U.S. Rep Annie Kuster on Putting Freedom at the Center of Democrats’ Policy Agenda

Feb 8, 2024

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In this episode, co-host Ryan Coonerty gets an update on the latest debates in Washington from Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), Chair of the New Democrat Coalition. They discuss her approach to fighting for working families and her focus on family-orientated policies that help drive economic growth, as well as her commitment to addressing substance abuse and mental health crises in communities across the nation. Looking ahead to November, Kuster says it's crucial for Americans to hear how Democrats are fighting to protect fundamental freedoms and expand opportunities, referencing the Freedom Agenda released by the New Dems and NewDEAL as a guide for the Party's platform. She reflects on last month’s primary elections in New Hampshire, where President Biden won the Democratic nomination by way of a grassroots write-in campaign, and why former president Donald Trump is a threat to American institutions. Finally, tune in to hear Representative Kuster recount her harrowing experiences on January 6th, 2021, and how that experience continues to inform her approach to public service.

In this episode:

(02:22) Her role in moving the bipartisan American Families and Workers Act through Congress.
(04:32) This rare act of a bipartisan agreement in the House and why it is a good omen for future success across the aisle.
(05:32) Aiding Ukraine’s fight for democracy and resolving the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
(06:18) Background about the New Democrat Coalition and what it aims to achieve.
(07:21) Details about the New Democrat Coalition’s partnership with NewDEAL to launch the Freedom Agenda in the face of GOP-led chaos.
(10:56) Representative Kuster shares her experience of the January 6th attack on the Capitol.
(12:21) Hear her perspective on the current state of American democracy and why former President Donald Trump is a threat to our democracy.
(15:03) Why there is no such thing as a bystander in a democracy.
(16:19) Kuster unpacks the recent New Hampshire election and how Biden claimed victory through a write-in campaign.
(20:12) Building better mental health support and tackling substance abuse.
(23:32) Invaluable advice for those seeking a career in public service.