Impolitic with John Heilemann Dan Pfeiffer: Gavin’s Gamble, J.B.’s Jibes & Other Harbingers of 2028
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Aug 18, 2025 
Dan Pfeiffer, co-host of Pod Save America and former top advisor to President Obama, shares insights into the upcoming political landscape as key figures vie for the Democratic Party's future. He dives into Gavin Newsom’s bold redistricting strategy and J.B. Pritzker’s challenge to connect with voters as a billionaire. The conversation also highlights the rising stars in politics like Zohran Mamdani and James Talarico, while tackling the urgent question of how Democrats can effectively combat Trump's resurgence.
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U.S. Sliding Toward Authoritarianism
- Dan Pfeiffer warns the U.S. is rapidly closer to authoritarianism than many imagine.
- He cites federal troop deployments, ICE abuses, media capitulation, and politicized agency firings as evidence.
Media Ubiquity Equals Modern Electability
- Pfeiffer argues Newsom uniquely grasps Democratic base fears and can harness media ubiquity.
- He highlights Newsom's omnipresence across podcasts and social platforms as an electability asset.
Be Bold And Iterate In New Media
- Do experiment publicly instead of shrinking from new media; perfect execution isn't required.
- Accept some failures, iterate fast, and prioritize getting attention in diverse media environments.