In this episode, Grace dives into the less obvious historical and legal shifts that shaped current U.S. elections beyond recent economic and cultural trends. She explains the profound influence of the 2010 Supreme Court case Citizens United vs. FEC, which allowed unlimited political spending by corporations and non-profits, leading to the rise of super PACs and dark money. Additionally, the episode covers the impact of Operation Red Map, the Republican strategy to control state legislatures and redistricting maps for electoral advantage following the 2010 census. Grace also touches on the importance of gerrymandering in maintaining political power.

00:00 Introduction to Frogmore Stew

00:31 The Impact of Citizens United

05:17 The Rise of Super PACs and Dark Money

11:09 Operation Red Map: A Republican Strategy

11:51 Gerrymandering and Its Consequences

15:59 The Future of Redistricting

16:26 Conclusion

Copyright 2025 Grace Cowan