DeepSummary
Brock and Ty begin the episode discussing the significance of the upcoming 2024 election and its potential impact on American democracy, climate policy, and other critical issues. They introduce their guest, Ryan Grim, author of the book "The Squad: AOC and the Hope of a Political Revolution," which examines the rise of progressive politics and the influence of figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the Squad on shaping climate policy.
Grim provides insights into the role of Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign in reinvigorating the progressive movement, the impact of the Green New Deal in shifting the discourse around climate policy, and the challenges and opportunities faced by progressive members of Congress. They delve into the complexities of the Squad's dynamics, the influence of corporate money in politics, and the importance of down-ballot races in determining the direction of climate legislation.
The discussion touches on the significant milestones and setbacks in the journey towards comprehensive climate action, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, the failure of the Waxman-Markey bill, and the influence of key figures like Joe Manchin. Brock and Ty emphasize the critical role of progressives in pushing for bolder and more equitable climate solutions, while acknowledging the obstacles posed by anti-democratic forces and entrenched interests.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The upcoming 2024 election and down-ballot races are critical for determining the direction of climate policy and the fate of American democracy.
- The rise of progressive politicians like AOC and the Squad has significantly influenced the discourse and policymaking around climate change, pushing for bolder and more equitable solutions.
- The Green New Deal was a pivotal moment in shifting the narrative around climate policy and centering issues of justice, jobs, and a sustainable future.
- Corporate influence and money in politics remain significant obstacles to enacting progressive climate policies, necessitating the building of political power through grassroots movements and electoral victories.
- The failure of previous climate legislation like the Waxman-Markey bill highlighted the need for a more comprehensive and just approach to climate policy.
- The passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, while imperfect, demonstrated the potential for progress when progressives wield political power and influence within the Democratic Party.
- The dynamic between progressive and establishment factions within the Democratic Party will continue to shape the party's agenda and approach to climate policy in the years to come.
- Building and sustaining a progressive movement that can effectively counter anti-democratic forces and entrenched interests is crucial for achieving meaningful climate action.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “It is wild. It does not seem like it was four years ago that we were kicking off 2020 thinking, man, we do seems to be hearing a lot about this coronavirus, but otherwise seems like 2020 is going to be a really interesting year.“ by Brock Minnifil
- “If the left rallies around the squad and its adjacent allies and fends off this AIPAC onslaught of money and even like, grows its ranks and shows itself to be a fighting force capable of growing as young people, the younger cohort, increasingly age into the electorate, I think you will see the center of gravity move toward squad like politics.“ by Ryan Grimm
- “Yeah, we saw how much it mattered in 2020. Right. We were on a razor's edge there as far as the Senate goes. And with the Georgia races and those wins that gave Democrats the Senate and that basically allowed President Biden to pass the historic climate legislation.“ by Tyburn Fel
- “Like every race really matters. I want to clarify two things that we talk about in the conversation, and then, Ty, you and I will talk about it after we, after I speak with Ryan.“ by Brock Minnifil
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Episode Information
The Climate Pod
The Climate Pod
1/3/24
I don't know if you've heard, but in 2024, there is a little ol' election happening in the US that may just decide the fate of American democracy. That's it! Nothing more! Actually...there is more. Down ballot from the presidential pick will be a number of critical candidates for a variety of elected offices around the country. And over the past decade, we've seen a number of progressive wins in these races. How have those victories impacted US climate policy?
In his new book, The Squad: AOC and the Hope of a Political Revolution, Ryan Grim unpacks that question and much, much more. He joins the show to discuss how Bernie Sanders' 2016 campaign helped rejuvenate the progressive movement in recent years, how the Green New Deal changed climate policy around the world, what AOC and other progressives may be able to accomplish in Congress, and what threatens their goals. Ryan is the DC bureau chief for The Intercept and host of the podcast Deconstructed. He writes the newsletter Politics With Ryan Grim and is the author of the three books.
Read: The Squad: AOC and the Hope of a Political Revolution
Related:
David Roberts' "Some thoughts on the Inflation Reduction Act"
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal On Congress' Big Year On Climate Action
As always, follow us @climatepod on Twitter and email us at theclimatepod@gmail.com. Our music is "Gotta Get Up" by The Passion Hifi, check out his music at thepassionhifi.com. Rate, review and subscribe to this podcast on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and more! Subscribe to our YouTube channel! Join our Facebook group.