Systems and Power

Former New York City Council Member Jimmy Vacca returns to Systems & Power for an in-depth conversation with host Moses Parente about the 2026 midterm elections, the future of the Republican and Democratic parties, and the growing frustration among American voters.

With Election Day approaching, Vacca shares his predictions for the House and Senate, explaining why he believes Democrats could regain control of both chambers. But he argues that the political environment is less about enthusiasm for Democrats and more about dissatisfaction with the current administration and political establishment.

From competitive Senate races in traditionally Republican states to the influence of billionaire donors, voter turnout, and political polarization, we examine the forces shaping the 2026 elections.

The conversation also goes beyond Washington, exploring the rise of Democratic Socialists, the political center, New York City's controversial charter revision proposals, government accountability, and whether New York should finally open its primary elections to independent voters.

CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Jimmy Vacca Returns: The 2026 Midterms
00:43 - Why the Midterms Are a Referendum on Trump
02:09 - Could Democrats Flip the House?
04:05 - Congressional Gridlock and Presidential Power
05:36 - Hakeem Jeffries and the Democratic Majority
06:56 - How Democratic Socialists Adapt to Governing
08:20 - Why Democrats Are Running as Moderates
10:06 - The Political Center and Independent Voters
11:40 - The Democratic Party's Leftward Shift and Trump's GOP
12:46 - Social Media, Young Voters, and Political Extremes
14:32 - Integrity, Ethics, and Political Candidates
15:38 - Why Political Scandals Don't Always End Careers
18:23 - Could Republicans Lose the Senate?
20:18 - Voter Turnout and Midterm Election Strategy
22:17 - Susan Collins and the Maine Senate Race
23:29 - Graham Platner and Candidate Quality
25:06 - Amy Acton and Negative Campaign Advertising
27:06 - Alaska's Senate Race and Third-Party Candidates
31:21 - Polls vs. Prediction Markets: Which Matters?
33:12 - Does Money Really Buy Elections?
34:30 - Billionaire Donors and Ohio Campaign Spending
38:09 - Campaign Finance Reform and Term Limits
40:50 - Michigan's Unpredictable Election
44:57 - NYC Charter Revision Controversies
45:39 - Ranked Choice Voting and the 2019 Charter Commission
47:41 - Are NYC Community Boards Losing Their Voice?
52:09 - MTA Accountability and Government Bureaucracy
54:50 - Should New York Adopt Open Primaries?
59:10 - Jimmy Vacca's Final House and Senate Predictions
59:50 - Do Political Debates Actually Change Minds?
1:01:03 - Local Politics, Candidates, and Final Thoughts

ABOUT SYSTEMS & POWER

Systems & Power is a podcast exploring the intersection of technology, politics, business, and the institutions that shape our world.

Hosted by Moses Parente, the show features conversations with elected officials, entrepreneurs, technologists, and thought leaders about leadership, power, innovation, and the decisions shaping our future.

Subscribe for new conversations and perspectives every week.

Connect with Systems & Power:

Website: https://systemsandpower.riverside.com/

DISCLAIMER

The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Systems & Power, its host, or any affiliated organizations. Election predictions are speculative and should not be interpreted as guaranteed outcomes.

Is Big Tech gaining too much control over artificial intelligence, our economy, and even our elections? And could open-weight AI models be the key to preventing a future dominated by a handful of powerful corporations?

In Episode 17 of Systems & Power, host Moses Parente sits down with Niel Pal to discuss the rapidly evolving intersection of artificial intelligence, technology, business, and politics.

From the growing debate over open-weight AI models and government regulation to the enormous political influence of Silicon Valley, Moses and Niel explore who stands to benefit from the AI revolution — and who risks being left behind.

The conversation dives into the rise of autonomous AI agents, the future of enterprise software, Anthropic's potential IPO, the semiconductor industry, and the growing popularity of prediction markets. They also examine whether AI could eventually make universal basic income necessary and how automation may fundamentally reshape employment, education, and the global economy.

