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The Reason Roundtable

Every Monday, the libertarian editors of the magazine of “Free Minds and Free Markets”—Matt Welch, Nick Gillespie, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Peter Suderman—discuss and debate the week’s biggest stories and what fresh hell awaits us all.

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Monday · 1 hr 13 min
J.D. Vance Is Playing Dumb About Socialism
This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie are joined by reporter Reem Ibrahim to discuss Vice President J.D. Vance's bizarre definition of socialism. They examine whether Vance genuinely believes what he's saying or is attempting to redefine socialism to avoid acknowledging the Trump administration's own big-government policies. Next, the panel discusses America's growing $2 trillion deficit, the rising cost of Social Security and Medicare, and the generational divide between older Americans receiving government benefits and younger workers paying for them. The editors also examine youth protests in France, where students are demanding improvements to public schools despite the country's already extensive government spending. They then discuss allegations that U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle offered political access in exchange for help paying off personal credit card debt and what the controversy reveals about government corruption. Finally, a listener asks about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's plan to publicly broadcast an execution and whether turning capital punishment into a spectacle could encourage extremism. 0:00—Vance rebrands socialism. 08:48—Largest budget deficit ever 25:50—Youth protests in France 38:15—Listener question on public executions 46:25—Guilfoyle's corruption scandal 56:20—Weekly cultural recommendations Upcoming Reason Events The World Premiere of Escaping Venezuela, October 13 Mentioned in the podcast: "J.D. Vance Accidentally Comes Out as a Socialist," by Billy Binion "Trump Has Been Trampling Free Speech for More Than 40 Years—and It Keeps Getting Worse," by Jacob Sullum "Protesters in France and Spain Are Angry at Government Failure—and Demanding More Government," by Reem Ibrahim "The Great British Exodus: Taxes, Housing Costs, and Terrible Healthcare Are Driving Young Brits Away," by Reem Ibrahim "The Federal Government Just Posted the Largest Annual Budget Deficit Since COVID," by Eric Boehm "Livestreaming an Execution," by Liz Wolfe "Kimberly Guilfoyle's Grift Is at Least as Offensive as Hunter Biden's," by Robby Soave The post J.D. Vance Is Playing Dumb About Socialism appeared first on Reason Magazine.
October 9 · 1 hr 19 min
Live Reason Roundtable 10th Anniversary Show!
For 10 years, The Reason Roundtable has been proving that the best political conversations aren't the ones where everyone agrees—they're the ones where smart people challenge each other, chase unexpected tangents, and somehow end up making more sense of the news than anyone else. Join Nick Gillespie, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Peter Suderman, and Matt Welch as they celebrate a decade of the podcast with a special live taping. It's your chance to watch the chemistry, the disagreements, the running jokes, and the occasional exasperated sigh happen in real time. The post Live <i>Reason Roundtable</i> 10th Anniversary Show! appeared first on Reason Magazine.
October 5 · 1 hr 2 min
Are the Cornell 7 Being Tried on Social Media?
On this special edition of The Reason Roundtable, Senior Editor Robby Soave is joined by Associate Editor Liz Wolfe, reporter Reem Ibrahim, and Senior Producer Zach Weissmueller to discuss the sexual assault allegations against seven Cornell University fraternity brothers. They examine conflicting accounts of what happened, the difference between reprehensible behavior and criminal conduct, and whether New York Attorney General Letitia James can oversee a fair investigation after Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed her to the case. They also consider Hochul's push to change New York's laws governing consent and voluntary intoxication, as well as the role social media has played in turning the case into a national spectacle. Next, the panel discusses Tennessee's botched execution of Christa Pike and what it reveals about the practical and moral problems with the death penalty. Finally, they consider OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's argument that society should accept some negative consequences from artificial intelligence in exchange for its benefits. 0:00—The "Cornell Seven" investigation 29:21—Pike's botched execution 36:53—Altman's AI comments 53:29—Weekly cultural recommendations Upcoming Reason Events The Reason Roundtable's 10th Anniversary—Live in NYC! October 7 The World Premiere of Escaping Venezuela, October 13 Mentioned in the podcast: "The Cornell Rape Lawsuit Is Fueling a Deranged Social Media Mob," by Robby Soave "Letitia James Has Already Suggested the Cornell 7 Are Guilty," by Robby Soave "Would a Firing Squad Have Been More 'Humane' for Christa Pike?" by Billy Binion "Trump Wants AI Companies To Police Themselves. His FTC Isn't Waiting," by Tosin Akintola Today's sponsor: Cato Innovation Project: Design your own full-time, paid role at Cato. If we fund your idea, you spend two years executing it. Apply here: cato.org/reason The post Are the Cornell 7 Being Tried on Social Media? appeared first on Reason Magazine.
