Excellent interview! Senator Murphy’s ideas resonate with me, a 78 year old lifelong democrat who is disillusioned with the traditional party. I an excited to read his book and discuss it with everyone.
So glad for this interview. Chris Murphy is one of the few on the Hill (he joins the ranks of the usual suspects) who has been willing to stand up to this administration.
The party has largely been an abysmal failure in fighting for democracy, and they have utterly failed to put forward a compelling story about how to recapture America’s soul, the rule of law, and everything else.
I hope Chris does start a conversation in the Democratic Party because somebody needs to.
Now I have proof of Anand Giridharadas' brilliance as an interviewer. I saw another interview of Senator Murphy about his book and this one was riveting and had a depth that the other did not- I really appreciate his skill and the variety of folks he speaks to. Thank you to you and your team for excellent work.
Thank you for this excellent discussion. Lesson: Wake up Dems. You have nothing to loose by reading/listening to Senator Murphy. Giving his thoughts the serious consideration they merit. You’ve already given almost the whole store away. I don’t want to live - or to see my kids and their kids living - in version 2 of America as we unhappily are today.
Private equity takes ownership of a medical practice. Is the mission statement your health or bottom line revenue generation? Scope every industry that has private equity holdings and you’ll conclude that outcomes benefiting society isn’t their mantra.
Yes, Senator. Please bring others into the Happiness Business! We need your ideas and action! I’m with you on stop worshipping money (you didn’t say, I did) and start loving the life we live. Spiritual growth became important too me a couple years ago. I choose 🧘
Terrific interview, Anand. I am reminded of the 1997 book: Everything for Sale. Which is to say---we've been on this destructive path for quite some time now. I plan to read Chris Murphy's book in part because of your recommendation. Thank you.
A decade ago, Wendy Brown wrote “Undoing the Demos:Neoliberalism’s Stealth Revolution,” which explains this insidious infiltration and transformation of our political economy.
I’ve been struggling with how do I deal with my disappointment and anger with a Democratic Party that, to me, got us into this mess with their half measures, their addiction to corporate money, and their vision of incremental change that is wholly inadequate to the challenges ahead. I no longer believe in the party as the answer so I have not given a penny to more than a couple candidates and I delete all of the fundraising texts and emails as soon as I get them. I’ve been thinking, well, I guess I have to get on board as we head to the mid-terms but I do it with no enthusiasm — just fear of the alternative. That I am not alone is what keeps me up at night. Thank you, Anand, for this interview…it is a rare Dem that inspires me these days and Chris Murphy is certainly at the top of the list.
And from what I can tell online, Senator Murphy did not accept PAC money/corporate donations when he ran, Susan. That means we can dare to believe he is sincere and works for the people.
I’ve alao lost faith in the status quo Democratic Party. The way forward is clear and is being demonstrated by leaders like Bernie, Mamdani, and a few others who form strong grassroots movements, and aren’t bought out by corporate or AIPAC money.
I appreciate this interview but Murphy still beats around the bush. He’s afraid to say why the Dems don’t have a honest reckoning. They don’t want to offend their wealthy donors. I don’t hear Murphy recommending bold action and change. I’d like to read his book though. I sense a glimmer of hope with him.
I believe in the people who are resisting and fighting the authoritarian power grabs, and the fighters like Mamdani -- and those willing to take on the supposedly impossible fights and solutions. I feel like until the Dems admit their failings, and course correct in a big way, they could lose again. We have to keep mobilizing, building resistance infrastructure, fighting in the courts, resisting Trumpism at every level. It's on all of us.
Please explain to me how progressives are supposed to accept people who "approve of" free child care while also denying women the right to control their own bodies. Explain how we're supposed to accept people who want to *kill* us because of our religion or lack thereof or who want to deprive us of a clean environment. I am sorry but I cannot accept people who want to erase me and make my life worse.
The Democrats need to seriously address the hurt that millions and millions of people are feeling, and take risks to ease their dire circumstances. Because it's the right thing to do. Pitching their program to MAGA or MAGA adjacent voters is a retread of Harris's disastrous campaign. Ditto curbing the critique of Trump's white supremacist and misogynist program in the name of welcoming his followers. We'll stay home again. This administration is an existential threat to basic human and civil rights. If you can't even say that, what are you willing to do to stop it?
