The Economist.
I'm Charlotte Howard and this is Checks and Balance from The Economist.
Each week we take one big theme shaping American politics
and explore it in depth.
Today, the other Democratic insurgency.
The ascendance of the Democratic Party's left wing has been one of the big stories of the midterms,
but there is another breed of candidate worth watching.
Moderates are showing how Democrats might win in more competitive states
like North Carolina, Alaska, and Iowa.
What can be learned from their campaigns?
And what are these midterms revealing about the battle for the Democratic Party's future?
I am here in New York with James Bennett, fresh back from holiday.
James, how are you doing?
Glad to be back.
Very good to have you.
Nice to see you guys.
And Shashank just arrived in Washington, D.C., joining us down the line.
How are you?
I'm great, Charlotte.
I'm a little bit in a jet lag fog.