I'm not a big fan of podcasts. Until now.
Because thanks to a December 31 story by Whitney Woodworth in the Statesman Journal, "Salem politics goes brat: New 'demobrats' podcast focuses on city budget, local government," I learned about the podcast started by Virginia Stapleton and Vik Schaaf.
Stapleton is a former Salem city councilor who didn't run for re-election last year, choosing to challenge Kevin Mannix for his seat in the state legislature, House District 21. Unfortunately, she lost to Mannix. Schaff handled social media for Stapleton.
The story says that the demobrats color scheme and name is a homage to Charli XCX's recent album, and the singer's endorsement of Kamala Harris as "brat" -- a good thing. Here's how brat is described by Charli XCX.
The title of Charli XCX’s sixth studio album, she envisions a “brat” as someone who has a “pack of cigs, a Bic lighter and a strappy white top with no bra.”
“You’re just like that girl who is a little messy and likes to party and maybe says some dumb things sometimes,” she explained in a video shared on TikTok.
“Who feels like herself but maybe also has a breakdown. But kind of like parties through it, is very honest, very blunt. A little bit volatile. Like, does dumb things. But it’s brat. You’re brat. That’s brat.”
Many theorize that it is the antithesis to the “clean” and “highly groomed” aspect so often on display by social media influencers.
The podcast is on Apple and Spotify. Some of the episodes are short. Some are long. On Apple, which I use, a transcript of every episode is available. I read the transcript of the first episode I "listened" to, The Mayor That Got Away (Chris Hoy).
With three people speaking and the transcript not identifying speakers, it was a bit confusing to read the transcript. But I preferred doing this, as Stapleton, Schaaf, and Hoy talked about a variety of things, some far removed from Salem politics, which is my main interest.
I encourage you to check out demobrats. The podcast is a great addition to our local political scene. It has a strong progressive slant, which is perfectly fine with me. However, even if you're a conservative, you should use demobrats as a way to find out what the other side is thinking.
I'm looking forward to listening, or reading, the City Council and the Chamber of Secrets episode. The description is tantalizing.
Do private big developers and their friends have any business involving themselves in local politics? The Salem City Council, City Staff, and future electeds received a letter last week from The Salem Chamber of Commerce and the Home Builders Association. They are requesting the formation of a "Blue Ribbon Committee" to take a redundant deep dive into understanding the city's already dwindling resources. Join Vik and Virginia as they examine the distrust these groups have been shepherding in the community since the fall of the payroll tax in 2023 and the potential motivations behind this letter.
Hi. My last name is spelled Schaaf :)
Posted by: Vik | January 07, 2025 at 09:10 AM
Vik, oops. I got your name spelled right in the blog post but got it as Schaff in the Facebook posts where I shared a link to the blog post. Just corrected those posts. So now you don't have to change your name to match your Facebook persona -- you're Schaaf 100%!
Posted by: Brian Hines | January 07, 2025 at 10:17 AM
You missed one.
p.s. my hometown paper once reported me as Vik School and Veronica Schaaf. So I became Veronica School on fb for at least a year (because fb wouldn't let me change it back).
Posted by: Vik | January 07, 2025 at 11:30 AM