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. 9H AGO

    Episode 39: Iran War Shocks AI, Voting Rights at Risk & Losing on the Left

    On today’s episode of Not Suitable for Democracy, we break down four major stories that reveal the growing pressure points in American politics — where crisis meets policy, and power shapes the outcome. First, we start in New York, where a fatal collision at LaGuardia Airport rattled the region on Sunday night — just hours before President Donald Trump moved to deploy I.C.E. agents to 13 major airports across the country. At a moment when public anxiety is already high, what does it mean when government response escalates enforcement instead of reassurance? Then we zoom out globally. The war involving Iran continues to intensify, with over $12 billion in spending and mounting geopolitical risk. With Iran controlling the Strait of Hormuz—a passageway for roughly a quarter of the world’s oil supply—any disruption doesn’t just hit gas prices. It raises deeper questions about energy security in an era increasingly dependent on power-hungry technologies like artificial intelligence. What happens when global conflict collides with the infrastructure fueling the next technological revolution? Back at home, the Supreme Court of the United States is hearing a case brought by the Republican National Committee that could reshape the future of mail-in voting. A challenge to Mississippi law may seem narrow on its face — but the implications could ripple nationwide, affecting how millions of Americans cast their ballots. Finally, we examine the political challenges facing two rising progressive figures: Jasmine Crockett and Kat Abughazaleh. Both brought energy and conviction to their races — but did their messaging and campaign framing limit their ability to build the broad coalitions needed to win? What does it take to translate enthusiasm into victory? From airports to oil routes to the ballot box, this episode connects the threads between crisis, governance, and political strategy — and asks what it all means for a democracy under strain.

    46 min

  2. MAR 17

    Episode 38: Mamdani Leads on Trans Rights While the 2028 Democrats Fall Flat

    On Episode 38 of Not Suitable for Democracy, we examine the growing political battles shaping the future of LGBTQIA+ rights in America — from state legislatures to city halls to the national Democratic conversation. First, we look at a resolution passed by the Idaho State Legislature that could challenge the legal foundation of same-sex marriage and potentially push the issue back toward the Supreme Court. What would it mean for marriage equality if the Court revisits the landmark decision in Obergefell v. Hodges? And how serious is this legal threat in today’s political environment? Then we head to Florida, where voters in Boca Raton elected Andy Thomson as their new mayor — a local victory that reflects how Democratic candidates are continuing to win office in Republican strongholds. Back in New York, we discuss how Zohran Mamdani is shaping city government with the new Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs. The move signals how local governments are expanding policy infrastructure to support queer and trans communities. This is a historic moment the trans community, especially for Taylor Brown, who Mamdani appointed as the inaugural director, making her the first trans woman to lead a government office or agency in New York City history. Finally, we unpack a recent poll from the Manhattan Institute that offers a revealing snapshot of Democratic voters’ views on trans rights and the political positioning of Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom. How are Democrats navigating one of the most contested cultural debates in American politics? From courtrooms to mayor’s offices to party politics, this episode explores how the fight over queer and trans rights is unfolding across multiple levels of power — and what it means for the future of American democracy.

    28 min

  3. MAR 9

    Episode 37: Challenges and Coalitions: How Will Our Leaders Build a Better Future?

    On today’s episode of Not Suitable for Democracy, we zoom out — and then all the way back in — connecting the dots between global conflict and the politics shaping communities here at home. First, we examine the escalating war involving Iran, where military operations have already racked up nearly $11 billion in spending. The country has also installed a new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, following the death of his late father, raising urgent questions the new regime and Trump's grip on the region. Then we turn to the 2028 Democratic presidential landscape. How will a major foreign conflict shape the political fortunes of potential candidates like former Vice President Kamala Harris, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez? How are they navigating American foreign policy while fighting the rise of authoritarian fascism around the world? Next, we head to Texas, where James Talarico is positioning himself to become the state’s next U.S. Senator. In order to win statewide, Talarico will need to make in-roads with Rep. Jasmine Crockett's voter base and assuage leftists around the state. We draw lessons from how Zohran Mamdani successfully made in-roads with Black voters during his general election campaign for Mayor, expanding his coalition in ways that reshaped expectations about who progressive candidates can reach. Finally, we close on a more human note. After a tense incident outside Gracie Mansion this past weekend, we reflect on the role empathy and community should play in politics — even in the middle of moments defined by conflict and division. From Tehran to Texas to New York City, this episode connects the global, national, and local forces shaping our politics — and reminds us that power may operate at every level, but so does organizing, solidarity, and the choice to lead with love. Our future depends on it. Stay tuned for more episodes next week!

    38 min

  4. MAR 6

    Episode 36: How James Talarico Won: The Message, The Organizing, and The Marketing

    On episode 36 of Not Suitable for Democracy, we break down how James Talarico pulled off a major victory in the Texas Democratic primary for U.S. Senate — and what campaigns across the country can learn from it. First, we look at the message. What kind of political message can actually resonate across a massive and diverse state like Texas? Can a campaign speak to urban progressives and rural voters at the same time? And in an era of hyper-partisanship, is there a way to frame politics around shared moral values that expands a coalition instead of shrinking it? Next, we examine the organizing. What does it take to mobilize tens of thousands of volunteers across a state as large as Texas? How do campaigns turn grassroots energy into real voter contact — not just online enthusiasm?  Finally, we dig into the marketing and digital strategy. What does a modern campaign website actually need to do to convert supporters into voters? How did the infamous Colbert interview boost Talarico's digital strategy? And what happens when a campaign truly integrates its online strategy with real-world organizing on the ground? In other words, this wasn’t just a campaign about vibes. It was a campaign that was present both online across digital spaces and on the ground in every corner of the Lone Star state. The future of hybrid campaigning is here. Stay tuned for more episodes next week!

