The Chris Cuomo Project Ro Khanna on How Democrats Can Win Without Becoming Trump
Dec 18, 2025
Ro Khanna, a U.S. Representative from California, advocates for a forward-thinking Democratic strategy focused on affordability and economic populism. He highlights the dangers of letting Affordable Care Act subsidies expire and promotes Medicare for All as a cost-saving measure. Khanna critiques outrage-driven politics, emphasizing the need for substantive alternatives to engage voters. He also discusses the influence of corporate money in politics, the importance of labor unions, and the necessity of addressing various international issues while prioritizing domestic economic concerns.
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Secure Short-Term ACA Relief
- Negotiate short-term renewals for ACA subsidies if Congress won't pass long-term reform.
- Use those years to tackle underlying cost drivers like middlemen, admin fees, and drug prices.
Medicare Lowers Systemic Costs
- Medicare reduces system costs by cutting admin overhead, middlemen, and enabling price negotiation.
- Khanna estimates roughly $450 billion annual savings from lower administrative fees alone.
Refuse Corporate PAC Influence
- Reject corporate PAC money and make clear distinctions between union and corporate support.
- Build credibility by aligning funding with working-class interests rather than industry donors.