"I think that people have to have to have a sense of what ideas are one the progressive side, the Democratic side in order ultimately to be effective in the political world"

John Podesta is recommending that in order to achieve success in the political world, individuals need to have an understanding of progressive and Democratic ideas. He is indicating that having a knowledge of these ideas is necessary for individuals to be reliable in the political arena. This could imply that individuals need to be familiar with the policies and values of the Democratic party in order to be successful in politics. It might likewise indicate that individuals need to be able to recognize which ideas are progressive and which are not in order to succeed. By comprehending progressive and Democratic ideas, individuals can make informed choices and be more efficient in the political world.