Joshua Green, author of The Rebels: Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the Struggle for a New American Politics, discusses how these rebels influenced Joe Biden; the Democratic Party's shift away from finance-centered liberalism due to the 2008 financial crisis; the rise and impact of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez; frustration among young Democrats with Biden's leadership; and the Democratic Party's fissure on foreign policy.
The 2008 financial crisis shaped the Democratic Party and fueled the rise of left-wing populism.
Figures like Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders challenged the Democratic establishment and advocated for progressive policies.
Deep dives
The Rise of Left-Wing Populism
The podcast discusses how the 2008 financial crisis played a crucial role in shaping the Democratic Party and giving rise to left-wing populism. Figures like Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders emerged as key players who steered the party towards a more left-leaning economic stance.
The Shift from Labor-Centered to Finance-Centered Liberalism
The podcast highlights how the Democratic Party transitioned from being known as the party of labor to becoming more aligned with finance-centered liberalism. The shift occurred in the wake of Carter's presidency and continued with figures like Bill Clinton, whose pro-business neoliberal policies ultimately led to the 2008 financial collapse.
Obama's Presidency and the Short-Lived Economic Left Revival
The podcast explores how the 2008 financial crash created hope for a revival of the economic left within the Democratic Party during Barack Obama's presidency. However, Obama's lack of experience in finance and his reliance on Wall Street advisors led to an economic recovery that disproportionately benefited banks and failed to address the concerns of ordinary middle-class Americans.
The Rise and Influence of Figures like AOC and Bernie Sanders
The podcast delves into the rise and influence of figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Bernie Sanders within the left wing of the Democratic Party. AOC, along with Warren and Sanders, challenged the Democratic establishment and advocated for left-wing policies, such as a wealth tax, Medicare for all, and criminal justice reform. While AOC represents the youthful progressive wing, Bernie Sanders gained support by embodying the principles and authenticity that Democrats sought in a candidate.
Freddy Gray speaks to author Joshua Green who wrote The Rebels: Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the Struggle for a New American Politics. On the podcast they discuss the three rebels in the book; how they influenced Joe Biden in office; and whether the Democratic Party has given up ‘finance-centered’ liberalism.
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