The Bulwark Podcast: Osita Nwanevu - Democrats Need A Better Story

Host: Tim Miller
Guest: Osita Nwanevu, Contributing Editor at The New Republic, Columnist at The Guardian, and Author of the forthcoming book The Right of the People: Democracy and the Case for a New American Founding
Episode Title: Democrats Need A Better Story

Introduction

In this episode of The Bulwark Podcast, host Tim Miller engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Osita Nwanevu, a respected contributor to political discourse. The discussion delves into the current challenges facing the Democratic Party, the implications of recent political appointments, and the broader crisis of faith in American democratic institutions.

Pete Hegseth's Nomination as Secretary of Defense

Nomination Overview:
The episode opens with the surprising nomination of Pete Hegseth, a Fox News co-host, as Secretary of Defense by former President Donald Trump. Osita Nwanevu expresses skepticism about Hegseth's qualifications, highlighting his lack of military experience.

Key Points:

• Sam Stein's Analysis:
  Sam Stein critiques Hegseth's suitability, noting his neoconservative stances and skepticism about a shift towards a less interventionist foreign policy under Trump. Stein remarks, "As far as a list of qualifications, I'd want the Defense Secretary to be concerned... he doesn't seem like he's going to be part of what people are hoping for an anti-war Trump" (04:00).

• Osita's Critique on Diversity and 'Woke' Policies:
  Osita examines Hegseth's book, revealing his disdain for diversity initiatives within the military. He cites alarming passages that prioritize "dewokification" over traditional military values, such as, "We will not stop until trans, lesbian, black females run everything. Exclamation point. The dumbest phrase on planet Earth." (11:26)

The Democratic Party's Struggle to Communicate Effectively

Core Issue:
Osita posits that a significant portion of the American electorate has lost faith in democratic institutions, leading to support for authoritarian figures like Trump. He questions why, despite stable economic conditions, voters gravitated towards a "clown dictator."

Discussion Highlights:

• Economic vs. Cultural Factors:
  Sam Stein acknowledges multiple factors contributing to Democratic struggles, including cultural dissonance and economic policies that may not resonate with working-class voters. He emphasizes the need for Democrats to craft a compelling economic narrative that competes with Republican storytelling on empowerment and agency. Stein states, "We need to go back to the drawing board... Democrats have Failed to tell a good story for many years now." (38:25)

• Erosion of Democratic Faith:
  Stein elaborates on the dwindling trust in democratic processes, attributing it to prolonged political gridlock and institutional failures. He notes, "It's nice to think of democracy as this set of values, but it can't just be political. It has to be economic as well." (24:05)

Crafting a Compelling Democratic Narrative

Democracy as Personal Agency:
Osita challenges Stein's notion of democracy, advocating for a broader interpretation that encompasses personal agency beyond political participation. He suggests that true democracy should empower individuals in their daily lives, particularly in economic spheres.

Sam Stein's Vision:
Stein agrees and expands on the idea, proposing that democracy should facilitate workers' agency in their workplaces. "Democracy more fundamentally though, is about granting people agency over the conditions that shape their lives," he asserts (27:47). He calls for Democrats to rethink their economic messaging to emphasize direct empowerment and pre-distribution of resources, moving beyond mere redistribution.

Challenge of Developing New Narratives:
Both hosts acknowledge the difficulty in formulating and communicating a new Democratic story that effectively counters Republican narratives. Stein emphasizes the absence of a unifying economic story that resonates on a personal level with voters.

The Role of Cultural Issues and Liz Cheney

Liz Cheney's Influence Critiqued:
Osita brings up the narrative some on the left blame Liz Cheney for Democratic losses, questioning its validity. Stein counters, arguing that focusing on Cheney as the cause oversimplifies the multifaceted reasons behind electoral setbacks. "I really don't think Liz Cheney is the reason why Kamala lost. I don't think that's a sufficient explanation," he states (42:26).

Democracy's Crisis and Its Implications

Sam Stein on Democracy's Fragility:
Stein reflects on the precarious state of American democracy, highlighting the tension between recognizing democratic principles and the alarming rise of authoritarian tendencies. He points out the contradiction between public concern over democracy's demise and the lack of consistent resistance against authoritarian threats. "People seem to say that they are very concerned about the imminent end of the American Project, like their actions don't match it," Stein observes (47:37).

Osita's Appraisal:
Acknowledging Stein's concerns, Osita emphasizes the importance of aligning actions with democratic ideals to foster resilience against authoritarianism.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a consensus on the urgent need for the Democratic Party to develop a more resonant and comprehensive narrative that addresses both economic empowerment and democratic renewal. Osita and Sam Stein agree that without a compelling story, Democrats risk further alienating working-class voters and failing to counteract the effective Republican messaging on agency and empowerment.

Notable Quotes:

• Osita Nwanevu (27:47):
  "Democracy more fundamentally though, is about granting people agency over the conditions that shape their lives, right?"

• Sam Stein (38:25):
  "Democrats have Failed to tell a good story for many years now. And we've seen an erosion in support for them amongst working class people who used to be dyed in the world Democrats."

• Sam Stein (47:37):
  "People seem to say that they are very concerned about the imminent end of the American Project, like their actions don't match it."

This episode offers a deep dive into the systemic issues plaguing the Democratic Party and American democracy at large. Osita Nwanevu and Sam Stein provide critical insights into the need for a reinvigorated narrative that can effectively engage and empower the electorate in today's polarized political landscape.