The Realignment 578 | Frank DiStefano: The Realignment and America's 21st Century "Crisis of Legitimacy"
Oct 14, 2025
Frank J. DiStefano, author of The Next Realignment, dives into the fascinating world of American political shifts. He discusses the current crisis of legitimacy impacting institutions and the American dream. Emphasizing the importance of creating ideological movements rather than merely reforming parties, he critiques technocratic control and advocates for a governance philosophy centered on abundance. The conversation explores how these ideas are vital for restoring public trust and enabling meaningful change in a rapidly evolving political landscape.
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We're In A New Realignment
- Frank DiStefano sees the current moment as a major political realignment driven by institutional breakdown.
- He argues this will produce two new stable parties organized around new ideas and coalitions.
Realignments Are Legitimacy Crises
- Every major realignment responds to a crisis of legitimacy that convinces citizens the system no longer works.
- Restorative programs (like the New Deal) aim to prove the system can deliver and rebuild legitimacy.
Build Movements, Then Capture Parties
- Build broad movements rooted in ideas rather than trying to reform parties from the inside.
- Create networks, media, and events to form a movement that then claims party institutions.
