--:-- [Theme music fades out]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Welcome to Today Explained, I'm Sean Rameswaram.
--:-- Noel King: And I'm Noel King.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Today, we're talking about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the 28-year-old Democratic Socialist who's set to become the youngest woman to ever serve in Congress this November.
--:-- Noel King: That's right. She made headlines by defeating ten-term Representative Joe Crowley in a massive upset for the Democratic Party.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Kay Steiger is here to explain whether socialism is the future of the left. Kay, welcome to the show.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Thanks for having me on.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: So, let's start with the basics. What happened in New York on Tuesday night?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Well, Representative Joe Crowley, who's a top Democrat in the House, lost to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in a stunning upset.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. Crowley's been in office for 10 terms, and he was seen as a shoo-in for re-election.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Exactly. And Ocasio-Cortez, on the other hand, is a first-time candidate who ran a super grassroots campaign.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: What's the district like that they were competing in?
--:-- Kay Steiger: So, this is a district in New York City, which spans parts of the Bronx and parts of Queens. It's a place where there are a lot of people of color.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And how important was it that Ocasio-Cortez was a young Latina?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think that was super important to a lot of people. One thing we've seen happening in elections across the country is women standing up and saying, "I want the government to look more like me."
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, that's a great point. So, who is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez?
--:-- Kay Steiger: She's a Bronx native, her mom is Puerto Rican, and she's 28. When she's elected in November, she'll be the youngest woman ever elected to Congress.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's incredible. She's also a card-carrying Democratic Socialist, right?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, she's a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. She ran on things like Medicare for all, abolishing ICE, and a federal jobs guarantee.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Wow, that's a pretty progressive platform.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, it is. And she's just a very dynamic speaker. She's great to listen to.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: I've heard that video of her introducing herself to her district. It's really powerful.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, the video is kind of amazing to watch. She introduces herself and makes the case for why she's a serious candidate, even if she doesn't have a lot of money.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: How much did the two candidates' platforms differ?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I would say that Ocasio-Cortez and Crowley probably had different voting records in Congress, but what was different about them is their attitudes about what they want from the Democratic Party and how they want to run it.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, that's a great point. So, what's the significance of this upset for the Democratic Party?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it's a huge deal. It shows that the party is shifting towards more progressive ideas and that grassroots campaigns can be successful.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And what about the Republican Party? Are they seeing any similar trends?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think we're seeing a similar trend on the Republican side, where Republicans who have been openly critical of Donald Trump are losing their primaries.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. Mark Sanford, for example, lost his primary last week.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Exactly. And it seems like the country is moving towards more extremes on the left and the right.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a scary thought. What does that mean for the general election?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it means that the general election is going to be a battle between the bases of both parties. Who can get their base most energized to turn out and vote?
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a great point. Thanks for explaining all this to us, Kay.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Thanks for having me on.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And now, a word from our sponsor.
--:-- [Theme music returns]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Welcome back to Today Explained. We're talking about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the future of the left.
--:-- Noel King: That's right. And we're going to talk about how the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, and we're going to explore what this means for the general election.
--:-- Noel King: And we're going to talk about how the Republican Party is responding to these changes.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Alright, let's get into it.
--:-- [Discussion continues]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: So, Kay, you mentioned that the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas. Can you explain what that means?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think it means that the party is embracing more left-wing ideas, like Medicare for all and a federal jobs guarantee.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. And it seems like these ideas are resonating with voters.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think they are. And it's not just about the ideas themselves, it's about the way the party is running campaigns.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, that's a great point. So, what's the significance of this shift for the Democratic Party?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it's a huge deal. It shows that the party is willing to take risks and challenge the status quo.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And what about the Republican Party? Are they seeing any similar trends?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think we're seeing a similar trend on the Republican side, where Republicans who have been openly critical of Donald Trump are losing their primaries.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. Mark Sanford, for example, lost his primary last week.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Exactly. And it seems like the country is moving towards more extremes on the left and the right.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a scary thought. What does that mean for the general election?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it means that the general election is going to be a battle between the bases of both parties. Who can get their base most energized to turn out and vote?
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a great point. Thanks for explaining all this to us, Kay.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Thanks for having me on.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And now, a word from our sponsor.
--:-- [Theme music returns]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Welcome back to Today Explained. We're talking about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the future of the left.
--:-- Noel King: That's right. And we're going to talk about how the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, and we're going to explore what this means for the general election.
