Democrats Chase Shiny Objects. Here's How They Can Build Real Power.
About this episode
Klein interviews Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something, about how progressives can build lasting political power by investing in state and local races rather than chasing high-profile federal contests. After the defeat of federal voting-rights bills, they argue there is no national fix for democracy in a country where elections are run locally — and that Republicans have spent decades capturing school boards, legislatures, and precinct roles, a strategy Litman sees embodied in Steve Bannon's 'precinct strategy.' Litman explains how Run for Something recruits and supports young progressives for down-ballot office, why it focuses on candidates under 40, how surprisingly affordable local races are, and why door-to-door campaigning and candidate pipelines can rebuild civic trust and community connection in an era of democratic backsliding.