Damon Linker, a political science lecturer and newsletter author, Sabina Ćudić, an elected member of the Bosnian Parliament, and Richard Aldous, a history professor and podcast host, delve into pivotal political themes. They assess the Democratic Party's future amid midterms and the rise of Zohran Mamdani. The panel discusses authenticity in politics, the implications of government shutdowns, and the recent Trump-Xi summit. They also explore the conflict between populism and traditional strategies, questioning whether authenticity can truly be manufactured.