In Part 2, Shadi shares some insights gleaned while attending a far-right birthday party (don't ask). Why does the new generation of young conservatives feel so alienated from American politics? Part of the reason, they say, is that Trump's victory showed that even winning the presidency isn't enough—the military, the administrative state, the media, and tech companies are so overwhelmingly powerful that real change isn't possible. Are these grievances legitimate?

The crowd debates whether anti-democratic behavior in the name of protecting American democracy from Trump's craziness was ever justifiable. For instance, in an incredible event that's largely been memory-holed, America's top military official, Gen. Mark Milley, told his Chinese counterpart that he would give him advance notice if Trump had any plans to attack.

Damon argues that if the Right wants to change the system, they must first show that they can win convincing electoral victories. With this in mind, might an unequivocal Ron DeSantis win in 2024—with 52 or 53% of the popular vote—actually have a stabilizing effect on American democracy?

If you missed Part 1, you can listen to it here.