Leftist New Republic Editor Calls for Revamp of U.S. Constitution
breitbart.com -- Saturday, August 16, 2025, 4:25:33 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: Public Opinion & Polling, Media Coverage & Press Relations, Democratic Party Responses
During his interview, author and contributing editor of the New Republic, Osita Nwanevu, laid out the reforms he thinks should be proposed when asked to provide the "new Constitution" he believes that nation should have, the Times reported on Thursday.
We could start with the thing that I think most Americans think about when they think about the undemocratic nature of our system, a reform that most Americans have supported for a long time, which is dealing with the Electoral College. There's a proposal on the table now, actually something that's being acted upon in states across the country, to move to a national popular vote by interstate compact, without needing a constitutional amendment. I mean, the amendment process itself is one of the things that needs amending very, very hard -- one of the hardest constitutions in the world to make substantive changes to is ours. So if you get a number of states totaling up to the 270 you need to win a presidential election, to say, "We're actually going to throw our electoral votes to the popular vote winner," you functionally worked around the electoral college. That's one thing.
I've advocated in the past for adding new states to the Senate. I think that there is an ideological imbalance now for all kinds of reasons in who gets represented the most and most reliably in that body. But that's not a permanent fix to the Senate at all. It's actually taking advantage of the equal state distribution.
In February 2022 when Democrat Joe Biden was still president of the United States, he told Senate Judiciary leaders that the U.S. Constitution was "always evolving," Breitbart News reported.
"You know there's always a renewed national debate every time we nominate, any president nominates a justice, because the Constitution is always evolving slightly," he said.
Months later, a survey found most Democrats believed the Constitution is fundamentally "racist" and "sexist."
In 2023, the leftist Guardian published an opinion piece by Nwanevu in which he celebrated the prosecution of President Donald Trump, calling it a "triumph," per Breitbart News.
However, the Breitbart article noted that "For his part Trump has declared his innocence of all charges and spoken out against the action."
Sign Our PetitionThe call for a revamp of the U.S. Constitution, as articulated by Osita Nwanevu in a recent interview, is a reflection of a growing discourse around the inherent limitations of our foundational governance document. This conversation is not merely theoretical; it represents a crucial intersection of historical context, social justice, and the evolving nature of democratic participation in the United States. The notion that the Constitution should evolve alongside the societal values and structures it governs is not new. It echoes the sentiments of historical reformists who viewed the document as a living framework, one that must adapt to reflect the needs and aspirations of all citizens, particularly marginalized communities.
One of the key points raised by Nwanevu is the problematic nature of the Electoral College. Established in 1787, the Electoral College was framed in a time when the voices of ordinary citizens were not represented in governance, and it has long been criticized for perpetuating unequal representation. The modern push for a national popular vote signals a significant shift in public sentiment, as many Americans recognize the need for a system that truly reflects the will of the populace. The proposal to bypass the Electoral College via an interstate compact is a pragmatic approach that could lead to more equitable electoral outcomes. This strategy not only has historical precedents but aligns with contemporary movements advocating for fair representation. By advocating this reform, progressives can highlight the dissonance between the founding principles of democracy and the current mechanisms that undermine it.
Moreover, Nwanevu's mention of increasing the number of states represented in the Senate addresses another critical issue: the ideological imbalance that has developed over centuries. The Senate, designed to provide equal representation to states regardless of population size, has resulted in a disproportionate influence for less populous, often rural states, which can skew legislative priorities and outcomes. This structural inequity is exacerbated by the growing polarization in American politics, where rural and urban interests frequently conflict. By advocating for the admission of new states, particularly those with significant urban populations, we can work towards a legislature that more accurately reflects the demographic and ideological diversity of the nation. This approach not only seeks to rectify historical injustices but also aligns with ongoing struggles for representation and equity in governance.
The resistance to constitutional reform often hinges on the perception that the Constitution is sacrosanct, a view that neglects the historical context of its creation and the myriad amendments that have been enacted since its inception. The process of amending the Constitution is notoriously difficult, which has led to stagnation in addressing pressing social issues—many of which are rooted in systemic racism and sexism. Recent surveys indicating that a majority of Democrats view the Constitution as fundamentally flawed underscore a growing recognition that the document must be revisited and reimagined to address contemporary inequalities. Nwanevu's perspective invites discussion on how we can redefine our constitutional framework to prioritize justice and equity, challenging the narrative that change is inherently radical or unwarranted.
Finally, the recent legal challenges facing former President Donald Trump and the broader implications of these proceedings highlight the intertwined nature of law, politics, and societal values. The prosecution of Trump, lauded by some as a triumph of accountability, raises questions about the role of the judiciary in a democracy and the importance of upholding the rule of law. Here, Nwanevu's acknowledgment of the Constitution as an evolving document becomes particularly relevant. Legal systems must adapt to reflect societal standards and principles, especially in a nation grappling with issues of race, class, and power dynamics. Engaging with these discussions not only enriches our understanding of the Constitution's role but also empowers citizens to advocate for a political system that is truly representative and just.
In conclusion, the call for a constitutional revamp should be seen not as a radical departure from our founding principles, but as a necessary evolution towards a more inclusive and equitable democracy. Engaging with these ideas provides an opportunity for meaningful dialogue about the shortcomings of our current system and the potential for transformative change. Armed with historical context and a commitment to social justice, advocates can argue for reforms that ensure the Constitution serves all citizens, not just a privileged few. As we move forward, it will be essential to recognize that the fight for a more inclusive democracy is ongoing, and every step towards reform is a step towards a more just society.
