In this week's episode, we captured the latest breaking news from Tuesday, September 2, 2025, hence why it's out a little later than normal. The winds of New York politics are certainly shifting. 

In the mayoral race, Zohran Mamdani has surged to the front of the polls, and with fresh endorsements from the Staten Island and Bronx Democrats—who once backed Andrew Cuomo—his path to victory looks clearer by the day. We break down what to expect in the coming months as Mamdani’s coalition grows. 

Meanwhile, Congressman Jerry Nadler has announced he won’t seek re-election, opening the door for a crowded, high-stakes battle over his influential Manhattan seat. 

Finally, we dive into the digital trenches: Taylor Lorenz’s reporting in Wired exposes how the content creator collective Chorus took funding from the liberal dark money powerhouse Sixteen Thirty Fund. We unpack Chorus’s mission, the shadowy origins of the Sixteen Thirty Fund, and what this means for the future of progressive creators trying to build influence online.

Thanks for supporting Not Suitable for Democracy; we're committed to delivering fresh content that's independent of the status quo by not accepting any money or creative input from any political party or political group.

Did you enjoy this week's episode? Let us know your thoughts on Instagram! Follow us at @NSFD_Pod. Catch new episodes every Tuesday (ish).

This week, we trace the political cartography shaping America’s future. Texas Republicans passed their new congressional maps, disenfranchising Democratic voters while enabling Trump & his billionaire buddies' agenda. 

Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom promotes his own redistricting plan with video ads & press conferences, ultimately leaving it up to voters to decide in a special election. Newsom fights fire with fire as he unleashes a barrage of epic tweets trolling Donald Trump.

Then we bring it home to New York City politics: the latest mayoral fundraising numbers set the stage for a high-stakes general election, Eric Adams stumbles into yet another scandal courtesy of Winnie Greco’s infamous bag of potato chips, and Democratic nominee for Mayor, Zohran Mamdani makes history—and local politics—cool again with a scavenger hunt! From maps to tweets to mayors, we discuss what is and what is not suitable for democracy.

New episodes drop every Tuesday.

In this episode, we dig into how political power is being reshaped by redistricting battles across the country. From Texas Republicans pushing through gerrymandered maps at Donald Trump’s urging to secure five additional House seats, to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s controversial “Election Rigging Response Act,” the fight over who draws the lines is anything but neutral.

Host, Nick, takes a deep dive into gerrymandering. From how it works to how it started, you'll learn exactly how important this fight for democracy truly is.

We also look at Governor Kathy Hochul’s call to redraw New York’s congressional districts—and explore how efforts to lock in more moderate Democratic seats could unintentionally undercut progressive leaders like Zohran Mamdani and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. What happens when the lines meant to reflect democracy are instead drawn to contain it?

Plus, Kamala Harris weighs in on Texas Democrats. Then Nick shares his outlook for the 2026 Midterm Elections and 2028 Democratic Primaries.

New episodes drop every Tuesday!

In this episode of Not Suitable for Democracy, we examine two flashpoints in America’s ongoing democratic stress test.

First, we unpack Donald Trump’s unprecedented takeover of Washington, D.C., invoking the rarely used Home Rule Act of 1973 to seize control of the city’s police department under the banner of fighting crime. Was this a genuine safety measure—or a political power grab dressed in law-and-order rhetoric? 

Then, we shift to Kim Davis, the former Kentucky county clerk who made headlines in 2015 for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. She’s back—this time formally petitioning the Supreme Court to overturn its landmark ruling on marriage equality. When will they make their final decision? Could this potential ruling backfire and help Democrats take back the House in next year's midterm elections?

From the nation’s capital to the courthouse steps, this episode digs into the battles shaping the very definition of democracy. New episodes drop every Tuesday!

In this episode of Not Suitable for Democracy, we bring you a triple shot of the week’s most revealing political moments—from the streets of Queens to the halls of Congress to late-night television.

First up: Zohran Mamdani’s resounding victory, captured not just in votes but in powerful video moments that went viral for all the right reasons. We break down how his unapologetically progressive campaign and deep organizing paid off—and what his win means for the future of New York (and the left nationwide).

Speaking of leaders on the left, State Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas announced her primary challenge to Cuomo-endorser, State Senator Jessica Ramos. González-Rojas is the progressive fighter Jessica Ramos thinks she is, but which queen of Queens will be crowned District 13's State Senator? (Hint: It's gonna be JGR.)

Then we turn to something far less inspiring: the vandalism of AOC’s district office, a disturbing escalation of online hostility fueled by misplaced anger about her latest congressional vote. We unpack how one vote is costing the district our tax dollars & fear—and why it's a warning sign for democracy.

Finally, we lighten the mood—sort of—with a look at Kamala Harris’s awkward moments on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Was it just bad prep, or does it reflect something deeper about the former VP’s struggles with public perception?

From grassroots wins to viral missteps, we’re piecing together the real story of where American politics is—and where it’s heading.

This week on Not Suitable for Democracy, we zoom in on what might be the most defining political showdown of the decade: the NYC Mayoral Primary between Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani.

