The Science of Politics The future of the democratic party
Oct 2, 2025
Join journalist Matt Iglesias and political scientist Stephen Tellis as they dive into the Democratic Party's challenges and possible futures. They tackle whether moderating ideological stances could win back disenchanted voters and discuss the potential of an 'abundance' agenda focused on local impacts. Iglesias highlights the pressure of factional dynamics, while Tellis explores how the conservative legal movement is reshaping executive power. The conversation navigates the path toward a successful Democratic reset by 2028, considering pivotal strategy shifts.
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Nonparticipation As A Strategic Choice
- Stephen Tellis argues Democrats sometimes should refuse to play procedural games they cannot win.
- He suggests nonparticipation can be a pragmatic second-best when party identity blocks effective responses.
Unpopularity Undermines Resistance Energy
- Matthew Iglesias says lack of popular resonance for Biden made resistance weaker than in prior presidencies.
- He links low public trust to reduced protest, institutional pushback, and legislative resistance.
Leadership Mode Matters For Party Image
- Stephen Tellis frames Biden's failure as partly a lack of mode-one governance that pushed against coalitional ease.
- He argues Biden reinforced coalition pressures instead of using executive leadership to change perceptions.