Jacobin Radio The Dig: NYC and the Hegemonic Project
14 snips
Dec 21, 2025 Sumathi Kumar, a former co-chair of NYC DSA and tenant advocacy leader, discusses the shift from accountability to collective responsibility in governance. Sumeya Awad, a Palestinian writer and organizer, shares insights on foreign policy and the implications of protest responses under new leadership. Nathan Gustorf, executive director of the Fiscal Policy Institute, highlights fiscal realities and the need for effective tax strategy. Together, they explore the balance between grassroots power and governance, emphasizing the importance of community participation and organization.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Power Is Expanded, Not Unlimited
- Zohran's victory expands what socialists can attempt but does not remove real limits on power.
- Sumathi Kumar argues the left must focus on delivering promised policies to voters, not only internal accountability.
Organize Mass Governance
- Build “mass governance” so hundreds of thousands share in both successes and setbacks of the administration.
- Organize thousands to deliver services like free buses and childcare alongside the mayor to withstand attacks.
Governing Requires Bureaucratic Capacity
- Governing an executive requires different skills than winning legislative races.
- Nathan Gustorf stresses NYC DSA must build capacity to manage complex day-to-day city operations.