The Rachman Review How to fix America
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Sep 25, 2025 Matt Duss, former foreign policy advisor to Senator Bernie Sanders and executive VP of the Center for International Policy, shares his insights on pressing U.S. politics. They dive into Biden's foreign policy missteps and the chilling effects of recent free speech curbs. Duss critiques the Democratic party for its dependency on wealthy donors while highlighting the rise of progressive candidates addressing working-class issues. He also discusses how identity politics can distract from material concerns and the urgent need for the party to reconsider its stance on Middle East policies.
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Murder Used To Justify Speech Crackdown
- The Trump administration is exploiting Charlie Kirk's murder to justify a broader crackdown on speech and institutions.
- Matt Duss says the administration pairs legal threats with claims of political violence to intimidate media and critics.
Consolidated Media Enables Intimidation
- Media consolidation makes intimidation easier because a few owners control wide swathes of opinion platforms.
- Duss links deregulation since 1996 to the current lack of diversity and increased self-censorship in US media.
Use Funding Votes As Leverage
- Democrats should refuse to rubber-stamp funding that enables a minority-rule agenda.
- Duss argues withholding votes can force a public debate and block policies that dismantle social programs.