The Realignment 550 | Elizabeth Wilkins: Abundance and the Left, Antitrust, & the Future of State Capacity
May 13, 2025
Elizabeth Wilkins, President and CEO of the Roosevelt Institute and former White House official, dives into the complexities of state capacity and antitrust issues. She critiques the left's response to the abundance agenda, advocating for reforms that enhance livelihoods and rebuild trust in government. Wilkins emphasizes the need for a compelling narrative to engage citizens, discusses the importance of small, tangible wins against corporate greed, and explores the role of 'villains' in political storytelling. Her insights urge a reimagining of government’s role in addressing societal grievances.
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State Capacity and Corporate Power
- State capacity is essential but limited if we ignore corporate power's role in hamstringing government.
- Effective economic policy must address both governmental limitations and corporate concentration actively.
Winning Legitimacy Through Simple Wins
- Address people's everyday frustrations by banning non-compete clauses, junk fees, and implementing click-to-cancel.
- Use clear, direct solutions that identify villains and heroes to restore faith in government.
Gym Cancellation Frustration
- Marshall shared his experience of being locked into a gym contract requiring in-person cancellation.
- This illustrates how everyday issues create frustration and the need for policies like click-to-cancel.