September 28 · 1 hr 9 min
Trump's Iran War Is Losing With Everyone (Even Republicans)
This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss Republicans turning against President Donald Trump's war in Iran as gas prices rise and the midterm elections approach. They examine how Trump, who once ran against Middle East wars, ended up in one himself and whether presidents of both parties are too tempted by their power to intervene abroad. Next, the editors discuss the economic fallout from the war, rising mortgage rates, the growing cost of servicing the national debt, and how Trump's tariffs, immigration restrictions, and spending policies have contributed to the country's economic problems. The panelists also debate whether artificial intelligence could make government less important in people's lives and whether existing laws are sufficient to deal with the risks posed by rapidly developing AI. Finally, a listener asks the editors for their best elevator pitch for Reason. 0:00—Republicans turn on the Iran war. 20:20—Trump's impact on the economy 29:13—Listener question on the Reason elevator pitch 36:18—Will AI make government less important? 55:37—Weekly cultural recommendations Upcoming Reason Events The Reason Roundtable's 10th Anniversary—Live in NYC! October 7 The World Premiere of Escaping Venezuela October 13 Mentioned in the Podcast: "Trump's 4-Week War With Iran Approaches Month 7," by Matthew Petti "The Iraq War Cheerleaders Were Wrong. They're Wrong About Iran Too." by Matthew Petti "The Senate's Failure To Rein in Trump on Iran Is Part of a Long History of Congress Abdicating Its War Powers," by Gene Healy "Why Did Congress Vote To End the Iran War After It Finished?" by Matthew Petti "The Fed Can't Fight Inflation Alone. Will Congress Do Its Part?" by Veronique de Rugy "Is AI Going To Wipe Out Humanity? Don't Build That Bunker Yet." by Steven Greenhut "OpenAI Preaches AI Safety. The Australia Incident Shows What It Practices." by Tosin Akintola "Half the Public Wants To Pause AI. Would Regulation Actually Make It Safer?" by Reem Ibrahim "The 'AI Safety' Movement Is Making AI Less Safe," by Matthew Petti Today's Sponsor: Cato Innovation Project: Design your own full-time, paid role at Cato. If we fund your idea, you spend two years executing it. Apply here: cato.org/reasonmag. The post Trump's Iran War Is Losing With Everyone (Even Republicans) appeared first on Reason Magazine.
September 21 · 1 hr 13 min
Does CNN Deserve To Be Banned From the White House?
