Not Suitable for Democracy

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!

This week, we explore the top news stories from the week between Democratic politics and Republican politics.

First, three major endorsements are emboldening the left as they take on the Democratic Establishment. In California's 11th congressional district, Saikat Chakrabarti earned the endorsement of the progressive juggernaut, Justice Democrats. This is the same group that launched Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's career back in 2018. Since then, they've sent several progressive champions to Congress, and Chakrabarti may be next. Then we venture to Maine where Graham Platner's campaign for U.S. Senate is crushing his opponents in the polls by 20-30%! What's keeping him on top? His latest endorsement from the Working Families Party - the same party that endorsed Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor. Bringing it home to New York, we discuss the Democratic primary for New York's 7th congressional district where Claire Valdez earned the endorsement from fellow democratic socialist, Bernie Sanders! Will voters in the district prioritize her socialist agenda or are they seeking candidates with stronger roots to the district?

From endorsements to anti-endorsements, we dive head first into why Democrats are attacking Hasan Piker. Piker is the popular Twitch Streamer turned Progressive influencer whose views are shaping Democratic Party politics. He organizes with the Democratic Socialists of America while pissing off the Democratic Establishment. Sounds like a true comrade!

Before we wrap up, we have to discuss what's happening on the conservative side. It was a big week at the Supreme Court where two major cases made headlines. On Tuesday, SCOTUS justices sided 8-1 in a ruling striking down the conversion therapy ban in Colorado. The ban protect queer and trans youth from the practice, but the justices sided with Christian Counselor Kaley Chiles who felt the ban infringed on her "free speech." What does that mean for the fate of 23 other state bans? Next, SCOTUS hears arguments on birthright citizenship where the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) challenged Trump's executive order. Is birthright citizenship here to stay? We know who's not staying: Pam Bondi, who was fired by President Trump on Thursday. Notorious for firing cabinet members, Trump removed his Attorney General claiming it was her handling of the Epstein Files. Sources say it may have been something more recent but with Trump's impulsivity, it's hard to say. How will this impact the 2026 Midterms in November?

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On today’s episode of Not Suitable for Democracy, we head straight into the streets of New York City for a deep dive into the energy, emotion, and urgency behind the third No Kings March.

Crowds showed up in force — reportedly making it the largest nationwide single-day action in history — sending a clear signal that more people are feeling compelled to speak out and be seen. We unpack what this surge in turnout says about the current political climate, why public protest is becoming a growing outlet for civic expression, and how moments like this reflect the health — and tension — within American democracy.

We also take you into the crowd with interviews from three attendees and their clever, creative signs. Each shares the story behind why they came to march, the message behind their sign, and the personal experiences that pushed them from watching politics to actively participating in it.

Finally, we close with something practical: advice from the people on the ground for anyone who feels disengaged, overwhelmed, or unsure how to get involved. Because democracy isn’t a spectator sport — and this march shows more people are realizing it every day.

Stay tuned for more episodes this week!

On today’s episode of Not Suitable for Democracy, we break down four major stories that reveal the growing pressure points in American politics — where crisis meets policy, and power shapes the outcome.

First, we start in New York, where a fatal collision at LaGuardia Airport rattled the region on Sunday night — just hours before President Donald Trump moved to deploy I.C.E. agents to 13 major airports across the country. At a moment when public anxiety is already high, what does it mean when government response escalates enforcement instead of reassurance?

Then we zoom out globally. The war involving Iran continues to intensify, with over $12 billion in spending and mounting geopolitical risk. With Iran controlling the Strait of Hormuz—a passageway for roughly a quarter of the world’s oil supply—any disruption doesn’t just hit gas prices. It raises deeper questions about energy security in an era increasingly dependent on power-hungry technologies like artificial intelligence. What happens when global conflict collides with the infrastructure fueling the next technological revolution?

Back at home, the Supreme Court of the United States is hearing a case brought by the Republican National Committee that could reshape the future of mail-in voting. A challenge to Mississippi law may seem narrow on its face — but the implications could ripple nationwide, affecting how millions of Americans cast their ballots.

Finally, we examine the political challenges facing two rising progressive figures: Jasmine Crockett and Kat Abughazaleh. Both brought energy and conviction to their races — but did their messaging and campaign framing limit their ability to build the broad coalitions needed to win? What does it take to translate enthusiasm into victory?

From airports to oil routes to the ballot box, this episode connects the threads between crisis, governance, and political strategy — and asks what it all means for a democracy under strain.

On Episode 38 of Not Suitable for Democracy, we examine the growing political battles shaping the future of LGBTQIA+ rights in America — from state legislatures to city halls to the national Democratic conversation.

First, we look at a resolution passed by the Idaho State Legislature that could challenge the legal foundation of same-sex marriage and potentially push the issue back toward the Supreme Court. What would it mean for marriage equality if the Court revisits the landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges? And how serious is this legal threat in today’s political environment?

Then we head to Florida, where voters in Boca Raton elected Andy Thomson as their new mayor — a local victory that reflects how Democratic candidates are continuing to win office in Republican strongholds.

Back in New York, we discuss how Zohran Mamdani is shaping city government with the new Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs. The move signals how local governments are expanding policy infrastructure to support queer and trans communities. This is a historic moment the trans community, especially for Taylor Brown, who Mamdani appointed as the inaugural director, making her the first trans woman to lead a government office or agency in New York City history.

