Not Suitable for Democracy

Nick Haby
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Politics is everywhere, but everything is broken. That's just not suitable for democracy. Catch our weekly news show exploring the challenges within our society, culture, and democracy. Hosted by political commentator, Nick, along with the occasional special guest, we'll discuss the latest news from an independent perspective. Together, we'll redefine what's acceptable in America.

  1. Sep 25

    Episode 59: Hasan Piker Vs Ken Martin, AOC's Ambitions for 2028, Susan Collins Corruption Scandal, and How Trump Pushes Democrats to the Left

    We're less than 40 days until Midterm Election Day, and news stories are getting more exciting everyday. In this week's episode, we dive into four segments that aim to answer the question: how did Trump's two terms push Democratic voters to the left? To answer that, we review three big new stories from this past week. Hasan Piker’s appearance on MS NOW’s Clock It with Symone Sanders-Townsend and Eugene Daniels was supposed to be an interrogation. Instead, the conversation may have given Hasan even more fuel—and another opportunity to challenge the Democratic establishment. After the interview, Hasan turned his attention toward DNC Chair Ken Martin, who called some of Piker’s past comments “disgusting and deplorable” while emphasizing that Hasan does not represent the Democratic Party. Hasan, naturally, had thoughts. Lots of them. We break down the growing battle between Piker, Democratic Party leadership, and the rapidly expanding online left. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is back in the political spotlight after a revealing New York Times interview about her future—and the possibility of seeking higher office in 2028. We examine what she said about her political ambitions, the choices she faces, and why 2028 could become an important turning point in her career. Nick also gets personal, sharing his firsthand experience with AOC dating back to 2018, when she went from a relatively unknown congressional challenger to one of the most recognizable progressive politicians in America. ProPublica has uncovered new details about an FBI investigation into the relationship between Maine Senator Susan Collins, her political fundraising operation, and former Navatek CEO Martin Kao. According to ProPublica, Kao told federal investigators that he exchanged political contributions for government contracts, including a $150,000 donation routed through a shell company to a Collins-affiliated super PAC. The reporting also details emails and other records that investigators used to corroborate portions of Kao’s account. Collins' office denies the allegations of bribery and pay-to-play, and neither Collins nor her staff were charged. With Collins running for another term, we dig into what ProPublica uncovered, how the FBI investigation unfolded, what happened to it after Trump returned to office, and what the case tells us about money, influence, government contracts, and the political system in Washington. And finally, we zoom out. Why does the Democratic Party—and its voters—seem to be having a very different political conversation during Trump's second term than during his first? We compare the political landscape of Trump's first and second terms and look at how Democratic voters, progressive activists, online political communities, and younger Americans have responded to the changing political environment. Yes, that includes conversation around the craziness of woke 1. Has the Democratic coalition actually moved left—or are we simply watching the party finally catch up with where parts of its base have already been? Hasan vs. the DNC. AOC's political future. A Washington corruption investigation. And the Democratic Party's ongoing identity crisis.

  2. Sep 18

    Episode 58: Hasan Piker's Shocking Interviews, Working Families Party Organizing Failure, and SCOTUS Saves Mail-in Voting

    On this week's episode of Not Suitable for Democracy, we dive into three stories swirling in progressives circles. After Republicans put a mostly naked photo of Hasan Piker on the big screen at their national convention, Hasan had a response: if the political establishment wants to make him a target, he’s apparently going to become even more motivated to defy them. We look at Hasan’s reaction and his argument that the growing attacks against him only strengthen his determination to fight back. Then we follow Hasan as he makes the media rounds, including appearances with Axios and MS NOW’s Clock It podcast with Symone Sanders Townsend and Eugene Daniels. The interviews got tense, particularly when the hosts challenged Hasan over his role in Democratic politics and his controversial political views.  The New York Working Families Party has endorsed Gov. Kathy Hochul for reelection, giving her another ballot line in November. The endorsement raises a bigger question about the role of a third party in New York's fusion-voting system: What is the Working Families Party supposed to represent, and what distinguishes its ballot line from the Democratic Party? That question comes after a mixed primary season for WFP-backed candidates, including the double digit loss of WFP-endorsed Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso to democratic socialist Claire Valdez in the Democratic primary for New York's 7th Congressional District. Valdez had the backing of Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Bernie Sanders. With the WFP now seeking hundreds of thousands of votes on its ballot line, we dig into the party's strategy, its relationship with Democratic candidates, and what it means to operate as a third party in a state where fusion voting can turn a separate party endorsement into a powerful political tool. And finally, we go back to March 2026, when President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing the federal government and USPS toward new requirements for mail-in ballots, including voter-list verification and standardized ballot-mail procedures. Twenty-three states and Washington, D.C., challenged the order in federal court. Enter U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, who blocked implementation of key parts of the order. The legal fight then moved through the appeals process and eventually reached the Supreme Court, which intervened as states prepared for the 2026 midterm elections.  We walk through the entire saga—from Trump's executive order, to the state challenges, to Judge Talwani's rulings, to the appeals and Supreme Court decisions—and explain what the fight means for mail voting heading into November. Three stories. Three very different political battles. One common theme: American politics keeps finding new ways to make the phrase “not suitable for democracy” feel remarkably appropriate.

