The New Liberal Podcast

Matt Yglesias, a progressive policy commentator and co-founder of Vox, dives deep into the controversial actions of ICE in Minnesota and beyond. He discusses how Democrats can effectively address public disapproval of ICE while shaping a humane immigration policy. Yglesias emphasizes the need for balance between compassion and enforcement, critiques the current asylum system, and suggests practical reforms. He also explores political messaging strategies for Democrats to regain credibility, emphasizing connections with veterans and the importance of addressing affordability.

Francis Fukuyama, a renowned political scientist and author, provides keen insights on the recent capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro. He discusses the geopolitical ramifications and potential instability in Venezuela, emphasizing the complexities of nation-building interventions. Fukuyama critiques Trump's imperialist rhetoric and questions whether the operation was justified. They explore the intertwined issues of narcotrafficking, military loyalties, and how legitimacy complications could hinder U.S. efforts to restore democracy.

It's the annual books episode! Jeremiah breaks down the best books he read in 2025. This year he's covering books about why America can't build things, the attention economy, Russian propaganda, population ethics, colonizing Mars, Chinese authoritarianism, and more! Check out part one from earlier this year on our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/new-liberal-best-136015929 To get bonus episodes, support us at patreon.com/newliberalpodcast or https://cnliberalism.org/become-a-member Got questions? Send us a note at mailbag@cnliberalism.org. Follow us at: https://twitter.com/CNLiberalism https://cnliberalism.org/ Join a local chapter at https://cnliberalism.org/become-a-member/

Simon Bazelon, a Democratic strategist and the lead author of Deciding to Win, offers sharp insights on electoral strategies following the Democrats' 2024 setbacks. He emphasizes the need for the party to moderate its approach, prioritizing economic issues over cultural ones. Bazelon discusses how misreading public sentiment affects their strategies and the importance of aligning with mainstream voter concerns. He argues for focusing on popular policies like healthcare, cautioning against harmful yet popular fixes, and critiques the party's grasp of electoral signals.

Tamar Jacoby, Director of the New Ukraine Project, shares her insights from Kyiv on the ongoing war in Ukraine. She discusses the newly proposed 28-point peace plan by the Trump administration, arguing it reflects Russian demands. Tamar outlines the grim realities on the front lines, highlighting high casualty rates and both sides' tactics. She emphasizes Ukraine's struggle for survival amid funding challenges and warns that continued fighting seems likely, stressing the need for European support and cohesion in addressing this critical situation.

David Osborne, former director of the Reinventing America's Schools Project and filmmaker of the documentary 'Turnaround', dives into the remarkable transformation of New Orleans schools after Hurricane Katrina. He reveals the dire pre-Katrina conditions, the radical shift to charter schools, and the unique operational aspects that empower these institutions. Osborne discusses the measurable successes like improved graduation rates and the ongoing support from parents. He also tackles the complex dynamics with teachers' unions and the human costs of school closures.

Francis Fukuyama, a renowned political scientist and author, dives into the internet's impact on the surge of global populism. He argues that the web creates filter bubbles, enabling fringe ideas to gain traction. The conversation highlights how social media amplifies extremist views and discusses the risks of media ownership by billionaires, affecting political power dynamics. Fukuyama also advocates for local activism as a solution to counter polarization and encourages young liberals to engage in grassroots movements.

Alec Schierenbeck, the Executive Director of the New York City Charter Revision Commission, dives into the crucial ballot amendments aimed at unlocking more housing in NYC. He explains how the city charter functions as a governance guide and critiques the hurdles of the existing land-use review process, ULURP. From fast-tracking affordable housing projects to creating a digital map for efficiency, Alec outlines how these changes could streamline housing production. He also shares insights on political opposition and the importance of small multifamily projects for the city's housing future.

Congressman Ritchie Torres, representing New York's 15th District, dives into the current government shutdown and its impacts on healthcare, particularly the Affordable Care Act subsidies. He attributes the shutdown to Republican control and warns of the looming healthcare crisis without resolution. Torres also discusses the unity among Democrats to protect existing programs and the importance of grassroots mobilization to influence swing-district representatives. His insights reveal the broader implications of a shutdown on families and essential services.

Matt Gertz, a Senior Fellow at Media Matters for America, dives into the alarming rise of right-wing media influenced by Trump-aligned billionaires. He discusses how economic pressures lead to media takeovers, and details the shift of major outlets like CBS and CNN towards conservative priorities. Gertz explains the implications of billionaire purchases versus private equity cuts and outlines strategies that shape editorial direction. With a focus on social media's evolving landscape, he highlights risks of biased algorithms favoring right-wing content.