Today we look into the dynamics of the American presidential race, focusing on the Super Tuesday and the unique characteristics of this election cycle. Join us as we explore insights from Dr. Steve Hewitt, an associate professor of North American history at Birmingham University, shedding light on the age factor, potential legal challenges, and the evolving nature of political parties in the U.S. Don't miss this thought-provoking analysis that goes beyond the ballot box, offering a glimpse into the future of American democracy. Show Notes:Introduction to the special Super Tuesday episode.Overview of the event attended in Birmingham and introduction of Dr. Steve Hewitt.Discussion on the implications of having elderly candidates in the presidential race.Analysis of the potential legal and financial jeopardy faced by certain candidates.Insight into the changing relevance of political parties and the rise of independent voters.Predictions for the 2028 election and potential key players.Examination of the role of media and personality in politics.Consideration of the impact of Donald Trump on voter engagement and democratic participation.Concluding thoughts from Dr. Steve Hewitt and wrap-up. Quotes:"It's not been the most exciting choice and I think, certainly on the Democratic side, many would prefer to have a different candidate, but I think even many Republicans would as well.""It's a sort of gerontocracy. You've got these elderly gentlemen running who, Trump, I think is four years younger than Biden. And so it's not like a dynamic choice that reflects the wider population.""It's going to be absolutely fascinating, I think, come the autumn. And then, of course, do we have a repeat of 2020 where one of the candidates doesn't accept the result if it's a close election?""I think the Republican party is going to, it's become the party of Trump. It effectively is he, Trump owns it and it's almost like his personal fiefdom in a sense." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.