  3. Sep 12

    Episode 57: David Morales Wins, Missouri Maps Explained, and Hasan Piker at the RNC

    The progressive wave keeps making noise. In this week's episode, we explore three key issues: the mayoral primary victory in Rhode Island, the Missouri congressional maps, and Hasan Piker's photo at the RNC. David Morales, a 27-year-old Rhode Island state representative and democratic socialist, defeated incumbent Mayor Brett Smiley in the Democratic primary for Providence. Morales made housing affordability a central issue in a city where rising rents have become a major concern. He was also one of 61 down-ballot candidates endorsed by Bernie Sanders this election cycle. So what does a 27-year-old democratic socialist winning a major city primary tell us about where local Democratic politics may be headed? We break down the race, the housing crisis, and why Providence is another city worth watching. Then in Missouri, their congressional map has become a political and legal roller coaster. Republicans redrew the state's map to strengthen their congressional advantage and target one of Missouri's two Democratic-held House seats. But People Not Politicians organized a referendum effort to give voters a say over the new map, collecting more than 300,000 signatures. Now the maps are bouncing between the Missouri Supreme Court, federal courts, and the U.S. Supreme Court. After the new map was used in the primary, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered that the 2022 map be used for the November election. Because apparently drawing congressional districts wasn't complicated enough already.  Then this week, the Republican Party held its first national midterm convention in Dallas, TX, bringing Republicans together to rally voters ahead of November's elections. And while the convention had plenty of predictable political messaging, one unexpected character stole some of the attention: Hasan Piker in his underwear. Yes, really. During a presentation attacking the political left and socialism, Republicans displayed a photo of the popular political streamer on a giant screen. Piker has become an increasingly recognizable figure in online politics—and an increasingly frequent target of criticism from political opponents. So why is a Twitch streamer showing up in the middle of national political messaging? We look at how Hasan became a political force, and why Republicans are using this moment to put him on display. Three stories. Three political fights. One increasingly complicated question: who gets to shape the future of American politics?

  4. Sep 5

    Episode 56: Hasan, Hakeem, and Having Content Creators Disclose They're Getting Paid

    This week on Not Suitable for Democracy, we're diving into three stories that all come back to one big question: Who gets to shape the political conversation—and who benefits when we don't know who's pulling the strings?  Political streamer Hasan Piker has become a major voice on the online left—and that's made him a convenient target for establishment Democrats and mainstream media critics. We look at the attacks against Hasan, why his ideas have become so influential, and how progressive candidates like Angie Nixon can end up caught in the crossfire when political opponents try to use Hasan as a convenient scapegoat. Is this really about one content creator—or anxiety over the growing influence of an entirely new political ecosystem? If Democrats win back the House, what exactly are they going to do with it? We examine House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries' recent press conference and ask whether Democrats are offering voters a clear vision—or simply assembling sentences until the next election. After years of telling voters what they're against, Democrats need to explain what they're actually for. Because "we're not Republicans" is an identity. It's not a governing agenda. Political content creators are becoming increasingly powerful—and increasingly involved in campaigns. That makes transparency more important than ever. We discuss reporting involving Josh Greene, who was reportedly critical of Tom Steyer before later being paid to create content for Steyer's campaign without disclosing the relationship. If an influencer's audience doesn't know they're being paid by a campaign, Super PAC, brand, or political organization, is that a breach of trust? NSFD Host, Nick, also gets personal, sharing his own history working in politics—and one thing he's never done: take money for political work in exchange for support. Not from a candidate. Not from a campaign. Not from a PAC. Nothing. Because when you're asking people to trust your political analysis, they deserve to know who's paying the analyst. From Hasan to Hakeem to hidden campaign checks, this episode is about power, influence, and transparency in the modern political media ecosystem. Because if someone is paying for the message, we deserve to know who's holding the microphone. Stay tuned for new episodes every week!

