"Affordability" is the new progressive

"Affordability" is the new progressive

From America, Actually with Astead Herndon by Vox Media

May 9, 2026 · 25 min

About this episode

The episode explores the meanings of 'progressive' and 'affordability' to voters in a Democratic congressional district.

What do buzzwords like “progressive” and “affordability” mean to voters? We went to one of the most Democratic congressional districts to find out. This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon. Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) rolling out out a new affordability strategy along with other House Democrats from the Progressive Caucus. Photo by Tom Brenner/Getty Images. You can also watch this episode on youtube.com/vox. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Astead Herndon

Guest: Greg Casar

Topics covered

  • progressive politics
  • voter perception
  • affordability
  • Democratic strategy
  • congressional districts

Keywords

  • affordability
  • progressive
  • voters
  • Democratic
  • Greg Casar
  • congressional district
  • strategy

Sponsors

Vox

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Vox Media, Progressive Caucus, Vox, youtube.com, podcastchoices.com

Places: Texas, Democratic congressional district

More episodes of America, Actually with Astead Herndon

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the America, Actually with Astead Herndon podcast page.