Podcast Summary: Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov
Episode: How Democrats Can Win Back Young Men (feat. Rep. Pat Ryan)
Release Date: February 14, 2025
Host/Author: Vox Media Podcast Network

Introduction

In this episode of Raging Moderates, host Jessica Tarlov welcomes Congressman Pat Ryan, the Hudson Valley representative of New York's 18th district. Congressman Ryan brings his extensive experience as a professor, entrepreneur, and military veteran to discuss strategies for the Democratic Party to regain support among young men. The conversation delves into the current political landscape, focusing on key issues such as economic affordability, the influence of figures like Elon Musk, and the importance of authentic leadership within the party.

Elon Musk and Democratic Strategy

[02:48 - 07:04]

Pat Ryan addresses the growing concerns among his constituents regarding Elon Musk's impact on privacy and government integrity. He labels Musk as a "villain," citing his interference with private data at the Treasury and other agencies, as well as potential corruption in defense contracts. Ryan emphasizes the necessity of framing Musk as an adversary to unify the Democratic base and hold him accountable.

Pat Ryan [02:48]: "It’s very clear to me Elon Musk is a villain. And we have to talk in our current moment... we have to have heroes and villains in our story as Democrats."

He underscores the importance of focusing on tangible impacts of current policies, such as funding freezes affecting local services, rather than partisan attacks on figures like Donald Trump, who maintains a 53% approval rating.

Pat Ryan [05:07]: "We have to get back on our front foot and start talking about the impacts of these decisions."

Patriotism and Bipartisanship

[07:49 - 11:20]

Discussing his military background, Pat Ryan highlights how his service instilled a deep sense of patriotism and the importance of bipartisan cooperation. He advocates for the Democratic Party to embrace patriotic values without being tethered to partisan divides.

Pat Ryan [07:49]: "We need patriots without partisanship attached to rise up again and reassert that."

Ryan criticizes the Democratic Party for leaving a vacuum that allows opponents to misdefine their mission, urging the party to proactively promote a patriotic vision that resonates across political lines.

Affordability as a Core Issue

[09:50 - 12:48]

Pat Ryan identifies economic affordability—encompassing housing, prescription drugs, and food costs—as the paramount issue for Americans. He argues that the Democratic strategy should pivot towards addressing these immediate concerns rather than engaging in partisan battles.

Pat Ryan [09:50]: "Affordability in the economy right now. It’s the only thing we should be talking about as Democrats."

Ryan suggests utilizing upcoming government funding negotiations as an opportunity to present the Democratic agenda focused on lowering living costs, thereby appealing directly to voters' daily struggles.

Democrats' Approach to Party Leadership and Messaging

[20:43 - 23:26]

In response to criticisms of Democratic leadership being ineffective or disjointed, Pat Ryan emphasizes the need for the party to take risks and lead by example. He points out that effective leadership within the Democratic Party should involve fostering innovation and encouraging members to actively listen to constituents' needs.

Pat Ryan [21:24]: "Leadership is not about formal titles, but about setting direction by example or taking action and seeing people respond to it."

He advocates for building coalitions based on shared values and economic populism, which can bridge partisan divides and strengthen the party's overall message.

National Service Bill

[25:11 - 27:28]

Pat Ryan discusses his legislative priority of promoting national service, inspired by his own transformative military experience. He believes that expanding national service programs can engage young people, particularly young men, by providing them with a sense of purpose and community.

Pat Ryan [25:26]: "One of my big legislative priorities is a national service push... doubling the slots in some of our existing national service programs."

Despite bipartisan support, Ryan highlights the challenges in securing funding from Republicans, underscoring the need for continued advocacy and coalition-building within Congress to advance this initiative.

Raging and Calming Issues

[27:46 - 30:07]

In a final segment, Pat Ryan shares his primary source of frustration: President Donald Trump's derogatory remarks about troops and veterans, which Ryan finds deeply offensive given his own military service.

Pat Ryan [27:46]: "Donald Trump... has insulted military families, trampled on the honor of Arlington National Cemetery. That is a disservice to our whole country."

Conversely, Ryan suggests that less energy should be spent on reacting against opponents who do not address critical issues like economic affordability, and more on holding accountable those who have the power to enact meaningful change.

Conclusion

Congressman Pat Ryan’s insights offer a strategic roadmap for the Democratic Party to reconnect with young men and broader electorates by emphasizing authentic leadership, economic policies that address everyday challenges, and a patriotic, bipartisan approach. His focus on affordability and national service initiatives underscores the potential for the party to build a resilient and inclusive coalition moving forward.

Notable Quotes

• Pat Ryan [02:48]: "Elon Musk is a villain. And we have to talk in our current moment... we have to have heroes and villains in our story as Democrats."

• Pat Ryan [07:49]: "We need patriots without partisanship attached to rise up again and reassert that."

• Pat Ryan [09:50]: "Affordability in the economy right now. It’s the only thing we should be talking about as Democrats."

• Pat Ryan [21:24]: "Leadership is not about formal titles, but about setting direction by example or taking action and seeing people respond to it."

• Pat Ryan [25:26]: "One of my big legislative priorities is a national service push... doubling the slots in some of our existing national service programs."

• Pat Ryan [27:46]: "Donald Trump... has insulted military families, trampled on the honor of Arlington National Cemetery. That is a disservice to our whole country."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the pivotal discussions and viewpoints shared by Congressman Pat Ryan on how the Democratic Party can strategize to win back young men, emphasizing the need for authentic engagement, policy focus on affordability, and fostering a bipartisan, patriotic coalition.