Season 5 Episode 33: Will Menaker & Liza Featherstone
Sep 22, 2023
auto_awesome
Will Menaker from Chapo Trap House and Liza Featherstone from Jacobin discuss the GOP primary field, Thomas Friedman's Thoughts About Ukraine, and how New York Socialists won big on climate. They also touch on topics like the UAW strike, Marxist critique, recent strikes, the growth of the DSA, and Mike Pence's role in the Trump administration.
Reject the notion that climate policy hurts the working class.
Grassroots organizing and union support played a vital role in the success of the Build Public Renewables Act in New York.
The Bernie Sanders campaign had a significant influence on the rise of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in New York politics.
The conflict in Ukraine has diverted attention and resources from pressing global challenges, such as climate change and health crises.
Deep dives
The UAW strike and reactions
The UAW strike against the big three auto manufacturers is discussed, with Trump taking the side opposing the union. The importance of rejecting the idea that climate policy hurts the working class is emphasized. The successful campaign for the Build Public Renewables Act in New York is detailed, highlighting the role of grassroots organizing, electoralism, and union support.
The emergence of socialism in New York politics
The influence of the Bernie Sanders campaign on New York politics is explored, leading to an increase in support for Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and the election of DSA candidates. The significance of the Green New Deal and the push for public power in New York state is discussed, along with the use of grassroots organizing, electoral campaigns, and union support.
Replicating the success of the Build Public Renewables Act
The possibility of replicating the success of the Build Public Renewables Act in other states is considered, thanks to the availability of federal funding for renewable energy projects. The importance of tailoring campaigns to local contexts is emphasized, along with the need to reject false dichotomies that pit climate policy against the interests of the working class.
The Stakes in Ukraine
The author reflects on the stakes and implications of the conflict in Ukraine, considering the devastation caused by Russian aggression and the diversion of resources from pressing global issues.
The Evil of Putin's Actions
The author condemns Putin's invasion of Ukraine as evil, highlighting the death, pain, trauma, and destruction inflicted on Ukrainians.
The Need for Attention and Resources
The author argues that the war in Ukraine has diverted attention, collaborative energy, and resources from pressing global challenges such as climate change and health crises.
The Author's Reflections on War
The author wrestles with the complexities and challenges of the war in Ukraine, recognizing that there are no easy solutions but acknowledging the need for negotiated concessions.
Chapo Trap House host Will Menaker joins Ben Burgis for a conversation about the GOP primary field and Thomas Friedman's latest Thoughts About Ukraine in the New York Times. Before that, Jacobin columnist Liza Featherstone talks about her In These Times article "New York Socialists Won Big On Climate. How Did It Happen?" Last but definitely not least, comedian Robert Yasumura joins us in-studio for the postgame.
Become a GTAA Patron and receive numerous benefits ranging from patron-exclusive postgames every Monday night to our undying love and gratitude for helping us keep this thing going:
patreon.com/benburgis
Read the weekly philosophy Substack:
benburgis.substack.com
Visit benburgis.com
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode