The Focus Group Podcast – Episode S5 Ep16: Can You Say 'Oligarchy'? (with Faz Shakir)

Introduction Timestamp: [01:37]

In this episode of The Focus Group Podcast, host Sarah Longwell delves into the dynamics of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party amidst the current political landscape. She is joined by Faz Shakir, the former campaign manager for Bernie Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign and founder of the media company More Perfect Union. Together, they explore the strategies, challenges, and future directions for progressive Democrats aiming to shift public opinion and counteract the rise of a more combative Republican Party.

More Perfect Union and Media Strategy Timestamp: [03:49] – [06:31]

Faz Shakir provides an overview of More Perfect Union, highlighting its mission to present economic stories from the perspective of America's working class. He criticizes mainstream media for focusing predominantly on the viewpoints of the business and investor classes, often neglecting the struggles and aspirations of workers.

"What do they think? What do they want? What do they need?"
– Faz Shakir [04:36]

Shakir emphasizes the effectiveness of YouTube as a platform to reach working-class Americans, noting the substantial viewership and engagement his content has garnered. He argues that video content, with its authentic portrayal of workers' experiences, is more impactful than print media in conveying the realities of economic justice.

Ideological Metaphors: Horseshoe vs. Pyramid Timestamp: [07:08] – [09:13]

The discussion shifts to the metaphorical representations of political ideologies. Sarah introduces the commonly used horseshoe theory, suggesting a more nuanced understanding. Shakir proposes a pyramid metaphor, positioning economic justice issues at the base and illustrating how various ideological factions intersect through these common concerns.

"If I go into a town hall... I would work you into solution orientations and I think I would get people who voted for Donald Trump, people voted for Bernie Sanders, people who voted for Kamala Harris and Joe Biden generally agreeing with me."
– Faz Shakir [08:55]

Impact of Bernie Sanders on the Democratic Party Timestamp: [12:45] – [14:43]

Sarah inquires about Bernie Sanders' influence on the Democratic Party. Shakir asserts that Sanders has positively impacted both policy discourse and political strategy, pushing the party towards economic justice issues. He believes Sanders would have won against Donald Trump in the 2016 election due to his genuine economic populism.

"Bernie would have given me the real version... We're battling oligarchy and a ruling class that deprivates people of power."
– Faz Shakir [07:58]

Shakir also critiques the Democratic Party's tendency to sideline progressive voices like Sanders, leading to internal friction and diminishing the party's ability to present a unified front against the GOP.

Voter Responses: Why They Become Democrats Timestamp: [15:31] – [23:40]

The podcast features recorded responses from progressive Democratic voters explaining their allegiance to the party. Common themes include a desire for inclusivity, social justice, and frustration with the Democratic establishment's perceived inaction.

Communication Strategies: Oligarchy vs. Democracy Timestamp: [41:27] – [45:32]

A central debate arises around the use of the term "oligarchy" versus "democracy" in political messaging. Shakir defends the use of "oligarchy," arguing that the average voter understands it as a system controlled by the wealthy elite, which effectively mobilizes support.

"Do the general public understand oligarchy as something that is involved with rule of the rich, the corruption of the political and economic elite, and something bad for our modern democracy? And the answer overwhelmingly is yes."
– Faz Shakir [43:12]

Sarah contends that terms like "democracy" have become too vague and polarized, while "oligarchy" provides a clearer, more specific critique of current power structures. She agrees that maintaining the use of "oligarchy" is essential for resonating with voters.

Communication Differential and Outreach Timestamp: [49:13] – [62:52]

Shakir and Sarah discuss the communication gap between Democrats and conservatives, particularly in leveraging modern media platforms. They highlight the success of Republican figures like Donald Trump and Joe Rogan in reaching and engaging audiences through non-traditional media.

Shakir emphasizes the need for Democrats to adopt more authentic and persuasive communication strategies, engaging directly with voters on platforms where they are most active. He criticizes the Democratic establishment for not matching the Republicans' adeptness at utilizing media to maintain influence.

Conclusions and Future Directions Timestamp: [65:06] – [Final]

As the conversation wraps up, Shakir reiterates the importance of economic justice as a unifying issue for Democrats. He calls for a "conviction orientation" within the party, urging leaders to stand firm on their principles and communicate them effectively to build trust and broaden the coalition.

"There is a difference between analysis... and I think that oligarchy is actually a pretty specific term that means a pretty specific thing."
– Faz Shakir [45:32]

Sarah echoes the necessity for authentic leadership, emphasizing that voters seek politicians with genuine convictions who can clearly articulate and defend their positions.

Notable Quotes

• Faz Shakir
  “What we want to hear from workers themselves. What do they think? What do they want? What do they need?”
  [04:36]

• Sarah Longwell
  “You have working class economic issues at the forefront... Here's the areas with which we all agree and I want to get something done for you to improve your standard of living.”
  [61:42]

• Voter 1
  “I want to stand up for people. I feel like Democrats historically have stood up for people who are underserved.”
  [16:23]

Key Takeaways

1. Economic Justice as Central: Shirin Shakir emphasizes that focusing on economic justice issues can unify diverse voter bases, including those who previously supported figures like Trump.

2. Effective Communication: Utilizing platforms like YouTube and adopting clear, resonant terminology (e.g., "oligarchy") can enhance Democratic outreach and mobilization.

3. Internal Party Dynamics: The Democratic Party must reconcile progressive voices with the broader party to present a cohesive and compelling alternative to the GOP.

4. Authenticity and Conviction: Voters are drawn to leaders who demonstrate genuine convictions and are willing to engage directly with their concerns without compromise.

5. Media Strategy: Progressives must leverage modern media effectively to compete with Republicans' adept use of communication channels to influence public opinion.

Conclusion Timestamp: [65:06] – [Final]

The episode concludes with a call for the Democratic Party to embrace a more economically focused and authentically communicative approach. Shakir and Longwell agree that fostering integrity, conviction, and a clear economic justice agenda is essential for revitalizing the party and broadening its appeal in a politically polarized environment.

Listen to the full episode here.