The Realignment 566 | Osita Nwanevu: The Case for a New American Founding: Rethinking Democracy After 2024
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Aug 12, 2025 
Osita Nwanevu, author of The Right of the People and a writer for The Guardian and The New Republic, joins to challenge the current political landscape. He explores the idea of a 'new American founding,' calling for radical reforms in democracy, including legislative changes and civic education. Nwanevu emphasizes the urgent need for a cohesive vision to counter polarization and engage disillusioned voters. He reflects on historical crises that have led to transformation and critiques the fragmented nature of today's political movements.
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Economic Grievance Beat Abstract Democracy
- Osita Nwanevu argues many voters backed Trump for immediate economic reasons rather than abstract warnings about democracy.
- This exposes the thinness of pro-democracy appeals that fail to promise material improvement for people's lives.
Defend A Broad, Persuasive Electorate
- Osita Nwanevu urges expanding voting access and persuading voters rather than restricting the franchise for short-term partisan gain.
- Do the hard work of organizing and argument to win broad participation and durable support.
Invest In Civic Education And Media
- Osita Nwanevu recommends investing in civic education and noncommercial public media to boost political knowledge and judgment.
- Build robust, nonpartisan information infrastructure to strengthen democratic deliberation and reduce misinformation.
