Bad Faith Episode 534 - The Case for Kasky (w/ Cameron Kasky)
Dec 11, 2025
Cameron Kasky, a Parkland shooting survivor and New York congressional candidate, shares his journey as an activist. He discusses his informal backing from the DSA while navigating the complexities of political endorsements. Kasky critiques how 'affordability' is wielded in politics and underscores the linkage between U.S. foreign policy and domestic issues. He addresses the male loneliness crisis and the importance of accountability and consent in masculinity, all while encouraging support for his campaign to elevate progressive values.
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From Parkland To Sanders Surrogate
- Kasky recounts his work on Bernie Sanders' 2020 campaign as a school shooting survivor defending Bernie's gun-related positions.
- His survivor identity shaped his pivot to linking material conditions to preventing violence.
Affordability Risks Becoming Empty Rhetoric
- Kasky warns 'affordability' language can be co-opted by centrists and stripped of teeth without policies like Medicare for All.
- He argues true affordability requires bold material reforms, not bland messaging.
Push Radical Goals And Plan For Tradeoffs
- Compete for radical policy goals in Congress while recognizing they require long-term coalition-building and incremental wins.
- Consult experienced left-wing advisors when forced to make pragmatic concessions.
