Lily Geismer

In this engaging discussion, historian Lily Geismer, a professor at Claremont McKenna College and co-editor of "Mastery and Drift," dives into the historical roots of patronage politics within the Democratic Party. She reveals how the party shifted from its patronage-driven past to a more technocratic approach. The conversation touches on the decline of traditional loyalty networks, the ramifications for labor movements, and the evolving challenges in contemporary urban governance. Geismer expertly analyzes the implications of these shifts for grassroots political representation.

Lily Geismer, a historian at Claremont McKenna College, and Brent Cebul from the University of Pennsylvania delve into the intricacies of professional-class liberalism as explored in their collection, Mastery and Drift. They discuss how the PMC has shaped contemporary politics, including trends from the Clinton and Obama eras to the rise of populism. With insights on the tension between expert-driven policies and grassroots movements, they critique the reliance on philanthropy over public solutions. The conversation offers a historical lens on labor, activism, and the changing face of liberalism.

Brent Cebul, an associate professor of history, and Lily Geismer, a professor at Claremont McKenna College, dive into the dynamics of professional class liberalism and its influence on key political moments. Gabriel Winant, also a historian, discusses the complexities of the Professional Managerial Class (PMC) and its dual role in society. They critique modern liberalism's disconnect with grassroots movements, the role of philanthropy in politics, and the challenges of coalition-building among left-liberal factions, emphasizing the need for grassroots organizing in today’s climate.