S2 #11: Debates, Deepfakes and Democracy

New York 21 Primary Quiz, DC’s Rising Progressive, and AI Deepfakes in Texas Politics

Host 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 Agenda

00:55 NY21 Candidate Quiz

03:03 Debate Moments and Takeaways

08:34 NY21 Primary Update

11:39 Voting Logistics and Sign Wars

15:14 DC Spotlight Janeese Lewis George

17:58 Website Narrative and Policy Deep Dive

23:32 Endorsements Unions and YIMBY Talk

25:12 DC Election Outlook and Socialist Mayors

26:12 Socialism in America

26:50 DSA Mayors and Cities

27:18 California Redistricting Stakes

28:16 LA Mayoral Showdown

29:29 Oregon and Governor Races

31:14 Top Two Primary Explained

34:33 Satirical Truth AI Ad

36:43 Texas AI Attack Ad

39:17 Backlash and Legal Risks

45:45 Deepfake Laws and Loopholes

46:56 Satire Versus Propaganda

50:05 Wrap Up and Next Episode

Resources for this episode -

https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/53573/20260616/ny-21-democratic-candidates-debate-ahead-of-june-23-primary

https://www.wktv.com/news/republican-candidates-for-ny-21-face-off-in-debate/article_8dae01c9-267c-41b1-a3db-f67753fffbbc.html

https://cbs6albany.com/news/local/cbs6-to-host-ny-21-gop-primary-debate-constantino-agrees-to-participate-sticker-mule-smullen-stefanik-republican

https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/53554/20260612/constantino-leans-into-trump-support-business-record-in-ny-21-republican-primary

https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/politics/2026/06/17/4-races-to-watch-in-new-york-2026-primaries-for-congress

https://www.wamc.org/news/2026-06-10/ny-21-candidate-profile-democrat-blake-gendebien

https://www.cityandstateny.com/prediction-markets/races/ny-21-republican-nominee

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/creepy-ai-ad-texas-senate-race_n_6a287216e4b0d7105b0e33cf

https://dailycaller.com/2026/06/09/exclusive-trump-aligned-group-campaign-james-talarico-texas-senate-race-transgender/