On the surface, it's a local race. But underneath? It's a national referendum on what kind of Democratic Party we want to build. To discuss what's happening on the ground, Nick is joined by his friend, Jason Reyes, a marketing professional and longtime resident of Astoria, NY.

Nick & Jason discuss:

• Why Zohran Mamdani's vision of a politics rooted in economic populism, care, and justice is striking a chord across the electorate—and what sets it apart from both the Democratic establishment and what party insiders are rebranding as "abundance."
• How Cuomo’s comeback campaign is more than just a redemption arc—it's a high-powered attempt to drag the city (and the party) backward.
• The broader implications of this race: how the next NYC mayor could shape national conversations on housing, policing, climate, and the Democratic Party at large.

As debate between abundance and populism rages on, Nick and Jason dissect the core tenants so you can understand what's at stake. Learn how Zohran's campaign leans into abundance message and signals a change that could last generations.

With just days left to vote in the Democratic Primary for Mayor, voters are going to the polls in higher numbers than ever before in an off year primary. This isn’t just about a mayor—it’s about the battle for New York. And the outcome could ripple far beyond New York City.

If you care about where the Democratic Party is headed, you can’t afford to sit this one out.

New episodes drop every Tuesday.

This week on Not Suitable for Democracy, we're diving into the high-stakes chaos of the NYC Mayoral Democratic Primary, where progressive power plays, surprise endorsements, and backroom drama are reshaping the city’s political future.

Host Nick unpacks:

• Endorsements: AOC vs Jessica Ramos — what it signals, who it alienates, and how it shifts the race’s voter dynamics.
• The latest polling from Data for Progress and Emerson, revealing which candidates are surging, slipping, or splitting the vote.
• The growing grassroots momentum behind Zohran Mamdani, and why some organizers see him as the clearest break from the political status quo.
• A brutally honest look at Andrew Cuomo’s attempted comeback—and the real-world consequences of his so-called "rehabilitation tour."
• And lastly, Nick predicts how Cuomo may target the LGBTQIA+ community.

It’s the kind of episode the old guard would rather you didn’t hear—so of course, we had to make it.

Because when democracy isn't working for everyone, it's not working at all.

This week on Not Suitable for Democracy, we take you inside the race for New York City Mayor in the Democratic primary in the upcoming ranked choice election. Six of the candidates participated in a first of its kind LGBTQIA+ issue focused mayoral primary forum, hosted by the new grassroots organizing group, Queers for Action. 

The stage was electric as candidates—Zohran Mamdani, Brad Lander, Adrienne Adams, Michael Blake, Jessica Ramos, and Scott Stringer—gathered for a bold, unapologetically LGBTQIA+ issued focused conversation about the future of the LGBTQIA+ community in New York City.

And who better to host and moderate than the iconic Peppermint, drag legend and activist, who brought both glamour and grit to a night full of real questions, real stakes, and plenty of laughs.

We share the candidates' responses so you can hear how they deliver their message to earn your vote. From institutional knowledge to records of accomplishments, there are several key factors to consider when voting for and ranking the candidates.

Learn how the candidates intend on protecting the LGBTQIA+ community across health care, public safety, and the Trump administration. This forum marks a major shift in how queer voices are shaping electoral power—from the margins to the mainstream.

New episodes of Not Suitable for Democracy drop every Tuesday.

This week on Not Suitable for Democracy, host Nick sits down with Skylar Moore, a queer activist and former 2022 Judicial Delegate candidate, to unpack one of the most overlooked—and undemocratic—parts of our political system: the judicial convention.

If you’ve never heard of it, that’s the point. Skylar walks us through how New York State Supreme Court judges are "vetted," how a lack of transparency dominates the process, and why that should matter to anyone who cares about justice.

We also dive into the intersections of queer activism in the second era of Trump, the barriers to entry for grassroots candidates, and what it means to organize around queer rights in every corner of the country.

Whether you're interested in running for office or not, you'll be sure to learn a lot.

New episodes drop every Tuesday.

This week on Not Suitable for Democracy, we’re diving through the Democratic Party drama. From DNC shenanigans to Biden's performance decline, the poor optics are glaring for a party that boasts about unity and strength.

Host Nick dives into David Hogg’s challenge to the "asleep at the wheel incumbents" and the "telenovela" that's transpired since. Will he lose his seat as DNC Vice Chair?

Then jump to another Democratic leader under fire: Cory Booker. From filibustering for over 25 hours protesting Trump to voting for Trump's son-in-law's father? Yup. That actually happened.

President Biden is making headlines but not the ones he wants. Jake Tapper's new book revealed that Biden's team was ready to put him in a wheelchair if he won the 2024 election. This has prompted questions about his mental and physical abilities during his time in the White House. 

From drama to enthusiasm, we examine the NYC Mayoral Primary. Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani surprised many by fundraising for Council Speaker Adrienne Adams—a move that sparked debate among progressives. Does this help Zohran's campaign? Will Zohran's support for Adrienne Adams hurt Cuomo?

And finally, a check-in on America. Bernie Sanders appeared on Andrew Schultz's Flagrant podcast to share that 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. Bernie's appearance sparked some criticism against his remarks about identity politics. At the end of the day, we can only ask the right questions that push our country in a better direction.

New episodes drop every Tuesday!