Podcast Summary: Senses Working Overtime with David Cross – Episode Featuring Nalini Stamp

Podcast Information:

• Title: Senses Working Overtime with David Cross
• Host: Headgum (Hosted by David Cross)
• Guest: Nalini Stamp
• Release Date: October 10, 2024

1. Introduction

In this episode of "Senses Working Overtime," host David Cross engages in a profound and dynamic conversation with Nalini Stamp, an activist and organizer with the Working Families Party. The discussion traverses various facets of political activism, organizational strategies, historical movements, and contemporary political landscapes.

2. Guest Introduction

Nalini Stamp introduces herself, providing background on her roots and professional endeavors. Originally from Brooklyn and Staten Island, New York, Nalini emphasizes her passion for activism and her role at the Working Families Party.

• Nalini Stamp [01:06]: "I'm originally from Brooklyn and Staten Island, New York. Wu Tang forever. I always have to note my love for Staten Island. And I'm an activist and organizer and I work at the Working Families Party, my day job."

3. Working Families Party and Activism

Nalini delves into the inception and growth of the Working Families Party, highlighting its national expansion since 1998. The party's foundational goal to raise the minimum wage is underscored, showcasing its impact over the years.

• Nalini Stamp [02:28]: "In June of 1998, the goal was to raise the minimum wage because it was $5.15 at the time... We got it up to $7.15. Yeah, $7.15. We got it up to $7."

David acknowledges the success of these efforts, reflecting on broader political maneuvers that impede such progress.

• David Cross [02:48]: "It's amazing that some of these simple, basic truths undeniable, didn't resonate more... Because there is a well-oiled, well-funded machine that's been in place for literally hundreds of years that's only gotten stronger."

4. Political Machines and Campaign Strategies

The conversation shifts to the influence of established political machinery, particularly within the Democratic Party, and its resistance to policies like minimum wage increases. Nalini and David critique the narratives spun by corporate lobbyists to undermine such initiatives.

• Nalini Stamp [04:48]: "They have corporate lobbyists who are talking to the democratic machine and they're like, 'No, no, no, you can't do this. You can't do a rent freeze.'"

• David Cross [04:32]: "It's just garbage. It's just a lie. It's just not true."

5. Reflecting on Occupy Wall Street

Nalini shares her experiences with the Occupy Wall Street movement, discussing its aims, challenges, and the mixed legacy it left behind. The movement's decentralized nature and lack of clear, practical solutions are examined.

• Nalini Stamp [05:22]: "I remember I was a part of Occupy Wall Street, and people are like, y'all are insane. There's not a problem with the economy..."

David echoes these sentiments, appreciating the movement's role in sparking conversations despite its perceived aimlessness.

• Nalini Stamp [07:07]: "We didn't actually know how to discuss and debate in a constructive way."

6. Impact of Organizations like Project Veritas

The discussion touches upon the actions of Project Veritas and its attempts to dismantle organizations like ACORN, highlighting the challenges grassroots movements face from external interference.

• Nalini Stamp [14:25]: "Andrew, you know, they're just trying to destroy ACORN. And even I was in office."

• David Cross [14:36]: "And it's all bullshit, and it's all spliced and it's all false information."

7. UK Politics and Leadership of Jeremy Corbyn

Nalini recounts her time in the UK, interacting with figures like Jeremy Corbyn, and the complexities of political leadership amidst media scrutiny.

• David Cross [23:04]: "I went to Washington as part of the Creative Coalition... I was starting to get really, really anxious."

• Nalini Stamp [24:53]: "She knows everybody, so... you were scheduled in to do shows, her book had come out and she would schedule that stuff."

8. Vice President Kamala Harris and Current Political Climate

The conversation broadens to discuss Vice President Kamala Harris, her political maneuvers, and the anticipated challenges in the upcoming elections. Nalini emphasizes the importance of continued organization and grassroots activism regardless of election outcomes.

• Nalini Stamp [42:57]: "If we're looking at everything and especially the past like 10 years, like we do not know if there's going to be one judge somewhere."

• David Cross [43:00]: "And with COVID and all that shit. And it's a shame because the ideas are good, but he is not the right person."

9. 2024 Elections and Future of Activism

Nalini and David discuss strategies for the 2024 elections, stressing the necessity of focusing on local politics and maintaining momentum within activist circles. They highlight the pitfalls of identity politics overshadowing class issues and advocate for a return to grassroots organizing.

• Nalini Stamp [43:20]: "I haven't got the power, but I'm canceling you."

• David Cross [44:01]: "So, like, if we just do the... We're just playing into what the right wing uses to divide us."

10. Concluding Remarks

As the episode winds down, Nalini and David share personal anecdotes and discuss the importance of staying engaged and organized. They encourage listeners to participate in local elections and remain steadfast in their activism.

• Nalini Stamp [53:44]: "No, no, no, we don't want more. It's like, funny, because sometimes, you know, they're the Democratic machine or, you know, corporations are like, we want people to buy stuff."

• David Cross [55:27]: "Nothing is guaranteed. But to see them so flat-footed... So forget that."

Notable Quotes:

• Nalini Stamp [02:28]: "We got [the minimum wage] up to $7.15. Yeah, $7.15. We got it up to $7."

• David Cross [02:48]: "Because there is a well-oiled, well-funded machine that's been in place for literally hundreds of years that's only gotten stronger."

• Nalini Stamp [05:22]: "I was a part of Occupy Wall Street, and people are like, y'all are insane. There's not a problem with the economy."

• David Cross [14:36]: "It's all bullshit, and it's all spliced and it's all false information."

• Nalini Stamp [43:20]: "I can't go back to just, like, identity issues and parades."

Conclusion

This episode of "Senses Working Overtime" offers a deep dive into the intricacies of political activism, the challenges faced by grassroots movements, and the evolving landscape of American politics. Nalini Stamp's insights, combined with David Cross's probing questions, provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current state of political organizing and the path forward.

Note: Advertisements and non-content sections were omitted to focus solely on the substantive discussions between the host and guest.