Why are elected Democrats punishing the very people who voted for them?

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This week's episode tackles the tendency to criticize Democrats when Republicans are the principal drivers of authoritarianism in the U.S.right now. Andrea Pitzer tries to answer the perennial question "What do you want Democrats to do, if they don't control any branch of government?" Her response boils down to giving examples of harmful actions from several Democrats voters had hoped would do more.

She considers Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer's recent appearance with Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has endorsed genocide against Palestinians and encouraged violence in the West Bank. She also considers recent actions taken by three governors: Abigail Spanberger of Virginia, Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, and Jared Polis of Colorado. These Democratic governors have undercut their party and democracy alike—in one case by pardoning an unrepentant criminal election denier who betrayed her office, in others by inviting the state police to brutalize demonstrators or by ignoring the will of the people and the legislators of her own party.

0:00 – What Do Voters Want From Democrats Right Now?

1:18 – Democrats Acting Like an Opposition Party: Early Examples

5:35 – Chuck Schumer's Failure to Lead

7:18 – Schumer at the Israel Day Parade With Bezalel Smotrich

8:59 – Virginia Governor Spanberger's Veto Spree Against Her Own Party

12:53 – Colorado Governor Polis Frees Election Denier Tina Peters

15:33 – Delaney Hall: What's Happening Inside the Newark ICE Detention Facility

21:27 – Mayor Ras Baraka vs. Governor Sherrill: Who's Actually Fighting Back?

26:23 – Why Democratic Politicians Must Oppose Authoritarianism — Lessons From History