Journalist and author Ross Barkan returns to the show to discuss why traditional media is in crisis, whether we’re living in a new romantic age, and why 2025 may be the year we resist the lure of technology.

Ravi and Ross then turn to the political landscape and explain why we’re seeing a shift away from hyper-online politics. They also examine the Democratic Party’s future and what to make of the influence of figures like Elon Musk and Vice President J.D. Vance within a Republican coalition that is increasingly ideologically flexible. Finally, Ravi and Ross turn to New York City, where Mayor Eric Adams is deeply unpopular, Andrew Cuomo is considering a comeback, and progressives are jockeying for position in a crowded mayoral race. Could a socialist be elected mayor, or is the city shifting back to the center?

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Notes from this episode are available on Substack: https://thelostdebate.substack.com/

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