How do you beat a 10-to-1 spending disadvantage? You organize!

This week on Not Suitable for Democracy, we're breaking down Dr. Abdul El-Sayed's stunning victory in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary—and what his win tells us about money, messaging, and the future of progressive politics.

Abdul built his campaign around three core promises: get money out of politics, put more money in people's pockets, and pass Medicare for All. Simple? Yes. Effective? Very. His affordability message connected with progressive Democrats, working-class Independents, and disaffected Republicans who aren't necessarily looking for ideological purity—they're looking for a government that makes their lives better.

Here's where things get really interesting. Haley Stevens had more than $64 million in advertising spending in her favor. Abdul had about $7.4 million. That's roughly a 10-to-1 spending advantage for Stevens.

And yet Abdul won.

So we ask the question campaigns don't particularly enjoy hearing: How much did it actually cost to earn your vote? 

Winning the Democratic primary is one thing. Winning the general election is another beast entirely. Abdul now has to expand his coalition win beyond his core base.

We'll look at how his campaign is already shifting its strategy and refining its message for a general-election matchup against Mike Rogers. 

And if he wins again, well… that's suitable for American democracy!

Michigan Democrats just delivered a political plot twist—and Not Suitable for Democracy is breaking down how it happened. From upset victories to grassroots coalitions, this episode looks at the congressional races that helped reshape Michigan's Democratic Party—and may have decided one of the closest Senate primaries of the cycle.

MI-1: Callie Barr vs. Kyle Blomquist
In Michigan's sprawling First District, Callie Barr proved that running a second time can pay off. After losing the 2024 general election, Barr came back stronger, outraising her competition and turning that financial advantage into a primary victory. Meanwhile, DSA-endorsed Kyle Blomquist ran a genuinely grassroots campaign, refusing corporate PAC and lobbyist money and building a strong ground operation. For a first-time candidate, Kyle came up short—but his supporters may have had a much bigger role to play later that night.

MI-7: William Lawrence Pulls Off a Landslide
This one is a lesson in what happens when moderates split the vote. Bridget Brink had major progressive firepower behind her, including an endorsement from Jasmine Crockett, while Matt Maasdam had the backing of Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin. Their battle for the middle opened the door for William Lawrence, a progressive backed by the Working Families Party and Sunrise Movement, which he co-founded. Lawrence didn't just sneak through—he won decisively, proving that a strong grassroots coalition can turn a crowded primary into a progressive landslide.

MI-12: Rashida Tlaib Doesn't Miss
Meanwhile, Rashida Tlaib continued her reign in Michigan's 12th District, winning her primary with room to spare. Her political journey is already one of the most unusual in modern congressional history: in 2018, she navigated both a special election and a Democratic primary held on the same day. Since then, she's built an extraordinarily durable relationship with her community. This victory was another reminder that when voters trust their representative, incumbency isn't just a title—it's a movement.

MI-13: Donovan McKinney Takes Down Thanedar
Then came one of the night's biggest upsets: Donovan McKinney defeated incumbent Rep. Shri Thanedar. Thanedar's campaign had plenty of controversy, from using impeachment articles as a political attention-grabber to distancing himself from the Democratic Socialists of America after October 7. McKinney took a very different approach: instead of building a coalition around ideology alone, he brought together progressive grassroots voters and establishment Democratic leaders, earning endorsements from both camps—including DSA. Turns out, sometimes the smartest progressive strategy is simply getting more people on your team.

And Then There Was Abdul El-Sayed
After the congressional races were called, Michigan's Senate primary became the political equivalent of checking your phone at 3 a.m. and realizing you're still not going to sleep. Dr. Abdul El-Sayed narrowly defeated Rep. Haley Stevens by roughly one percentage point, and the congressional races around the state may have helped make the difference.

