In this episode, California Governor Gavin Newsom sits down with political commentator, podcaster, and author Brian Tyler Cohen to discuss the future of the Democratic Party and progressive strategy. Cohen, host of the popular podcast No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen, shares insights from his political journey, transitioning from acting in Los Angeles to becoming a major independent media voice. The conversation centers on Cohen's upcoming book, The Day After How to Wield Power in a Post-Trump World, which serves as a strategic sequel to his previous New York Times bestseller, Shameless How Republican Lies and Partisan Media Are Destroying America.

Newsom and Cohen engage in a candid debate over structural reforms, including the elimination of the Senate filibuster, Supreme Court expansion, and the implementation of strict judicial codes of conduct. They analyze the failures of incrementalism, the necessity of building broad coalitions without imposing ideological purity tests, and the critical role of progressive media in countering conservative propaganda. Finally, they address the intersection of climate change, economic inequality, and the absolute necessity of holding corrupt political actors accountable to preserve the American republic.

Redefining Democratic Power and Institutional Norms

Cohen argues in The Day After How to Wield Power in a Post-Trump World that Democrats must prioritize tangible outcomes over the preservation of procedural norms like the filibuster.

"The processes are what you have to figure out to get there. But like, you got to remember that the North Star of this stuff is not the preservation of the filibuster" - Brian.

Newsom and Cohen discuss the historical contrast between the "restoration" mindset of the Biden presidency and the "transformation" demanded by a restless electorate.

"You gain nothing by conferring goodwill to bad faith negotiating partners" - Brian, criticizing past Democratic attempts at bipartisan compromise.

The Case for Supreme Court Expansion and Reform

Cohen advocates expanding the Supreme Court to 13 seats, aligning the bench with the 13 federal circuit courts, a move with historical precedent under Lincoln.

Cohen warns that leaving the current 6-3 conservative supermajority intact gives them "a permanent veto over any and all legislation the Democrats could put forward" - Brian.

The authors discuss the necessity of implementing strict codes of ethics and term limits for justices to restore public confidence in the judiciary.

"The arc of the of the moral universe doesn't just bend toward justice. You have to push it" - Brian, emphasizing that structural reform requires active political will.

Rebuilding Progressive Media and Communication

Drawing from Shameless How Republican Lies and Partisan Media Are Destroying America, Cohen emphasizes that the right has spent decades building an aggressive, avowed media ecosystem.

Cohen highlights the danger of progressive complacency, noting that mainstream outlets like CNN or ABC are "only as fair and neutral as the leadership decides that they are" - Brian.

"We need to invest quickly, as quickly as humanly possible, in left-of-center media and progressive media, avowedly so" - Brian.

Newsom and Cohen discuss how the lack of independent media validation during the 2024 campaign limited the reach and communication of landmark legislative victories.

Economic Populism and the Reality of Inequality

Cohen labels Donald Trump's economic populism as a massive deception, noting that "we have seen the greatest con... of this administration" - Brian.

Newsom points out that 40% of Americans cannot afford a $400 emergency, illustrating the severe economic precarity that corporate-friendly policies have failed to address.

Newsom defends California's progressive tax structure, arguing that Texas and Florida "tax their low-wage workers more than we tax our high-wage workers" - Gavin.

Cohen advocates for bold, universal programs like Medicare for All to replace a predatory healthcare system that leaves millions of Americans financially vulnerable.

Climate Change as an Existential National Security Threat

Cohen identifies climate change as his primary political motivator, warning that "the planet's on fire right now" and incremental policy adjustments are no longer viable.

Newsom connects the climate crisis directly to the ongoing insurance and housing crises, noting that major insurers like State Farm are pulling out of vulnerable areas.

Cohen warns that the immigration crisis will be exponentially worsened by climate displacement, stating, "You think that issue is not going to be exacerbated by climate change?" - Brian.

Newsom criticizes the Trump administration's rollback of clean energy initiatives, accusing them of "monetizing our demise" and doubling down on dirty, inefficient fossil fuels.

Reclaiming Accountability and the Rule of Law

Cohen strongly criticizes the Biden Department of Justice's cautious approach, arguing that "an unleashed Donald Trump is the natural consequence of Merrick Garland's unwillingness" - Brian.

Newsom and Cohen agree that future Democratic leaders must make political and legal accountability "table stakes" for any administration seeking to govern in 2028.

Cohen warns that failing to prosecute corruption breeds deep public cynicism, stating, "That is how you encourage corruption by telling these criminals that they can get away with it" - Brian.