This week, editors Peter Suderman, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch are joined by senior editor Stephanie Slade to discuss President Donald Trump's decision to ban CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from the White House over coverage he dislikes. They examine the First Amendment implications of punishing news organizations for their reporting and Trump's broader record on free speech. They also examine the growing willingness of both parties to use government power against media they dislike. Next, the editors discuss why parents continue to leave public schools and what a recent New York Times story reveals about the limits of trying to reform failing schools from within. Then, Slade discusses her new book, Fusionism: Liberty, Virtue, and the Future of the American Right, and how the conservative movement moved away from its traditional commitment to limited government, free markets, and individual liberty. Finally, a listener challenges the panel to explain how libertarians would confront a genuine existential threat from AI or another collective-action problem. 0:00—Trump bans media outlets from the White House. 17:29—New York Times story on the failure of public schools 38:39—Listener question on AI risk 50:56—Fusionism and the conservative movement 1:01:33—Weekly cultural recommendations Upcoming Reason Events The Reason Roundtable's 10th Anniversary—Live in NYC! October 7 The World Premiere of Escaping Venezuela October 13 Mentioned in the Podcast: "Purposely Negative," by Liz Wolfe "May Officials Exclude Journalists from Press Events Based on Disapproval of Journalists' Speech?" by Eugene Volokh "Two D.C. Circuit Judges' Reservations About the Circuit's White House Press Pool / AP / 'Gulf of America' Decision," by Eugene Volokh "Trump's Threats To Yank Broadcast Licenses Are Part of a Speech-Chilling Intimidation Campaign," by Jacob Sullum "The FCC's Paramount/Skydance Decision Aims To Reshape Broadcast Journalism by Bureaucratic Fiat," by Jacob Sullum "By Settling Trump's Laughable Lawsuit Against CBS, Paramount Strikes a Blow at Freedom of the Press," by Jacob Sullum "Pentagon's Foolish Press Policy Might Encourage Tougher Journalism," by J.D. Tuccille "The Pentagon's New Press Policy Is Absurd," by Robby Soave "Why the Courts Will 86 the Flagrantly Unconstitutional Charges Against James Comey," by Jacob Sullum "Trump Is Targeting Media and Chilling Free Speech," by Steven Greenhut "Nikole Hannah-Jones Doesn't Understand 'The Idea That Parents Should Decide' What Schools Teach," by Robby Soave "The New York Times' Nikole Hannah-Jones Inadvertently Makes the Case for School Choice," by Billy Binion "Even Social Engineers Don't Want Their Kids Used as Demographic Pawns," by Matt Welch "Brownstone Brooklyn's Racial Divide: Why Are the Schools So Segregated?" by Jim Epstein "Will AI Destroy Humanity?" by Gene Epstein "Countering the Threat of the Malicious Use of Artificial Intelligence," by Ronald Bailey "Bjorn Lomborg: How Our Climate Fixation Hurts the World's Poor," by Nick Gillespie "Why the Right Is Embracing State Power," by Nick Gillespie and Stephanie Slade "J.D. Vance and the Politics of Victimhood," by Stephanie Slade The post Does CNN Deserve To Be Banned From the White House? appeared first on Reason Magazine.
September 14 · 1 hr 8 min
Is AI Really an Existential Threat?
This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss whether warnings from leading artificial intelligence companies that AI could pose an existential threat should be taken seriously. They debate calls to slow the development of frontier AI and question whether regulation would reduce genuine risks or simply protect today's dominant companies from competition. The editors also discuss California's new restrictions on social media and AI and the potential consequences for privacy and free expression. They then turn to President Donald Trump's proposal to give $5,000 to every adult American if Republicans win the midterm elections. Would Trump's proposed "dividend" bear any resemblance to a tax cut? And what would a roughly $1.3 trillion payout mean for a country already $40 trillion in debt? A listener asks what the past decade of American politics says about the future of libertarianism, the Democratic Party, and a post-Trump Republican Party. Finally, the editors remember their friend and longtime Reason fan Andrew Wimsatt, who died last week. Matt reflects on Wimsatt's generosity and selflessness, as well as his years of support for Reason and its community. 0:00–Tech leaders call for a slowdown in frontier AI development. 21:45–California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs social media child safety bills. 30:17–Listener question on the past decade in politics 39:58–Trump promises a $5,000 "dividend." 50:53–Remembering Andrew Wimsatt 54:20–Weekly cultural recommendations Upcoming Reason Events The Reason Roundtable's 10th Anniversary—Live in NYC! October 7 The World Premiere of Escaping Venezuela October 13 Mentioned in the Podcast: "Anthropic CEO Calls for an AI Slowdown, Other Tech Leaders Cosign," by Liz Wolfe "The Age of Stupid—and Self-Serving—AI Regulation Is Here!," by Nick Gillespie "AI Doom Is Misguided, Not a Psyop," by Robby Soave "Is AI Really Taking All the Jobs? Anthropic Co-Founder Reveals the Data," by Nick Gillespie "This California Social Media Law Is a Privacy and Free Speech 'Nightmare'," by Meagan O'Rourke "You're Wrong About Social Media Being Addictive," by Peter Suderman, Nick Gillespie, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Matt Welch "George Will: Brace Yourself for the Authoritarian Moment," by Nick Gillespie and Matt Welch "I Tried To Find Out What Republicans Think of Trump's $5,000 Checks. Then I Got Trapped," by Billy Binion "The Flow," by Andrew Wimsatt The post Is AI Really an Existential Threat? appeared first on Reason Magazine.
