Is Trump a Test or Triumph for Democracy?

Is Trump a Test or Triumph for Democracy?

Released Thursday, 14th August 2025
Good episode? Give it some love!
Is Trump a Test or Triumph for Democracy?

Is Trump a Test or Triumph for Democracy?

Is Trump a Test or Triumph for Democracy?

Is Trump a Test or Triumph for Democracy?

Thursday, 14th August 2025
Good episode? Give it some love!
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For Democrats, President Trump’s victories have revealed the antidemocratic flaws at the core of our government. But could it be an opening for a constitutional revolution as the party searches for its next leader?

This week, Ross explores what that revolution would entail with Osita Nwanevu, the author of the book, “The Right of the People: Democracy and the Case for a New American Founding.”

3:46 - What's wrong with our democracy? 
9:07 - Our undemocratic founding 
17:00 - The case for more U.S. states and a new constitution
23:52 - Where economic reform fits into this problem 
29:26 - Does Trump represent the will of the people?
37:17 - What Trump’s presidency says about democracy
40:30 - The elusive Bernie Sanders moment 
46:29 - The mystical element of our politics

Thoughts? Email us at interestingtimes@nytimes.com.

A full transcript of this episode is available on the Times website.

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