The New Romanticism, New Old Media, Cuomo Comeback
Feb 27, 2025
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In this engaging discussion, journalist Ross Barkan, contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine, sheds light on the crisis in traditional media and the rise of a new romanticism focused on authentic connections. He and Ravi delve into the evolving political landscape, including the influence of figures like Elon Musk in a flexible Republican coalition. They also explore the tumultuous New York mayoral race, examining Andrew Cuomo's potential comeback and the future of the Democratic Party amidst changing voter dynamics.
The rise of a new literary magazine, The Metropolitan Review, highlights the ongoing demand for quality arts criticism amid declining traditional media.
The discussion of a potential 'new romantic era' indicates a societal shift towards valuing human interaction over technology after the pandemic.
Political dynamics are evolving as both parties attract non-traditional voters, emphasizing the need for the Democratic Party to embrace diverse viewpoints.
Deep dives
The Launch of The Metropolitan Review
A new literary magazine, The Metropolitan Review, has been launched to fill the gap left by the decline in cultural criticism. It aims to review various forms of media, including fiction, nonfiction, film, and television, providing a platform for both established and emerging writers. The publication operates partly through Substack, benefiting from the platform’s growth while still offering a bundled experience for readers who miss traditional review formats. This approach underscores the continued demand for quality arts criticism amidst the rise of digital media.
A Shift Towards New Romanticism
A theory has emerged that contemporary society is entering a 'new romantic era,' characterized by a reaction to the technological upheaval brought on by past advancements like the Industrial Revolution. This period is marked by a blend of skepticism towards technology and an increasing desire for human interaction, particularly emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation highlights how, after years of embracing technology, society is now questioning its impact on daily life and prioritizing tangible human experiences. A growing number of individuals are seeking to engage in in-person events, suggesting a notable shift in cultural values.
The Political Landscape of Major Parties
The discussion reveals a perceived transformation in the political dynamics of the Democratic and Republican parties, suggesting that the latter is becoming a bigger tent party. The conversation points to how both parties have attracted non-traditional voters but notes that the Democrats have struggled to keep pace with that inclusivity. It highlights the need for the Democratic Party to reevaluate how it accommodates dissident voices and conspiracy theorists, which has allowed some individuals to drift towards the Republican coalition. This reflects a broader sentiment that the Democratic Party needs to become more open to diverse viewpoints to remain competitive.
Critiques of Political Communication Strategies
The conversation critiques the communication strategies employed by political campaigns, particularly those of the Democratic Party, during recent elections. It argues that the approach of avoiding media engagement, as demonstrated by Kamala Harris's campaign, did not resonate well with voters or effectively convey their message. The need for candidates to engage more broadly, including on platforms outside traditional media, is emphasized, suggesting that a more inclusive approach could lead to better outcomes. The discussion also considers how past electoral failures can inform future strategies, underscoring the importance of adaptability in political messaging.
New York City's Ongoing Mayoral Race
The mayoral race in New York City is heating up, with current mayor Eric Adams facing significant unpopularity and potential challengers like Andrew Cuomo rising in prominence. The upcoming primary will be contentious, with candidates needing to rally coalitions across various demographics to succeed. The discussion also touches on the diverse field of candidates, including previously unsuccessful hopefuls and newcomers, and highlights the challenges each faces in gaining traction. Given the unique dynamics of ranked choice voting, candidates must address both their positioning within the electorate and their broader electoral strategies to navigate this political landscape.
Journalist and author Ross Barkan returns to the show to discuss why traditional media is in crisis, whether we’re living in a new romantic age, and why 2025 may be the year we resist the lure of technology.
Ravi and Ross then turn to the political landscape and explain why we’re seeing a shift away from hyper-online politics. They also examine the Democratic Party’s future and what to make of the influence of figures like Elon Musk and Vice President J.D. Vance within a Republican coalition that is increasingly ideologically flexible. Finally, Ravi and Ross turn to New York City, where Mayor Eric Adams is deeply unpopular, Andrew Cuomo is considering a comeback, and progressives are jockeying for position in a crowded mayoral race. Could a socialist be elected mayor, or is the city shifting back to the center?
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