--:-- Noel King: And we're going to talk about how the Republican Party is responding to these changes.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Alright, let's get into it.
--:-- [Discussion continues]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: So, Kay, you mentioned that the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas. Can you explain what that means?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think it means that the party is embracing more left-wing ideas, like Medicare for all and a federal jobs guarantee.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. And it seems like these ideas are resonating with voters.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think they are. And it's not just about the ideas themselves, it's about the way the party is running campaigns.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, that's a great point. So, what's the significance of this shift for the Democratic Party?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it's a huge deal. It shows that the party is willing to take risks and challenge the status quo.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And what about the Republican Party? Are they seeing any similar trends?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think we're seeing a similar trend on the Republican side, where Republicans who have been openly critical of Donald Trump are losing their primaries.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. Mark Sanford, for example, lost his primary last week.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Exactly. And it seems like the country is moving towards more extremes on the left and the right.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a scary thought. What does that mean for the general election?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it means that the general election is going to be a battle between the bases of both parties. Who can get their base most energized to turn out and vote?
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a great point. Thanks for explaining all this to us, Kay.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Thanks for having me on.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And now, a word from our sponsor.
--:-- [Theme music returns]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Welcome back to Today Explained. We're talking about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the future of the left.
--:-- Noel King: That's right. And we're going to talk about how the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, and we're going to explore what this means for the general election.
--:-- Noel King: And we're going to talk about how the Republican Party is responding to these changes.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Alright, let's get into it.
--:-- [Discussion continues]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: So, Kay, you mentioned that the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas. Can you explain what that means?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think it means that the party is embracing more left-wing ideas, like Medicare for all and a federal jobs guarantee.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. And it seems like these ideas are resonating with voters.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think they are. And it's not just about the ideas themselves, it's about the way the party is running campaigns.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, that's a great point. So, what's the significance of this shift for the Democratic Party?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it's a huge deal. It shows that the party is willing to take risks and challenge the status quo.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And what about the Republican Party? Are they seeing any similar trends?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think we're seeing a similar trend on the Republican side, where Republicans who have been openly critical of Donald Trump are losing their primaries.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. Mark Sanford, for example, lost his primary last week.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Exactly. And it seems like the country is moving towards more extremes on the left and the right.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a scary thought. What does that mean for the general election?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it means that the general election is going to be a battle between the bases of both parties. Who can get their base most energized to turn out and vote?
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a great point. Thanks for explaining all this to us, Kay.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Thanks for having me on.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And now, a word from our sponsor.
--:-- [Theme music returns]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Welcome back to Today Explained. We're talking about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the future of the left.
--:-- Noel King: That's right. And we're going to talk about how the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, and we're going to explore what this means for the general election.
--:-- Noel King: And we're going to talk about how the Republican Party is responding to these changes.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Alright, let's get into it.
--:-- [Discussion continues]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: So, Kay, you mentioned that the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas. Can you explain what that means?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think it means that the party is embracing more left-wing ideas, like Medicare for all and a federal jobs guarantee.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. And it seems like these ideas are resonating with voters.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think they are. And it's not just about the ideas themselves, it's about the way the party is running campaigns.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, that's a great point. So, what's the significance of this shift for the Democratic Party?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it's a huge deal. It shows that the party is willing to take risks and challenge the status quo.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And what about the Republican Party? Are they seeing any similar trends?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think we're seeing a similar trend on the Republican side, where Republicans who have been openly critical of Donald Trump are losing their primaries.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. Mark Sanford, for example, lost his primary last week.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Exactly. And it seems like the country is moving towards more extremes on the left and the right.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a scary thought. What does that mean for the general election?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it means that the general election is going to be a battle between the bases of both parties. Who can get their base most energized to turn out and vote?
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a great point. Thanks for explaining all this to us, Kay.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Thanks for having me on.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And now, a word from our sponsor.
--:-- [Theme music returns]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Welcome back to Today Explained. We're talking about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the future of the left.
--:-- Noel King: That's right. And we're going to talk about how the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, and we're going to explore what this means for the general election.
--:-- Noel King: And we're going to talk about how the Republican Party is responding to these changes.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Alright, let's get into it.
