DeepSummary
The episode features an interview with Alex Breen, a veteran writer and journalist, discussing the concept of "popularism" coined by political theorist David Shor. Breen critiques Shor's approach, which involves using polling data to determine what policies and messaging Democrats should embrace to appeal to a wider demographic, particularly non-college-educated voters. Breen argues that Shor's methods are flawed, and that his advice mainly serves to silence left-wing activists and protect the interests of party elites.
The conversation also touches on the challenges of reaching a mass audience with left-wing media and messaging. Breen acknowledges the need for a mass media strategy but notes the difficulties in achieving this without significant resources. He also shares his experience with the newsletter model, discussing the potential pitfalls of chasing controversy and outrage for attention.
Towards the end, the hosts ask Breen about the decline of local journalism and whether a subscriber-based model could revive it. Breen expresses optimism about the potential for subscriber-funded journalism but emphasizes the need for a mass media strategy to effectively disseminate left-wing ideas and counteract right-wing propaganda.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- David Shor's "popularist" approach of using polling data to guide Democratic messaging is criticized for silencing left-wing activists and protecting party elites.
- Creating a mass media strategy is crucial for disseminating left-wing ideas, but faces challenges due to lack of resources compared to right-wing media outlets.
- The newsletter model has potential pitfalls, such as the temptation to chase controversy and outrage for attention.
- Local journalism has declined, but subscriber-based models could revive it, providing a platform for left-wing perspectives at the community level.
- Public opinion on issues like immigration has shifted in a more progressive direction, contradicting Shor's recommendations for Democrats to adopt more conservative stances.
- Alternative approaches to policing that focus on delivering public safety could satisfy the public's desire for safety more effectively than current police practices.
- The right-wing has been successful in distorting national conversations through well-funded media outlets, highlighting the need for a strong left-wing media presence.
- Reaching a mass audience with left-wing messaging is a significant challenge that requires substantial resources and strategy.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Shore is one of his main issues, that democrats need to be hawkish and anti immigrant. But the actual opinion polling on immigration over the last 20 years has made a shocking, shocking turn towards people being more accepting of immigration in general.“ by Alex Breen
- “If we're talking about persuasive left wing media, not just sort of liberal media, not objective journalism, if we're talking about persuasive left media, there needs to be a way to figure out a mass, to reach a mass audience.“ by Alex Breen
- “The thing they want is safety. That's the thing everyone wants. They want public safety. If you can deliver public safety. Cause the police are doing a pretty shitty job of it. The police are doing a really shitty job of it. If you can deliver them public safety, that will satisfy the need that they are telling you they want delivered through the police because you've given them no other options.“ by Alex Breen
- “But the actual opinion polling on immigration over the last 20 years has made a shocking, shocking turn towards people being more accepting of immigration in general.“ by Alex Breen
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Episode Information
Left Anchor
Ryan Cooper & Alexi the Greek
5/9/22
In this episode from the archive, we've got Alex Pareene on to discuss the recent controversy and articles about political theoretician David Shor and his "popularist" dogma. Then we move on to talk about subscription media, and the promises and pitfalls thereof for the left. Enjoy!
Make sure to subscribe to Alex's newsletter. He's pretty much the best lefty writer in the business.