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Published on:

1st Jan 2025

2025 Predictions: Will AOC Rise or Fall? Predicting the Future of Progressives in 2025

Predictions for 2025 highlight a year of tension and posturing within the Democratic Party, as James Brown discusses the challenges the party will face in finding a coherent vision. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is expected to make a bold but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to seize power, rallying the progressive base with limited success. The party may look toward a celebrity figure with a Bernie-like perspective, though Brown suggests that the establishment's grip will remain strong, leading to infighting and a struggle for identity. As the left moves further left, the emergence of numerous "Diet Joe Rogan" figures may not galvanize a significant movement. Brown concludes that a resurgence for the Democrats may not materialize until 2030 or 2032, inviting listeners to share their thoughts on the future of the party.

Predictions for 2025 unveils an incisive commentary on the future of the Democratic Party, delivered by the astute James Brown. The discussion paints a vivid picture of the political landscape leading into 2025, marked by tension and strategic posturing among party factions. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is spotlighted as a key player attempting to galvanize the progressive base. However, despite her efforts, Brown suggests her bid for greater power will face significant limitations, reflecting the entrenched dynamics within the party. Instead, the Democrats may turn toward a charismatic figure reminiscent of Bernie Sanders, aiming to capture the public's attention. Brown speculates on the rise of a 'celebrity' candidate, noting that while figures akin to The Rock or Jon Stewart might emerge, they ultimately may struggle to resonate deeply within the party's established structures.

The conversation delves into the implications of these dynamics, predicting a period of infighting and a struggle for a coherent party vision. The left is forecasted to drift further leftward, sparking movements for change, yet failing to ignite a substantial shift in political direction. This internal conflict is compounded by the emergence of several 'Diet Joe Rogan' personalities on the left, which, despite gaining media attention, may not translate into a unified movement. Brown's commentary captures the essence of a party at a crossroads, navigating between tradition and the call for progressive reform, while also grappling with the shadow of Joe Biden's health and potential leadership challenges. As the episode concludes, listeners are left pondering the fate of the Democratic Party and whether a resurgence is on the horizon or if stagnation will persist until the next decade.

Takeaways:

  • The Democratic Party in 2025 will face significant tension and internal conflict, leading to infighting.
  • Alexandria Ocasio Cortez's attempts to seize power will rally progressives, but ultimately fall short.
  • A charismatic new figure may emerge within the Democratic Party, resembling the appeal of Bernie Sanders.
  • The entrenched Democratic establishment will resist change, continuing their traditional approaches for now.
  • New, lesser-known influencers akin to Joe Rogan will appear on the left, but without substantial impact.
  • Joe Biden's health may be declining more than publicly acknowledged, raising concerns about his leadership.

Links referenced in this episode:

Transcript
James Brown:

Predictions for:

James Brown:

2025 will be a year of tension and posturing.

James Brown:

Alexandria Ocasio Cortez will make a bold attempt to seize power, but it won't work.

James Brown:

She'll rally the progressive base, but her success will be limited.

James Brown:

Instead, her party will likely flirt with a celebrity as its new standard bearer, a fre with a Bernie like perspective.

James Brown:

I don't think it'll be the rock, but someone rock like, charismatic, fresh and just unconventional enough to capture attention.

James Brown:

They will call it their Donald Trump.

James Brown:

I could see Jon Stewart maybe, but my guess is it won't stick.

James Brown:

The Democratic establishment is too entrenched, and the old lions will keep marching down the same tired paths for a while longer.

James Brown:

The results?

James Brown:

Infighting in lots of it.

James Brown:

Sparks of a movement for a fresh start will be there, but there won't be an ignition.

James Brown:

The left will move further left and the party will continue to wrestle for a coherent vision of itself.

James Brown:

By the way, there'll be dozens of Diet Joe Rogan figures emerging on the left.

James Brown:

The New York Times will probably write about it, but they'll fail to truly galvanize a movement.

James Brown:

Joe Rogan's don't happen overnight in Joe Biden.

James Brown:

We'll learn more about him, and my bet is he's been sicker for longer than we've been told.

James Brown:

In fact, I think he might be on death's door.

James Brown:

Kamala Harris will try to make noise and reclaim relevance, but the movement has long passed her by, likely for good.

James Brown:

Her peak is in the rearview mirror.

James Brown:

What do you think?

James Brown:

Will Democrats find their way, or are they destined to spin their wheels for years to come?

James Brown:

My bet?

James Brown:

Not till:

James Brown:

Share your thoughts and your predictions@jamesbrowntv.substack.com on that note, I'm James Brown and as always, be well.

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About the Podcast

All of the Above with James Brown
Exploring ideas big and small with fascinating people
I explore the big ideas that bring us together and meet the people who make them happen.

Musings on news, life, and television. A few minutes a day, five days a week.

Hosted by James Brown is an award winning journalist whose work has appeared on WXXI, PBS, NPR, BBC, and a slew of other places from sea to shining sea. He's the former host of USA TODAY's 5 Things, now The Excerpt. My work is proudly produced in Rochester, New York.

My goal is to create a diverse array of projects in the style of the people I grew up following: like Bill Moyers, Paul Harvey, John Stossel, Charles Osgood, Charlie Rose, Adam Curtis, Tavis Smiley, Douglas Ruskoff, Tony Kornheiser, and Art Bell, with my own twist, of course.

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To support my work and tell me what you think join me at JamesBrownTV.substack.com.
Or email me at jamesbrowntv@gmail.com.
You can also leave me a message at 585-484-0339. And yes, I will call you back.
On that note, I'm James Brown, and as always, be well

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