Bad Faith Episode 534 - The Case for Kasky (w/ Cameron Kasky)
Dec 11, 2025
Cameron Kasky, a Parkland shooting survivor and New York congressional candidate, shares his journey as an activist. He discusses his informal backing from the DSA while navigating the complexities of political endorsements. Kasky critiques how 'affordability' is wielded in politics and underscores the linkage between U.S. foreign policy and domestic issues. He addresses the male loneliness crisis and the importance of accountability and consent in masculinity, all while encouraging support for his campaign to elevate progressive values.
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Episode notes
DSA Membership As Strategic Signal
- Cameron Kasky frames himself as a DSA member even without a formal endorsement to signal ideological alignment and grassroots support.
- He leverages DSA relationships for messaging and ground organizing while respecting their internal processes.
Unity Over Public Infighting
- Kasky defends Zohran Mamdani's right to weigh in as a DSA member while stressing movement unity over internal division.
- He prioritizes supporting a mayoral affordability agenda even when tactical disagreements arise.
Defer, But Demand Justification
- Kasky says he'd listen to the mayor if told his campaign undermined a broader progressive agenda, but he'd ask for justification before conceding.
- He balances being an activist-driven candidate with team-player instincts to avoid harming the movement's image.
