Risky Business with Nate Silver and Maria Konnikova What Democrats Should Take from No Kings Protests
Oct 22, 2025
Recent 'No Kings' protests saw millions marching, signaling a shift in public sentiment. The hosts explore the psychology behind protests and their potential for collective action. They discuss the impact of crowd size on media narratives and how protests can offer counter-narratives to dominant messaging. The effectiveness of protests versus voting and lobbying is debated, highlighting the need for Democrats to focus on inclusivity and long-term strategies for renewal. Ambiguity in protest demands is also examined, revealing the tension between broad movements and specific goals.
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Grand Central Visit Turned Claustrophobic
- Maria Konnikova visited Grand Central for a Humans of New York exhibit and left because it was too crowded.
- She experienced claustrophobia and couldn't appreciate the art due to jostling.
Public Protests Solve Coordination Problems
- Protests serve as public signals that solve coordination problems and show people they're not alone.
- Maria Konnikova says this visible coordination can build momentum for future action.
Spectacle Amplifies Small Numbers
- Large-scale protests can punch above their size by capturing media attention and shaping narrative.
- Nate Silver argues spectacle can be outsized relative to participant numbers.