Krystal Ball, former MSNBC host, interviews Ryan Grim, author of 'The Squad: AOC and the Hope of a Political Revolution.' They discuss the Squad's relationship to Democratic leadership, criticism of their stance against party bosses, and the pro-Israel super PACS' efforts to oust them. The podcast highlights the challenges faced by progressive politicians, the influence of money in politics, and the impact of the Squad on the progressive movement.
The podcast highlights the challenges faced by progressive members of Congress, including pushback from APAC and other lobbying organizations, and emphasizes the importance of progressive representation within the Democratic Party and the potential for change in the political landscape.
The discussion explores the influence of big money and lobbying groups on politics, revealing how they shape the Democratic Party and undermine progressive candidates, emphasizing the need for progressive movements and individuals to advocate for structural change.
The podcast addresses the internal dynamics and challenges faced by progressive organizations and the role of grassroots movements in shaping legislation and policy, highlighting the need for maintaining focus and unity in pursuing progressive goals.
Deep dives
The Rise of the Squad and Progressive Movement in America
This podcast episode explores the rise of the progressive movement in America, focusing on the Squad and their impact on politics. It delves into the origins of the Squad and their individual journeys to Congress. The podcast highlights key moments, such as AOC's occupation of Speaker Pelosi's office and her subsequent involvement in the climate movement. It also addresses the challenges faced by progressive members of Congress, including pushback from APAC and other lobbying organizations. The episode underscores the importance of progressive representation within the Democratic Party and the potential for change in the political landscape.
The Influence of Big Money on Politics
The podcast touches upon the influence of big money and lobbying groups on politics, focusing on organizations like DMFI and No Labels. It reveals how these groups use significant financial resources to shape the Democratic Party and undermine progressive candidates. The discussion explores the struggle faced by progressive incumbents and challengers in the face of well-funded opposition. It highlights the impact of financial pressure on shaping policy positions, particularly in relationship to Israel-Palestine. The episode emphasizes the need for progressive movements and individuals to navigate these challenges and advocate for structural change.
Internal Dynamics and Turmoil within Progressive Organizations
The podcast addresses the internal dynamics and challenges faced by progressive organizations, particularly in the wake of electoral successes. It discusses how some organizations turn inward, focusing on internal struggles rather than wider structural change. The episode also explores the role of grassroots movements and their ability to shape legislation and policy. It highlights the example of the Sunrise Movement, which achieved prominence but also experienced internal strife at a crucial moment. The episode underscores the need for progressive organizations to maintain focus and unity in pursuing their goals.
The Squad's Stance on Israel and Palestine
The podcast examines the stance of the Squad, particularly AOC and Ilhan Omar, on the Israel-Palestine conflict. It explores the internal and external pressures they face in addressing this issue. The episode highlights the challenges of straddling progressive values and political pragmatism within the Democratic Party. It outlines the influence of organizations like APAC on shaping party positions, while also acknowledging the shifting public consciousness and support for a more balanced approach. The podcast underscores the importance of the Squad's stance in shaping the discourse and potential policy changes on Israel-Palestine.
The Future of Progressivism
The podcast concludes by discussing the future of progressivism and the impact of the Squad on the political landscape. It considers the ongoing influence of progressive movements and the generational shift in political values. The episode highlights the changing perspectives of younger voters and the potential for a more progressive Democratic Party. It also acknowledges the challenges and opposition faced by progressive candidates and the importance of unity within the movement. Overall, the podcast emphasizes the ongoing significance of the Squad and their potential to shape the future of American politics.
Ryan Grim has a new book out called "The Squad: AOC and the Hope of a Political Revolution." This week on Deconstructed, Grim's "Breaking Points" co-host Krystal Ball, a former MSNBC host, interviews him about his latest book. The conversation was held at Politics and Prose bookstore in Washington, D.C. Like we did earlier with our Naomi Klein interview, we’re running the conversation here as today’s episode. The event included a brief reading and a wide-ranging conversation that touched on the Squad’s relationship to Democratic leadership, criticism of its willingness to stand up to Democratic Party bosses, and the big-money operation launched by pro-Israel super PACS, organized by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, to oust members of the Squad and purge the party of Democrats who agree with them. You can preorder the book here.
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