    29 min

  5. MAR 2

    The Empire Strikes Back: No War with Iran and 5 Bold Predictions

    This week on Not Suitable for Democracy, we turn to global politics as the world reels from a dramatic and destabilizing escalation in the Middle East. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a coordinated series of strikes on Iran, killing Iran’s Supreme Leader and throwing the country’s government into a sudden and dangerous power vacuum. What does leadership decapitation mean for a nation of 92 million people? And how fragile is the regional balance of power now? We break down the immediate geopolitical fallout: retaliatory strikes, proxy escalations, cyber warfare, and whether this marks the beginning of a broader regional conflict. How will Iran’s political system (built around clerical authority and centralized power) get accustomed to this new era? Then the host lays out five bold predictions — from the tectonic shifts in the AI industry reshaping the military-industrial landscape to the electoral future of democracy in 2026 and 2028. Could this crisis permanently alter American leadership and foreign policy for generations? There's no better time to make your voice heard. Call your Congressional representatives at (202) 224-3121. No war with Iran!

    36 min

  6. FEB 25

    Episode 34: Texas Senate Showdown, Zohran vs. Hochul on Taxing the Rich, & NY State Senate District 12 Primary Explained

    On today’s episode of Not Suitable for Democracy, we’re connecting the dots between national ambition and neighborhood power. First, we head to Texas, where the U.S. Senate race between Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico is shaping up to be a battle over the soul — and strategy — of the Democratic Party. What kind of candidate can actually build a winning statewide coalition in Texas? And what does this race say about the future of progressive Democrats? Then we’re back in New York, where Zohran Mamdani responds to a snowstorm with more than just plows and press releases. He's not only tackling the A.B.C.: (Eric) Adams Budget Crisis, but he's forcing Governor Hochul to show her hand with the cards she'd been dealt. Will she tax the 33,000 millionaires and billionaires or will she do nothing to stop property taxes from going up on 3 million units and 100,000 commercial buildings? If she continues to refuse to tax the rich, will that hurt her electoral chances in November? Finally, we dive into the New York State Senate District 12 Democratic primary — a race that just opened up after Majority Deputy Leader, Mike Gianaris announced that he will not seek re-election. He's been a tactical politician, shaping power in Astoria and Albany. Learn about who's entering this race and how it will shape up. Here’s the truth: local primaries decide who writes the laws that govern your rent, your schools, your transit, and your healthcare. If you ignore them, someone else won’t. Whether it's Texas or New York, primary elections matter. National politics matters. Local politics decides your life. Organize accordingly. Stay tuned for next week's episode where we announce the winner of the Texas Democratic Primary for U.S. Senate.

    1h 33m

  7. FEB 10

    Episode 33: Special Election Winners Write the New Playbook for Democrats

    This week, we break down five special elections that delivered major victories for progressive Democrats across the country. From Christian Menefee’s win in TX-18 and Taylor Rehmet’s upset in Texas State Senate District 9, to Erik Bottcher in New York Senate District 47, Diana Moreno’s grassroots victory in New York State Assembly District 36 (aka The People's Republic of Astoria), and Analilia Mejia’s win in New Jersey’s 11th District, these races offer a clear picture of what’s working for Democrats right now.  What do all those candidates have in common? And how did they pull it off? We take a close look at the issues each candidate ran on — affordability, lowering costs, healthcare, labor, and immigration reform — and how strong organizing and clear messaging helped carry them over the finish line. The episode also digs into the voting results, how endorsements played a role, and coalition-building that powered these campaigns. What do these wins signal for Democrats heading into the midterms? Are progressives building a durable path forward? What lessons can be scaled nationally? If you’re looking for reasons to feel cautiously optimistic about the future of American democracy, this episode delivers both the receipts and the roadmap. New episodes out on Tuesdays.

    1h 18m

  8. JAN 13

    DSA Organizer Eric Thor on Mayor Mamdani, Diana Moreno, and Astoria Politics

    After a four-week hiatus, we’re joined by Eric Thor, a longtime Astoria resident, tech freelancer, and full-time believer in people-powered politics. Eric has become deeply embedded in local organizing through the Queens chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, lending his time and talents to campaigns like Zohran Mamdani, Tiffany Cabán, and most recently, Diana Moreno. As a friend of Zohran Mamdani, Eric also worked on two website projects for him — blending tech skills with movement-building in a very modern way. Together, we unpack the uniquely local politics of Astoria, the everyday issues where Mayor Mamdani can make a real difference, and what it actually looks like to organize block by block in one of New York City’s most dynamic neighborhoods. We also spotlight Diana Moreno’s run for State Assembly District 36, discussing how her passion and organizing prowess make her a remarkable candidate that the district deserves. Plus, we'll answer the head scratching question recently published in The New Yorker: how did Astoria become so socialist? It’s a conversation that’s thoughtful without being heavy, hopeful without being naïve, and proof that democracy still works best when it’s local, collective, and a little bit joyful. New episodes out every Tuesday.

    47 min
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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
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Not Suitable for Democracy
  • Show Website
    Not Suitable for Democracy