Right on Senator Murphy ~! Totally agree about the public service. That's what FDR did with the work programs during the depression and then Kennedy with the Peace Corps. As a single parent (widowed) of a son and a retired public school employee- I thought of this years ago! There should be a public service program option for our youth, voluntary if not mandated. That is actual patriotism. It would improve EVERYTHING in this country. imo
Thank you Sen Murphy. I’ve been a fan and supporter since you first ran for office in Conn and I am glad to see you achieve well deserved recognition. It seems like we are in the same boat that Pres. Carter referred to in his “malaise” speech in 1979. I’m hoping you and other thoughtful leaders can help us get on a better track this time. Everything is not about money.
Anand, as I've come to expect -- a first-rate program today. I admire your mind and willingness to lay the cards out on the table. And bravo to Chris Murphy for his clear-headed thinking and willingness as a legislator to speak out.
It's very clear this country is operating without a clear "mission statement" suitable for the needs of our age. Rather, we're operating on a constitution that while quite radical for its time is inadequate to the needs of today's society.
One of the villains in my view is Milton Friedmann, who won a Nobel for his "shareholder theory," which stated the proper purpose of business is to provide profit for shareholders. Really! And, what has his theory produced that has brought benefit to our society at large today?
I'd counter that the purpose of business is to enable owners/workers to earn the best living we can so we can all create a good life, and that we do so by working in some capacity in the development and marketing of a product or service, which is then purchased/used by fellow citizens who need that product/service. Business is a cycle in which everyone should be fairly rewarded in proportion to their contribution to the process.
An idea never brought to fruition is worthless. A product/service without a customer base fails. People who need a product or service but who can't get it go without their need/want met. Participating in the cycle helps us all live the best life we can fashion.
We need more serious thinkers such as Anand and Chris. Thanks to you both!
Excellent interview! Senator Murphy’s ideas resonate with me, a 78 year old lifelong democrat who is disillusioned with the traditional party. I an excited to read his book and discuss it with everyone.
Me too!
So glad for this interview. Chris Murphy is one of the few on the Hill (he joins the ranks of the usual suspects) who has been willing to stand up to this administration.
The party has largely been an abysmal failure in fighting for democracy, and they have utterly failed to put forward a compelling story about how to recapture America’s soul, the rule of law, and everything else.
I hope Chris does start a conversation in the Democratic Party because somebody needs to.
Now I have proof of Anand Giridharadas' brilliance as an interviewer. I saw another interview of Senator Murphy about his book and this one was riveting and had a depth that the other did not- I really appreciate his skill and the variety of folks he speaks to. Thank you to you and your team for excellent work.
Excellent! If Senator Murphy ran for president today, I would vote for him! And I am a hard core Californian.
Thank you for this excellent discussion. Lesson: Wake up Dems. You have nothing to loose by reading/listening to Senator Murphy. Giving his thoughts the serious consideration they merit. You’ve already given almost the whole store away. I don’t want to live - or to see my kids and their kids living - in version 2 of America as we unhappily are today.
Private equity takes ownership of a medical practice. Is the mission statement your health or bottom line revenue generation? Scope every industry that has private equity holdings and you’ll conclude that outcomes benefiting society isn’t their mantra.
Yes, Senator. Please bring others into the Happiness Business! We need your ideas and action! I’m with you on stop worshipping money (you didn’t say, I did) and start loving the life we live. Spiritual growth became important too me a couple years ago. I choose 🧘
Thanks for this interview and book
Terrific interview, Anand. I am reminded of the 1997 book: Everything for Sale. Which is to say---we've been on this destructive path for quite some time now. I plan to read Chris Murphy's book in part because of your recommendation. Thank you.
A decade ago, Wendy Brown wrote “Undoing the Demos:Neoliberalism’s Stealth Revolution,” which explains this insidious infiltration and transformation of our political economy.
