2Way- live streaming political discourse: a review.

2Way is a new live streaming political discourse platform. It is the brainchild of Mark Halperin, a long-time political journalist, reporter, producer, and author. I first became aware of him in the 2008 US presidential election via MSNBC. I’d thought he was one of the good ones–meaning honest and fair-minded. During the 2016 election, he had a SHOWTIME series, The Circus, which I mention in the preface of my book, Election 2016: The Great Divide, the Great Debate.

Previously, I’ve referenced Halperin and 2Way in this blog. I’ve been watching now for about a month. I highly recommend 2Way if you’re thinking of voting in the 2024 election. Let’s get into it.

The Format

is unique. Because it is live, unscripted, and features people from all across the country (and world), interested in US politics, democracy, and the fate of said world. There is a scheduled 30 minute show weekdays at 7am (MST) called THE MORNING MEETING;

and also random one-hour shows in the afternoons, or evenings depending on events of the day.

Halperin opens each broadcast with “the rules”. The show is for everyone, and its ethos is that of “peace, love, and understanding.” A place where people can “learn” about folks from “the other side.” I think he’s been successful in that.

Each show starts with a rundown of the events of the day. Additionally, usually, a particular topic.

The People

are, indeed, from everywhere. Regular people as well as professionals (in the Fields of politics, media, polling, etc.). Halperin likes to call on “newbies”. Especially if they’re from one of the “battleground” states and are “uncommitted’. Anyone can “raise their electronic hand” if they want to speak. Mark begins each person’s “ask/comment” with this statement: “Tell everyone where you’re from and who you’re supporting.” He also asks who they voted for in 2016 and 2020. Halperin doesn’t allow for speeches.

It’s fascinating! (One of many things I like is that it’s casual. People speak from their kitchens, dens, living rooms, etc. They don’t dress for work. That is revealing.)

In the chat and comments (the show is streamed live on Youtube and http://www.2way.tv ), often are complaints that Halperin has a bias. I don’t think he does. However, sometimes an episode seems to be slanted in one direction. The participants are often mostly men. (It’s like a classroom.) Because of that, Mark will favor women – if they raise their hand.

Also participants, as representative of the general population and political junkies, tend to be “highly educated.” Because, the working class are generally busy working in the field (lower case). In other words–not “laptop class people”.

My Analysis

of the show is this: It’s great! AND, people are set in their beliefs. They, despite contrary evidence, won’t move. Those who say they’re undecided aren’t really.

Such as: A Harris supporter asked for any evidence that Trump has specific policy positions. Because that’s a criticism of Harris–that she’s chameleon. When given a list, the woman denied it. Sean Spicer then said, politely, “You won’t take yes for an answer.” I’ve found that to be generally true of those supporting Harris.

A long-time political operative from Philadelphia revealed that it’s common for Democrats to “find” votes. Enough to make certain they win. I think Donald Trump, knowing this because of his decades of doing business in Manhattan, thought the same was true in Georgia. Thus the “ask” of the Republican governor to “find” 10 thousand-some votes in 2020.

There is a lot of such gems buried within the discourse. One criticism I have is that because of the speed of daily events, rarely is there any follow up. Also because of the number of people wanting to speak. And of course time.

Harris Supporters’

and self-described “Never Trumpers’” will not budge regardless. Even when reminded that Robert Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and indeed, even Trump’s VP pick, J.D. Vance, were once all staunch anti-Trump, but now support him. Moreover, these crossovers do so vociferously. Yet, Harris supporters’ will not even consider, or concede, the point. That there is movement toward Trump.

The pervasive case against Trump is his character, or personality. Specifically his crassness.  However, others (Trump supporters’) dismiss that as not important, or, see that trait as authenticity. In other words, a strength.

Additionally, the January 6th (2021) riot is often brought up. Again, regardless of any alternative explanation of the what and why; Never Trumpers’ see January 6th as unforgivable and proof that Mr. Trump is a “threat to democracy.”

Trump Supporters’

believe because he has proven his strength and courage in the face of all sorts of attacks, not the least of which was the July 13th assassination attempt. This ilk believe Trump the only one who can defend America against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Supporters love the fact he’ll speak to anyone, anywhere. And debate anyone, anywhere. There is a list:

• Elon Musk

  

• Theo Von
• Tucker Carlson
• Shawn Ryan
• National Association of Black Journalists
• The Libertarian Party
• Moms for Liberty
• Megyn Kelly

and so on. Whereas Harris won’t speak candidly, informally.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Conclusion

I’ll say that the show is like going to school, and the classroom is the entire country. My impression so far is that Democrats, and Never Trumpers’, fall easily into groupthink and confirmation bias. They all say and believe the same thing. They’ve been told a story and are sticking to it.

Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) is a real disorder. And so far, there is no cure.

Independent thinkers are few and far between. Literally. What few there are tend to be Trump supporters. Perhaps because they share that trait with him–that of the Outsider.

Another passed over gem was that of The Margin of Error in polling. I go into detail about this in my book. However, there is not ever any discussion of what that is in the public sphere. Because? Well, read my book.

With all the noise this show is well worth watching. In my opinion.