Two Former Republicans Helping Democrats Connect & Win
Summary
Joe Walsh interviews political strategist Reed Galen, who discusses his new venture, Civic Forum, designed to engage citizens in local governance and national discourse. They explore the decline of traditional party loyalty, the impact of Trump on the political landscape, and the need for substantive policy debates beyond partisan outrage. Galen offers advice for Democrats, emphasizing that electability should stem from genuine belief and bold action rather than polling data. The conversation highlights the importance of re-engaging disaffected voters through community involvement and holdi…
Topics discussed
Sponsorships: Aerie, Experian Boost, and Rothies
Introduction and welcome of guest Reed Galen
Origins of Civic Forum and leaving the Republican Party
Personal political history and the shift in California politics
Reactions to the 2016 election and political homelessness
Civic Forum mission: bringing voices to local communities
Engaging voters and holding candidates accountable
Event details: Richmond, LA, and refugee stories
Disengaged voters and the absence of economic class discourse
National security, inflation, and the need for issue-based debate
Civic Forum website and mission statement
Sponsor break: Aerie bras
Defining the mission: moving beyond fictional pasts
Respect for constructive criticism and upcoming events
Predictions for the 2026 midterms and voter turnout
The role of Congress and the need for constant oversight
Advice for Democratic leadership: go big and subpoena witnesses
Sponsor breaks: Aerie and Experian Boost
Impeachment debates and accountability for administration officials
Constructive criticism of Democrats and the need for charisma
Outro, subscription reminders, and final sponsor reads
Listen ad-free on Castria