It’s primary madness, folks.
There are major races across the nation today, so if you haven’t voted, please do!
Specifically, all eyes are on the Governor’s race in my home state of California.
It’s a “jungle primary,” which means the top 2 vote-getters will advance. For Democrats, it’s been a hellish season filled with scandal and an avalanche of corporate money trying to sway the political soul of the most populous state in America. Eric Swalwell dropped out after numerous sexual impropriety and assault scandals. That helped Xavier Beccera skyrocket to the top three. He’s the Democratic establishment’s safe pick, and he would be the first Latino governor in a state with a 40% Latino population.
Then there’s Tom Steyer, who is running a very progressive campaign, is open to abolishing ICE, taxing billionaires, and committed to a bold climate agenda. However, he’s a billionaire and…don’t we dislike billionaires? And, of course, there’s Republican Steve Hilton who is backed by JD Vance and the MAGA establishment. Still, he has a chance to make it to the final two.
Patterns are emerging in American politics and tonight’s races might clarify a few of them. How is it possible that Donald Trump, an inexperienced, failed businessman, was able to become President not once but twice? Why did Trump voters also vote for AOC and Mamdani? How does Graham Platner still have a chance in Maine despite so many scandals? Why is it “vote blue no matter who” unless the candidate is a progressive against billionaires and Israel?
I believe we’re witnessing a massive reset in what Americans want and deem a “red line.” They care more about authenticity than experience. They are willing to overlook once career-ending moral scandals if the politician is speaking their language, which promises to take on the broligarchy and fight for the wealth and success of the 99%.
As we know, Trump is a conman and a criminal. He’s a fraud. He was able to win over people with the promise of being a “bull dozer” and “draining the swamp.” Clearly, it’s all bullshit, and he’s the most corrupt of them all, but the pitch won over enough skeptical voters who are furious, jaded, and desperate for change.
Will it work for Steyer in California? After all, he is also a billionaire, but maybe he’s saying what people want to hear?
To break it down, I invited journalist Jean Guerrero, who moderated one of California’s Gubernatorial debates, and Francesca Fiorentini, who just publicly supported Steyer.
***Because I’m a terrible capitalist, here’s a great 25% off discount for new paid subscribers. It’ll only be about $3.75/month or $38/year. It’ll be up all of January.
There are no paywalls, and The Left Hook continues depending on the kindness of our readers
Thank you Ellie Leonard, Amy Gabrielle, Dani Smart, Ash Sanders, LeftieProf, and many others for tuning into my live video with UNSILENCING by Jean Guerrero and Francesca Fiorentini! Join me for my next live video in the app.
