One of the things I want to do is point you to articles, podcasts and other content that has caught my eye recently. I may not be writing full-length blog posts about this content, but I wanted to share what I’m reading, listening to or watching. I seek out content that challenges my thinking, and I hope it does the same for you.
The reason we analyze content is to generate new ideas and thoughts. It helps us question our existing beliefs and determine if they stand up to scrutiny. That’s how we grow and expand our perspectives. I share these pieces with some brief thoughts in the hope that they help you discover new ideas or ask new questions.
The New Yorker Article: Do Democrats Need to Learn How to Build? – By Benjamin Wallace-Wells
Since the 2024 election, Democrats across the country have been asking what went wrong. The discussion has ranged from a hyper-focus on ‘wokeism’ to neglecting middle America. This article offers a different perspective: Democrats have forgotten how to build efficiently and effectively.
Wallace-Wells highlights this issue through three books, showing how liberal cities have become hyper-focused on certain objectives while allowing well-intended regulations—meant to protect historic buildings or the environment—to be misused to halt growth.
I’ll be reviewing one of the books previewed in the article, Stuck by Yoni Applebaum, but this article raises a very valid point about how Democratic leaders have inadvertently fostered what I’d call Liberal NIMBYism.
My Takeaway: We need to reanalyze regulations, despite their good intentions. As Democrats, we have to return to a focus on building. As Wallace-Wells states, Elon Musk and Republicans are building—but often at the expense of American rights.
Read Benjamin Wallace-Wells’ New Yorker Article >>
Raging Moderates: Newsom’s Centrist Approach and Kamala’s Political Future
Raging Moderates is a podcast hosted by NYU’s Scott Galloway and Fox News’ Jessica Tarlov. Two self-described centrist Democrats analyze recent political events, blending Galloway’s business expertise with Tarlov’s political analysis.
In the March 11 episode, they discuss Trump’s tariff flip-flopping, the Democratic Party’s internal strife over Rep. Al Green’s censure and Gavin Newsom’s recent controversial remarks on transgender athletes.
Building on the article above, this episode offers great insight into the challenges Democrats face. It contrasts the approaches of moderate and progressive Democrats as they navigate Donald Trump’s second term. They also recap James Carville’s advice for Democrats: Do nothing and let Republicans fail on their own.
My Takeaway: The battle for the heart and soul of the Democratic Party remains alive and well. This fight has been ongoing since 2016, if not earlier. It will take time to repair the damage done by the 2016-2024 elections.
Listen to Raging Moderates March 11 episode >>
I hope you enjoyed this new What Caught My Eye feature. I plan to make it a regular addition, sharing thought-provoking articles, podcasts, and videos that might not warrant a full blog post on their own.
What caught your eye this week? What should I read or listen to next? Let me know in the comments!
Unfiltered Millennial 
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