The Gray Area with Sean Illing

Why we can’t just blame capitalism for everything

May 11, 2023

Eric Levitz, a features writer for New York Magazine’s Intelligencer, dives deep into the debates within the American left. He discusses the ongoing tension between revolutionaries and reformists, emphasizing the challenges of navigating capitalism to achieve change. Levitz highlights the need for realistic political ideals and the importance of effective governance, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation also touches on climate policy dilemmas and the evolving ideologies among younger voters.

49:05

Episode guests

Eric Levitz

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Government Intervention in Recessions

02:44

Challenges of Political Ideology in a Capitalist Society

01:39

The Serenity Prayer and the Left's Debate on Climate Change

00:37

Challenges for the Left in the New Social Order

01:32

Intro

3min

The Complexity of American Political Identity

11min

Revolution vs. Reform: Navigating Political Change

3min

Embracing Realism in Political Ideals

4min

Navigating Climate Policy Dilemmas

8min

Reforming Governance Amidst Crisis

8min

Navigating American Political Ideologies

11min

There are many debates within the American left, but the fundamental dispute is over the viability of the current system. Part of the left wants a revolution, and part wants reform. Sean Illing is joined by Eric Levitz, a features writer for New York magazine’s Intelligencer. They discuss the revolution versus reform divide and what can be done to navigate the US’s capitalist and constitutional systems in order to advance the left’s agenda.

Host: Sean Illing (@seanilling), host, The Gray Area

Guest: Eric Levitz (@EricLevitz), features writer, New York Magazine’s Intelligencer

References:

“Blaming ‘Capitalism’ Is Not an Alternative to Solving Problems” by Eric Levitz (April, 2023 New York Magazine)

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This episode was made by:

Engineer: Patrick Boyd
Editorial Director, Vox Talk: A.M. Hall

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