Impolitic with John Heilemann Robert Garcia: “Things Are Fucked Up”
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Aug 11, 2025 
Democratic congressman Robert Garcia, a former mayor of Long Beach, dives into the urgent need for his party to abandon "respectability politics" against Trump's looming influence. He highlights the Texas redistricting fight as pivotal to securing elections and laments the rise of authoritarianism. The conversation also probes the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein scandal, emphasizing accountability and transparency. Plus, Garcia shares his admiration for Superman, reflecting on the character's significance for LGBTQ+ representation and critiquing portrayals in Hollywood.
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Stop Respectability Politics
- Stop respectability politics and lean into authentic, forceful messaging.
- Fight Republicans with equal energy to protect democracy.
Mid-Decade Redistricting Is A National Emergency
- Mid-decade redistricting is a national emergency that can steal seats.
- It can reshape Congress and wreck checks and balances before 2026.
Nonpartisan Commissions Left Democrats Disarmed
- Democrats' nonpartisan commissions in blue states ceded map power to red states.
- That self-restraint left Democrats politically disarmed against aggressive gerrymanders.