Andrew Yang is an interesting one to listen to talk and defend his version of Universal Basic Income, or what he calls a "Freedom Dividend." Clever bit of re-wording there.
He's actually brave enough to talk about his normally considered 'socialist' ideas with conservative talking heads like Ben Shapiro, and is the only one out of the entire crop of dem candidates to do so, even though Shapiro has stated he's sent invites to virtually all of them for a discussion, just so happens that Yang is the only one to take him up on the offer. And they actually end up having a very respectful discussion... and the comments are filled with people on both sides of the political aisle gushing about this is so great to see two people with what are normally considered opposing ideals able to have a rational discussion about it and even find a little common ground and perspective.
What's more, Yang's campaign is using the loss of jobs to automation as his main reasoning. Knowing the people he knows in Silicon Valley, he's seeing and hearing first hand how close we're getting to an onslaught of automation that could very well eliminate hundreds of thousands of jobs in the next couple decades. And he's targeting the states that Trump was able to flip in his favor to win the election last time around. Namely, most of the Mid West, which has already been going through massive job shedding due to automation and outsourcing in the automotive manufacturing world. If he is more allowed on a national stage to plant the seed of the central reasoning behind his campaign, it could very well strike a note, especially in the Mid West, and see his candidacy take off.
For right now, the polling doesn't look great for him. And the recent history of the DNC for people who aren't normal, long-standing politicians within their little club also doesn't bode well for Yang... or Sanders (again). I have a feeling they likely haven't fully learned their lesson.
Other than that, I got a chuckle out of listening to Harris attempt to defend herself post CNN debate from something Gabbard brought up. I don't even remember what was brought up, it just stuck out in my mind that Harris seemingly being flustered and blurting out something about herself being "a top tier candidate."
Yeah, being that full of yourself doesn't play well AT all to the working class, lady. Good luck.
For those curious, this is Yang's interview with Shapiro:
https://youtu.be/-DHuRTvzMFw
I feel it's worth a listen if for nothing else just to remember what real, respectful discourse is since it's so rare in today's world. Yang never seems to get flustered by Shapiro's questions, throws in some self-deprecating humor here and there. In a long form interview like this, he's actually a pretty persuasive person without being annoying or too full of himself and even manages to be relatable and funny.
Should he be president? I don't know. But I get the vibe he'd actually be pretty fun to sit down and have a beer with. Smart guy, interesting ideas and kind of fun to listen to.