Beyond technology, Moses and Niel discuss the relationship between money and political influence, the role of charisma in leadership, and why human judgment and interpersonal skills may become more valuable as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly capable.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Why open-weight AI models matter for innovation and competition
• Open-weight vs. closed-source AI and the debate over safety regulations
• Big Tech's political influence, campaign spending, and AI legislation
• The rise of personalized AI agents and autonomous workflows
• Anthropic's potential IPO and the future of AI companies
• The semiconductor industry and the infrastructure behind AI
• Universal basic income and the future of employment
• Prediction markets and their growing influence on politics
• How AI is transforming enterprise software and business
• The future of computer science degrees and technical education
• Why charisma, critical thinking, and human relationships still matter

Time Stamps:
02:11 – Open weight models, China, and AI regulation (including the Anthropic IPO and monopoly debate)
08:17 – Democrats, populism, and inequality (Trump accounts, universal basic income) 1
3:18 – Trump, his base, and the Texas primary races
17:09 – Charisma in politics and SF/NYC politics
18:50 – Prediction markets: Kalshi vs. Polymarket
21:58 – Enterprise software and AI deals (Dreamforce, Salesforce, Nvidia acquisitions, Cognition and Factory)
28:58 – Semiconductor stocks, the Anthropic IPO financials, and the AI model race
33:23 – Personal agents and AI in the workplace
35:34 – Politics and AI adoption (Democrats, Bloomberg, the internet comparison)
38:52 – Training data jobs, NYC tech, and engineers who no longer hand-write code
42:47 – Education and careers: CS vs. MBA, systems thinking, and human skills
50:07 – Interruption and sign-off

As artificial intelligence becomes more powerful, the stakes extend far beyond technology. Who will control AI, who will profit from it, and how much influence should Big Tech have over our political system?

Join us for a conversation about the future of artificial intelligence, political power, and the changing relationship between humans and technology.

🔔 Subscribe to Systems & Power for conversations with leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and policymakers exploring the forces shaping our world.

💬 Let us know in the comments: Should AI models be open-weight and accessible to everyone, or should powerful AI systems remain restricted for safety?

Who REALLY pays for political protests? Are grassroots movements always organic, or is there an entire business behind political outrage?

In Episode 16 of Systems & Power, host Moses Parente sits down with Adam Swart, Founder and CEO of Crowds on Demand, a company specializing in public advocacy, grassroots organizing, and mobilizing support for political and corporate campaigns.

Adam offers an inside perspective on the business of political advocacy, the role of wealthy donors in shaping public opinion, and how money and messaging influence American politics.

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, we also explore the growing divisions within the Republican and Democratic parties, the influence of younger voters, and what these political shifts could mean for 2028.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 💰 Who funds political protests and advocacy campaigns?
• 📢 The business behind organized political movements
• 🇺🇸 The 2026 midterm elections and the future of both parties
• 📊 Prediction markets vs. traditional political polling
• 🗳️ Donald Trump's influence over the Republican Party
• 🔥 The rise of democratic socialism and changing political attitudes among Gen Z
• 🌎 Israel, Palestine, and the changing landscape of American foreign policy
• 🏛️ Potential congressional investigations, impeachment, and the balance of power in Washington
• 🎯 Adam's advice on effective advocacy and influencing decision-makers

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Adam Swart
00:26 – Predicting the 2026 Midterm Elections
03:41 – Are Polls and Prediction Markets Reliable?
05:22 – The Business Behind Political Protests
07:18 – Billionaires and Political Influence
08:11 – Crowds on Demand and Its Campaigns
09:42 – Are Democrats Heading Into 2028 Without a Leader?
12:01 – Could Donald Trump Jr. Run for President?
13:28 – The Future of MAGA and the Republican Party
16:39 – Ken Paxton, Trump, and Political Loyalty
19:48 – Are Political Parties Delivering for Their Voters?
21:44 – The Rise of Democratic Socialists
23:28 – Gen Z, Israel, and Changing Political Attitudes
25:49 – TikTok Politics and Political Messaging
27:18 – What Happens if Democrats Take the House?
29:15 – Could Trump Face Another Impeachment?
30:01 – Hakeem Jeffries vs. Nancy Pelosi
32:03 – How to Advocate Effectively
33:52 – Closing Remarks

About Systems & Power

Systems & Power explores the intersection of technology, business, politics, and the people shaping our world. Through conversations with entrepreneurs, policymakers, academics, and industry leaders, we examine the ideas, institutions, and systems influencing our future.

