Pod Save America 1115: Why Are Democrats Afraid of Power?
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Feb 1, 2026 
Marc J. Dunkelman, author and historian focused on public policy, talks about progressive governance and how Democrats can make government work again. He compares New Deal-era speed with today, explores why big federal projects slow down, and debates empowering officials while preserving community voice. He ends hopeful that institutional reforms can restore capacity and attract talent back to public service.
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Progressivism's Two Competing Missions
- Progressivism originally aimed to build powerful institutions that do big things for people who cannot act for themselves.
- Speaking truth to power has become the dominant left zeitgeist, which conflicts with building effective government capacity.
Design Programs For Deliverability
- Design future programs so bureaucrats have discretion and power to make expeditious decisions.
- Build structures that prioritize deliverability, not only ideal rules and checks.
TVA Speed Versus NEVI Slowdown
- The TVA rapidly wired poor rural areas and built dams with sweeping federal authority and discretion.
- By contrast, Biden's NEVI EV charger program moved slowly because the modern system dispersed authority across states, utilities, and procurement rules.
