Bulwark Takes Why Donors Are Giving Up on Democrats (w/ Tom Steyer)
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Aug 28, 2025 Tom Steyer, a climate investor and former presidential candidate, dives into the complexities of populism on the left. He warns that quick fixes like rent control can have unforeseen negative consequences. Steyer emphasizes the need for shared economic growth to combat rising inequalities. He critiques the Biden administration's disconnect between promises and actual infrastructure progress. Additionally, he discusses strategies for the Democratic Party to counter Trump's influence by focusing on addressing real voter concerns and providing a compelling vision for the future.
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Populists Win By Addressing Real Pain
- Populists gain traction because they address immediate, visible problems like rent and food prices.
- Democrats must hear those kitchen-table issues and pair short-term relief with long-term fixes.
Pair Short Relief With Durable Policy
- Do pair short-term measures with durable policies to avoid creating worse long-term outcomes.
- Design immediate relief that preserves incentives to build housing and increase supply.
Abundance Requires Shared Growth
- Abundance means growth through building real things like housing and infrastructure.
- Growth must be shared broadly or it undermines democracy and worsens inequality.