  5. Aug 11

    Episode 55: Abdul El-Sayed Did the Impossible — Now What?

    How do you beat a 10-to-1 spending disadvantage? You organize! This week on Not Suitable for Democracy, we're breaking down Dr. Abdul El-Sayed's stunning victory in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary—and what his win tells us about money, messaging, and the future of progressive politics. Abdul built his campaign around three core promises: get money out of politics, put more money in people's pockets, and pass Medicare for All. Simple? Yes. Effective? Very. His affordability message connected with progressive Democrats, working-class Independents, and disaffected Republicans who aren't necessarily looking for ideological purity—they're looking for a government that makes their lives better. Here's where things get really interesting. Haley Stevens had more than $64 million in advertising spending in her favor. Abdul had about $7.4 million. That's roughly a 10-to-1 spending advantage for Stevens. And yet Abdul won. So we ask the question campaigns don't particularly enjoy hearing: How much did it actually cost to earn your vote?  Winning the Democratic primary is one thing. Winning the general election is another beast entirely. Abdul now has to expand his coalition win beyond his core base. We'll look at how his campaign is already shifting its strategy and refining its message for a general-election matchup against Mike Rogers.  And if he wins again, well… that's suitable for American democracy!

  6. Aug 7

    Michigan's Congressional Races That Shaped Abdul El-Sayed's U.S. Senate Race

    Michigan Democrats just delivered a political plot twist—and Not Suitable for Democracy is breaking down how it happened. From upset victories to grassroots coalitions, this episode looks at the congressional races that helped reshape Michigan's Democratic Party—and may have decided one of the closest Senate primaries of the cycle. MI-1: Callie Barr vs. Kyle Blomquist In Michigan's sprawling First District, Callie Barr proved that running a second time can pay off. After losing the 2024 general election, Barr came back stronger, outraising her competition and turning that financial advantage into a primary victory. Meanwhile, DSA-endorsed Kyle Blomquist ran a genuinely grassroots campaign, refusing corporate PAC and lobbyist money and building a strong ground operation. For a first-time candidate, Kyle came up short—but his supporters may have had a much bigger role to play later that night. MI-7: William Lawrence Pulls Off a Landslide This one is a lesson in what happens when moderates split the vote. Bridget Brink had major progressive firepower behind her, including an endorsement from Jasmine Crockett, while Matt Maasdam had the backing of Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin. Their battle for the middle opened the door for William Lawrence, a progressive backed by the Working Families Party and Sunrise Movement, which he co-founded. Lawrence didn't just sneak through—he won decisively, proving that a strong grassroots coalition can turn a crowded primary into a progressive landslide. MI-12: Rashida Tlaib Doesn't Miss Meanwhile, Rashida Tlaib continued her reign in Michigan's 12th District, winning her primary with room to spare. Her political journey is already one of the most unusual in modern congressional history: in 2018, she navigated both a special election and a Democratic primary held on the same day. Since then, she's built an extraordinarily durable relationship with her community. This victory was another reminder that when voters trust their representative, incumbency isn't just a title—it's a movement. MI-13: Donovan McKinney Takes Down Thanedar Then came one of the night's biggest upsets: Donovan McKinney defeated incumbent Rep. Shri Thanedar. Thanedar's campaign had plenty of controversy, from using impeachment articles as a political attention-grabber to distancing himself from the Democratic Socialists of America after October 7. McKinney took a very different approach: instead of building a coalition around ideology alone, he brought together progressive grassroots voters and establishment Democratic leaders, earning endorsements from both camps—including DSA. Turns out, sometimes the smartest progressive strategy is simply getting more people on your team. And Then There Was Abdul El-Sayed After the congressional races were called, Michigan's Senate primary became the political equivalent of checking your phone at 3 a.m. and realizing you're still not going to sleep. Dr. Abdul El-Sayed narrowly defeated Rep. Haley Stevens by roughly one percentage point, and the congressional races around the state may have helped make the difference. The connections are fascinating: Kyle Blomquist's supporters in MI-1 had a natural home in Abdul's grassroots coalition. William Lawrence cross-endorsed El-Sayed after aligning with him on the fight against AI data centers—a policy issue where Gov. Whitmer's support for Stevens created an opening. Rashida Tlaib endorsed Abdul early, bringing her formidable grassroots network into the race. And Donovan McKinney's competitive primary helped drive turnout across MI-13, potentially strengthening the coalition Abdul needed to pull off the upset. Michigan's primary wasn't just a collection of individual races. It was a network of candidates, endorsements, organizers, volunteers, and voters pulling in the same direction.

