Episode Description:
On this week’s pod we have 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! In the interview, Osita discusses many of the major issues around media institutions today. Somehow David relates journalism to both roasted vegetables and dessert, so we either got really metaphorical or were just hungry!

We talk about how to write about politics today from a leftist view point, especially as it seems that the left has energy and new ideas but has trouble garnering broad appeal. We debate whether people are capable or want to absorb news and political analysis that challenges their preexisting beliefs. We zoom out and take a broader look at the role of legacy institutions, like the New York Times, and newer institutions with more ideological missions, examining the role each places in advancing political thought. Osita also defends his New York Times guest essay on January 6th, emphasizing the role political institutions played not only on January 6th, but also in the rightward shift of the GOP and rise of Donald Trump. We end by talking about whether the Constitution is fundamental to the crisis facing American democracy and what that means for reform efforts from the left.

Look out for Osita’s book and sign up for his newsletter!

Referenced Readings

“What is Political Writing For?,” Osita Nwanevu.
“Trump Isn’t the Only One to Blame for the Capitol Riot,” Osita Nwanevu.
“The Constitution is the Crisis,” Osita Nwanevu
“Doing Popular Things Won’t Save the Democratic Party,” Osita Nwanevu.