The Realignment

Derek Thompson, author of 'Abundance' and a staff writer at The Atlantic, teams up with Jake Auchincloss, a U.S. Representative from Massachusetts, to explore vital political narratives. They discuss the urgent need for a positive vision within the Democratic Party, contrasting it with the clearer populist agendas on both sides. The conversation highlights the importance of storytelling in politics, the successes of Operation Warp Speed, and ambitious approaches to healthcare and education to ensure America's future competitiveness.

In this engaging discussion, Steve Teles, a political scientist from Johns Hopkins University, delves into the Abundance Agenda and its potential to reshape American politics. He navigates the complexities of union politics in New York while addressing tensions within the Democratic Party. Teles emphasizes the need for a hopeful narrative in political discourse and argues for policies that prioritize citizen needs over corporate interests. His insights on engaging constituents and shifting from cynicism to an abundance mindset are compelling and thought-provoking.

Steve Teles, a professor at Johns Hopkins and senior fellow at the Niskanen Center, dives into the tensions between populism and the abundance agenda. He shares insights from a pivotal poll showing that many voters lean towards populism. Teles argues that these two concepts can complement each other rather than conflict. He discusses the pitfalls of over-relying on polling data and how the abundance agenda could tackle issues such as accessibility in higher education, emphasizing the need for proactive reform.

Gary Gerstle, a historian from Cambridge University and author of The Rise and Fall of the Neoliberal Order, teams up with Noam Maggor, a political economy expert from Queen Mary University. They dive into the historical roots and modern realities of neoliberalism, discussing its decline post-2008 crisis and the rising disconnect between wealth and wage earners. The conversation unfolds the potential of post-neoliberal politics, exploring innovation needed to tackle economic inequalities and the challenges posed by cultural conflicts and big tech regulation.

Ian Fletcher, co-author of *Industrial Policy for the United States*, dives into the crucial role of industrial policy in America's future. He critiques the rise and fall of free trade orthodoxy while discussing necessary government interventions in key sectors like electric vehicles. Fletcher argues for a managed trade approach to bolster essential industries and addresses the need for revitalizing American manufacturing. He emphasizes how strategic policies can enhance national resilience and ensure good jobs in a competitive global landscape.

Steve Teles, a Senior Fellow at the Niskanen Center and professor at Johns Hopkins University, dives into the future of the abundance agenda. He reveals the contrast between his 'captured economy' thesis and left populist critiques of corporate power. The discussion spans power dynamics in economic abundance, the impact of historical optimism on central planning, and the tensions between right and left factions in the movement. Teles also critiques higher education's role and introduces the provocative idea of 'dark abundance' shaping political narratives.

Mark K. Updegrove, President and CEO of the LBJ Foundation and author, dives deep into the character of U.S. presidents. He discusses the importance of seeing political leaders through a lens of growth and complexity rather than cynicism. Highlighting figures like Barack Obama and Ronald Reagan, Updegrove unveils how even flawed leaders impart valuable lessons. He examines pivotal moments like Gerald Ford’s pardon of Nixon and the evolving perception of presidential legacies, emphasizing the impact of character on national discourse and identity.

John Cassidy, a staff writer for The New Yorker and author of "Capitalism and Its Critics," explores the rise of anti-capitalist sentiments from both the nationalist right and democratic socialist left. He discusses how figures like Trump and Sanders reflect contrasting critiques of capitalism and the social consequences of their policies. Cassidy dives into the failures of trade policy, the implications of AI disruption, and the evolving role of technology in democracy. His insights illuminate a shifting political landscape and the growing calls for reform.

Elizabeth Wilkins, President and CEO of the Roosevelt Institute and former White House official, dives into the complexities of state capacity and antitrust issues. She critiques the left's response to the abundance agenda, advocating for reforms that enhance livelihoods and rebuild trust in government. Wilkins emphasizes the need for a compelling narrative to engage citizens, discusses the importance of small, tangible wins against corporate greed, and explores the role of 'villains' in political storytelling. Her insights urge a reimagining of government’s role in addressing societal grievances.

Note: During the episode, Marshall discussed Mississippi's disadvantages in K-12 education. It must be noted that according to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results, Mississippi achieved nation-leading gains in reading and math scores.https://governorreeves.ms.gov/governor-reeves-statement-on-mississippis-nation-leading-naep-gains-record-achievement/REALIGNMENT NEWSLETTER: https://therealignment.substack.com/PURCHASE BOOKS AT OUR BOOKSHOP: https://bookshop.org/shop/therealignmentEmail Us: realignmentpod@gmail.comJohn B. King, former Secretary of Education and author of Teacher By Teacher: The People Who Change Our Lives, joins The Realignment. Marshall and John discuss President Trump's plan to abolish the Department of Education, balancing the role of states and the federal government's role in K-12 schooling, why the education debates of the 2000s and 2010s (charters, reform, NCLB) stalled, the case for and against accountability, and the post-COVID education cultural wars.