Sara Marcus discusses political disappointment as untimely desire, not disillusionment, highlighting mourning, determination, and creativity. They explore musical archives from W.E.B. DuBois to David Wojnarowicz, touching on utopianism and Melanie Klein. The conversation delves into the traps of political subjectivity with references to Fleetwood Mac and Tracy Chapman.

Author and cultural historian Sara Marcus discusses her new book on political disappointment and its role in shaping American culture. She explores works by prominent figures like W. E. B. Du Bois, Charles Chesnutt, and Adrienne Rich that express the anguish of different eras. The podcast also delves into the changing political analysis of the Communist Party in the 1930s and explores the origins of backlash against second wave feminism.