Not Suitable for Democracy

In this week's episode, we explore the stunning turn of events that caused Graham Platner to suspended his campaign for the U.S. Senate to represent Maine. On Monday, July 6th, it was reported that Platner assaulted an ex-girlfriend against her will back in 2021. This news sent shockwaves across democratic and progressive circles. Endorsements rescinded. Calls to step down grew louder. The me...

We're back after a hiatus focusing on the democratic primaries in New York. Tuesday's victories for Democratic Socialists and Progressives have been the talk of the town. Mamdani proved once again that socialism wins. The history-making Mayor flexed his political muscle endorsing three candidates for Congress: Claire Valdez (NY-7), Brad Lander (NY-10), and Darializa Avila Chevalier (NY-1...

With less than three weeks for the Democratic primaries in New York, we have to untangle the web of Queens politics to support progressive Democrats. In this week's election-focused episode, we chat about two amazing candidates running in the heart of Queens: Chuck Park and Shamsul Haque. Chuck Park (notably campaigning as Chuck for Queens) is running for Congress in NY-6. Park is giving the...

In Episode 45, we discuss the U.S. Senate race happening in Texas. Just this week, Republicans nominated Attorney General Ken Paxton. Was it the right choice? In 24 hours, Democratic nominee James Talarico raised $3 million. We explore the competitive March 3rd primaries for Democrats and Republicans. Starting with Democrats, the progressives in Texas had a tough choice between Texas Tough's...

Life can change literally overnight. For us, that means we moved to Woodside!  What does that mean for the show? We're doing more episodes each week, filming shorter episodes for clarity, and focusing on NEWS Suitable for Democracy: a daily dose of good news that keeps hope alive. In this episode, we'll share some history about Woodside and how our new neighborhood came to be. How has tr...

In this episode of Not Suitable for Democracy , we cover a whirlwind week in American politics that speak the identity crisis happening within the Democratic Party. Have Democrats learned their lesson since 2024? We begin with former Vice President Kamala Harris appearing alongside Al Sharpton at the National Action Network ’s 35th annual convention, where she confirmed she’s considering a 2028 pr...

In this week's episode of Not Suitable for Democracy , we turn our attention overseas to a political earthquake in Hungary. After 16 years in power, Viktor Orbán has been voted out, ending one of Europe’s most closely watched experiments in modern authoritarianism. We break down the undemocratic tactics Orbán used to consolidate control—reshaping the courts, tightening his grip on media, and...

This week, we explore the top news stories from the week between Democratic politics and Republican politics. First, three major endorsements are emboldening the left as they take on the Democratic Establishment. In California's 11th congressional district, Saikat Chakrabarti earned the endorsement of the progressive juggernaut, Justice Democrats. This is the same group that launched Alexandr...

On today’s episode of Not Suitable for Democracy , we head straight into the streets of New York City for a deep dive into the energy, emotion, and urgency behind the third No Kings March . Crowds showed up in force — reportedly making it the largest nationwide single-day action in history — sending a clear signal that more people are feeling compelled to speak out and be seen. We unpack what this...

On today’s episode of Not Suitable for Democracy , we break down four major stories that reveal the growing pressure points in American politics — where crisis meets policy, and power shapes the outcome. First, we start in New York, where a fatal collision at LaGuardia Airport rattled the region on Sunday night — just hours before President Donald Trump moved to deploy I.C.E. agents to 13 major ai...

On Episode 38 of Not Suitable for Democracy , we examine the growing political battles shaping the future of LGBTQIA+ rights in America — from state legislatures to city halls to the national Democratic conversation. First, we look at a resolution passed by the Idaho State Legislature that could challenge the legal foundation of same-sex marriage and potentially push the issue back toward the Supr...

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, fol...

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 vo...

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....

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 d...

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 Ana...

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 Zoh...

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,...

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 politica...

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, wh...

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 k...

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...

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 Democrat...

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...

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 Dem...