Venezuela Earthquake, Socialists Surge in NYC, SNAP Program EXPOSED | PBD Podcast #824

The episode opened with a devastating update from Venezuela, where twin earthquakes measuring 7.4 and 7.6 struck near Caracas, killing hundreds and leaving tens of thousands missing. But the conversation ranged widely across a half-dozen major stories: a political showdown over voting reform in Washington, a socialist wave in New York City's primaries, a pointed congressional hearing on food stamps, and a grim long-term economic forecast from a forecasting firm with a 94.7% accuracy rate since 1948.

The Venezuela Earthquake and Humanitarian Response

The earthquake that hit Venezuela was described by a doctor on the ground, Anna Padilla, as "the longest seven to ten seconds of my life." Buildings collapsed across multiple states, with La Guaira among the hardest hit. While official death tolls hovered in the hundreds, Padilla said the true number is likely far higher because rescue teams have not reached the most affected areas. "People are being crushed by buildings," she said. "They're waiting for everyone to come in and help." Civilians are doing most of the rescue work, pulling people from rubble with limited equipment. Padilla also noted that Venezuela's long-neglected infrastructure — poorly maintained buildings, unreliable electricity and water — made the disaster worse. The hos