Factually! with Adam Conover

Why Isn’t the Left Winning? with Bhaskar Sunkara

Apr 24, 2024

Adam Conover chats with Bhaskar Sunkara about why the Left isn't winning, comparing socialist ideals to far-right movements, analyzing Bernie Sanders' impact, discussing American vs European politics, online privacy, healthcare systems, union support for Medicare for All, border policies, and leftist group divisions over Israeli offense in Gaza.

01:16:57

Episode guests

Bhaskar Sunkara

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Implementing single-payer healthcare faces institutional barriers and concerns about quality and control.

Strong national leadership is vital for mobilizing public support around social policies like Medicare for All.

Expanding support for pro-working class politics requires a broader ideological base resonating with ordinary Americans.

Deep dives

Challenges in Implementing Socialized Healthcare

Implementing a single-payer healthcare system, such as Medicare for All in the United States, faces institutional barriers. Unions, while advocating for improved healthcare, may fear a loss of control or reduced member engagement under a new system. Additionally, many Americans covered by stable employer-sponsored plans may question the quality of government-provided care. Ensuring progress towards a socialized healthcare system requires addressing these concerns and demonstrating the benefits of a streamlined, cost-effective model.

Introduction

3min

Analysis of Left-wing Movements and Socialist Ideals in American Politics

5min

Comparing Political Movements and Leadership Styles

16min

A Comparative Analysis of American and European Politics

13min

Protecting Personal Information and Healthcare Systems

8min

Challenges and Opportunities in Union Support for Medicare for All

12min

Supporting Families Torn Apart by Border Policies

3min

Navigating Divisions in Leftist Groups Over Israeli Offense in Gaza

23min

Discussion on Publishing Work and Future Projects

3min

This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/FACTUALLY and get on your way to being your best self.

The term "socialism" has gained prominence in today's political discourse, yet it hasn't fully entered the political mainstream apart from moments like the Occupy Wall Street movement or Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign. Unlike the fervent following of MAGA, there's no socialist movement of comparable size and far-right politicians outnumber their left-leaning counterparts a hundred to one. Why is this the case, and does socialism actually have a shot at shaping future policy? To answer these questions, Adam is joined by Bhaskar Sunkara, founder of Jacobin, president of The Nation, and author of The Socialist Manifesto: The Case for Radical Politics in an Era of Extreme Inequality.

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