Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky: Episode Featuring Andrew Yang Release Date: May 13, 2025

Introduction

In this insightful episode of Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky, hosted by Wondery, Monica engages in an in-depth conversation with Andrew Yang, the founder of the Forward Party, former presidential candidate, and author of The War on Normal People. The discussion delves into Yang's vision for transforming American democracy, the implementation of Universal Basic Income (UBI), the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the job market, and the necessity of moving beyond the traditional two-party system.

Reforming the Political System

Monica Lewinsky initiates the conversation by highlighting Yang's continued efforts to enhance democracy despite not securing the presidential ticket in 2020. She emphasizes his "infectious optimism" and ability to blend "hope and humanity with intellect and innovation."

Andrew Yang elaborates on the flaws within the current political framework, particularly focusing on the incentives that drive elected officials. He explains that the high re-election rates (94%) for members of Congress are primarily due to their need to appease a small primary electorate rather than the broader population. Yang advocates for an open primary system combined with ranked-choice voting to encourage collaboration and consensus among politicians, thereby reducing polarization and fostering a more effective governance system.

Andrew Yang [03:33]: "We'd have better incentives for those elected officials if you had an open primary system where people could vote regardless of party and then you had ranked choice voting, because that tends to lead you toward this broad collegial consensus."

The Case for Term Limits

Monica raises the topic of term limits, questioning whether they could shift politicians' focus from career longevity to legacy. Yang agrees, citing the aging demographic of current Congress members as evidence of a gerontocracy that fails to represent younger generations.

Andrew Yang [05:55]: "Number one, people know that there is something of a gerontocracy in this country... term limits would change that."

Yang points out that three-quarters of Americans support term limits, reinforcing that such a change would align with the democratic will of the people.

Universal Basic Income (UBI) and AI’s Impact on Employment

The conversation shifts to UBI, a central theme in Yang's 2020 campaign. Monica asks Yang to explain UBI for those unfamiliar with the concept.

Andrew Yang defines UBI as a policy where every member of society receives a fixed amount of money each month to cover basic needs, without any conditions. He specifies his UBI proposal of $1,000 per month, arguing that it is financially feasible within the current US economic structure and would lead to significant cost savings in healthcare, education, homelessness, and incarceration.

Andrew Yang [17:47]: "UBI is an idea that's been around for a long time... every member of a society gets a certain amount of money for basic needs, no questions asked."

Yang emphasizes the inevitability of UBI in the face of advancing AI, which he believes will significantly disrupt both blue-collar and white-collar jobs. He underscores the necessity of preparing for widespread unemployment by redefining economic structures to value arts, creativity, health, and wellness.

Andrew Yang [21:03]: "AI is going to eat the jobs. I mean, it genuinely is."

The Forward Party and Moving Beyond the Two-Party System

Monica inquires about Yang's transition from the Democratic Party to founding the Forward Party. Yang explains that his analysis of political data revealed the inefficacy of the two-party system, prompting him to create a new political entity aimed at empowering independent candidates and fostering bipartisan cooperation.

Andrew Yang [14:16]: "I don't think that the Democratic Party can actually deliver as presently constituted... there's nothing in the Constitution about any political party."

Yang highlights that independents now make up approximately 50% of the population, with an increasing number of young people disillusioned with the existing political dichotomy. The Forward Party seeks to cultivate a network of local and state officials who align with its principles, aiming to gradually influence national politics.

Andrew Yang [31:09]: "We have 47 elected officials who are aligned with the Forward Party... if you have independent figures running in races around the country, we could grow significantly."

Personal Reflections and Resilience

The discussion touches on Yang's personal journey, including his experiences running for office, authoring a book, and his relentless pursuit of societal improvement despite setbacks. Monica and Yang reflect on the importance of resilience and maintaining optimism in the face of political and personal challenges.

Andrew Yang [22:00]: "It's like, me, I'm not. It's like I ran to try and accelerate the end of poverty."

Yang shares his ongoing projects aimed at reclaiming aspects of his life, such as managing his relationship with technology and nurturing his sense of humor, demonstrating his commitment to personal growth alongside his public endeavors.

Andrew Yang [54:36]: "I'm working on getting a healthier relationship with my phone... I want to reclaim my sense of humor."

Conclusion: Reclaiming and Moving Forward

As the episode concludes, both Monica and Yang emphasize the importance of reclaiming lost values and striving for a better future. Yang encourages listeners to engage with the Forward Party and contribute to political reform at local and state levels, reinforcing the idea that meaningful change begins with collective effort and individual commitment.

Andrew Yang [57:47]: "Let's keep people reclaiming whatever it is that they want or that they might have lost."

Notable Quotes

• Andrew Yang [03:33]: "We'd have better incentives for those elected officials if you had an open primary system where people could vote regardless of party and then you had ranked choice voting, because that tends to lead you toward this broad collegial consensus."

• Andrew Yang [17:47]: "UBI is an idea that's been around for a long time... every member of a society gets a certain amount of money for basic needs, no questions asked."

• Andrew Yang [21:03]: "AI is going to eat the jobs. I mean, it genuinely is."

• Andrew Yang [14:16]: "I don't think that the Democratic Party can actually deliver as presently constituted... there's nothing in the Constitution about any political party."

• Andrew Yang [31:09]: "We have 47 elected officials who are aligned with the Forward Party... if you have independent figures running in races around the country, we could grow significantly."

Key Takeaways

1. Political Reform: Yang advocates for open primary systems and ranked-choice voting to reduce polarization and improve governance.
2. Term Limits: Implementing term limits could dismantle the gerontocratic tendencies in Congress, aligning political tenure with the democratic will.
3. Universal Basic Income: UBI is presented as a necessary response to AI-driven job displacement, aimed at ensuring economic stability and social welfare.
4. Forward Party: Moving beyond the two-party system, the Forward Party seeks to empower independents and promote bipartisan cooperation.
5. Personal Resilience: Yang's journey underscores the importance of resilience, optimism, and personal growth in driving societal change.

This episode provides a comprehensive exploration of Andrew Yang's perspectives on political reform, economic stability, and the future of democracy in the age of AI. Monica Lewinsky facilitates a meaningful dialogue that offers listeners actionable insights and a hopeful vision for reclaiming a more inclusive and effective political landscape.