Just How Broken Is American Politics? - Dean Phillips - #734

**Chris Williamson** (0:00)
Hello, friends, welcome back to the show. My guest today is Dean Phillips. He's a member of the US. House of Representatives, a presidential candidate, and the former owner of Talenti Gelato and Belvedere Vodka. Whether it's stories in the press or scenes in House of Cards, no one seems to have much faith in the American political system at the moment. Dean has had a front row seat to this world for a long time and is now running for president, so he should be able to give some insight on just how bad it's become. Expect to learn whether Congress or the business world has more backstabbing in it, the perverse incentives of donors and funding, Dean's background, building Belvedere Vodka, whether politicians are smarter than the average person, what Dean's predictions for 2024 are, and much more. Honestly, it's quite rare to kind of get this level of insight and transparency around what's going on inside of the US. Congress and the House of Representatives, and regardless of whether or not you want Dean Phillips to get the Democratic nomination for the 2024 election, or you hate America overall or whatever, it's very interesting to see just how the incentives are aligned and just what the internal culture of American politics are. For better or for worse, what happens in America ends up cascading down to the rest of the world. So it is pretty interesting to work out what's going on. This episode is brought to you by Surfshark VPN. Protect your browsing online and get access to the entire world's Netflix library for less than the price of a cup of coffee per month. If you are using the internet without a VPN, you are basically dancing in a muddy field without any shoes on. It is not good for you. If you use a public Wi-Fi network like a library or a cafeteria, the internet admin can see all of the data going back and forth between your computer and the internet. Plus, your internet service provider is tracking everything that you look at and then selling your information to companies who will target you with ads on what you browse. Also, it means that you can't access the entire world's Netflix library, and you can't use services like HBO Max or Amazon Prime when you're abroad. All of this is fixed by Surfshark VPN. It is available across unlimited devices, so it protects and gives you access on your laptop, your iPad, your phone and even your smart TV. Plus, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee and an 83% discount with 3 months free. All of that is available if you go to surfshark.deals.com Modern Wisdom, that's surfshark.deals slash modern wisdom. This episode is brought to you by AG1. You are not eating enough fruit and vegetables in your diet and you know it and this is going to help. If you are looking to make an upgrade to your nutrition, AG1 is a fantastic place to start. It is a daily foundational nutrition supplement that supports whole body health. It's got a science-driven formulation of vitamins, probiotics and whole food source nutrients. It delivers comprehensive support for your brain, gut and immune system. This is why Dr. Andrew Huberman and David Sinclair and Joe Rogan and Lex Friedman and myself are all massive fans because it is the best daily foundational nutrition supplement on the planet. Also, there is a 90-day money back guarantee so you can buy it and try it for 89 days. And if you do not like it, they will give you your money back. Head to drinkag1.com/modernwisdom to get a year's free supply of vitamin D, five free travel packs, plus that 90-day money back guarantee. That's drinkag1.com/modernwisdom. This episode is brought to you by Element. I have started my morning every single day for the last three years, the same way, which is with Element in water. It tastes fantastic. It reduces muscle cramps and fatigue. It optimizes your brain health, it regulates appetite and it helps to curb cravings. It's got a science-backed electrolyte ratio of sodium, potassium, and magnesium. It's super simple. There is nothing fancy going on here, but it really does work. Also, they have a no BS, no questions asked refund policy, so you can buy it 100% risk-free. And if you do not like it, they will give you your money back and you don't even need to return the box. That's how confident they are that you love it. They are the exclusive hydration partner to Team USA Weightlifting and rely on by tons of Olympic athletes and high performers in the NFL, NBA, NHL, and FBI sniper teams, plus tech leaders and everyday athletes around the world. Head to www.drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom to get a free sample pack of all eight flavors with any purchase. That's www.drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom.