What does it actually mean to be "electable?" This week on Not Suitable for Democracy, we're challenging conventional wisdom by taking a closer look at two Democratic Senate candidates whose progressive campaigns are built on grassroots organizing, working-class credibility, and bold ideas.

First, we make the case for Troy Jackson as Democrats' best opportunity to compete for the U.S. Senate. From his roots as a logger to his years serving in the Maine Legislature, Jackson has built a reputation as a champion for working people who isn't afraid to take on powerful interests. We'll explore the platform he's bringing to the race, discuss the support he's built heading into the Democratic nominating convention, and ask whether his authentic, blue-collar message is exactly what voters are looking for.

Next, we head to Michigan, where Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is making the case that a grassroots campaign can compete with big-money politics. We examine his campaign through three key measures of electability: leadership, including how he handled disruptions at a volunteer event; message, following energized rallies with Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in Detroit and Lansing; and momentum, by breaking down the latest polling and what it says about the state of the race. We also dig into the fundraising numbers that highlight the strength of Abdul's grassroots coalition and what that could mean in the closing stretch of the campaign.

Is electability about playing it safe—or inspiring people to believe politics can work differently? Join us as we take a fresh look at two candidates hoping to reshape the future of the Democratic Party, one campaign at a time.

Then stayed tuned for Episode 51 coming later this week!