Subscribe for new conversations and perspectives.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent those of their employers, affiliated organizations, or institutions. This conversation is presented for informational and public-interest discussion purposes.

Shesh Narayan Gupta is an AI Researcher, Data Scientist and the Author of Generative AI for Game Development: Crafting Narrative Worlds with Machines.

In this episode of Systems and Power, host Moses Parente sits down with data scientist, AI researcher, and author Shesh Narayan Gupta to explore how generative AI is changing the future of video games.

From smarter NPCs and dynamic dialogue to AI-generated narratives and adaptive gameplay, Shesh breaks down how artificial intelligence can make virtual worlds feel more responsive, immersive, and alive.

But with that power comes a major challenge: how do developers keep AI creative without losing control?

We discuss the importance of deterministic rules, AI guardrails, character consistency, ethical safeguards, and the difficulty of proving that AI safety systems actually work in real-world environments. Shesh also shares insights from his book, Generative AI for Game Development, and explains how lessons from gaming can apply to AI systems far beyond entertainment.

In this episode:

• How generative AI is transforming game development
• The future of intelligent NPCs and dynamic dialogue
• AI-generated stories and adaptive gaming experiences
• Why deterministic rules still matter
• How developers balance creativity with control
• AI guardrails, bias, and ethical considerations
• Why some AI safeguards can actually make systems worse
• What gaming can teach us about building safer AI
• The future of AI-driven interactive worlds

If you enjoyed the video:

• Subscribe for more commentary and Systems & Power episodes
• Like the video to support the channel
• Leave a comment with your thoughts
• Watch the full podcast conversation on the channel

📅 New episodes every Monday at 12 p.m. ET

🎧 Listen and watch:

▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@itsmosesparente
🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033OlrjypMa5fS2Uqn3zYD
🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/tj/podcast/systems-and-power/id6790180591

📱 Follow me:

Instagram: @itsmosesparente
TikTok: @itsmosesparente
LinkedIn: Moses Parente

DISCLAIMERS

The Systems & Power Podcast does not endorse or assume responsibility for the opinions expressed by its guests.

We provide a platform for different perspectives under the premise that ideas should be heard, questioned, and put to the test.

The views expressed on this channel are my own and do not represent those of my employer.

Niel Pal returns to the Systems & Power Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about where artificial intelligence is heading next and whether the fear surrounding AI has gone too far.

In this episode, Moses Parente and Niel discuss the rise of AI agents, increasingly capable AI models, and the growing debate around AI Doomerism. They explore how quickly these systems are improving, how new AI features could change everyday work and decision-making, and whether public fear is keeping pace with what the technology can actually do.

The conversation also moves into prediction markets and insider trading, the role of information asymmetry in markets, and the rapid rise of GLP-1 medications as a potential response to obesity.

Topics include:

• AI agents and autonomous systems
• New capabilities in modern AI models
• Whether AI doomerism is overblown
• Public perception of artificial intelligence
• Prediction markets and insider trading
• Information asymmetry and market ethics
• GLP-1 medications and obesity
• How technology is reshaping culture and behavior

This episode looks at the intersection of technology, markets, health, and society and what happens when innovation moves faster than public understanding.

Check out Siddharth Niel Pal:
Instagram: @snpal2000
TikTok: @nielpal2
LinkedIn: Siddharth Niel Pal

If you enjoyed the video:

• Subscribe for more commentary and Systems & Power episodes
• Like the video to support the channel
• Leave a comment with your thoughts
• Watch the full podcast conversation on the channel

📅 New episodes every Monday at 12 p.m. ET

🎧 Listen and watch:

▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@itsmosesparente
🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033OlrjypMa5fS2Uqn3zYD
🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/tj/podcast/systems-and-power/id6790180591

📱 Follow me:

Instagram: @itsmosesparente
TikTok: @itsmosesparente
LinkedIn: Moses Parente

DISCLAIMERS

The Systems & Power Podcast does not endorse or assume responsibility for the opinions expressed by its guests.

We provide a platform for different perspectives under the premise that ideas should be heard, questioned, and put to the test.

The views expressed on this channel are my own and do not represent those of my employer.

