Claim OwnershipNot Suitable for Democracy
Subscribed: 0Played: 14
Subscribe
© 2026 Not Suitable for Democracy
Description
Politics is everywhere, but everything is broken. That's just not suitable for democracy. Catch our weekly news show exploring the challenges within our society, culture, and democracy. Hosted by political commentator, Nick, along with the occasional special guest, we'll discuss the latest news from an independent perspective. Together, we'll redefine what's acceptable in America.
39 Episodes
Reverse
On today’s episode of Not Suitable for Democracy, we zoom out — and then all the way back in — connecting the dots between global conflict and the politics shaping communities here at home. First, we examine the escalating war involving Iran, where military operations have already racked up nearly $11 billion in spending. The country has also installed a new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, following the death of his late father, raising urgent questions the new regime and Trump's grip on th...
On episode 36 of Not Suitable for Democracy, we break down how James Talarico pulled off a major victory in the Texas Democratic primary for U.S. Senate — and what campaigns across the country can learn from it. First, we look at the message. What kind of political message can actually resonate across a massive and diverse state like Texas? Can a campaign speak to urban progressives and rural voters at the same time? And in an era of hyper-partisanship, is there a way to frame politics around...
This week on Not Suitable for Democracy, we turn to global politics as the world reels from a dramatic and destabilizing escalation in the Middle East. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a coordinated series of strikes on Iran, killing Iran’s Supreme Leader and throwing the country’s government into a sudden and dangerous power vacuum. What does leadership decapitation mean for a nation of 92 million people? And how fragile is the r...
On today’s episode of Not Suitable for Democracy, we’re connecting the dots between national ambition and neighborhood power. First, we head to Texas, where the U.S. Senate race between Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico is shaping up to be a battle over the soul — and strategy — of the Democratic Party. What kind of candidate can actually build a winning statewide coalition in Texas? And what does this race say about the future of progressive Democrats? Then we’re back in New York, where Zo...
This week, we break down five special elections that delivered major victories for progressive Democrats across the country. From Christian Menefee’s win in TX-18 and Taylor Rehmet’s upset in Texas State Senate District 9, to Erik Bottcher in New York Senate District 47, Diana Moreno’s grassroots victory in New York State Assembly District 36 (aka The People's Republic of Astoria), and Analilia Mejia’s win in New Jersey’s 11th District, these races offer a clear picture of what’s working for ...
After a four-week hiatus, we’re joined by Eric Thor, a longtime Astoria resident, tech freelancer, and full-time believer in people-powered politics. Eric has become deeply embedded in local organizing through the Queens chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, lending his time and talents to campaigns like Zohran Mamdani, Tiffany Cabán, and most recently, Diana Moreno. As a friend of Zohran Mamdani, Eric also worked on two website projects for him — blending tech skills with movement...
In this episode, we dive into a wave of progressive campaigns reshaping politics from Maine to New York. Host Nick breaks down Graham Platner’s bold Senate run in Maine, the powerhouse Texas duo of Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico running for U.S. Senate, and the vibrant slate of New York State Assembly contenders — Brian Romero and Aber Kawas in AD34, along with Mary Jobaida, Rana Abdelhamid, and Diana Moreno in AD36. Nick shares who he’s supporting and why, offering insight into th...
This week, we switch gears and dive into three Netflix shows that blur the line between entertainment and the political realities that shaped (and still shape) America: Death by Lightning, The Diplomat (Season 3), and Stranger Things (Season 5, Part 1). We start with the extraordinary — and often overlooked — legacy of President James Garfield, whose assassination still echoes in our political systems today. Death by Lightning showcases the meteoric rise and tragic demise of one of Amer...
In this episode, we break down Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s historic meeting with President Trump — the first face-to-face between the Queens democratic socialist and the Republican president. What did the meeting signal for New York City’s future? How do the optics play a role in this moment? And what does it mean for Democrats and party leaders like Hakeem Jeffries? Then we shift to Brooklyn, where City Council Member Chi Ossé is mounting an insurgent congressional run to unseat Jeffries hi...
