Why was last night’s debate so awful? How the hell can the Democratic Party keep getting away with this? In the shadowy back rooms where the DNC makes decisions, how has the self-proclaimed party of the middle class lost touch with such determination and shamelessness? Understanding that story means understanding the legacy of people like Debbie Wasserman Schultz — and imagining what it would be like to have different people in power. Jen Perelman is challenging Debbie for Florida’s 25th district. Watch our convo below:

Well, folks… In the words of a Democratic House member, “I picked the wrong day to stop sniffing glue.” Last night wasn’t the time to be a sentient, rational person with coherent thoughts about our country’s strategy and future — that held true for the presidential debate audience and for its two participants. Exchanging blows over golf handicaps and engaging in some he-said-he-said over Trump’s alleged “suckers and losers” comment about veterans, Biden and Trump did an admirable job of avoiding serious discussion of childcare policy, climate change, and more. Biden revealed more of the same in his unconditional support for Israel, while Trump clung to violently xenophobic rhetoric in his comments on immigration (which he made as frequently as possible).

Thanks to the political establishments in both parties that got us here! Democratic Party top brass that kneecapped the ‘16 Sanders campaign and closed ranks around Biden in 2020 like they did for Hillary 4 years before will be forced to take a hard look at their losing strategy when November gets us another four years of Trump. And when we think of the figureheads of this stagnant anti-movement, we can’t help but think of people like Debbie Wasserman Schultz, whose commandeering of the DNC cemented much of the party elitism and anti-democracy that has brought us the fatally flawed Biden 2024 candidacy. That’s why we’re so excited to speak this week with Jen Perelman, who’s challenging Debbie to take over as representative for Florida’s 25th district. In our wide-ranging conversation, we chat with Jen about her vision for the district and her substantive political differences with her opponent, and much more.

We hope you’ll enjoy this episode — join us for more next week. You can tune in through Spotify, Pandora, Apple Podcasts, and other major streaming platforms when the episode is released tomorrow as a podcast.