The political discourse is heating up this summer, and it came to a head when defining the word, "Establishment." According to liberal content creators, they are promoting the idea that allegedly, infamous Establishment critic Bernie Sanders is absolutely referring to Black people when he rails against the Establishment. Is that true? Well the charged tone from content creators leaves audiences to insinuate that he means a word far worse... 

Cutting through the noise, this week's episode dives into defining the "Establishment." By using Bernie Sanders as the example, we make the case for what he really means and what that looks like in politics.

Better yet, our host, Nick, shares his transformational journey after organizing with the local Democratic Establishment. After ten years of organizing, how did he go from a Hillary Clinton-loving moderate to a staunch Bernie Sanders progressive?  Tune into this week's episode to find out what the Establishment is and is not.

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!

This week on Not Suitable for Democracy, we're covering the stories that could reshape American politics—from bipartisan breakthroughs in Congress to razor-thin elections that prove every vote really does matter.

Washington actually got something done. We break down the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, championed by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and what it could mean for affordable housing, local communities, and curbing the influence of private equity in the housing market. Plus, we take a look at the Sunshine Protection Act, the bipartisan push to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, weighing the potential benefits and drawbacks of ending the twice-yearly clock change.

We reflect on the political legacy of Sen. Lindsey Graham, examining his decades-long influence on American foreign policy and his horrendous record on LGBTQ+ rights, including his votes against marriage equality. Whether you agreed with him or not, his career left a lasting mark on the Republican Party and international politics.

After weeks of questions about his absence from Congress, a newly released hospital photo featuring longtime Republican Senator Mitch McConnell and his wife, Elaine Chao, has only fueled more public discussion. We then examine the photo and why it's completely sus. Plus, learn about the historical precedent for this type of arrangement to deceive the public about one's health (and believe it or not, it was a Democrat).

The Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Michigan is shaping up to be one of the most consequential races of 2026. We dive into the latest polling as the contest narrows between Rep. Haley Stevens and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, discuss the role of outside spending, including millions from AIPAC, and ask whether grassroots organizing can overcome a massive financial disadvantage.

The New York City Board of Elections has certified two incredibly close State Assembly races, reminding us just how much every single vote matters. In Assembly District 30, Shamsul Haque came within just seven votes of victory after running the most progressive grassroots campaign in the race. Meanwhile, in Assembly District 66, David Siffert prevailed by only fifteen votes and is poised to become the first openly non-binary member of the New York State Assembly—a historic milestone that will further strengthen LGBTQIA+ representation in Albany. 

From housing policy to historic elections, this episode is packed with the latest stories shaping the future of American democracy. Tune in as we separate the headlines from the hype—and ask what it really takes to build a democracy that's suitable for everyone. Enjoy new episodes every week!

In this week's episode, we explore the stunning turn of events that caused Graham Platner to suspended his campaign for the U.S. Senate to represent Maine. On Monday, July 6th, it was reported that Platner assaulted an ex-girlfriend against her will back in 2021. This news sent shockwaves across democratic and progressive circles. Endorsements rescinded. Calls to step down grew louder. The media scrutiny had only just begun.

The ex-girlfriend, Jenny Racicot, came forward in a Politico article and then a CNN interview by Jake Tapper. The story's credibility proved powerful. Pressure mounted for Platner to exit the race until he did Wednesday evening. But now who will become the Maine democratic nominee for U.S. Senate?

We'll share the latest behind the Maine Democratic Party and their efforts to replace Platner, potentially with their preferred candidate. How can we ensure the process is fair and transparent? Who gets to have the final say? Does that include voters?

And lastly, what does this mean for candidates moving forward? How does this impact the electorate? When the Republican Party and Trump administration defend inappropriate behavior and STILL earn votes, then how can Democrats and Progressives overcome this dichotomy in their quest to take back power? 

Subscribe to Not Suitable for Democracy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube to be a part of the conversation. New episodes every week!

We're back after a hiatus focusing on the democratic primaries in New York. Tuesday's victories for Democratic Socialists and Progressives have been the talk of the town. Mamdani proved once again that socialism wins.

The history-making Mayor flexed his political muscle endorsing three candidates for Congress: Claire Valdez (NY-7), Brad Lander (NY-10), and Darializa Avila Chevalier (NY-13). In this episode, we review the election results of each race and how each candidate won, including two landslides!

Then, hear how all three candidates ran as the "Dream Team," turning that dream into reality. How did Mamdani's endorsement help the candidates? What unifying message did they run on? What does this saw about the electorate?

Stay tuned for news and updates on Not Suitable for Democracy.

With less than three weeks for the Democratic primaries in New York, we have to untangle the web of Queens politics to support progressive Democrats. In this week's election-focused episode, we chat about two amazing candidates running in the heart of Queens: Chuck Park and Shamsul Haque.

Chuck Park (notably campaigning as Chuck for Queens) is running for Congress in NY-6. Park is giving the incumbent, establishment Democrat Grace Meng a run for her money -- literally! Rep. Meng has accepted $1.3 million in large donations with most coming from corporate PAC money and lobbyist donations, including AIPAC. In contrast, Chuck Park rejects all corporate PAC money and lobbyist donations and advocates for overturning Citizens United. He's the only candidate in the race to support Medicare for All, abolishing I.C.E., taxing the rich, and challenging the status quo.

Shamsul Haque is running for State Assembly in District 30. Quite similarly to Park, Haque is running a grassroots campaign that rejects corporate PAC and lobbyist donations. He's also out-raised his fellow primary candidates by four times over -- all while keeping his average donation around $50! Haque's history is his strength, and with endorsements from Bernie Sanders, Jamaal Bowman, and Diana Moreno, he's got the democratic socialists in his corner.

