Ned Ryun, founder and CEO of American Majority, sheds light on the growth of the administrative state and its implications for American democracy. He discusses how former President Trump's crusade to 'drain the Swamp' reshaped political discourse. The conversation delves into the tension between bureaucratic power and individual rights, emphasizing the historical roots of this shift. Ryun also highlights strategies for mobilizing voters in crucial elections, stressing the importance of local engagement and accountability in today's political landscape.
The podcast emphasizes the critical tension between the burgeoning administrative state and the foundational principles of accountability in American democracy.
It advocates for increased political engagement and grassroots initiatives to empower local candidates as essential strategies for reclaiming power from bureaucratic dominance.
Deep dives
The Threat of the Administrative State
The current election cycle is viewed as crucial for the preservation of the republic, with the administrative state seen as a significant threat to democracy. The discourse highlights a historical conflict between elected representatives and unelected bureaucrats who exert substantial control over governance. The growth of the administrative state, rooted in progressive ideologies, has led to a bureaucracy that operates with little accountability to the American public. The text suggests that to reclaim power, it is essential for citizens to recognize the importance of voting as a means to challenge bureaucratic dominance.
The Clash of Governance Philosophies
A stark contrast exists between constitutional governance and the principles of the progressive administrative state. The founding ideals emphasized the separation of powers and accountability to the people, which progressives have systematically undermined by promoting a centralized bureaucratic authority. This shift is perceived not just as a policy disagreement but as a fundamental clash between two conflicting visions of governance. The podcast asserts that this ideological battle shapes the future of American democracy, with particular focus on the upcoming elections.
Restoration Through Political Engagement
Political engagement is promoted as crucial for restoring a government that serves the interests of the American people over a self-serving administrative state. Grassroots initiatives aimed at empowering local candidates across various levels of government are emphasized as key to affecting real change. The importance of strategic voter outreach efforts, like ballot chasing and early voting, is highlighted as a means to increase voter participation and influence election outcomes. The approach mirrors successful tactics used in other states, suggesting a model for future victories.
Consequences for Institutional Abuse
The need for accountability within the administrative state is underscored, with a call for consequences for those who have misused their power. The discussion raises concerns about the lack of accountability in a system that has seen legislative authority ceded to bureaucratic agencies. As the political environment evolves, the expectation is set for elected officials, particularly in a potential future Trump administration, to address the abuses of the past. The philosophical underpinning suggests that restoring the republic entails not just governance but also rectifying past oversights in the balance of power.
On this episode of "The Federalist Radio Hour," Ned Ryun, founder and CEO of American Majority, joins Federalist Senior Elections Correspondent Matt Kittle to trace the rapid expansion of the administrative state, analyze why former President Donald Trump's goal to "drain the Swamp" changed politics, and explain how an emboldened bureaucracy threatens our republic.
You can find Ryun's book American Leviathan: The Birth of the Administrative State and Progressive Authoritarianismhere.
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