September 8 · 1 hr 8 min
Why Public Schools Lost 1.4 Million Students
This week, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie are joined by Senior Producer Zach Weissmueller to discuss why public schools have lost 1.4 million students since the pandemic even as their budgets have grown. They examine the rise of school choice, microschools, and other alternatives to traditional public education. They discuss why families are increasingly opting out and whether declining enrollment will finally force public schools to rethink how they operate. The panel then discusses Vice President J.D. Vance's proposal to make federal childcare subsidies available to married couples with a stay-at-home parent. They also reflect on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks and the ways the government's response permanently changed American life, from the formation of the Transportation Security Administration to warrantless surveillance and the growth of the national security state. Finally, a listener asks whether recent food safety scares can be blamed on cuts to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and how markets could keep food safe with a much smaller regulatory role. 0:00—School choice is winning. 25:12—Federal subsidies for stay-at-home parents 39:15—Listener question on the FDA and food safety 46:59—What has changed most since 9/11? 57:20—Weekly cultural recommendations Upcoming Reason Events The Reason Roundtable's 10th Anniversary—Live in NYC! October 7 Mentioned in the podcast: "We Have Already Passed Peak Public School," by Matt Welch "American Public Schools Lost 1.4 Million Students Since COVID. Their Budgets Grew by 34% Anyway," by Tosin Akintola "The Rise of Florida's 'Microschools,'" by Zach Weissmueller "Why I Left California for Florida," by Zach Weissmueller "Does School Choice Help Students Learn? All Signs Point To Yes," by Nick Gillespie "The Decade of Decline in Seattle Public Schools," by Sandeep Kaushik "Trump Officials Draft Plan to Pay At-Home Parents, Using Funds for Working Ones," by Coral Davenport "Storks Don't Take Orders From the State," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown "Make America Fertile Again: The Strange Bedfellows of the New Baby Boom Agenda," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown "J.D. Vance and the Politics of Victimhood," by Stephanie Slade "Study: Even Well-Intentioned Regulators Do More Harm Than Good," by J.D. Tuccille The post Why Public Schools Lost 1.4 Million Students appeared first on Reason Magazine.
August 31 · 1 hr
Trump Wants the FCC To Punish His Enemies
On this special edition of The Reason Roundtable, Senior Editor Robby Soave is joined by Associate Editor Liz Wolfe, reporter Reem Ibrahim, and Senior Producer Zach Weissmueller to discuss President Donald Trump's latest threat to use the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) against Meet the Press host Kristen Welker. They debate Trump's willingness to use government power against speech he dislikes, whether the FCC has become obsolete in the age of digital media, and what the president's attacks on the press say about the Republican Party's commitment to free speech. The panel also discusses Trump's escalating war with Iran, Meta's $17 billion settlement over alleged harms to children and whether parents or the government should be responsible for limiting kids' social media use, and the deportation of Milo Yiannopoulos amid his feud with Laura Loomer. 0:00—Trump wants the FCC to punish Welker 13:58—U.S. and Iran trade strikes in the Strait of Hormuz 23:56—Meta settles lawsuit for $17 billion 45:15—Yiannopoulos gets deported 52:08—Weekly cultural recommendations Upcoming Reason Events The Reason Roundtable's 10th Anniversary—Live in NYC! October 7 Mentioned in the podcast: "Trump Declared NBC's Kristen Welker Will Be 'Reported To the FCC For Rebuke or Punishment'," by Liz Wolfe "A Liberal Think Tank and an Air Force Major Are Trump's Latest Targets for Speech Policing," by Joe Lancaster "What Craigslist and Backpage Can Tell Us About the Meta Settlement," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown "Haidt's Moment," by Liz Wolfe "9/11 Turbocharged America's Worst Foreign Policy Impulses—but Didn't Change Its Direction," by Emma Ashford "Milo Yiannopoulos Wanted Millions Deported. He Didn't Mean Himself," by Billy Binion The post Trump Wants the FCC To Punish His Enemies appeared first on Reason Magazine.
