Share
PoliticsJOE Podcast
Why We Need to Abolish Politicians | Hélène Landemore interview
In this interview, Yale political scientist Hélène Landemore, author of Politics Without Politicians, argues that the political systems we take for granted are no longer fit for purpose. As trust in politicians reaches historic lows across Britain, Europe and the United States, Landemore makes the case that elections alone may no longer be enough to produce governments that truly represent ordinary people.
Drawing on examples from Ancient Athens, France, Ireland, the United States, and the UK, she explains why professional politicians often become disconnected from the people they represent—and why citizens chosen by lottery could make better decisions than elected MPs.
The interview also examines the growing gap between political elites and ordinary voters, discussing the rise of career politicians, the influence of wealthy interests, and why so many voters feel ignored by Westminster, Washington and Brussels.
Landemore discusses the Yellow Vest movement in France, the Democratic Party's handling of Kamala Harris after Joe Biden stepped aside, the legitimacy of replacing prime ministers without a general election, and how public frustration has fuelled anti-establishment movements across the Western world.
She also explains how citizens' assemblies have already been used to tackle some of society's most difficult questions, including abortion rights, marriage equality and climate policy, and why she believes these experiments could point towards the future of democracy.
As public confidence in politics continues to decline, this conversation asks a provocative question: do we need fewer politicians—and more ordinary people making political decisions?
Whether you agree or disagree, this is one of the most thought-provoking conversations you'll hear about democracy, political reform and the future of representative government.
Download SAILY in your app store and use our code joesunday at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase! For further details go to https://saily.com/joesunday
Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain
More episodes
View all episodes
Is Trump about to start Nuclear War? | Scott Lucas interview
22:51|Friend of the podcast Scott Lucas joins us to dig into claims made by Tucker Carlson that Donald Trump wants to nuke Iran. Also, what might a post-midterms America look like?Why I called out a GB News host on live TV
39:39|Andy Twelves caused a bit of a stir on GB News last week, clashing with host Nana Akua in a viral clip. But what was the context?Andy takes us behind the scenes, revealing what it's like to be talking head, as well as the perils of being a left-wing commentator on right-wing channels.The American Midterms Can END Trump | Jacob Weisberg interview
40:50|Donald Trump’s second presidency has been marked by a striking lack of resistance. While figures inside his first administration regularly challenged his decisions, Trump 2.0 has seen politicians, business leaders, media organisations and institutions fall into line.So why has America’s political establishment become so reluctant to stand up to him? In this interview, Jacob Weisberg, journalist, formerly of Slate and author of Profiles in Cowardice, explains how Donald Trump has consolidated his power, and why so many of the people who once opposed him have since capitulated.With the US midterm elections approaching, Weisberg explains why a Democratic victory in the House of Representatives could fundamentally change the political landscape, opening the door to investigations into Trump's administration, corruption and abuse of power.Buy Profiles in Cowardice here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/818503/profiles-in-cowardice-by-jacob-weisberg/Going Deep on Andy Burnham's First Budget
50:16|Skip to 9:20 if you want straight economy chat. Andy Burnham's Chancellor John Healey gave his first budget, and the first of Andy Burnham's reign as Prime Minister. Ava and Seán headed into the content dungeon to chew the fat.Should You Be Scared of the Bond Markets?
33:35|Robin Wigglesworth, Financial Times journalist and author of The Fabulous Debt, joins us to explain how government borrowing works, why rising gilt yields matter, and how Labour's first Budget under Andy Burnham could take Britain out of a doom cycle of reliance on the market. Robin also explains why government debt isn't necessarily a bad thing, how Britain historically used borrowing to industrialise and build its economy, and why countries such as Canada and Sweden offer lessons in tackling difficult public-finance problems.Buy A Fabulous Debt here: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/461949/a-fabulous-debt-by-wigglesworth-robin/9780241705674Is Andy Burnham reversing Brexit?
14:10|Andy Burnham’s position on Brexit has been murky since the 2016 referendum, and he's recently called for a debate about Britain’s future with the EU. So what exactly is going on?How Big Tech Profit From Terror | Andrew Feinstein interview
54:55|Andrew Feinstein is one of the most versatile people in British politics today. Formerly a member of the South African Parliament for Nelson Mandela's ANC, he has gained notoriety in the UK in recent years, most notably for running against Keir Starmer in Holborn and St Pancras in the 2024 General Election.Today, he sits down with Ava to talk about the recent by-election in the seat, the failure of politicians across the globe to represent the most urgent needs of the people they represent, and the war machine propping up horror across the globe.Buy Making a Killing: How the West Profits From Slaughter in Gaza and Yemen here: https://www.versobooks.com/en-gb/products/3335-making-a-killing?srsltid=AYCX9vJ2PRrYS4wMlDqt1QHEUb9JFB9dkyeE8iusDTI9bY-NgEGTxxDhGoing Deep on Andy Burnham's Jackdaw Drilling Deal
22:50|Today Andy Burnham's government decided to approve new gas licences for the Jackdaw field in the North Sea. Ava and Seán jumped into the studio to chew over the plan.Why don't Brits protest like the French?
43:54|In France, protests over education cuts have grown into a movement involving unions, farmers, environmental campaigners and pensioners. Anger over declining public services, stagnant wages, and the cost of living has mobilised people across society. But isn't Britain facing the same issues?Seán and Ava dive deep on a generation that's grown up entirely under austerity.