The Many, Many Deaths of the Millennial Left with Alex Gendler

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Jul 15, 2024

Expert on contemporary leftist politics, Alex Gendler, discusses the evolution of the millennial left post-Bernie Sanders. Topics include legacies of key figures, challenges within leftist movements, U.S. electoral politics, organizational flaws, strategic missteps, and the complex nature of forming impactful leftist movements.

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Intro

00:00 • 4min

Millennial Left Politics in New York and California

04:00 • 9min

Challenges and Contradictions in U.S. Political Movements

12:40 • 26min

Reflections on Changes in NLRB, Union Density, and Reflections on Organized Labor Power

38:22 • 2min

Challenges and Tendencies of the Electoral Left in the US

40:09 • 12min

Evolution of Former Leftists and Challenges of the Millennial Left Movement

51:45 • 22min

Challenges and Strategies in the Leftist Movement

01:13:47 • 24min

Analysis of Nuclear Deterrence, Syrian Civil War, and Left's Political Influence

01:37:29 • 3min

Reflections on Vietnam, Mass Politics, and the Working Class

01:40:37 • 4min

Societal Issues, COVID Responses, and Political Realities

01:44:41 • 16min

Exploring the Formation of Independent Labor Clubs and Core Principles

02:00:57 • 4min

Is the millennial left crumbling under its own weight, or is it poised for a groundbreaking resurgence? Join us on VarmVlog as we dissect the intricate evolution and fragmentation of the millennial left post-Bernie Sanders. With insights from Alex Gendler, we reflect on the legacies of Mark Fisher, David Graeber, and Michael Brooks, and how their contributions continue to shape contemporary leftist politics. We compare the vibrant political ecosystems of New York and California, exploring how their unique industrial landscapes influence local leftist movements.

We'll navigate the treacherous waters of U.S. electoral politics, scrutinizing the left's response to Trump-era strategies and the current state of the Democratic Party. From the decline of Graeberite anarchism to the rise of semi-reformist Marxist-Leninist tendencies, this episode uncovers the fractured nature of leftist groups like the DSA and the complex challenges of modern political organizing. We also examine the reactive nature of leftist politics, particularly in relation to international crises and domestic policy shifts, and question the feasibility of certain ideological perspectives.

Finally, we confront the uncomfortable truths and strategic missteps that have plagued leftist movements. From the perplexing support for figures like Alexander Dugin to the organizational flaws within movements like BLM, we dissect the multifaceted challenges of forming a coherent and impactful leftist movement. We also explore the potential for revitalizing the workers' movement, addressing the generational wealth disparities, and examining the subtle manipulations within leftist media. Tune in for a comprehensive and critical analysis of the millennial left's past, present, and possible future trajectories.

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Musis by Bitterlake, Used with Permission, all rights to Bitterlake

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Host: C. Derick Varn
Intro and Outro Music by Bitter Lake.
Intro Video Design: Jason Myles
Art Design: Corn and C. Derick Varn

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