Tim Talks Politics - The Weekly Brief, May 31, 2019
The Weekly Brief - May 31, 2019
The shape of America
Information literacy is something I take seriously, which is why I try to bring as many perspectives as possible to this newsletter. It’s also why I try to present different studies and data that should inform our perspectives. Axios shares two such studies that are very interesting when compared.
A map of cost of living in different US metropolitan areas reveals that calls for a $15 minimum wage may work better in some places than others. On the other hand, cities with lower costs of living are also ranking high on a “distressed communities index.” Why? Is it economics? Governance? Which party is in charge? Everyone’s got their ideas. FiveThirtyEight adds to the data by comparing states that are dominated by one political party and the policy initiatives being pushed there.
All that being said, big data studies like the ones linked above should be considered alongside more specific, localized data to get a more complete picture. A new study by Brookings suggests that algorithms used in such large studies can often create biases in the results.
Global trends on population and developing economies
The North Africa Post ran two stories in the last week that also reveal an interesting trendline. First, NAP reports that an expanding agriculture sector could help Morocco shrink a trade deficit with China. This localized story of one country’s approach to its economy illustrates the potential policy drivers (trade/relations with China) that may contribute to a larger African trend of over reliance on commodities to drive economic growth.
Our world in data also shares some really helpful information to help us understand global population trends. On the one hand, we’re seeing an ageing global population, but continued population growth. Why is that? A thing called “population momentum.”
There’s “reality” and then there’s “media reality”
These stories on data and its interpretation got me thinking about how we visualize and think about our world, and the people who “assist” us in that work. Namely, journalists. Is our news media accurately reporting trends, or are we getting a warped view of reality?
Two things that got me thinking on this: First, Our World in Data demonstrates that even on a very nonpartisan issue like reporting on health and leading causes of death, what is oft-reported is not what is oft-experienced.
On the more partisan side, there was a video that circulated this week seemingly depicting Nancy Pelosi as being a little tipsy. The video was demonstrated to be fake, but not before it had gained traction in new media outlets. Lawfare extends its analysis of deepfakes to include these cheapfakes that are duping media outlets, politicians, and others.
Mueller bows out
In a rare public statement, Robert Mueller officially closed his investigation into alleged collusion between President Trump’s 2016 campaign and Russia with a single cryptic statement that will characterize the moment: “...we concluded that we would not reach a determination one way or the other about whether the president committed a crime.”
In context, it’s not as cryptic as it sounds, but that didn’t stop progressive Daily Kos from concluding the “obvious” conclusion, and Nancy Pelosi once again found herself pushing back against calls to open an impeachment process. But that may be easier said than done as Lawfare unpacks Congress’ options going forward.
EU elections
In another major news story that was left with opposing sides claiming exactly opposite conclusions, EU parliamentary elections closed last Sunday with the centrist parties breaking down amid gains made by left and right wing parties. While some pointed out that the right wingers did not make the gains many thought they would make, they along with pro-EU leftist parties still made enough gains to change the power distribution in Brussels. AEI argues that the EU is now in crisis, and Brookings that the election will create a majority that is pro-EU but agrees on little else leading to paralysis.
Updates
Israel
What had looked liked a solid win for Netanyahu just a few short weeks ago has been turned on its head by the collapse of coalition talks. The result is that a new election will be happening in September and Bibi is once again fighting for his political future.
Migrants
In response to the death of migrant children at the border and other public health concerns, the Border Patrol is creating a new “migrant care” position that will be separate from that of border patrol officers who function more like law enforcement.
Algeria
With July elections rapidly approaching, the presidential choices for Algerian have been narrowed to two candidates, but many anticipate the election will not happen as scheduled.