--:-- [Discussion continues]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: So, Kay, you mentioned that the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas. Can you explain what that means?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think it means that the party is embracing more left-wing ideas, like Medicare for all and a federal jobs guarantee.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. And it seems like these ideas are resonating with voters.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think they are. And it's not just about the ideas themselves, it's about the way the party is running campaigns.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, that's a great point. So, what's the significance of this shift for the Democratic Party?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it's a huge deal. It shows that the party is willing to take risks and challenge the status quo.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And what about the Republican Party? Are they seeing any similar trends?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think we're seeing a similar trend on the Republican side, where Republicans who have been openly critical of Donald Trump are losing their primaries.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. Mark Sanford, for example, lost his primary last week.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Exactly. And it seems like the country is moving towards more extremes on the left and the right.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a scary thought. What does that mean for the general election?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it means that the general election is going to be a battle between the bases of both parties. Who can get their base most energized to turn out and vote?
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a great point. Thanks for explaining all this to us, Kay.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Thanks for having me on.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And now, a word from our sponsor.
--:-- [Theme music returns]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Welcome back to Today Explained. We're talking about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the future of the left.
--:-- Noel King: That's right. And we're going to talk about how the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, and we're going to explore what this means for the general election.
--:-- Noel King: And we're going to talk about how the Republican Party is responding to these changes.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Alright, let's get into it.
--:-- [Discussion continues]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: So, Kay, you mentioned that the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas. Can you explain what that means?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think it means that the party is embracing more left-wing ideas, like Medicare for all and a federal jobs guarantee.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. And it seems like these ideas are resonating with voters.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think they are. And it's not just about the ideas themselves, it's about the way the party is running campaigns.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, that's a great point. So, what's the significance of this shift for the Democratic Party?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it's a huge deal. It shows that the party is willing to take risks and challenge the status quo.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And what about the Republican Party? Are they seeing any similar trends?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think we're seeing a similar trend on the Republican side, where Republicans who have been openly critical of Donald Trump are losing their primaries.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. Mark Sanford, for example, lost his primary last week.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Exactly. And it seems like the country is moving towards more extremes on the left and the right.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a scary thought. What does that mean for the general election?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it means that the general election is going to be a battle between the bases of both parties. Who can get their base most energized to turn out and vote?
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a great point. Thanks for explaining all this to us, Kay.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Thanks for having me on.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And now, a word from our sponsor.
--:-- [Theme music returns]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Welcome back to Today Explained. We're talking about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the future of the left.
--:-- Noel King: That's right. And we're going to talk about how the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, and we're going to explore what this means for the general election.
--:-- Noel King: And we're going to talk about how the Republican Party is responding to these changes.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Alright, let's get into it.
--:-- [Discussion continues]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: So, Kay, you mentioned that the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas. Can you explain what that means?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think it means that the party is embracing more left-wing ideas, like Medicare for all and a federal jobs guarantee.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. And it seems like these ideas are resonating with voters.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think they are. And it's not just about the ideas themselves, it's about the way the party is running campaigns.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, that's a great point. So, what's the significance of this shift for the Democratic Party?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it's a huge deal. It shows that the party is willing to take risks and challenge the status quo.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And what about the Republican Party? Are they seeing any similar trends?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think we're seeing a similar trend on the Republican side, where Republicans who have been openly critical of Donald Trump are losing their primaries.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. Mark Sanford, for example, lost his primary last week.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Exactly. And it seems like the country is moving towards more extremes on the left and the right.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a scary thought. What does that mean for the general election?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it means that the general election is going to be a battle between the bases of both parties. Who can get their base most energized to turn out and vote?
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a great point. Thanks for explaining all this to us, Kay.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Thanks for having me on.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And now, a word from our sponsor.
--:-- [Theme music returns]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Welcome back to Today Explained. We're talking about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the future of the left.
--:-- Noel King: That's right. And we're going to talk about how the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, and we're going to explore what this means for the general election.
--:-- Noel King: And we're going to talk about how the Republican Party is responding to these changes.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Alright, let's get into it.
--:-- [Discussion continues]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: So, Kay, you mentioned that the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas. Can you explain what that means?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think it means that the party is embracing more left-wing ideas, like Medicare for all and a federal jobs guarantee.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. And it seems like these ideas are resonating with voters.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think they are. And it's not just about the ideas themselves, it's about the way the party is running campaigns.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, that's a great point. So, what's the significance of this shift for the Democratic Party?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it's a huge deal. It shows that the party is willing to take risks and challenge the status quo.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And what about the Republican Party? Are they seeing any similar trends?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think we're seeing a similar trend on the Republican side, where Republicans who have been openly critical of Donald Trump are losing their primaries.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. Mark Sanford, for example, lost his primary last week.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Exactly. And it seems like the country is moving towards more extremes on the left and the right.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a scary thought. What does that mean for the general election?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it means that the general election is going to be a battle between the bases of both parties. Who can get their base most energized to turn out and vote?
