Runaway Country with Alex Wagner Dems Take the Gloves Off
Oct 30, 2025
David Plouffe, a veteran Democratic strategist, discusses threats to democratic institutions and the necessity for Democrats to adopt aggressive tactics against GOP redistricting. Richard von Glahn, grassroots organizer from Missouri, shares insights about mobilizing efforts to collect signatures against mid-decade gerrymandering. They examine California's Prop 50 as a strategic countermeasure and highlight the urgency of addressing partisan redistricting plans that threaten electoral fairness. Both guests emphasize the need for proactive responses to safeguard democracy.
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Missouri's Fast Grassroots Mobilization
- Richard von Glahn describes rapid grassroots mobilization in Missouri after mid-decade redistricting shocked residents.
- His group organized meetings, drew thousands to the state capitol, and began collecting signatures to force a referendum.
Officials Attack Signature Campaign
- Von Glahn recounts attacks from state officials accusing his group of being out-of-state astroturf and delaying their petition approval.
- He says most donors and signatories are Missourians and officials' tactics only boosted volunteer turnout.
Temporary Measures In A Democratic Crisis
- Von Glahn admits temporary partisan responses like California's Prop 50 may be necessary to counteract aggressive GOP tactics.
- He warns such measures stem from a broader democratic crisis and should be used to restore fairness, not entrench new abuses.