  7. Jul 30

    Episode 53: Can We Finally Get Money Out of Politics?

    This week, we're tackling one of the biggest questions in American democracy: Can we finally put limits on big money in our elections? Our focus is Dinner Table Action v. Schneider, a landmark legal challenge rooted in a 2024 Maine ballot initiative that won overwhelming support from voters. The initiative seeks to cap contributions at $5,000 to Super PACs supporting federal candidates in Maine—a direct challenge to the unlimited spending that has come to define modern campaigns. But to understand why this case matters, we have to go back. We break down the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. FEC and the federal appeals court ruling in SpeechNow.org v. FEC—the two cases that opened the floodgates for unlimited independent political spending and gave rise to today's Super PAC system. Could Maine become the state that forces the courts to reconsider decades of campaign finance precedent? Or will billionaires and special interests continue to dominate American elections? Join us as we explore the history, the legal arguments, and what's at stake for voters who believe democracy should be powered by people—not money. Because when the highest bidder gets the loudest voice, that's Not Suitable for Democracy. Subscribe for new episodes every week!

  8. Jul 28

    Episode 52: Headwinds for the Left — Can Progressives Bounce Back?

    This week on Not Suitable for Democracy, it's a tough news cycle (July 24-26) for progressives—but not one without hope. From high-profile endorsements to party power plays, we unpack the setbacks, the silver linings, and why grassroots organizing remains the left's greatest strength. Pelosi Enters the Missouri Fight Speaker Emeritas Nancy Pelosi traveled to St. Louis to campaign for Rep. Wesley Bell, reinforcing the Democratic establishment's support for his campaign over former Congressmember Cori Bush. We examine Bush's scrutiny of Bell's fundraising and outside support, and whether his record in Congress will be enough to withstand growing criticism from progressives. More importantly, we ask what this race says about the future of insurgent politics inside the Democratic Party. Whitmer Backs Haley Stevens Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has officially endorsed Rep. Haley Stevens in the state's closely watched Democratic Senate primary. The endorsement adds another chapter to the ongoing debate between establishment and progressive Democrats, as influential party leaders line up behind their preferred candidates. We discuss whether Whitmer's recent policy positions—including support for AI data center development—could influence voters and what it means for Dr. Abdul El-Sayed's grassroots campaign. The Road to 2028 Starts in South Carolina... Again The Democratic National Committee has once again placed South Carolina at the front of the presidential nominating calendar, reigniting debates over who benefits most from the primary schedule. Does the lineup favor candidates with strong establishment support, or does it leave room for new voices to emerge? We explore how the calendar could shape the next Democratic presidential nomination and what it means for the progressive movement heading into 2028. A Big Win for Troy Jackson Not all the news is gloomy. Democrats in Bangor, Maine, gathered to choose their nominee for the U.S. Senate, and former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson emerged with a decisive victory. After entering the convention with overwhelming delegate support, Jackson converted that momentum into an impressive final tally, giving Democrats—and progressives who champion working-class politics—a candidate with deep roots, a compelling story, and a strong mandate heading into the general election. Can Affordability Win Swing Voters? House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined Governor Josh Shapiro and congressional candidate Bob Brooks for PA-7 to promote an affordability-focused economic message. Bethlehem resides in one of the nation's most competitive congressional districts. We discuss why lowering everyday costs has become the defining issue for Democrats and whether a message centered on affordability—one that has energized campaigns like Zohran Mamdani's—can resonate with swing voters without abandoning progressive values. Progressive politics has never been a straight line. Some weeks bring victories, others bring setbacks. This episode explores why today's losses don't have to define tomorrow's movement—and why organizing, coalition-building, and a compelling vision for the future remain the keys to lasting change.

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About

Politics is everywhere, but everything is broken. That's just not suitable for democracy. Catch our weekly news show exploring the challenges within our society, culture, and democracy. Hosted by political commentator, Nick, along with the occasional special guest, we'll discuss the latest news from an independent perspective. Together, we'll redefine what's acceptable in America.

Information

  • Creator
    Nick Haby
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Not Suitable for Democracy
  • Show Website
    Not Suitable for Democracy