August 24 · 1 hr 20 min
How Did America Get $40 Trillion in Debt?
This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie are joined by Reason Senior Editor Robby Soave to discuss the national debt hitting $40 trillion and whether decades of fiscal irresponsibility are finally beginning to have consequences. They examine how the debt doubled in less than a decade, why federal spending continues to outpace revenue, and whether turmoil in the bond market could force politicians to take deficits seriously. They also consider why both parties abandoned the fiscal restraint that helped produce balanced budgets in the 1990s and what it would take to reverse course. The editors also discuss President Donald Trump's escalating trade war with Canada and his administration's refusal to return tariff revenue collected illegally, the growing bipartisan backlash against AI data centers, and whether economic growth can realistically help America escape its debt problem. They examine the government's case against Meta and the latest effort to blame social media for harms to children, then turn to calls for restrictions on journalists following the death of Cambridge professor Jason Arday. Finally, a listener asks whether AI could shrink the federal workforce and dramatically reduce the cost of government. 0:00—National debt hits $40 trillion 15:26—Canadian trade war intensifies 26:37—Backlash to data centers 41:52—Listener question on AI and the federal workforce 53:27—Jason Arday and speech regulations 1:03:08—Weekly cultural recommendations Upcoming Reason Events The Reason Roundtable's 10th Anniversary—Live in NYC! October 7 Mentioned in the podcast: "$40 Trillion and Parents' Night Out," by Liz Wolfe "Why We Need To Shrink the National Debt, and Fast!" by Nick Gillespie Nick Gillespie on X: "For those of us concerned about national debt, here is federal spending and revenue expressed as pct. of GDP and per capita in 2017 dollars. We are spending too much, not taxing too little." "How many civilian jobs are in the US federal government?" by USA Facts "Trump Imposes Harmful and Illegal Section 338 Tariffs Against Many Canadian Imports," by Ilya Somin "Bad Reasons and Worse Reasons to Hate Data Centers," by Robby Soave "Data Centers Are Doing Your Dirty Work for You," by Christian Britschgi "Sen. Ed Markey doesn't know what AI he is using," by Taylor Lorenz "Censors Seize on Jason Arday's Death as Excuse To Demand More Censorship," by Reem Ibrahim "Tony Is an Anthony Bourdain Origin Story," by Peter Suderman "Travel Shows Were Boring as Fuck. Then Came Anthony Bourdain," by Todd Krainin The post How Did America Get $40 Trillion in Debt? appeared first on Reason Magazine.
August 17 · 1 hr 7 min
Who Pays for Medicare for All?
This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Matt Welch are joined by reporter Reem Ibrahim to discuss whether America can afford Medicare for All and the broader Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) agenda. They examine the enormous cost of expanding government-run health care, why taxing billionaires wouldn't come close to covering the bill, and what the experiences of the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and other countries reveal about the tradeoffs of universal health care. They also consider whether either major political party is prepared to confront America's growing deficits and looming fiscal crisis. The editors then turn to the DSA's growing influence within the Democratic Party and the pushback from Democrats wary of socialism. They discuss President Donald Trump's efforts to reduce America's military presence abroad, including his decision to pull back from exercises with South Korea, and whether his approach represents a genuine foreign policy retrenchment or simply more erratic decision making. The panel also makes the case for giving children more independence and questions laws that punish parents for letting their kids play outside unsupervised. Finally, a listener asks when, during each panelist's lifetime, the government has been most effective and worked best for the American people. 0:00—Medicare for All and American health care 19:12—The DSA's influence in the Democratic Party 28:58—Trump cancels joint military exercises in South Korea 36:21—Listener question on government effectiveness 46:34—The case for free-range parenting 54:39—Weekly cultural recommendations Upcoming Reason Events The Reason Roundtable's 10th Anniversary—Live in NYC! October 7 Mentioned in the podcast: "The DSA's Agenda Could Cost More Than $200 Trillion—and You'll Be Picking Up the Tab," by Reem Ibrahim "Socialists Claim Public Libraries Are Examples of Their Policies. Don't Believe Them," by J.D. Tuccille "Hong's Swan Song," by Liz Wolfe "It Can Happen Here," by Arnold Kling, David R. Henderson, and Maurice McTigue "Trump's Assault on Judicial Review Undermines a Crucial Safeguard Against Tyranny," by Jacob Sullum "The War on Free-Range Kids Makes The New York Times," by Lenore Skenazy "In Widow's Bay, the Real Monster Is Utilitarianism," by Christian Britschgi The post Who Pays for Medicare for All? appeared first on Reason Magazine.
