The Intercept Briefing Robert Reich Thinks Democrats Are On the Brink of a New Era
12 snips
Nov 21, 2025 
Robert Reich, former U.S. Secretary of Labor and expert on economic inequality, shares insights on the current state of the economy and Democratic politics. He emphasizes the struggles faced by the bottom 90% as real wages fall and critiques the Democratic leadership for lacking backbone against corporate influence. Reich calls for new leadership to connect with everyday Americans, endorsing grassroots progressive candidates and highlighting the urgent need to combat wealth concentration and corporate power. His reflections on past trade policies and the necessity for a fresh Democratic vision are particularly compelling.
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Big Money's Slow Capture Of Politics
- Big money has steadily taken over American politics since the 1970s and worsened in the 21st century.
- Robert Reich ties Trump's rise to decades of growing corporate and wealthy influence in politics.
Demagogue Mixes Wealth And Scapegoating
- Trump pairs policies that benefit the wealthy with rhetoric that channels working-class anger toward scapegoats.
- Reich calls this combination a deliberate con to enrich elites while controlling the working class.
Make Corporate Power Central To Messaging
- Democrats must clearly attack corporate monopolies, rising prices, and super-wealthy power to offer a distinct alternative.
- Reich urges leaders to communicate they represent an alternative to corporate capitalism.