Dr. Mathew Bradbury is an economist and lecturer at Queens College, CUNY, whose work focuses on macroeconomics, monetary economics, political economy, and sovereign debt risk and sustainability. He earned both his B.S. in Economics and Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Utah.

In this episode of the Systems & Power Podcast, Moses sits down with Dr. Bradbury to break down some of the biggest economic questions facing the United States today — from the national debt and government deficits to inflation, interest rates, monetary policy, and the long-term sustainability of the U.S. economy.

We discuss what the national debt actually means, when government borrowing becomes a real problem, how the Federal Reserve influences the economy, and why economic issues that sound simple in political debates are often much more complicated in practice.

Whether you're interested in economics, public policy, finance, or simply want a better understanding of how the U.S. economy works, this conversation offers a practical look at the forces shaping our financial system.

Be sure to check out the following:

Penn-Wharton budget model projections:

https://budgetmodel.wharton.upenn.edu/

CBO Debt reduction strategies:

https://www.cbo.gov/publication/60557

If you enjoyed the video:

• Subscribe for more commentary and Systems & Power episodes
• Like the video to support the channel
• Leave a comment with your thoughts
• Watch the full podcast conversation on the channel

📅 New episodes every Monday at 12 p.m. ET

🎧 Listen and watch:

▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@itsmosesparente
🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033OlrjypMa5fS2Uqn3zYD
🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/tj/podcast/systems-and-power/id6790180591

📱 Follow me:

Instagram: @itsmosesparente
TikTok: @itsmosesparente
LinkedIn: Moses Parente

DISCLAIMERS

The Systems & Power Podcast does not endorse or assume responsibility for the opinions expressed by its guests.

We provide a platform for different perspectives under the premise that ideas should be heard, questioned, and put to the test.

The views expressed on this channel are my own and do not represent those of my employer.

In this episode of the Systems & Power Podcast, host Moses Parente speaks with Asli Erem about her unconventional journey from studying anthropology to becoming a competitive powerlifter and eventually breaking into New York City’s startup scene.

They discuss the sense of community within powerlifting, the barriers CUNY students often face when trying to access startup opportunities, and how COVID-19 affected social skills, networking, and professional development. Asli also shares her perspective on the job market for recent graduates and why networking, communication, and marketing skills can be just as important as technical ability.

The conversation also explores content creation, digital marketing, and Asli’s background in anthropology and archaeology. She reflects on the importance of storytelling in travel content, the way social media can distort perceptions of reality, and current trends in fitness and health.

Asli also talks about the value of stepping outside your comfort zone, building relationships, and using diverse experiences as a source of personal and professional growth. The episode closes with a look at her future ambitions and how technology may continue to shape the fields of anthropology, media, and entrepreneurship.

If you enjoyed the video:

• Subscribe for more commentary and Systems & Power episodes
• Like the video to support the channel
• Leave a comment with your thoughts
• Watch the full podcast conversation on the channel

📅 New episodes every Monday at 12 p.m. ET

🎧 Listen and watch:

▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@itsmosesparente
🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033OlrjypMa5fS2Uqn3zYD
🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/tj/podcast/systems-and-power/id6790180591

📱 Follow me:

Instagram: @itsmosesparente
TikTok: @itsmosesparente
LinkedIn: Moses Parente

DISCLAIMERS

The Systems & Power Podcast does not endorse or assume responsibility for the opinions expressed by its guests.

We provide a platform for different perspectives under the premise that ideas should be heard, questioned, and put to the test.

The views expressed on this channel are my own and do not represent those of my employer.

In this episode of the Systems and Power Podcast, host Moses Parente sits down with Louis Cubero to discuss his journey through social media, freelancing for startups, and navigating the fast-moving world of tech and entrepreneurship. Louis shares what he learned from living and working in hacker houses, building relationships in startup communities, and trying to stand out in an increasingly crowded online landscape.

They also explore the importance of genuine networking, the challenges of building a personal brand, and why founders should be careful about treating venture capital as the default path to success. Louis offers a candid look at the realities of startup culture, community building, and finding your place in an ecosystem where attention, credibility, and connections can matter just as much as the product itself.

