Silver-year strongman: 25 years of Narendra Modi
Summary
The episode examines India’s political crisis, featuring South Asia Bureau Chief Tom Sasse on Prime Minister Modi’s authoritarian tactics and the youth-led protests challenging his grip on power. U.S. correspondent Daniela Raz then highlights under-the-radar midterm races in New Hampshire, Minnesota, Virginia, Idaho, and California that reveal shifting voter priorities. The show concludes with an obituary for Cicely Gemmell, Winston Churchill’s last personal secretary, recounting her unique experiences in his household.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Whoop and Apollo.io
Introduction and show overview
Modi's 25-year anniversary and current crisis
How Modi rose to power and his leadership style
Modi's impact on Indian society and Hindu nationalism
Economic reforms and job creation under Modi
Youth protests and the voter verification controversy
Future outlook for Indian politics and elections
Sponsor: Superhuman Go
Midterms overview and focus on under-the-radar races
New Hampshire Senate race: Pappas vs Sununu
Minnesota Senate race and the fraud scandal
Virginia 2nd District congressional rematch
Idaho abortion ballot measure
California Insurance Commissioner race and wildfire risk
Surprising down-ballot questions and state gun vote
Global implications of US midterms
Obituary: Cicely Gemmell, Churchill's secretary
Credits and preview of Weekend Intelligence
Sponsors: Citizens Bank and Betterment
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