The Foolish Optimist: Dee Elder

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