American Prestige Bonus - Dead End Democrats w/ Ross Barkan (Preview)
Sep 28, 2025
Ross Barkan, a writer and columnist for New York Magazine and the New York Times Magazine, dives into his essay collection, Fascism or Genocide. He discusses the ‘uncommitted’ revolt in the 2024 primary, highlighting the Democratic Party's failures and generational shifts. Barkan critiques the decline of party elites since 2016 and the party's resistance to left populism. He examines Trump’s limited yet lasting appeal and argues that progressive leaders must embrace ruthless tactics to reclaim power.
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Uncommitted Movement Origin Story
- Ross describes interviewing activists in the 2024 uncommitted movement who protested Biden over U.S. backing of Israel in Gaza.
- A Palestinian activist told him the choice felt like "fascism or genocide," which inspired the book title.
Party Hegemony Is Structurally Harder
- Ross argues structural polarization makes long-term party hegemony unlikely in contemporary U.S. politics.
- He notes the twentieth-century party machine model that once controlled votes no longer exists.
2016 Elite Lock Changed The Party
- Ross traces key Democratic failures to resisting left populism and blocking contested primaries in 2016.
- He argues elite consolidation around Hillary crowded out a healthier open primary that might have adapted the party earlier.
