The People Behind the Candidates: A Conversation with Dee Elder

 

Host Amy McDonald engages in an insightful discussion with Dee Elder, a former candidate and current political consultant at New Way Forward Strategies. They delve into Dee's personal journey in politics, starting as a transgender woman in South Carolina, and her eventual candidacy against a state senator. The conversation also covers the challenges of campaigning, the importance of a volunteer coordinator, and the evolving media landscape. Additionally, they touch on broader topics such as anti-trans legislation, the impact of propaganda, and the necessity of hope in today's political climate.

 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:27 Meet Dee Elder: A Journey into Politics

01:46 Challenges and Struggles in South Carolina

04:10 Running for Office: The Decision and Campaign

13:00 Current Work and Future Plans

22:50 Balancing Life and Politics

31:45 The Ripple Effects of Losing Medicaid

32:19 Young Political Hopefuls and Their Impact

32:49 Discussing Dr. Annie Andrews' Candidacy

33:34 Election Integrity and Lindsey Graham's Vulnerability

34:46 The Problem with Gerrymandering

38:21 The Difference Between Democrats and Republicans

43:55 The Role of Empathy in Politics

44:47 Raising the Next Generation of Leaders

46:19 Nancy Mace and Nepotism at The Citadel

49:09 Political Opportunism and Campaign Strategies

52:27 Fundraising and Campaign Management

58:17 The Gaza Conflict and Political Hypocrisy

01:00:21 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans