‘Mountain Dew and Racism’: Identity Enters the Election

Hosted by Ross DouthatCarlos Lozada and Lydia Polgreen

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The 2024 presidential race is officially in its identity politics stage. From “White dudes for Harris” to “D.E.I. candidate” accusations, the hosts debate how race and racism are being deployed in the second week of the Harris versus Trump election.

Plus, Carlos is feeling deceived by the Olympics.

(A full transcript of this audio essay will be available within 24 hours of publication in the audio player above.)

Credit…Photo illustration by The New York Times; source photograph by Charles Rex Arbogast/Associated Press

Mentioned in this episode:

• “Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance” by Barack Obama

• “Rising Stare: The Making of Obama” by David J. Garrow

• “Barack Obama: The Story” by David Maraniss

• “The Olympic Flame Isn’t a Flame at All” by Andrew Keh

Thoughts? Email us at matterofopinion@nytimes.com.

Follow our hosts on X: Ross Douthat (@DouthatNYT) and Carlos Lozada (@CarlosNYT).

“Matter of Opinion” is produced by Sophia Alvarez Boyd, Phoebe Lett and Andrea Betanzos. It is edited by Jordana Hochman. Mixing by Pat McCusker and Carole Sabouraud. Original music by Isaac Jones, Pat McCusker, Carole Sabouraud, Aman Sahota, and Efim Shapiro. Our fact-checking team is Kate Sinclair, Mary Marge Locker and Michelle Harris. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta and Kristina Samulewski. Our executive producer is Annie-Rose Strasser.

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