How Elites Lost America: The Bargain That Broke Democracy | Enrico Mayor Podcast #18

Roger Berkowitz — Political Theory Professor — Why today’s “left vs right” chaos is really a class revolt of the “virtuals” vs the “reals” (and how Arendt helps us rebuild common sense)In this uncut conversation we discuss:• The new political “revolution”: virtual elites vs hands-on “real” life—and why resentment is exploding• How the retreat of everyday citizens from politics helped create today’s moral crisis and cynicism• Why America’s institutions (Congress, federalism, courts) are losing legitimacy—and what that enables• The hidden driver: loneliness, purposelessness, and Arendt’s warning about “metaphysical homelessness”• A practical fix: citizen assemblies as a “jury system for politics” to restore trust and compromise00:00 - Applying Hannah Arendt to today’s fragile political moment00:39 - A revolution is underway: “virtuals” vs “reals”03:28 - The elite bargain failed: why institutions lost credibility06:52 - Militarized bureaucracy, ICE expansion, and Arendt’s tyranny warning08:23 - Mafioso politics & cynicism: when power replaces truth13:08 - Two ways to restrain human nature: leadership vs institutions15:44 - How federalism eroded and the presidency grew too powerful18:32 - The leadership crisis in the internet age (and Trump’s charisma)28:09 - Congress abdicates: bureaucracy, class interests, and why governance got outsourced37:05 - Gerrymandering & “safe districts”: how incentives push radicalization55:17 - Rules won’t save you: the Berkowitz axiom & why merit-based arguments matter1:06:28 - Loneliness, meaning, and Arendt’s path to mass movements1:11:02 - Citizen assemblies: deliberation as the missing institution1:22:30 - AI + power politics: why the next decades may be turbulent—and how to prepare📍 Follow Enrico:Instagram – @enricomayorTikTok – @enricomayor🎧 Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.💬 Drop your takeaway in the comments & don't forget to Like & Subscribe.