On June 16, 2015, Donald Trump announced his candidacy for the U.S. presidency, an event that profoundly impacted American democracy. His election and subsequent actions have caused ongoing disruptions to the democratic system, with effects that continue to resonate even after the 2024 election.
The '选美' organization, founded in 2015, aimed to provide a detailed and nuanced understanding of American democracy by focusing on the intricacies of the electoral process. It sought to move beyond superficial narratives and offer a deeper analysis of the U.S. political system, including election laws, campaign financing, media coverage, and candidate strategies. This approach helped reveal the strengths and weaknesses of American democracy and the factors behind Trump's rise.
The '选美' organization was unique because it was a collaborative effort involving diverse perspectives, interests, and professional backgrounds. Unlike many popular books on American politics written by individual authors, '选美' fostered internal debates and discussions, which helped avoid blind spots and provided a richer, more multifaceted view of U.S. politics. Additionally, it served as an incubator, inspiring many readers and listeners to pursue careers in American politics, media, and law.
After the '选美' project ended in 2019, several key members of the team launched the '美轮美奂' podcast to continue tracking and analyzing U.S. politics, particularly during the 2020 presidential election between Trump and Biden. In 2024, with the upcoming election and Trump's resurgence, the podcast evolved into '美轮美奂 2.0,' offering timely and in-depth coverage for Chinese audiences interested in American politics.
The speaker declined the invitation because they believed that truly understanding U.S. politics requires not only theoretical and factual knowledge but also firsthand experience of living in the U.S. Since returning to China three years ago, the speaker felt they could no longer accurately gauge the nuances of American society and politics, such as the impact of inflation or subtle political shifts, without being immersed in the daily life and media environment of the U.S.
The current hosts of '美轮美奂 2.0' include Talish, a seasoned commentator with a broad interest in U.S. politics, film, music, and sports; Huasirui, a media professional with insider knowledge of U.S. media trends; and Wang Haonan, Cao Qitong, and Lokin, who have risen through the ranks from undergraduate and high school contributors to professionals in law, politics, and academia. Their diverse expertise and firsthand experience make them ideal for providing deep and accurate commentary on U.S. politics.
The '选美' project inspired many of its readers and listeners to develop an interest in U.S. politics, history, and political science, leading some to pursue careers in these fields. It also encouraged others to start their own podcasts or engage in cultural and lifestyle content creation. The project's emphasis on detailed analysis and diverse perspectives left a lasting legacy, fostering a new generation of politically engaged individuals in the Chinese-speaking world.