Gabe Winant

In this engaging discussion, Amna Akbar, a social movements expert, Gabe Winant, a commentator on labor and climate issues, and Thea Riofrancos, a scholar on climate and left electoralism, tackle pivotal themes in American politics. They delve into the importance of Palestinian solidarity and the complexities of left identity politics. The resurrection of Obamaism and its contradictions are critically analyzed. The trio emphasizes the link between labor activism and the climate crisis, advocating for more robust grassroots organizing to confront systemic challenges.

Gabe Winant, a historian focused on gender and class dynamics, joins the conversation to discuss J.D. Vance's political trajectory and his controversial memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy.' They unravel the cultural implications of Vance's narrative, critiquing its stereotypes and its simplistic portrayal of the white working class. Winant examines Vance's rise in the populist far right, the impact of social media on his campaigns, and the evolving political narratives surrounding race and class. Gender dynamics in labor movements also take center stage, revealing deeper societal tensions.