So what makes these two candidates so integral to Queens politics? They are challenging the local Democratic Establishment infrastructure leftover from Rep Joe Crowley. Yes, the same notorious Queens County Democratic Chairman hailed a kingmaker that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez defeated in a landslide victory. From sharing corporate donors to sharing the same family tree, find out how we can win these elections without getting caught up in the intricacies of Queens Democratic politics.

Make sure you're a registered Democrat to participate in the primary election. Early voting begins Saturday, June 13th and Election Day is June 23rd. Vote for  Chuck Park for Congress in NY-6 and Shamsul Haque for State Assembly for District 30! Now THAT is suitable for democracy.

In Episode 45, we discuss the U.S. Senate race happening in Texas. Just this week, Republicans nominated Attorney General Ken Paxton. Was it the right choice? In 24 hours, Democratic nominee James Talarico raised $3 million.

We explore the competitive March 3rd primaries for Democrats and Republicans. Starting with Democrats, the progressives in Texas had a tough choice between Texas Tough's Rep. Jasmine Crockett versus State House Rep James Talarico. Their respective platforms and vision truly shaped the Democratic primary season, signaling that Talarico's wealth inequality and fight against Trump's agenda are the winning combo, as noted by Graham Platner in Main and Abdul El-Sayed, who's leading in the polls, in Michigan. 

In an even closer election, the Republican five-way primary saw no winner in March. The top two candidates, Senator Joh Cornyn and Ken Paxton advanced to a runoff election that  took place on May 26th.

In these high profile primary contests, both former Vice President Kamala Harris and President Trump endorsed candidates in these primaries. How did that play out? 

Now as Texans head into the general election for the 2026, we examine how each of the nominee's campaigns are set up for success. We'll review how optimizing campaign websites for fundraising and mobile devices can make all the difference.

Then lastly, we shed some insight on the campaigns strategies and dive into what Talarico will have to do to make history and flip Texas in November. Can Talarico build a winning coalition Texas has never seen? All that and more questions to answer on Not Suitable for Democracy.

New episodes every week!

Life can change literally overnight. For us, that means we moved to Woodside! 

What does that mean for the show? We're doing more episodes each week, filming shorter episodes for clarity, and focusing on NEWS Suitable for Democracy: a daily dose of good news that keeps hope alive.

In this episode, we'll share some history about Woodside and how our new neighborhood came to be. How has transition has been so far? What can we learn about new places to go, organizing groups, and our new representatives? If you have any recommendations, then feel free to reach out on social media. This approach to organizing is how we build community and learn from each other — now THAT is suitable for democracy.

Stay tuned for at least TWO new episodes every week.

In this episode of Not Suitable for Democracy, we cover a whirlwind week in American politics that speak the identity crisis happening within the Democratic Party. Have Democrats learned their lesson since 2024?

We begin with former Vice President Kamala Harris appearing alongside Al Sharpton at the National Action Network’s 35th annual convention, where she confirmed she’s considering a 2028 presidential run. We break down what else she revealed in the conversation and what it signals about the Democratic Party’s future.

Next, we dive into the Swalwell scandal and what the controversy surrounding Eric Swalwell could mean for Democrats—and the ripple effects it may have on California’s upcoming gubernatorial primary and expulsion for four members of Congress.

We then shift to New York to review Zohran Mamdani’s first 100 days in office. From policy priorities and political messaging to the way he’s using his new platform, we take a close look at his early impact and growing national profile. 

Shifting to hyper local politics, we share our on-the-ground experience at the Ink and Impact event organized by Brian Romero and his campaign for State Assembly, where grassroots organizing and creative political engagement took center stage.

Finally, we take a deeper dive into two pivotal Democratic U.S. Senate primaries in Maine and Michigan, breaking down how each race reflects the party’s ongoing debate about its future.

In Maine, the primary highlights a strong contrast between Democratic primary front runner Graham Platner versus Republican incumbent Susan Collins. Platner is running on a bold, grassroots-powered agenda centered on Medicare for All, a shift in foreign policy, and campaign finance reform, while Collins runs on a problematic record. We explore how each contender’s record—whether in public service, activism, or local leadership— is shaping the race.

In Michigan, the conversation shifts to a primary shaped by the state’s role as a political bellwether. Two of the candidates’ progressive visions focus heavily on rebranding the Democratic Party versus rebuilding it. We examine how State Senator Mallory McMorrow's and Abdul El-Sayed's campaign strategies reflect their records and potentially negative campaigning—signaling the kind of winning campaign that's needed to get them to the general election.

Overall, these candidates and elected officials offer a snapshot of the Democratic Party’s evolving identity: how bold policy goals, electoral strategy, and candidate experience intersect as the party prepares for the next national election cycle.

In this week's episode of Not Suitable for Democracy, we turn our attention overseas to a political earthquake in Hungary. After 16 years in power, Viktor Orbán has been voted out, ending one of Europe’s most closely watched experiments in modern authoritarianism. We break down the undemocratic tactics Orbán used to consolidate control—reshaping the courts, tightening his grip on media, and rewriting the rules of the political game to entrench his party’s power.

We then explore the stunning rise of Péter Magyar, the political newcomer who formed his own party and swept to victory in a landslide election. How did a new movement break through a system designed to resist change? What made Hungarian voters finally turn the page? And what lessons can be drawn from the coalition-building, messaging, and grassroots energy that powered this historic upset?

Finally, the conversation turns homeward. What does Hungary’s election reveal about the fragility—and resilience—of democracy? Could similar strategies be used to challenge rising authoritarianism in the United States? This episode connects the dots between global democratic struggles and the fight unfolding right here at home.

Stay tuned for new episodes each week!