Podcast Summary: The Political Scene | The New Yorker

Episode: How the Democrats Could Divide and Conquer

Release Date: May 4, 2017
Host: Dorothy Wickenden
Guests: John Cassidy, Ben Wallace-Wells

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dorothy Wickenden is joined by New Yorker staff writers John Cassidy and Ben Wallace-Wells to discuss the prospects and evolving strategy of the Democratic Party in the wake of Donald Trump’s election. The conversation focuses on how Democrats might craft a coherent agenda that both resists Trump and unites a fractious party, the challenge of appealing to the white working class, generational divides in Democratic leadership, and the ongoing influence of figures like Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Barack Obama.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Democratic Strategy and the White Working Class

[02:22] John Cassidy:

• Democrats have long operated under the notion of an “emerging Democratic majority” based on turning out minorities, urban professionals, young voters, and single women.
• It wasn’t an explicit decision to ignore the white working class, but they ended up feeling alienated.

  “They were given the impression the Democratic Party had given up on them, didn’t care about them.” (John Cassidy, 03:20)

• Joe Biden argues the party can and should appeal broadly, not just to progressives and urban elites.

2. Bernie Sanders’ Red State Appeal

[04:02] Ben Wallace-Wells:

• Trump uniquely captured the white working-class vote by promising not to cut entitlements and railing against Wall Street and elites.
• Early actions by the Trump administration, notably support for the GOP health care bill, could erode this appeal:

  "The Trump who appealed so strongly to white working class voters may not be the Trump that they see in 2018 or 2020." (Ben Wallace-Wells, 05:01)

[05:24] Ben Wallace-Wells:

• Having visited Louisiana, Ben notes ongoing real-life economic and social struggles persist post-election. Trump will be judged by voters on whether he alleviates these.

3. Democratic Leadership: Generational Divide

[06:22] John Cassidy:

• Describes a “great generational divide,” with Warren and Sanders as established leaders, yet a perceived “weak bench” among younger Democrats.
• Potential moderate contenders mentioned include Kirsten Gillibrand and Andrew Cuomo, the latter shifting from conservative to liberal credentials.

4. The Power of Opposition to Trump

[07:24] John Cassidy:

• Reflexive opposition to Trump is powerful, given his low approval and broad unpopularity, and serves as a unifying force for the party:

  “All progressive parties disagree on lots of things...But everybody agrees in the Democratic Party that they dislike Trump. So that brings the party together.” (John Cassidy, 07:45)

• Energy and mobilization driven by opposition have been visible, especially in special elections.

5. Can Democrats Win Back Trump Voters?

[08:51] John Cassidy:

• Trump is a deeply polarizing figure with stable approval among core supporters, but unpopular policies like the GOP health care bill could soften support.
• Cites specific races (e.g., John Faso in NY) as opportunities for Democrats, with Nate Silver’s analysis showing GOP policy risks even in Republican districts.

6. Lessons from Recent History

[10:17] Dorothy Wickenden:

• Compares current Democratic Party predicament to Bill Clinton’s era of “triangulation,” where he assimilated some GOP policy positions for electoral gain.

[10:53] John Cassidy:

• Argues the party doesn’t need to return to 90s-style centrism, as that would alienate progressives:

  “The Democratic Party is a progressive party now. That’s just a fact.” (John Cassidy, 11:09)

• Suggests a focus on opposing abuses of power (financial, political) both resonates with traditional Democratic values and bridges divides.

7. Special Elections and Grassroots Energy

[12:22] Ben Wallace-Wells:

• Discusses Jon Ossoff’s candidacy in Georgia, nearly winning a Republican seat through grassroots fundraising and a campaign rooted in opposition to Trump.
• Ossoff succeeded in mobilizing both progressives and some Republicans:

  "He ran basically as an opponent of Trump...able to funnel the Democratic oppositional energy...without really radicalizing." (Ben Wallace-Wells, 13:15)

8. The Role of Barack Obama

[13:41] Dorothy Wickenden, John Cassidy, Ben Wallace-Wells:

• Obama’s upcoming $400,000 Wall Street speech sparks controversy, echoing Clinton’s criticisms for being too close to big finance.
• John Cassidy on the risk:

  “If [Obama] wants to still be a big figure in the Democratic Party...then I think it was terrible to agree to do this speech on Wall Street...the Democratic Party has to distance itself from Wall Street.” (John Cassidy, 13:54)

• Ben Wallace-Wells notes Obama’s unifying effect over factions, and that his gradual exit and choices risk undermining his authority or bridge-building role.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• John Cassidy on Democratic Party unity:
  "Everybody agrees in the Democratic Party that they dislike Trump. So that brings the party together. It brings in money, it brings in activists." (07:45)

• Ben Wallace-Wells on Trump’s appeal waning:
  "The Trump who appealed so strongly to white working class voters may not be the Trump that they see in 2018 or 2020." (05:01)

• John Cassidy on what unites the left and working class: "The way ahead for the Democratic Party is to focus on the traditional role...as being opposed to abuses of power, financial power, political power, all sorts of power." (11:24)

• On Obama and Wall Street:
  “If [the Democratic Party] stands for anything, as Biden said the other day, it’s against abuses of power. And when people think about abuses of power in this country now because of the financial crisis, they think about Wall Street.” (John Cassidy, 13:54)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Electoral Strategy & White Working Class: [02:22 - 03:51]
• Bernie Sanders’ Appeal & Trump’s Disconnect: [04:02 - 05:24]
• Generational Divide & 2020 Democratic Bench: [06:02 - 07:20]
• Opposition to Trump as a Strategy: [07:24 - 08:10]
• Can Democrats Win Trump Voters Back?: [08:40 - 10:17]
• Historical Comparison: Clinton’s Triangulation: [10:17 - 10:53]
• Role of Progressive Policy & Unity: [10:53 - 12:10]
• Georgia Special Election (Ossoff): [12:22 - 13:34]
• Barack Obama & Party Fracture: [13:41 - 15:43]

Conclusion

This episode offers an incisive look at the crossroads facing the Democratic Party in early 2017. The hosts and guests argue that while opposition to Trump is a potent unifying force, the party must also work to reconnect with the white working class without sacrificing progressive principles. The conversation acknowledges generational leadership gaps, the impact of grassroots activism, and the delicate balance needed in post-Obama Democratic politics, especially concerning Wall Street and party unity.