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The Two Matts

Special: How progressives blew it - and how they can fix it. With Peter Hyman

Jan 27, 2025
Peter Hyman, a former senior advisor to Tony Blair and Keir Starmer, and founder of School 21, dives into the pitfalls of progressive politics. He identifies the seven deadly sins of centrism and discusses the growing threat of populism. Hyman stresses the importance of reconnecting with the working class and addressing economic grievances. He also critiques the conventional education system, advocating for reforms that prioritize creativity and emotional intelligence to prepare students for modern challenges. A thought-provoking conversation!
01:14:15

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Progressives must confront their failures, particularly in communication, to counteract the rise of populist nationalism effectively.
  • Crafting a relatable national narrative that blends pride with inclusion is essential for progressives to regain voter trust and support.

Deep dives

The Challenge of Progressives

The discussion emphasizes the need for progressives to acknowledge their complicity in the rise of populism, particularly in light of figures like Donald Trump. The notion is presented that the progressive center has often failed by being overly abstract, patronizing, and lacking in clear communication with the electorate. This disconnect has allowed populists to thrive by appealing directly to people's concerns, often at the expense of nuanced discussions. The reference to the 'seven deadly sins' of progressivism highlights how progressive failures have contributed to the growing support for far-right movements across Western democracies.

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