The Realignment

George Packer, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author, delves into the themes of literature and the decline of American liberalism. He defines the post-literate age, exploring how technology diminishes attention spans and the importance of deep reading. Discussing his novel, The Emergency, he emphasizes generational divides and the impact of boredom amidst societal collapse. Packer also critiques how liberalism has alienated ordinary people and advocates for storytelling as a means to restore civic trust in politics.

In this engaging conversation, Jeffrey Rosen, President of the National Constitution Center and constitutional scholar, dives into the enduring clash between Hamilton and Jefferson. He explores how their contrasting views on government power continue to shape American politics. The dialogue includes reflections on the rise of Hamiltonian economics and the cultural resurgence of his ideas. Rosen also discusses why understanding these historical debates is crucial for modern civic discourse and the implications of recent presidential actions on government structure.

Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and author of Race Against Terror, discusses his investigations into national security and terrorism. He reveals the dramatic story of an Al-Qaeda fighter's confession to Italian authorities that sparked a U.S. investigation. The conversation dives into the challenges of closing Guantanamo Bay and questions whether military or civilian means are better for combating terrorism. Tapper also explores the implications of labeling drug cartels as terrorists and the danger of military strikes on drug trafficking, pondering the evolving landscape of U.S. foreign policy.

In this engaging discussion, Liam Kerr, co-founder of Welcome and author of 'Deciding to Win,' delves into the future of the Democratic Party. He emphasizes the importance of a coherent political narrative and explains how story-building influences voter engagement. Liam also explores how centrists can cultivate community support and develop specific policy visions. Furthermore, he reflects on learning from the left's organizing strengths and urges a more optimistic approach to centrist politics, advocating for a practical and unified agenda.

In this engaging discussion, Reihan Salam, President of the Manhattan Institute and a second-generation immigrant, dives into the interplay of culture, economics, and immigration. He shares insights on the challenges faced by working-class immigrant families and how multigenerational dynamics influence their aspirations. The conversation explores the right's evolving stance on H1B visas and the cultural insecurities that drive backlash. Salam also examines how modern tech affects immigrant ties, making the journey of assimilation more complex than ever.

Frank J. DiStefano, author of The Next Realignment, dives into the fascinating world of American political shifts. He discusses the current crisis of legitimacy impacting institutions and the American dream. Emphasizing the importance of creating ideological movements rather than merely reforming parties, he critiques technocratic control and advocates for a governance philosophy centered on abundance. The conversation explores how these ideas are vital for restoring public trust and enabling meaningful change in a rapidly evolving political landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Steve Teles, a political scientist at Johns Hopkins and expert on historical institutionalism, dives into the evolving role of think tanks since the 2016 election. He emphasizes the importance of transpartisanship in forming cross-ideological coalitions, especially in an era where traditional political alignments are shifting. Teles contrasts various think tank models, including Niskanen's unique approach that blends research with advocacy. He also articulates why left-leaning think tanks struggle to lead and how these organizations help policymakers navigate complex issues.

Giselle Hale, Managing Partner at the Abundance Network and former mayor of Redwood City, dives into how local officials can translate abundance ideas into tangible actions. She discusses the launch of the Abundance Elected Network, emphasizing the unique challenges and opportunities at the local level. Giselle shares compelling examples of housing initiatives and outcome-focused politics, contrasting national messaging debates with grassroots realities. Her personal stories highlight the need for participatory democracy and effective local governance, urging a shift from op-eds to real outcomes.

Doug Most, an author and Boston University journalist, dives into the inspiring story of Liberty ships, the unsung heroes of WWII shipbuilding that played a crucial role in logistics. He reveals how FDR’s pragmatic approach prioritized speed and quantity over perfection, contrasting American strategies with Hitler's focus on engineering marvels. The conversation touches on the impact of private industry on government solutions today, highlighting stories of diverse workers who fueled this monumental effort. Most also shares insights on potential film adaptations of this incredible narrative.

Nancy Scola, a journalist covering Washington's ideological battleground, dives into the recent whirlwind of conferences, including the National Conservatism Conference and the Anti-Monopoly Summit. She contrasts the vibes of the Abundance movement with more contentious gatherings, highlighting how supply-focused policies resonate with local politics. Scola discusses the challenges of creating bipartisan dialogues and the political implications of presenting ideas, suggesting that a clearer vision could help bridge divides and rebuild trust in a polarized landscape.