Finally, we unpack a recent poll from the Manhattan Institute that offers a revealing snapshot of Democratic voters’ views on trans rights and the political positioning of Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom. How are Democrats navigating one of the most contested cultural debates in American politics?

From courtrooms to mayor’s offices to party politics, this episode explores how the fight over queer and trans rights is unfolding across multiple levels of power — and what it means for the future of American democracy.

On today’s episode of Not Suitable for Democracy, we zoom out — and then all the way back in — connecting the dots between global conflict and the politics shaping communities here at home.

First, we examine the escalating war involving Iran, where military operations have already racked up nearly $11 billion in spending. The country has also installed a new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, following the death of his late father, raising urgent questions the new regime and Trump's grip on the region.

Then we turn to the 2028 Democratic presidential landscape. How will a major foreign conflict shape the political fortunes of potential candidates like former Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez? How are they navigating American foreign policy while fighting the rise of authoritarian fascism around the world?

Next, we head to Texas, where James Talarico is positioning himself to become the state’s next U.S. Senator. In order to win statewide, Talarico will need to make in-roads with Rep. Jasmine Crockett's voter base and assuage leftists around the state. We draw lessons from how Zohran Mamdani successfully made in-roads with Black voters during his general election campaign for Mayor, expanding his coalition in ways that reshaped expectations about who progressive candidates can reach.

Finally, we close on a more human note. After a tense incident outside Gracie Mansion this past weekend, we reflect on the role empathy and community should play in politics — even in the middle of moments defined by conflict and division.

From Tehran to Texas to New York City, this episode connects the global, national, and local forces shaping our politics — and reminds us that power may operate at every level, but so does organizing, solidarity, and the choice to lead with love. Our future depends on it.

Stay tuned for more episodes next week!

On episode 36 of Not Suitable for Democracy, we break down how James Talarico pulled off a major victory in the Texas Democratic primary for U.S. Senate — and what campaigns across the country can learn from it.

First, we look at the message. What kind of political message can actually resonate across a massive and diverse state like Texas? Can a campaign speak to urban progressives and rural voters at the same time? And in an era of hyper-partisanship, is there a way to frame politics around shared moral values that expands a coalition instead of shrinking it?

Next, we examine the organizing. What does it take to mobilize tens of thousands of volunteers across a state as large as Texas? How do campaigns turn grassroots energy into real voter contact — not just online enthusiasm? 

Finally, we dig into the marketing and digital strategy. What does a modern campaign website actually need to do to convert supporters into voters? How did the infamous Colbert interview boost Talarico's digital strategy? And what happens when a campaign truly integrates its online strategy with real-world organizing on the ground?

In other words, this wasn’t just a campaign about vibes. It was a campaign that was present both online across digital spaces and on the ground in every corner of the Lone Star state. The future of hybrid campaigning is here.

Stay tuned for more episodes next week!

This week on Not Suitable for Democracy, we turn to global politics as the world reels from a dramatic and destabilizing escalation in the Middle East. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a coordinated series of strikes on Iran, killing Iran’s Supreme Leader and throwing the country’s government into a sudden and dangerous power vacuum. What does leadership decapitation mean for a nation of 92 million people? And how fragile is the regional balance of power now?

We break down the immediate geopolitical fallout: retaliatory strikes, proxy escalations, cyber warfare, and whether this marks the beginning of a broader regional conflict. How will Iran’s political system (built around clerical authority and centralized power) get accustomed to this new era?

Then the host lays out five bold predictions — from the tectonic shifts in the AI industry reshaping the military-industrial landscape to the electoral future of democracy in 2026 and 2028. Could this crisis permanently alter American leadership and foreign policy for generations?

There's no better time to make your voice heard. Call your Congressional representatives at (202) 224-3121. No war with Iran!

On today’s episode of Not Suitable for Democracy, we’re connecting the dots between national ambition and neighborhood power. First, we head to Texas, where the U.S. Senate race between Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico is shaping up to be a battle over the soul — and strategy — of the Democratic Party. What kind of candidate can actually build a winning statewide coalition in Texas? And what does this race say about the future of progressive Democrats?

Then we’re back in New York, where Zohran Mamdani responds to a snowstorm with more than just plows and press releases. He's not only tackling the A.B.C.: (Eric) Adams Budget Crisis, but he's forcing Governor Hochul to show her hand with the cards she'd been dealt. Will she tax the 33,000 millionaires and billionaires or will she do nothing to stop property taxes from going up on 3 million units and 100,000 commercial buildings? If she continues to refuse to tax the rich, will that hurt her electoral chances in November?

Finally, we dive into the New York State Senate District 12 Democratic primary — a race that just opened up after Majority Deputy Leader, Mike Gianaris announced that he will not seek re-election. He's been a tactical politician, shaping power in Astoria and Albany. Learn about who's entering this race and how it will shape up.

Here’s the truth: local primaries decide who writes the laws that govern your rent, your schools, your transit, and your healthcare. If you ignore them, someone else won’t. Whether it's Texas or New York, primary elections matter.

National politics matters. Local politics decides your life. Organize accordingly.

Stay tuned for next week's episode where we announce the winner of the Texas Democratic Primary for U.S. Senate.