The New Liberal Podcast

Derek Thompson, a writer for The Atlantic and co-author of Abundance, dives deep into the vision for a world filled with resources and opportunities. He discusses how housing and energy policies are vital for urban prosperity and the political paradox within the Democratic Party. Thompson critiques bureaucratic delays in broadband funding and advocates for urgent reforms in climate policy. He passionately explores the need for courageous political leadership and government efficiency to navigate today's complex societal challenges.

Elan Sykes, Director of Energy and Climate Policy at PPI, helps to demystify the intersection of energy costs and environmental justice. He discusses strategies for de-carbonizing the energy grid while keeping bills affordable for working-class families. The conversation dives into the complexities of energy infrastructure, the need for permitting reform, and how a shift to clean energy can bolster economic opportunities for marginalized communities. Elan also sheds light on balancing renewable energy integration with demand and creating jobs through sustainable policies.

In this discussion, Marc Dunkelman, a Fellow at the Watson Institute and author of *Why Nothing Works*, dives into the intricate dance of power in American progressivism. He explores how the push-and-pull between centralization and decentralization has derailed effective governance. Dunkelman also critiques environmental policy, arguing for a dual approach to tackle today's challenges. With insights on past failures and the need for accountability, he stresses that understanding these dynamics is key to revitalizing our systems.

The discussion dives into the formation of the Department of Governmental Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, and the chaos that ensued. It critiques the federal shift in remote work policies and the morale issues within civil service. The episode sheds light on misconceptions about foreign aid budgeting and challenges in government oversight. Additionally, it highlights inefficiencies in government operations and the frustrations citizens face, underscoring the urgent need for regulatory reform and accountability in leadership.

Richard Reeves, the founder of the American Institute for Boys and Men and author of "Of Boys and Men," explores why young men are shifting rightward politically. He critiques Democrats for neglecting men's issues, which has led to a widening gender gap in voting. The conversation delves into the cultural barriers to addressing male mental health and the need for relatable healthcare discussions. Additionally, he stresses the importance for Democrats to engage on platforms with opposing views to reclaim narrative control and craft a pro-male political agenda.

Will Marshall, President of the Progressive Policy Institute, dives into the Democratic Party's struggle to maintain its hold on working-class voters. He discusses the widening gap between elite messaging and the concerns of these voters, emphasizing the need for a democratic agenda addressing immediate economic issues. Marshall critiques the current approach to economic populism, advocating for vocational training and better job security over a one-size-fits-all education model. The conversation highlights strategies for reconnecting with this vital demographic ahead of the 2026 midterms.

It's time for another books episode! Jeremiah breaks down the best books he read in 2024, covering topics like nuclear war, social media and web platforms, DC's lobbying industry, the nature of taking risks, how to make government more effective, and more! Part 1 of the books episode from earlier this year - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-new-liberal-podcasts-best-books-of-2024-pt-1/id1390384827?i=1000669427900 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/

Hamish McKenzie, co-founder of Substack and an advocate for independent publishing, discusses the platform's unique role in the media landscape. He compares Substack to traditional media, emphasizing the importance of creator-audience relationships. The conversation dives into content moderation challenges, contrasting Substack's subscription model with ad-driven social platforms like TikTok. McKenzie also highlights future opportunities for independent voices in journalism, while examining unique Substack content that reflects diverse cultural insights.

Jennifer Pahlka, author of 'Recoding America' and former U.S. Deputy Chief Technology Officer, joins the discussion on governmental inefficiencies. They delve into the new Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, questioning if top-down changes can truly revamp bureaucratic systems. Pahlka advocates for focusing on real-world outcomes rather than superficial tweaks, emphasizing accountability and the need for innovative, adaptable policies to enhance government effectiveness and prevent unintended consequences.

Congressman Ritchie Torres, representing New York's 15th District, shares valuable insights into the Democratic Party's strategies. He discusses why Democrats are losing key demographics, emphasizing the need to reconnect with working-class Americans. Torres highlights the tensions between far-left ideologies and mainstream concerns, advocating for a more inclusive approach. He critiques the party’s reliance on deliverism and stresses the importance of effective governance, particularly in addressing issues like public safety and economic challenges.