Visual Activism and Presidential Fitness: This Week's Insights on Mid Atlantic Podcast
This week we produced two Mid Atlantic podcasts, first we had the privilege of chatting with Wayne Campbell, a photo activist whose work spans multiple mediums and platforms. Campbell's latest exhibition in Brixton, London, titled "A Celebration of Demonstration," highlights his dedication to visual storytelling and social impact. The exhibition comprises compelling photographs and illustrations from the 2020 BLM London demonstrations, encapsulating profound societal messages.
The podcast dives into Campbell's journey into photo activism, particularly following the 2020 murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. This event catalysed his commitment to visual activism, prompting him to document the well of anger, pain, hope, and unity that characterised the demonstrations.
The podcast closes with Campbell discussing the broader impact of his work. His book and exhibition not only showcase his art but also serve as platforms for raising awareness and fostering community discussions around important social issues. Campbell's commitment to using art as a means of social commentary and change is a powerful reminder of the role of artists in shaping public discourse.
Readers are encouraged to become viewers and visit the Mid Atlantic Podcast YouTube channel for a visual experience of Wayne Campbell's interview and to explore his work further.
Wayne Campbell on Inspiration: “The greatest inspirers are people you probably have never heard of. They are the ones who keep me honest, the ones I trawl the streets with. Their work is the true inspiration behind my work.”
A Celebration of Demonstration
Brixton Village, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton,
London, SW9 8PShttps://wacfoo.com/product-category/blm
Wtch the interview here
In this week's panel episode of Mid Atlantic we look into the topic of President Joe Biden's political future amidst concerns about his age and mental acuity. The panel, comprising experts Cory Bernard, Jarett Kobeck, Tonye Altrade, Aram Fischer, Mike Donoghue, and Steve O'Neill.
Conversation begins with Robert Herr's report on Biden's handling of classified documents and his poignant response about his son Beau. The panel assesses how Biden's personal life influences perceptions of his leadership and character. The debate extends to media coverage comparisons between Biden and former President Donald Trump, especially in the context of their ages and mental fitness.
A key question raised is whether Biden, currently 81, is too old for the presidency. Fischer argues that age should not be the sole criterion for judging a president’s effectiveness. The discussion shifts to media treatment of Biden and Trump concerning their mental capacities, with Donoghue noting a perceptible bias in media reporting. Kobeck brings an interesting perspective, noting that both presidential candidates old, which is not ideal for the health of the Republic.
The podcast shifts gears to UK politics, focusing on the Labour Party’s handling of antisemitism and the Rochdale by-election controversy. The panellists discuss the impact of these issues on the Labour Party's public perception and leadership under Keir Starmer. They delve into the party's struggle to articulate its stance on Israeli government policies without being perceived as antisemitic.
The discussion concludes with insights into how European governments, including the UK, could influence the Israeli government's actions in Gaza, with panellists offering varying views on the effectiveness of such interventions.
Further reading:
Politico Biden v. Trump: The battle over who's too old, too forgetful or too confused
The New York Times Why the Age Issue Is Hurting Biden So Much More Than Trump
ABC News Overwhelming majority of Americans think Biden is too old for another term:
The Atlantic Biden's Age Is Now Unavoidable
The Guardian Is Biden too old to be president? | podcast
The Hill Overwhelming majority think Biden is too old to serve following Hur report: Poll
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