In this episode of 'The Ezra Klein Show,' the polarized state of American political institutions is examined. Democrats defend these institutions while Republicans express growing distrust, risking institutional integrity. The discussion includes Steven Teles and Jennifer Pahlka, focusing on the inefficiencies of bureaucratic processes, the need for reform, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public trust. The episode argues that without acknowledging institutional failures, Democrats may inadvertently empower right-wing narratives, contributing to a broader crisis in governance.