Raging Moderates: How Obamaworld is Elevating Zohran Mamdani (ft. David Axelrod)
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
In this compelling episode of Raging Moderates, Jessica Tarlov sits down with Obama administration veteran David Axelrod to dissect the explosive political landscape shaping America's future. They dive deep into three critical battlegrounds: Gavin Newsom's aggressive redistricting gambit in California (05:08), the stalled Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations following Trump's Alaska summit with Putin (30:30), and the surprising Obama World embrace of progressive mayoral candidate Zara Mamdani despite party establishment pushback (48:46). Axelrod delivers sharp insights on Trump's worldview as viewing politics through a "corrupt dystopia" lens (06:32), the Democratic Party's brand crisis with working-class voters (21:58), and why hope still matters in an increasingly cynical political environment (56:54).
Speakers
Jessica Tarlov (Host)
Co-host of Fox News' The Five, political strategist and Democratic commentator. She introduces herself as living in Tribeca and taking the Stuyvesant test, establishing her New York credentials.
David Axelrod
Former senior adviser to President Obama, founding director of the University of Chicago's Institute of Politics, and CNN chief political analyst. Host of the Hacks On Tap podcast and alumnus of Stuyvesant High School, where his English teacher was Frank McCourt.
Key Takeaways
View Politics as Asymmetric Warfare
Recognize that you're not fighting someone who plays by conventional rules. Trump's philosophy is that "the world is a kind of corrupt dystopia...and the strong take what they want however they can get it, and rules and laws and norms are for suckers." When facing opponents who don't respect institutions, you can't partially reform. (06:46)
Stop Being Missionaries to Your Own Base
Democrats approach working people "as sort of as missionaries and anthropologists," showing up saying "we're here to help you become more like us, and we know what you need." This condescending approach alienates the very voters you claim to represent. Replace lecture mode with listening mode—approach people with genuine respect for what they think, not just what they do. (21:59)
Become the Party of Renewal, Not Restoration
Americans believe "the system has failed them, that the system is rigged," and they're working harder just to stay afloat. Don't simply promise to "fix what was broken"—people rejected that status quo. Offer something genuinely new that responds to their daily concerns, not those of "big money lobbyists and campaign contributors." The future belongs to those who can articulate what comes after the teardown. (24:32)
Master the Long Game Mentality
Remember you're at "mile marker two of a marathon" when evaluating early political momentum. Gavin Newsom is "having a spurt," but presidential races contain "a lot of tests." Great political athletes like Newsom have speed and skills, but vulnerabilities emerge over long campaigns. Focus on building sustainable advantages rather than getting caught up in momentary wins or losses. (14:07)
Respect Electoral Victories Over Ideological Purity
Stop tearing down people "who have won these tough elections" just because you disagree on specific policies. Ask yourself: "Would you rather have a senator from Michigan, or would you rather just complain?" Success in competitive districts requires understanding what "farmers and working people" actually experience, not what you think they should want. The candidate who wins gets to set the agenda. (27:05)
Statistics & Facts
- The last time an incumbent party won seats in the midterm election was in 2002 after 9/11, with George W. Bush picking up six house seats. (18:57)
- Clinton picked up some seats in 1998, reflecting both backlash to Republicans going after him on the Lewinsky scandal and a "rip roaring economy" at the time. (19:11)
- Illinois has a gerrymandered map of 14 to 3 (82-83% Democratic advantage), which David Axelrod cited as an example of Democratic states also engaging in gerrymandering practices. (07:09)