Damian Galvan hosts special guest William He, the 18-year-old founder of Dream for America (a Gen Z–led nonprofit mobilizing the next generation of democracy defenders.)
Damian and William discuss the youth political movement reshaping America, why Democrats struggle with branding, how Dream for America is reaching politically disinterested students online and on campus, and how Gen Z can lead the charge for universal healthcare, economic fairness, and stronger democratic institutions.
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
00:24 – Dream for America: Gen Z’s pro-democracy movement
01:06 – Making politics relatable for Gen Z
02:18 – Why politicians fail at social media
05:16 – How DFA connects with young voters online
07:34 – Redefining progressive values for a new generation
09:56 – Fighting the “woke, weak, out of touch” label
12:59 – How Democrats lost their brand
15:09 – Policy vs. messaging in the Democratic Party
16:25 – Winning on affordability, wages, and healthcare
18:41 – Reforming broken institutions
20:44 – Losing “Hope and Change”
23:21 – Playing by the rules vs. playing to win
25:22 – Medicare for All: why Democrats hold back
28:01 – Universal healthcare isn’t radical
30:02 – Patriotism, family, and progressive values
32:41 – Out of touch elites and the Democratic Party image
35:28 – Why Democrats feel unwelcoming
37:36 – How young men fall into extremism
41:00 – Reclaiming the word “radical”
43:35 – Money in politics & Citizens United
47:36 – Public campaign funding explained
50:09 – Term limits & making politics competitive
52:55 – If most Americans want it, it’s not radical
55:45 – Conspiracies and free thinkers
57:25 – Why listening beats shaming in politics
58:57 – Dream for America’s plan for Gen Z
59:59 – Final Thoughts
Thank you for tuning into the ‘Who Dem?’ Podcast! We bring on Democratic leaders, candidates, personalities, and more with a goal of truly getting to know the person beyond politics. Hosted by Damian Galvan and Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-CA 31).
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