The connections are fascinating: Kyle Blomquist's supporters in MI-1 had a natural home in Abdul's grassroots coalition. William Lawrence cross-endorsed El-Sayed after aligning with him on the fight against AI data centers—a policy issue where Gov. Whitmer's support for Stevens created an opening. Rashida Tlaib endorsed Abdul early, bringing her formidable grassroots network into the race. And Donovan McKinney's competitive primary helped drive turnout across MI-13, potentially strengthening the coalition Abdul needed to pull off the upset.

Michigan's primary wasn't just a collection of individual races. It was a network of candidates, endorsements, organizers, volunteers, and voters pulling in the same direction.

This week, we're tackling one of the biggest questions in American democracy: Can we finally put limits on big money in our elections?

Our focus is Dinner Table Action v. Schneider, a landmark legal challenge rooted in a 2024 Maine ballot initiative that won overwhelming support from voters. The initiative seeks to cap contributions at $5,000 to Super PACs supporting federal candidates in Maine—a direct challenge to the unlimited spending that has come to define modern campaigns.

But to understand why this case matters, we have to go back. We break down the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. FEC and the federal appeals court ruling in SpeechNow.org v. FEC—the two cases that opened the floodgates for unlimited independent political spending and gave rise to today's Super PAC system.

Could Maine become the state that forces the courts to reconsider decades of campaign finance precedent? Or will billionaires and special interests continue to dominate American elections? Join us as we explore the history, the legal arguments, and what's at stake for voters who believe democracy should be powered by people—not money.

Because when the highest bidder gets the loudest voice, that's Not Suitable for Democracy. Subscribe for new episodes every week!

This week on Not Suitable for Democracy, it's a tough news cycle (July 24-26) for progressives—but not one without hope. From high-profile endorsements to party power plays, we unpack the setbacks, the silver linings, and why grassroots organizing remains the left's greatest strength.

Pelosi Enters the Missouri Fight
Speaker Emeritas Nancy Pelosi traveled to St. Louis to campaign for Rep. Wesley Bell, reinforcing the Democratic establishment's support for his campaign over former Congressmember Cori Bush. We examine Bush's scrutiny of Bell's fundraising and outside support, and whether his record in Congress will be enough to withstand growing criticism from progressives. More importantly, we ask what this race says about the future of insurgent politics inside the Democratic Party.

Whitmer Backs Haley Stevens
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has officially endorsed Rep. Haley Stevens in the state's closely watched Democratic Senate primary. The endorsement adds another chapter to the ongoing debate between establishment and progressive Democrats, as influential party leaders line up behind their preferred candidates. We discuss whether Whitmer's recent policy positions—including support for AI data center development—could influence voters and what it means for Dr. Abdul El-Sayed's grassroots campaign.

The Road to 2028 Starts in South Carolina... Again
The Democratic National Committee has once again placed South Carolina at the front of the presidential nominating calendar, reigniting debates over who benefits most from the primary schedule. Does the lineup favor candidates with strong establishment support, or does it leave room for new voices to emerge? We explore how the calendar could shape the next Democratic presidential nomination and what it means for the progressive movement heading into 2028.

A Big Win for Troy Jackson
Not all the news is gloomy. Democrats in Bangor, Maine, gathered to choose their nominee for the U.S. Senate, and former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson emerged with a decisive victory. After entering the convention with overwhelming delegate support, Jackson converted that momentum into an impressive final tally, giving Democrats—and progressives who champion working-class politics—a candidate with deep roots, a compelling story, and a strong mandate heading into the general election.

Can Affordability Win Swing Voters?
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined Governor Josh Shapiro and congressional candidate Bob Brooks for PA-7 to promote an affordability-focused economic message. Bethlehem resides in one of the nation's most competitive congressional districts. We discuss why lowering everyday costs has become the defining issue for Democrats and whether a message centered on affordability—one that has energized campaigns like Zohran Mamdani's—can resonate with swing voters without abandoning progressive values.

Progressive politics has never been a straight line. Some weeks bring victories, others bring setbacks. This episode explores why today's losses don't have to define tomorrow's movement—and why organizing, coalition-building, and a compelling vision for the future remain the keys to lasting change.

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.