The Realignment

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.

Chris Hughes, co-founder of Facebook and chairman of the Economic Security Project, dives into the concept of 'marketcrafting' and its role in shaping America’s economy. He discusses the false dichotomy between market and government and the need for their collaboration. The conversation covers historical examples of marketcrafting, critiques Biden's economic policies, and explores the importance of bipartisan consensus. Hughes advocates for innovative political dialogues, emphasizing how structured state involvement can drive progress in critical industries like clean energy and technology.

Rush Doshi, a senior fellow for Asia studies at CFR and former deputy director at the National Security Council, delves into the U.S.-China rivalry. He discusses the Endless Frontiers initiative aimed at enhancing America's technology and national security. Doshi emphasizes the need for reindustrialization and defense reform to stay competitive. The conversation also covers the critical role of emerging technologies, like AI and drones, in shaping defense strategies, urging a cohesive approach to counteract China's influence.

Endless Frontiers: Axios - The future of U.S. security is today taking shape in Texas TedX: Krish O'Mara Vignarajah - What is America's Superpower?Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge, joins The Realignment. Marshall and Krish discuss Global Refuge's work with American refugee resettlement, the roots of the global backlash against immigration and refugee resettlement, the case for immigration, how pro-immigration groups should respond to the 2024 election, the Biden administration's policy mistakes when it came to the southern border, the role of scarcity in immigration scarcity, and why the post-war consensus around immigration and refugee resettlement broke down. 

Rotimi Adeoye, a columnist and MSNBC contributor, shares his insights on the abundance agenda and the momentum of the anti-oligarchy movement. He discusses how populist figures like Bernie Sanders and AOC are challenging the Democratic Party's status quo. Adeoye critiques current liberal strategies, emphasizing the need for clear, impactful messaging. He also navigates the complexities of immigration policies amidst rising anti-establishment sentiments and highlights how personal narratives shape perceptions of the American dream.

Richard D. Kahlenberg, author of *Class Matters* and director at the Progressive Policy Institute, explores the future of higher education in light of the Supreme Court's end to race-based affirmative action. He highlights the shift toward class-based approaches, redefines merit in admissions, and discusses how socioeconomic factors can enhance diversity. Kahlenberg critiques elitism in academia and advocates for access to community colleges and apprenticeships, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in education amidst today’s polarized political landscape.

Mallory McMorrow, a Michigan State Senator and author of "Hate Won't Win," dives into the complexities of today's political landscape. She discusses Michigan's pivotal role as a swing state, shaped by generational shifts in activism. The conversation highlights the stark differences between Millennials and Gen Z, particularly regarding political engagement and challenges facing young men. McMorrow emphasizes the importance of addressing the affordability crisis and encouraging compassionate discourse around culture wars, urging Democrats to realign their focus on economic priorities.