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Democratic Socialists Win New York Primaries Sparking 2028 Presidential Ambitions

PBD Podcast · Venezuela Earthquake, Socialists Surge in NYC, SNAP Program EXPOSED | PBD Podcast #824 · June 26, 2026
Democratic Socialists Win New York Primaries Sparking 2028 Presidential Ambitions
PBD Podcast
PBD Podcast
Venezuela Earthquake, Socialists Surge in NYC, SNAP Program EXPOSED | PBD Podcast #824
"They ask, who do you want to run in 2028? Then they ask, when does the race for 2028 begin? It starts now. It starts on Tuesday."
Democratic Socialists of America celebrated major primary victories in New York City, with DSA-endorsed candidates including Zohran Mamdani winning competitive races. DSA National Co-Chair Megan Rohmer announced the organization is already positioning for a 2028 presidential run, with AOC as the most prominent potential candidate who would not receive automatic endorsement. One winning candidate, Avila Chevalier, previously tweeted she would wipe her hands on the American flag and advocates abolishing all police and prisons.

About this episode

Host Patrick Bet-David led a wide-ranging discussion covering political brinkmanship, natural disaster, economic forecasting, and cultural battles. The episode opened with President Trump's decision to cancel signing a bipartisan housing bill until Congress passes the Save America Act requiring voter ID and proof of citizenship—a move that puts pressure on Senate Majority Leader John Thune and creates a legislative standoff despite 69% of Democrats and 94% of Republicans supporting voter ID measures. Significant time was devoted to the Venezuela earthquake crisis, with Dr. Ana Padilla reporting live from Caracas that the official death toll of 589 vastly understates reality, with 55,000 people missing and rescue teams failing to reach most affected areas 72 hours after twin 7.4 and 7.6 magnitude quakes. Bet-David announced all merchandise sales would be donated to Venezuelan families. The discussion shifted to domestic policy as the panel analyzed a congressional hearing where SNAP program officials could not explain the nutritional value of Coca-Cola despite running a nutrition assistance program, and refused to confirm whether junk food companies fund their advocacy organization. Political analysis focused on Democratic Socialists of America winning New York City primaries and announcing 2028 presidential ambitions, with one winning candidate having previously stated she wipes her hands on the American flag. The episode also covered ITR Economics' forecast of a global depression from 2030 to 2036 based on aging demographics and unsustainable debt, Apple's announcement of 15-25% price increases across product lines due to chip shortages, and GTA 6 breaking records with $3 billion in pre-orders before launch. Cultural commentary contrasted two actress interviews—one focused on potential LGBTQ themes in a Supergirl film, the other demonstrating professionalism and focus on craft. Throughout, Bet-David emphasized optimism while acknowledging systemic challenges, closing with personal celebrations of his 17th wedding anniversary and daughter's birthday.

Key takeaways

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