#441 – Cenk Uygur: Trump vs Harris, Progressive Politics, Communism & Capitalism

At a Glance

• Importance of Open Convention in Democracy - “I believe in an open convention, but I know Democrats, they love to anoint because they don’t trust the people.” This highlights the importance of allowing a democratic process to select candidates rather than relying on elites to make decisions.

• Surprising Lack of Endorsement for Kamala Harris - “Obama Pelosi and Schumer did not endorse Kamala Harris. That’s huge.” This point emphasizes the unexpected lack of endorsement for a prominent political figure, showcasing potential shifts in political dynamics.

• Critique of Authoritarian Nature of DNC - “The authoritarian nature of the DNC drives me crazy. They don’t believe in testing candidates.” This critique sheds light on the lack of democratic processes within political parties, sparking a conversation about the need for transparency and fairness in candidate selection.

What to Do

• Expand the circle of liberty and justice for all and equality of opportunity - Progressives aim to include everyone in the circle of liberty and justice, ensuring fairness and equal opportunities for all individuals.

• Unite the populist left and the populist right to get money out of politics - By coming together, individuals from different political spectrums can have enough leverage and power to make significant changes, such as removing money from politics.

• Recognize the influence of lobbyists and companies in politics - Understanding the impact of lobbyists and corporate interests in politics is crucial to addressing issues related to money in politics and ensuring fair representation for all individuals.

What to Get

• Justice Is Coming: How Progressives Are Going to Take Over the Country and America Is Going to Love It by Cenk Uygur - Amazon

Summary

The latest podcast episode features Cenk Uygur, a well-known progressive commentator, engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with Lex. The discussion revolves around the concept of progress and change, exploring how it unfolds gradually before suddenly becoming apparent.

Cenk emphasizes that progressives are often viewed as empathetic towards those on their side, but may be more guarded when dealing with opposing viewpoints. He likens this dynamic to wagons, where conservatives have a “closed wagon” approach, setting up electric fences and barbed wire to keep outsiders at bay. In contrast, he suggests that the left wing has wider wagons, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where change can happen gradually before suddenly becoming apparent.

Cenk shares an intriguing story about his family’s history, connecting it to the Mark Twain quote “change happens really gradually…and then all of a sudden.” He recounts how his ancestor, a Turkish admiral, came up with the brilliant idea to build wooden planks over land and grease them to pass their fleet over the Bosphorus during the Ottoman Empire’s conquest of Constantinople. This anecdote illustrates how seemingly impossible ideas can become reality through perseverance and determination.

The conversation touches on various themes, including universal healthcare, higher wages for all, and the notion that progress often unfolds gradually before suddenly becoming apparent. Cenk highlights that his vision for a more inclusive society, where everyone benefits from progressive policies, is not limited to just those within their own ideological circle.