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a great point. Thanks for explaining all this to us, Kay.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Thanks for having me on.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And now, a word from our sponsor.
--:-- [Theme music returns]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Welcome back to Today Explained. We're talking about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the future of the left.
--:-- Noel King: That's right. And we're going to talk about how the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, and we're going to explore what this means for the general election.
--:-- Noel King: And we're going to talk about how the Republican Party is responding to these changes.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Alright, let's get into it.
--:-- [Discussion continues]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: So, Kay, you mentioned that the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas. Can you explain what that means?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think it means that the party is embracing more left-wing ideas, like Medicare for all and a federal jobs guarantee.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. And it seems like these ideas are resonating with voters.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think they are. And it's not just about the ideas themselves, it's about the way the party is running campaigns.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, that's a great point. So, what's the significance of this shift for the Democratic Party?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it's a huge deal. It shows that the party is willing to take risks and challenge the status quo.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And what about the Republican Party? Are they seeing any similar trends?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think we're seeing a similar trend on the Republican side, where Republicans who have been openly critical of Donald Trump are losing their primaries.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. Mark Sanford, for example, lost his primary last week.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Exactly. And it seems like the country is moving towards more extremes on the left and the right.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a scary thought. What does that mean for the general election?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it means that the general election is going to be a battle between the bases of both parties. Who can get their base most energized to turn out and vote?
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a great point. Thanks for explaining all this to us, Kay.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Thanks for having me on.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And now, a word from our sponsor.
--:-- [Theme music returns]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Welcome back to Today Explained. We're talking about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the future of the left.
--:-- Noel King: That's right. And we're going to talk about how the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, and we're going to explore what this means for the general election.
--:-- Noel King: And we're going to talk about how the Republican Party is responding to these changes.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Alright, let's get into it.
--:-- [Discussion continues]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: So, Kay, you mentioned that the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas. Can you explain what that means?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think it means that the party is embracing more left-wing ideas, like Medicare for all and a federal jobs guarantee.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. And it seems like these ideas are resonating with voters.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think they are. And it's not just about the ideas themselves, it's about the way the party is running campaigns.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, that's a great point. So, what's the significance of this shift for the Democratic Party?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it's a huge deal. It shows that the party is willing to take risks and challenge the status quo.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And what about the Republican Party? Are they seeing any similar trends?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think we're seeing a similar trend on the Republican side, where Republicans who have been openly critical of Donald Trump are losing their primaries.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. Mark Sanford, for example, lost his primary last week.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Exactly. And it seems like the country is moving towards more extremes on the left and the right.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a scary thought. What does that mean for the general election?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it means that the general election is going to be a battle between the bases of both parties. Who can get their base most energized to turn out and vote?
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a great point. Thanks for explaining all this to us, Kay.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Thanks for having me on.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And now, a word from our sponsor.
--:-- [Theme music returns]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Welcome back to Today Explained. We're talking about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the future of the left.
--:-- Noel King: That's right. And we're going to talk about how the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, and we're going to explore what this means for the general election.
--:-- Noel King: And we're going to talk about how the Republican Party is responding to these changes.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Alright, let's get into it.
--:-- [Discussion continues]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: So, Kay, you mentioned that the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas. Can you explain what that means?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think it means that the party is embracing more left-wing ideas, like Medicare for all and a federal jobs guarantee.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. And it seems like these ideas are resonating with voters.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think they are. And it's not just about the ideas themselves, it's about the way the party is running campaigns.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, that's a great point. So, what's the significance of this shift for the Democratic Party?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it's a huge deal. It shows that the party is willing to take risks and challenge the status quo.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And what about the Republican Party? Are they seeing any similar trends?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think we're seeing a similar trend on the Republican side, where Republicans who have been openly critical of Donald Trump are losing their primaries.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. Mark Sanford, for example, lost his primary last week.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Exactly. And it seems like the country is moving towards more extremes on the left and the right.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a scary thought. What does that mean for the general election?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it means that the general election is going to be a battle between the bases of both parties. Who can get their base most energized to turn out and vote?
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a great point. Thanks for explaining all this to us, Kay.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Thanks for having me on.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And now, a word from our sponsor.
