Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov

How Obamaworld is Elevating Zohran Mamdani (ft. David Axelrod)

24 snips
Aug 20, 2025
David Axelrod, former senior advisor to President Obama and CNN chief political analyst, joins to discuss the political dynamics of California under Governor Newsom. He reflects on Zohran Mamdani's recent primary win, emphasizing his appeal among younger voters and the urgent issue of affordable living. The conversation also touches on the challenges Democrats face in reconnecting with the working class and the implications of international relations, particularly in light of recent U.S.-Russia tensions.
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INSIGHT

Redistricting As Real Counterpunch

  • David Axelrod argues Newsom's redistricting push is both political and principled given asymmetric threats from Trump.
  • He warns partial reforms fail when the other side abandons rules and norms.
INSIGHT

Trump's Asymmetric Worldview

  • Axelrod frames Trump's philosophy as normless: rules are for suckers and the strong take what they want.
  • That worldview forces Democrats into asymmetric responses rather than standard bipartisan norms.
INSIGHT

Trump's Strength Is Salesmanship Plus Power

  • Axelrod says Trump is unusually effective because he's a brilliant salesman who consolidates power and neutralizes opposition.
  • That consolidation makes democratic checks and independent institutions more critical.
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