S2 #11: Debates, Deepfakes and Democracy

New York 21 Primary Quiz, DC’s Rising Progressive, and AI Deepfakes in Texas PoliticsHost Kodie, joined by Arthur and Joe, previews midterm updates with a quiz on New York 21 candidates’ debate positions, contrasting Democratic stances on ICE and war powers with Republicans’ deference to Trump, and noting personal attacks between Republican contenders Anthony Constantino and Robert Smolin. With the NY-21 primary on Tuesday, June 23, the panel discusses the possibility of both Republican candidates staying on the November ballot via independent lines and questions prediction markets favoring Constantino. Joe highlights DC Council member Janeese Lewis George’s primary win and detailed, union-backed platform as she heads toward the mayoralty. The episode then examines AI political ads, including a Citizens for Sanity deepfake targeting Texas candidate James Talarico without an AI disclaimer, outlines uneven state deepfake laws, and critiques federal efforts to challenge state AI regulation.00:00 Show Setup and Agenda00:55 NY21 Candidate Quiz03:03 Debate Moments and Takeaways08:34 NY21 Primary Update11:39 Voting Logistics and Sign Wars15:14 DC Spotlight Janeese Lewis George17:58 Website Narrative and Policy Deep Dive23:32 Endorsements Unions and YIMBY Talk25:12 DC Election Outlook and Socialist Mayors26:12 Socialism in America26:50 DSA Mayors and Cities27:18 California Redistricting Stakes28:16 LA Mayoral Showdown29:29 Oregon and Governor Races31:14 Top Two Primary Explained34:33 Satirical Truth AI Ad36:43 Texas AI Attack Ad39:17 Backlash and Legal Risks45:45 Deepfake Laws and Loopholes46:56 Satire Versus Propaganda50:05 Wrap Up and Next EpisodeResources for this episode -https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/53573/20260616/ny-21-democratic-candidates-debate-ahead-of-june-23-primaryhttps://www.wktv.com/news/republican-candidates-for-ny-21-face-off-in-debate/article_8dae01c9-267c-41b1-a3db-f67753fffbbc.htmlhttps://cbs6albany.com/news/local/cbs6-to-host-ny-21-gop-primary-debate-constantino-agrees-to-participate-sticker-mule-smullen-stefanik-republicanhttps://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/53554/20260612/constantino-leans-into-trump-support-business-record-in-ny-21-republican-primaryhttps://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/politics/2026/06/17/4-races-to-watch-in-new-york-2026-primaries-for-congresshttps://www.wamc.org/news/2026-06-10/ny-21-candidate-profile-democrat-blake-gendebienhttps://www.cityandstateny.com/prediction-markets/races/ny-21-republican-nomineehttps://www.huffpost.com/entry/creepy-ai-ad-texas-senate-race_n_6a287216e4b0d7105b0e33cfhttps://dailycaller.com/2026/06/09/exclusive-trump-aligned-group-campaign-james-talarico-texas-senate-race-transgender/