If you enjoyed the video:

• Subscribe for more commentary and Systems & Power episodes
• Like the video to support the channel
• Leave a comment with your thoughts on AI agents
• Watch the full podcast conversation on the channel

📅 New episodes every Monday at 12 p.m. ET

🎧 Listen and watch:

▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@itsmosesparente
🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033OlrjypMa5fS2Uqn3zYD
🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/tj/podcast/systems-and-power/id6790180591

📱 Follow me:

Instagram: @itsmosesparente
TikTok: @itsmosesparente
LinkedIn: Moses Parente

DISCLAIMERS

The Systems & Power Podcast does not endorse or assume responsibility for the opinions expressed by its guests.

We provide a platform for different perspectives under the premise that ideas should be heard, questioned, and put to the test.

The views expressed on this channel are my own and do not represent those of my employer.

In this episode of the Systems & Power Podcast, host Moses Parente sits down with Bo Brainerd, CEO and founder of Ophelia, to discuss startups, AI agents, infrastructure, and the future of software.

Bo shares her journey from politics into the tech industry, explaining how grassroots political organizing and startup building have more in common than you might think. She breaks down the idea behind Ophelia, a technology layer designed to connect consumer software and AI agents with real-world services and capabilities.

The conversation explores the challenges of building infrastructure for a new category of software, the importance of open-source tools, and how startups can integrate AI agents into their products without rebuilding everything from scratch.

Bo also discusses New York City's growing startup ecosystem, how AI could reshape jobs and enterprise companies, and her long-term vision for giving software the ability to take meaningful action in the real world.

Topics include:

• Building Ophelia from the ground up
• AI agents and the future of startups
• Connecting software to real-world services
• Open-source infrastructure and developer tools
• Politics, grassroots organizing, and entrepreneurship
• New York City's startup ecosystem
• How AI could change jobs and the workforce
• The future of enterprise software
• Building infrastructure for an AI-native economy

If you enjoyed the conversation:

• Subscribe for more Systems & Power episodes
• Like the video to support the channel
• Comment with your thoughts on AI agents and the future of work
• Check out more full podcast conversations on the channel

📅 New episodes every Monday at 12 p.m. ET

🎧 Listen & Watch

▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@itsmosesparente
🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033OlrjypMa5fS2Uqn3zYD
🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/tj/podcast/systems-and-power/id6790180591

📱 Follow Moses Parente

Instagram: @itsmosesparente
TikTok: @itsmosesparente
LinkedIn: Moses Parente

DISCLAIMERS

The Systems & Power Podcast does not endorse or assume responsibility for the opinions expressed by its guests.

We provide a platform for different perspectives under the premise that ideas should be heard, questioned, and put to the test.

The views expressed on this channel are my own and do not represent those of my employer.

In this episode of the Systems in Power Podcast, host Moses interviews Brandon Castro, the Republican candidate for New York's 30th Assembly District. They discuss the dynamics of the recent primary election, the challenges of running against an established political family, and Castro's unique position as an outsider. The conversation delves into Castro's campaign platform, which emphasizes infrastructure improvements, housing solutions, and the role of AI in education.

Here Castro shares his vision for a more inclusive political landscape and the importance of engaging with the community on various issues. In this conversation, Moses and Brandon discuss the challenges faced by Gen Z in the job market, the need for educational reform to better align with current job demands, and the rise of anti-establishment movements like the DSA. They also explore the influence of corporate money in politics and the importance of authentic leadership that prioritizes community needs over party lines.

If you enjoyed the video:

• Subscribe for more commentary and Systems & Power episodes
• Like the video to support the channel
• Leave a comment with your thoughts on AI agents
• Watch the full podcast conversation on the channel

📅 New episodes every Monday at 12 p.m. ET

🎧 Listen and watch:

▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@itsmosesparente
🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033OlrjypMa5fS2Uqn3zYD
🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/tj/podcast/systems-and-power/id6790180591

📱 Follow me:

Instagram: @itsmosesparente
TikTok: @itsmosesparente
LinkedIn: Moses Parente

DISCLAIMERS

The Systems & Power Podcast does not endorse or assume responsibility for the opinions expressed by its guests.

We provide a platform for different perspectives under the premise that ideas should be heard, questioned, and put to the test.

The views expressed on this channel are my own and do not represent those of my employer.