In this live interview, I sit down with Salam, a public interest lawyer and congressional candidate in Virginia’s first district, to talk about why primaries — not just general elections — may determine the future of the Democratic Party. Salam argues that while many assume the House will flip blue, the real question is: what kind of blue? A cautious, donor-friendly navy? Or a bold, sky blue willing to fight for structural change?
We dive into his core platform — Medicare for All, taxing billionaires, and campaign finance reform — and why he’s running without DCCC or DNC backing. Salam contends that party-backed candidates often protect the donor class, while primary voters have the power to choose leaders who will directly challenge corporate influence, from health insurance profits to Citizens United.
The conversation explores expanding the House of Representatives, reforming campaign finance, and whether this political moment calls for incrementalism or what Salam calls “revolutionary vision.” It’s an energetic, substantive exchange about the direction of the Democratic Party, the lessons of the Tea Party era, and why showing up for your local primary may be the most important political act you can take this year.
