulled the US out of the Iran nuclear deal, weakening the US position in sensitive foreign policy negotiations and putting us in a tumultuous position in a highly complicated region. In another ill-advised move, Trump moved the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, sparking protests by Palestinians, violent clashes on the border, and numerous deaths. US allies were challenged at a tense NATO summit, and US morality was challenged by the administrations continued relationship with Saudi Arabia, despite human rights abuses like the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The year concluded with the US escalating the trade war with China while withdrawing troops from Syria and Afghanistan.
Immigration: the US Southern border stayed on newsfeeds and peoples minds throughout the year, as debates and policy decisions about how to manage the border and who to let in were met with disagreement, distraught, and in some cases, lawsuits. The administrations zero-tolerance policy on illegal border crossings and inhumane practice of separating families continues to concern
Midterm Elections: what many hoped to be a blue wave was more of a rising tide, but the wins were nonetheless significant, with Dems winning 40 seats in the House of Representatives, several crucial statehouses, and it’s largest popular vote advantage since 1974. Overall turnout was the highest this century, even considering widespread attempts at voter suppression and disenfranchisement, notably in Georgia and North Carolina. While Republicans maintained control of the Senate, Democrats will control the most diverse House of Representatives in US history with a record 127 women elected, including the first Native American Congresswomen, the first Muslim Congresswomen, and the youngest congresswoman ever. Women are still woefully underrepresented in politics, making up more than half the electorate but less than a quarter of C
Christine Blasey Ford: an incredibly brave woman came forward and testified regarding sexual assault allegations against Brett Kavanaugh, Trump’s second addition to the Supreme Court. In a completely predictable outcome, he still got the seat. #misogyny. The testimonies highlighted some deeply seeded gender inequalities, widened the chasm between political parties, and invigorated the already trending #MeToo movement. The legacy of the decision and Kavanaugh’s life appointment is expected to shape US policy and conversation around women’s rights for years to come. In the meantime, if Ruth Bader Ginsberg needs a lung, kidney, or any other vital organ, I will happily donate mine.
Gun Control: there were 340 mass shootings in the US in 2018. 340 in 365 days, 4 of which were the biggest mass shootings in 5 decades. They took place in schools, synagogues, restaurants, newsrooms, night clubs… few places feel completely safe, a sentiment that worsens when we consider gun violence broadly, with 56,862 incidents and 42,774 victims, 14,618 of which were deaths. There isn’t a silver bullet for the problem, but 2018 did offer some silver linings. Students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School organized March For Our Lives in support of stronger gun violence prevention measures, one of the largest protests in American history. In the midterms, a record number of NRA-backed candidates lost their elections. Several states passed stricter gun laws and there are new federal regulations ban bump stocks.
Climate Change: the Trump administration withdrew environmental protections and refused to acknowledge the overwhelming evidence laid out in the grim UN Climate Report and experienced through record breaking natural disasters. Volcanic eruptions in Hawaii and Guatemala; deadly fires in California and Greece; intense hurricanes across the Caribbean and South-Eastern US…2018 was a year of climate catastrophe and an administration seemingly determined to make the situation worse.
Technology: 2018 was a tense year for technology users, executives, and regulators. Zuckerberg went to Washington to face questions about data privacy, social media’s influence on elections, and explain the internet to septuagenarian senators. Facebook wasn’t the only company to face scrutiny this year. Marriott, Panera Bread, and several other companies also reported data breaches, and Google CEO Sundar Pichai was called to Congress to explain algorithms, bias, and the difference between Apple and Alphabet products. The EU passed regulation on behalf of user’s privacy with GDPR, and the US complicated users access with the end of net neutrality.
Mueller: liberals favorite Republican continued the Special Counsel investigation into Russia’s influence on the 2016 election and connections to Trump’s business and campaign, which has thus far resulted in dozens of indictments for federal crimes, and at least eight guilty pleas or convictions. Notably; Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen is guilty of violating campaign finance laws and of lying about plans to build a Trump Tower in Moscow; former campaign manager Paul Manafort is guilty of bank and tax fraud from his time as a lobbyist for a pro-Russian political party in Ukraine; and former national security advisor Michael Flynn is guilty of lying to the FBI, among other possible charges that we’ll learn at his sentencing, which was delayed while he cooperates with prosecutors. #Cliffhanger. Going into 2019, Trump faces at least 17 distinct court cases stemming from at least seven different sets of prosecutors and investigators, and we know the man doesn’t handle bad news or pressure very well. Time will tell if the investigation leads to bombshell revelations and potential impeachment, or if Trump or his allies in the GOP will make a move to obstruct Mueller’s work.
Whitehouse Turnover: the second year of the Trump administration was like season two of Survivor: DC, with at least 34 top people leaving the White House, including but not limited to: Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, WH Chief of Staff John Kelly, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, US Secretary to the UN Nikki Haley, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, EPA administrator Scott Pruitt, Director of Communications Hope Hicks, and National Security Adviser HR McMaster.