--:-- [Theme music returns]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Welcome back to Today Explained. We're talking about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the future of the left.
--:-- Noel King: That's right. And we're going to talk about how the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, and we're going to explore what this means for the general election.
--:-- Noel King: And we're going to talk about how the Republican Party is responding to these changes.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Alright, let's get into it.
--:-- [Discussion continues]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: So, Kay, you mentioned that the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas. Can you explain what that means?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think it means that the party is embracing more left-wing ideas, like Medicare for all and a federal jobs guarantee.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. And it seems like these ideas are resonating with voters.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think they are. And it's not just about the ideas themselves, it's about the way the party is running campaigns.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, that's a great point. So, what's the significance of this shift for the Democratic Party?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it's a huge deal. It shows that the party is willing to take risks and challenge the status quo.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And what about the Republican Party? Are they seeing any similar trends?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think we're seeing a similar trend on the Republican side, where Republicans who have been openly critical of Donald Trump are losing their primaries.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. Mark Sanford, for example, lost his primary last week.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Exactly. And it seems like the country is moving towards more extremes on the left and the right.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a scary thought. What does that mean for the general election?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it means that the general election is going to be a battle between the bases of both parties. Who can get their base most energized to turn out and vote?
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a great point. Thanks for explaining all this to us, Kay.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Thanks for having me on.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And now, a word from our sponsor.
--:-- [Theme music returns]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Welcome back to Today Explained. We're talking about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the future of the left.
--:-- Noel King: That's right. And we're going to talk about how the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, and we're going to explore what this means for the general election.
--:-- Noel King: And we're going to talk about how the Republican Party is responding to these changes.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Alright, let's get into it.
--:-- [Discussion continues]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: So, Kay, you mentioned that the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas. Can you explain what that means?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think it means that the party is embracing more left-wing ideas, like Medicare for all and a federal jobs guarantee.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. And it seems like these ideas are resonating with voters.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think they are. And it's not just about the ideas themselves, it's about the way the party is running campaigns.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, that's a great point. So, what's the significance of this shift for the Democratic Party?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it's a huge deal. It shows that the party is willing to take risks and challenge the status quo.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And what about the Republican Party? Are they seeing any similar trends?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think we're seeing a similar trend on the Republican side, where Republicans who have been openly critical of Donald Trump are losing their primaries.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. Mark Sanford, for example, lost his primary last week.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Exactly. And it seems like the country is moving towards more extremes on the left and the right.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a scary thought. What does that mean for the general election?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it means that the general election is going to be a battle between the bases of both parties. Who can get their base most energized to turn out and vote?
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a great point. Thanks for explaining all this to us, Kay.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Thanks for having me on.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And now, a word from our sponsor.
--:-- [Theme music returns]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Welcome back to Today Explained. We're talking about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the future of the left.
--:-- Noel King: That's right. And we're going to talk about how the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, and we're going to explore what this means for the general election.
--:-- Noel King: And we're going to talk about how the Republican Party is responding to these changes.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Alright, let's get into it.
--:-- [Discussion continues]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: So, Kay, you mentioned that the Democratic Party is shifting towards more progressive ideas. Can you explain what that means?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think it means that the party is embracing more left-wing ideas, like Medicare for all and a federal jobs guarantee.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. And it seems like these ideas are resonating with voters.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think they are. And it's not just about the ideas themselves, it's about the way the party is running campaigns.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Yeah, that's a great point. So, what's the significance of this shift for the Democratic Party?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it's a huge deal. It shows that the party is willing to take risks and challenge the status quo.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And what about the Republican Party? Are they seeing any similar trends?
--:-- Kay Steiger: Yeah, I think we're seeing a similar trend on the Republican side, where Republicans who have been openly critical of Donald Trump are losing their primaries.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's right. Mark Sanford, for example, lost his primary last week.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Exactly. And it seems like the country is moving towards more extremes on the left and the right.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a scary thought. What does that mean for the general election?
--:-- Kay Steiger: I think it means that the general election is going to be a battle between the bases of both parties. Who can get their base most energized to turn out and vote?
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: That's a great point. Thanks for explaining all this to us, Kay.
--:-- Kay Steiger: Thanks for having me on.
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: And now, a word from our sponsor.
--:-- [Theme music returns]
--:-- Sean Rameswaram: Welcome back to Today Explained. We're talking about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and the future of the left.
--:-- Noel King: That's right. And we're