In this episode, we take a sweeping look at the new wave of candidates on the left stepping into the 2026 arena and reshaping what Democratic politics could look like. Host Nick starts with some news updates regarding President Trump. Then we discuss the U.S. Senate race in Maine, where Graham Platner is launching an insurgent, people-powered campaign. Coupled with his dirty laundry, this is the kind of run that tests whether liberal identity politics outweighs bold, economic populist ideas, ...
This week, we look at three major stories shaping American politics. First, we break down the aftermath of Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral victory. We even measure the power of his message based on his cost per vote. Then we determine what his transition team signals about his mayorship. From NYC to Washington D.C., we turn to the Supreme Court. On Monday, November 10th, they rejected Kim Davis’ petition and avoided reopening a fight that could have put same-sex marriage rights at risk. We discuss t...
In this episode, we celebrate a new chapter for New York City as Zohran Mamdani is elected mayor. Host Nick takes listeners on a journey to a local gay bar in Zohran’s Assembly District, where community and democracy meet over good conversations and better company. There at ICON Bar, he’s joined by three friends of the podcast, Jason, Skylar, and Darien to talk about voting, the state of Democratic leadership, the direction of the party, and why Zohran’s message resonated with so many N...
This week, it’s all about the New York City mayoral election and the movement behind Zohran Mamdani’s campaign. Host Nick breaks down everything voters need to know before heading to the polls, including his Early Voting experience in Astoria and his Voter Guide for New York City voters. Most interesting is the record breaking turnout from the first two days of Early Voting. Then, learn about the six ballot proposals shaping the city’s future. Hear what they're all about and recommendations o...
In this episode, we hit the streets of New York City for the No Kings March, a vibrant protest with one clear message: power belongs to the people, not the powerful. Host Nick shares his firsthand experience at the march — the chants, the energy, and the humor that only New Yorkers can bring to a protest. Along the way, he interviews six attendees, including a union member, a member from the Democratic Socialist of America, and activists from ACT UP. They share their thoughts on the sta...
In the third episode released this week, we’re peeling back the curtain on some of the most troubling headlines shaking American democracy. First, we dive into the Pentagon document that quietly bars media outlets from reporting on the military without pre-approved data — a move that has journalists and watchdogs sounding the alarm. Then, we look at the airport video featuring Kristi Noem, a not-so-subtle campaign ad that blatantly violates the Hatch Act — prompting major airports like ...
In the second episode of three released this week, we tackle a topic that should’ve been settled long ago: marriage equality. To kick off the episode, we discuss how we got here: between Kim Davis, the same-sex couple she denied a marriage license to, what happened with the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, and why Kim Davis is now going to the Supreme Court. As conservative justices resurface old debates, the conversation around rights and recognition takes center stage once more. Back in Sept...
This week, we're making up for lost time after missing last week's episode. To hold ourselves accountable, we're publishing three episodes in a row. In this week's first of three episodes, we're focusing on accountability. How do we hold elected officials and entities accountable? What are the necessary steps in the process? To best illustrate holding politicians accountable, we'll review three recent political events through the lens of accountability. At the time of publishing this podcast ...
This week’s episode runs the gauntlet of American politics and culture. We start with Jimmy Kimmel’s sudden suspension from ABC and what it says about free speech. Then we turn to Kamala Harris and her eyebrow-raising comments about Zohran Mamdani, raising questions about the party’s relationship with its progressive wing. Back in New York, Eric Adams has dropped out of the race for NYC Mayor, even though he's still on the ballot. On Capitol Hill, Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer continue to...
Picking up where we left off, this week’s episode looks beyond the rising tensions and turns toward solutions. How do we break out of the cycle of "divide and conquer" politics? We explore ways to build real community, get involved in the political process, and reclaim a sense of agency in the face of chaos. From being intentional with our words to remembering the power of listening before speaking, we highlight practical steps—big and small—that move us toward connection instead of division....
Last week was another turning point in America’s ever-rising political tensions—streets filled with anger, headlines filled with uncertainty, and a democracy stretched thin. In this week's episode, we take stock of what unfolded and ask the question on everyone’s mind: where do we go from here? This is a two-part episode where the second half of the discussion will be released next week. Get ready to dive into a variety of topics: from the state of our economy to the proliferation of content ...
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States