The conversation surrounding the U.S. Constitution often elicits deep-seated emotions and ideological divisions. Recently, Osita Nwanevu, a contributing editor at the New Republic, articulated a vision for a revamped governing document. Central to his argument is the critique of the Electoral College, an institution many Americans perceive as antiquated and undemocratic. This critique is not unprecedented; in fact, it resonates with historical debates dating back to the founding of the Republic, when the framers grappled with the balance between state and federal power. Nwanevu’s advocacy for mechanisms like the national popular vote illustrates a broader desire for a more representative democracy—one that can respond to the will of the populace, rather than serving the interests of a select few.
The Electoral College, established in Article II of the Constitution, was originally designed as a compromise between electing the president by a vote in Congress and by popular vote. However, this system has often resulted in outcomes where the winner of the popular vote does not ascend to the presidency, as witnessed in the elections of 2000 and 2016. This inconsistency has led to widespread calls for reform, including the national popular vote initiative, which aims to bypass the Electoral College through an interstate compact. This approach not only demonstrates a practical reform strategy but also highlights the need for political engagement at the state level. For citizens who believe in the principle of one person, one vote, advocating for this compact serves as a concrete action step toward a more equitable electoral system.
Moreover, Nwanevu's suggestion to add new states to the Senate reflects a critical understanding of representation in American governance. The current structure disproportionately favors less populous states, often skewing legislative decisions in favor of a minority of the population. This imbalance can be particularly detrimental to underrepresented communities, whose interests may go unaddressed. By mobilizing support for new states—such as Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico—advocates can challenge this inequity and push for a Senate that more accurately reflects the nation's demographic and ideological diversity. Such initiatives require grassroots organizing, coalition-building, and a concerted effort to educate the public about the importance of representation.
Historically, calls for constitutional reform have been met with resistance, often framed as attempts to undermine the foundational integrity of the nation. However, the Constitution itself was designed to be a living document—one that evolves alongside societal changes. President Biden's assertion that the Constitution is "always evolving" underscores the necessity for ongoing dialogue regarding its relevance. As demographics shift and new social movements emerge, so too must our governing principles adapt to meet the needs of a diverse and dynamic population. Engaging in conversations about the Constitution and advocating for its reform can empower citizens to reclaim agency over their governance and challenge the status quo.
As we reflect on Nwanevu's proposals, it is crucial for engaged citizens to recognize the power of collective action. Mobilizing for constitutional reforms is not merely a matter of policy; it is a fundamental aspect of civic responsibility. Individuals can advocate for change by participating in local and state politics, raising awareness about the need for a national popular vote, and supporting campaigns for statehood in areas like D.C. and Puerto Rico. By fostering a culture of civic engagement, we can contribute to a more just and representative democracy that resonates with the values of equality and justice for all. This is the moment for Americans to not only critique the current system but also to envision and enact a more equitable future.
The call for a revamp of the U.S. Constitution, as articulated by Osita Nwanevu, raises important discussions about democratic reforms in the United States. There are numerous actionable steps individuals can take to support this vision for a more equitable political system. Here’s a detailed outline of ideas and actions that can be pursued personally:
### What Can We Personally Do About This?
1. **Educate Yourself and Others:** - Read about the proposed reforms to the Constitution and understand their implications for democracy. - Share articles and information with friends, family, and your community to raise awareness about the necessity of constitutional reform.
2. **Engage in Local Political Organizations:** - Join groups that focus on electoral reform, civil rights, and democracy, such as the League of Women Voters or MoveOn.org. - Participate in local events or discussions about constitutional reform.
3. **Support a National Popular Vote:** - Advocate for the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact (NPVIC) which aims to ensure that the candidate receiving the most votes nationwide is elected president.
### Exact Actions to Take
1. **Sign and Share Petitions:** - **National Popular Vote:** Visit [National Popular Vote's website](https://www.nationalpopularvote.com/) to learn more and sign the petition advocating for the NPVIC. Share the petition on social media. - **Petition for Senate Reform:** Find petitions on platforms like Change.org that advocate for reforming the Senate, including adding states or restructuring representation.
2. **Contact Legislators:** - Write to your state representatives and senators to express your support for the National Popular Vote and other proposed reforms. Here are examples of how to do this:
**Example Contact Information:** - **Senator Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts)** - Email: senator_warren@warren.senate.gov - Mailing Address: 309 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 - **Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (New York)** - Email: aoc@mail.house.gov - Mailing Address: 1629 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
- **Your Local State Representative/Senator:** Find their contact details at [NASS.org](https://www.nass.org/can-I-contact-my-state-el).
3. **Organize or Attend Local Events:** - Participate in town halls or community forums focused on the electoral process and constitutional reform. Engage directly with local leaders and discuss the importance of these reforms.
4. **Advocate for Statehood:** - Support movements calling for statehood for Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. This can help address the ideological imbalance in the Senate.
5. **Engage with Media:** - Write letters to the editor or op-eds in local newspapers to discuss constitutional reform and rally public support. - Share your thoughts on social media platforms, using appropriate hashtags related to constitutional reform and democracy.
### What to Say
When contacting legislators or participating in discussions, consider the following key points:
- **Electoral College Reform:** “I support the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact because I believe in a democracy where every vote counts equally, ensuring that the president is elected by the majority of citizens.”
- **Senate Representation:** “It is important to address the unequal representation in the Senate. Adding new states can help balance the ideological discrepancies and give voice to underrepresented populations.”
- **Constitutional Evolution:** “As we evolve as a society, our governing documents should reflect our current values and the diverse makeup of our population. I believe it is time to reform the Constitution to reflect these changes.”
By taking these steps, you can play an active role in advancing the conversation around constitutional reform and supporting a more inclusive and equitable democratic process.