What’s At Stake?
What the 2020 election means for the future and fate of our democracy
Episode 1: What's At Stake? – Michigan Voices
What’s at stake in the 2020 election? It’s been framed as the most important election in the history of the United States. We’ve been told that the fate of our democracy is on the ballot. On top of it all, we are in the midst of a highly polarized global pandemic. Before we can begin to understand the political climate we are facing, we need to understand how we got here. In this episode, we will talk about why political scientist Steven Levitsky believes that the future of democracy may be dire and what that means for this election. We will also explore how the stakes of this election have impact us by reliving the time leading up to, during, and right after the votes were counted. The 2020 election may be over, but its impact on our democratic future is undeniable. So let’s talk about what was and still is at stake.
Episode High Points
- The United States is the world’s oldest continuous democracy, but this doesn’t mean that our future is guaranteed. Political Scientist Steven Levitsky takes us through the biggest threats facing our democratic system and what they mean for the 2020 election.
- We hear from first hand how the election has impacted those close to the Ann Arbor community by hearing the reaction of individuals before, during, and after the votes were counted.
- It does not end here, the result of the 2020 election is only the beginning – work still needs to be done!
Credits
Special thank you to Emily Buckley and Shelby Zuk for talking to me for this episode. You will find a link to Steven Levitsky’s full lecture below. I would also like to thank and credit the following sources:
- Steven Levitsky’s full lecture at Cornell University, “How Democracies Die: US Democracy Three Years After Trump,” used in episode audio sounds, found here
- CNN Election Night Introduction, in intro audio sounds, found here
- Fox News Election Night Introduction, in intro audio sounds, found here
- Bernie Sanders’ remarks from the DNC, in intro audio sounds, found here
- CNN Breaking News on Coronavirus case numbers, in intro audio sounds, found here
- Donald Trump’s remarks on election integrity in first presidential debate, in intro audio sounds, found here
- Stacey Abrams’ remarks on voter suppression amid COVID-19, in intro audio sounds, found here
- Barack Obama’s full speech at a Biden rally, used in intro audio sounds, found here
- Joe Biden’s comments on the importance of voting in conversation with Cardi B, in episode audio sounds, found here
- NBC News projection of Election results, used in episode audio sounds, found here
- CNN projection of Election results, used in episode audio sounds, found here
- Fox News projection of Election results, used in episode audio sounds, found here
- Donald Trump’s full speech on Election results, used in episode audio sounds, found here
- Rudy Giuliani’s full press conference on Election results, used in episode audio sounds, found here
- Donald Trump’s comments as Election results came in, used in episode audio sounds, found here
- Amy Coney Barrett’s full induction ceremony, used in episode audio sounds, found here
- CNN breaking news on Coronavirus hospitalizations Thanksgiving week, used in episode audio sounds, found here
- Kamala Harris’ full victory speech, used in episode audio sounds, found here
- “Half Silences” by Loma in Sub Pop Sampler, used in episode intro and outro music
I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Radio Professional, T Hetzel, and my classmates for making this podcast possible.
Episode Notes
Jackson Roth, PAT BFA & Philosophy, U-M Class of ’22, created the theme music for this episode and the theme song for Season One. More of his work and information can be found here.
Maddie Hernandez created the image for the episode icon and the cover art for Season One: Democracy Unmuted.
Producer
Maddie Hernandez
Maddie Hernandez is a Junior at the University of Michigan studying Political Science, Communication & Media, and Writing. Her interests lie in political communication strategies and the audience’s role in the production and creation of media.
She hopes to work on more creative projects in the future. You may hear her voice as the co-host of a new podcast and WCBN Ann Arbor radio show, The Michigan Difference, launching in winter 2021.
Outside of the world of audio production, you will find Maddie painting, spending countless hours in Homegoods or an antique mall, or experimenting with new recipes.
