In this episode, Jesse and Chris kick off with the surprising election wins across the country—most notably Zoran Mamdani in New York and Katie Wilson in Seattle. Chris explains what made Mamdani’s grassroots, Bernie-inspired campaign unique: relentless street outreach, a crystal-clear economic agenda, and an authenticity that brought him from 1% name recognition to a decisive mayoral victory. Jesse adds nuance by breaking down campaign financing, the aggressive smear campaigns Mamdani faced, and how deeply flawed opponents like Cuomo and Adams made his win both expected and remarkable.

From there, the conversation shifts into a deep critique of the Democratic Party establishment and the failures of “moderate” governance. The two explore Obama’s legacy—particularly Obamacare—as an example of well-packaged policy that ultimately enriched insurance companies without fixing structural healthcare problems. They broaden the discussion to capitalism itself, debating whether essential needs like healthcare, housing, water, and groceries can function in a profit-driven market. The pair examine Mamdani and Wilson’s proposals on rent freezes, public grocery options, and anti-monopoly policy, weighing how each might help or unintentionally harm small businesses and low-income communities.

Finally, Jesse and Chris turn toward Seattle’s mayoral shift, analyzing why Katie Wilson’s win may be even more politically meaningful than Mamdani’s. They contrast Wilson’s affordability-focused agenda with former mayor Bruce Harrell’s wealthy-donor-friendly priorities, reflecting on how elite Seattleites often signal progressive values while voting to protect their own interests. The episode closes with a broader discussion of where progressive politics should go next—building local power, expanding progressive representation in Congress, and avoiding the trap of putting all hopes into presidential primaries.

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