I’ve been struggling with how do I deal with my disappointment and anger with a Democratic Party that, to me, got us into this mess with their half measures, their addiction to corporate money, and their vision of incremental change that is wholly inadequate to the challenges ahead. I no longer believe in the party as the answer so I have not given a penny to more than a couple candidates and I delete all of the fundraising texts and emails as soon as I get them. I’ve been thinking, well, I guess I have to get on board as we head to the mid-terms but I do it with no enthusiasm — just fear of the alternative. That I am not alone is what keeps me up at night. Thank you, Anand, for this interview…it is a rare Dem that inspires me these days and Chris Murphy is certainly at the top of the list.
And from what I can tell online, Senator Murphy did not accept PAC money/corporate donations when he ran, Susan. That means we can dare to believe he is sincere and works for the people.
I’ve alao lost faith in the status quo Democratic Party. The way forward is clear and is being demonstrated by leaders like Bernie, Mamdani, and a few others who form strong grassroots movements, and aren’t bought out by corporate or AIPAC money.
I appreciate this interview but Murphy still beats around the bush. He’s afraid to say why the Dems don’t have a honest reckoning. They don’t want to offend their wealthy donors. I don’t hear Murphy recommending bold action and change. I’d like to read his book though. I sense a glimmer of hope with him.
Mamdani rings all the bells…
I believe in the people who are resisting and fighting the authoritarian power grabs, and the fighters like Mamdani -- and those willing to take on the supposedly impossible fights and solutions. I feel like until the Dems admit their failings, and course correct in a big way, they could lose again. We have to keep mobilizing, building resistance infrastructure, fighting in the courts, resisting Trumpism at every level. It's on all of us.
Please explain to me how progressives are supposed to accept people who "approve of" free child care while also denying women the right to control their own bodies. Explain how we're supposed to accept people who want to *kill* us because of our religion or lack thereof or who want to deprive us of a clean environment. I am sorry but I cannot accept people who want to erase me and make my life worse.
The Democrats need to seriously address the hurt that millions and millions of people are feeling, and take risks to ease their dire circumstances. Because it's the right thing to do. Pitching their program to MAGA or MAGA adjacent voters is a retread of Harris's disastrous campaign. Ditto curbing the critique of Trump's white supremacist and misogynist program in the name of welcoming his followers. We'll stay home again. This administration is an existential threat to basic human and civil rights. If you can't even say that, what are you willing to do to stop it?
Right on Senator Murphy ~! Totally agree about the public service. That's what FDR did with the work programs during the depression and then Kennedy with the Peace Corps. As a single parent (widowed) of a son and a retired public school employee- I thought of this years ago! There should be a public service program option for our youth, voluntary if not mandated. That is actual patriotism. It would improve EVERYTHING in this country. imo
Thank you Sen Murphy. I’ve been a fan and supporter since you first ran for office in Conn and I am glad to see you achieve well deserved recognition. It seems like we are in the same boat that Pres. Carter referred to in his “malaise” speech in 1979. I’m hoping you and other thoughtful leaders can help us get on a better track this time. Everything is not about money.
Anand, as I've come to expect -- a first-rate program today. I admire your mind and willingness to lay the cards out on the table. And bravo to Chris Murphy for his clear-headed thinking and willingness as a legislator to speak out.
It's very clear this country is operating without a clear "mission statement" suitable for the needs of our age. Rather, we're operating on a constitution that while quite radical for its time is inadequate to the needs of today's society.
One of the villains in my view is Milton Friedmann, who won a Nobel for his "shareholder theory," which stated the proper purpose of business is to provide profit for shareholders. Really! And, what has his theory produced that has brought benefit to our society at large today?
I'd counter that the purpose of business is to enable owners/workers to earn the best living we can so we can all create a good life, and that we do so by working in some capacity in the development and marketing of a product or service, which is then purchased/used by fellow citizens who need that product/service. Business is a cycle in which everyone should be fairly rewarded in proportion to their contribution to the process.
An idea never brought to fruition is worthless. A product/service without a customer base fails. People who need a product or service but who can't get it go without their need/want met. Participating in the cycle helps us all live the best life we can fashion.
We need more serious thinkers such as Anand and Chris. Thanks to you both!
Chris Murphy for President!