The Gist Not Even Mad: Anthony Weiner & John Ketcham
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Dec 11, 2025 Anthony Weiner, a former U.S. congressman, and John Ketchum, urban policy expert, dive into the chaos of Congress and shifting dynamics in New York politics. They discuss the challenges of governing a city, especially for someone like Mamdani, while analyzing the influence of fringe politics. Topics range from Pelosi's leadership to the legal implications of a U.S. strike on a Venezuelan boat. They also tackle urban issues like fare evasion and pet food taxes, blending sharp critique with practical insights into municipal governance.
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Small Bloc Can Paralyze Congress
- Modern Congress includes a small bloc willing to vote "no on everything," which can paralyze lawmaking despite formal majorities.
- Anthony Weiner says this minority breaks norms by running to obstruct rather than govern.
Administrative State Replaced Congressional Lawmaking
- John Ketchum argues the administrative state displaced Congress as the primary policymaker over decades.
- He says agencies now legislate, eroding committee expertise and democratic accountability.
Ceding Powers Undermines Checks And Balances
- Both guests note Congress ceded powers like budgetary control to executives and agencies, weakening checks and balances.
- Weiner warns this delegation will cause complaints when the other party controls the presidency.