Timothy Shenk, a GWU professor and author of "Left Adrift," dives into the shifting tides of American politics. He discusses how culture has overshadowed economics as the main dividing line for voters. Shenk explores the Democratic Party's struggles to reconnect with the working class and the implications of neoliberalism on their strategies. He also examines the role of political consultants in navigating these changes and speculates on the potential paths forward for the left amidst this complex landscape.

Early in Timothy Shenk's absorbing, provocative recent book, Realigners: Partisan Hacks, Political Visionaries, and the Struggle to Rule American Democracy, he describes it as "a biography of American democracy told through its majorities, and the people who made them." Looking at American figures from Martin Van Buren to Charles Sumner to Mark Hanna to Phyllis Schlafly and Barack Obama, the book attempts to define the character and conditions necessary for fashioning a durable electoral majority — in those moments when existing partisan and coalitional structures were reshuffled and articulated anew. In other words: a realignment.In this thrilling conversation, Matt, Sam, and Tim talk through the implications of past realignments and argue about whether something similar is possible today.Sources:Timothy Shenk, Realigners: Partisan Hacks, Political Visionaries, and the Struggle to Rule American Democracy (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2022)Stephen Skowronek, The Politics Presidents Make: Leadership from John Adams to Bill Clinton (Harvard University Press, 1993)Sam Adler-Bell, "The Radical Young Intellectuals Who Want to Take Over the American Right," The New Republic, Dec 2021Firing Line debate on the Panama Canal (YouTube) This episode was unlocked from Patreon. To hear more bonus episodes, subscribe at https://www.patreon.com/knowyourenemy. 

Historian Timothy Shenk, author of 'Left Adrift', dives into the shifting tides of liberal politics from the New Deal era to the present. He analyzes the role of consultants Stan Greenberg and Doug Schoen in navigating class dealignment and the Democratic response to a rightward shift. The conversation also touches on Bill Clinton's complex legacy in the rise of neoliberalism and draws parallels with political dynamics in Israel. Shenk offers valuable insights on lessons for American progressives ahead of the 2024 elections.

Timothy Shenk, a history professor and political writer, Sean Wilentz, an expert in American political history, and Robert Benson, a senior policy analyst on national security, engage in an insightful discussion. They explore the Democrats' need for a cohesive strategy in the aftermath of electoral losses. The conversation dives into Trump's global implications, the rise of populism, and the erosion of democratic norms. The trio emphasizes accountability and the shifting political landscape, urging Democrats to connect authentically with working Americans amidst rising authoritarianism.

Historian Timothy Shenk, author of "Left Adrift: What Happened to Liberal Politics?", discusses the evolving Democratic Party landscape. He highlights the party's shift from working-class roots to a more affluent, educated base, and the struggle to reconnect with alienated voters. Shenk addresses the challenges of technocratic strategies in politics and the need for authentic engagement. He also examines the impact of economic narratives on voter sentiment and the dangers of misinformation in today's political climate.