The Races to Watch Ahead of Election Day | Raging Moderates

Of course, here is a summary of the podcast episode.

Episode Overview

• The episode breaks down three major election races defining the final stretch before election day: the NYC Mayoral race, key races in Virginia and New Jersey, and California's Prop 50.
• Hosts Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov analyze the dramatic turn in the New York City mayoral race, with Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa attacking frontrunner Zohran Mamdani.
• They discuss whether centrist, national security-focused Democratic candidates can still win in swing states like Virginia and New Jersey.
• The conversation touches on the rising cost of living in major cities like New York, making them increasingly inaccessible to anyone but the very wealthy.

Key Concepts

• NYC Mayoral Race Dynamics: The race has become a political drama. Andrew Cuomo is making a late appeal to Republican and independent voters, while Curtis Sliwa quit his radio show on-air. Both are attacking Zohran Mamdani, who is firing back by highlighting Cuomo's past scandals. The early voter turnout appears to be older, which could benefit Cuomo.
• Centrist Strategy Test: In Virginia and New Jersey, moderate Democratic candidates Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill are testing if their centrist, national security-focused platforms can still secure wins in competitive swing states.
• Anti-Trump Referendum: California's Prop 50, officially about redistricting, is being framed by Democrats as a "Screw Trump" measure and a form of payback against the former president and Texas Republicans, a strategy that appears to be gaining traction.
• Urban Affordability Crisis: The discussion highlights the extreme cost of living in New York City, which has become a "golden age" for the wealthy but is largely unaffordable for young, working-class people, creating a "butler economy."

Quotes

• At 00:44 - "The vibe at the polls is older, which is what Andrew Cuomo wants." - Jessica Tarlov describes the demographic of early voters in the NYC Mayoral race, suggesting it favors the more established candidate.
• At 04:29 - "Sliwa quit his radio show... live on air... and was like, F you, like, I'm not dropping out." - Jessica Tarlov recounts Curtis Sliwa's dramatic on-air resignation from his radio job after his boss told him to drop his mayoral bid.
• At 11:41 - "I think New York is in a golden age... It's amazing if you can afford it." - Scott Galloway describes the paradox of New York City being vibrant and full of opportunity, yet prohibitively expensive for anyone who isn't already wealthy.

Takeaways

• Voter turnout demographics can significantly influence election outcomes, as seen in the NYC race where an older electorate may favor a more moderate candidate over a progressive one.
• Political campaigns are increasingly using national figures and sentiments (like anti-Trump messaging) to drive local ballot initiatives and races.
• The high cost of living in major metropolitan areas is creating a stark economic divide, making it nearly impossible for young professionals and working-class individuals to build a life there without substantial income or family support.
• The success or failure of moderate Democrats in swing states like Virginia and New Jersey will be a key indicator of the party's strategy heading into future national elections.