August 10 · 1 hr 12 min
Are Socialists Actually Leaving Wokeness Behind?
This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's admission that "Woke 1 was crazy" and whether the Democratic Socialists of America's (DSA) new focus on affordability represents a genuine break from the politics of 2020. They debate whether progressives have actually moved on from the excesses of the pandemic era, whether the DSA's economic agenda is any more workable, and why affordability has become such a potent message on the left. The editors also examine how the cost of living is driving infighting on the right, from the online battle over $20 burritos to the larger splits over tariffs, immigration, and the Iran war. They discuss President Donald Trump's latest attempt to end birthright citizenship and what the Jason Arday plagiarism scandal at Cambridge University says about academia's lingering ideological problems. Finally, a listener asks whether enormous CEO pay packages and widespread layoffs undermine the case for capitalism. 0:00—Ocasio-Cortez says "Woke 1 was crazy" 15:19—Conservatives debate the cost of burritos 28:49—Trump's birthright citizenship order 33:12—Listener question on capitalism 46:08—Arday scandal and resignation 55:54—Weekly cultural recommendations Upcoming events: Nick Gillespie discusses THC, INC., on Tuesday, August 11, in New York City. Tickets are free but must be reserved. Mentioned in the podcast: "The Socialist Surge Revives Failed and Hateful Ideas," by J.D. Tuccille "The 'Affordability' Agenda That Taxes Your Dinner," by C. Jarrett Dieterle "Can You Imagine a Future Where Adults Don't Believe in Socialism?" by Steven Greenhut "Socialist Moment," by Peter Suderman "Abdul El-Sayed Says He's Not a Socialist. His Policy Agenda Says Otherwise," by Robby Soave "Socialists Are Trying To Take Hold of the Democratic Party—and They're Winning," by Zach Weissmueller "The GOP Is Warning About Socialism While Quietly Embracing It," by Veronique de Rugy "Francesca Hong's Hateful Holidays, Burrito Prices, and Woke 1.0," by Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi "A Burrito Costs How Much?" by Eric Boehm "A Viral Tweet Set Off a Discourse on $20 Burritos. Here's the Truth About Inflation," by Reem Ibrahim "Trump's New Birthright Citizenship Executive Orders Are Mostly Theater," by Billy Binion "Trump Issues Another Unconstitutional Executive Order Targeting Birthright Citizenship," by Ilya Somin "The Trump Administration Promises the 'Largest Denaturalization Effort Ever,'" by Billy Binion "Rethinking the Social Responsibility of Business," by Milton Friedman, John Mackey, and T.J. Rodgers "Milton Friedman Accused of Making Corporations Greedy," by Brian Doherty "Phil Magness: Holding Leftists and Libertarians Accountable," by Nick Gillespie "The 1619 Project Unrepentantly Pushes Junk History," by Phillip W. Magness "What The New York Times' 1619 Project Gets Wrong About Capitalism: Phillip Magness," by Nick Gillespie "One Night Only Is a Rare Rom-Com About Regulation," by Peter Suderman The post Are Socialists Actually Leaving Wokeness Behind? appeared first on Reason Magazine.
August 3 · 1 hr 17 min
Is Democratic Socialism Going National?
This week, editors Peter Suderman, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch are joined by Associate Editor Liz Wolfe to discuss whether democratic socialism is gaining ground beyond the coasts and what the rise of candidates like Francesca Hong and Abdul El-Sayed means for the future of the Democratic Party. Next, the editors discuss President Donald Trump's decision to restart talks with Iran and the continuing political fallout from the conflict. They then debate the proposed Warner Bros.-Paramount merger and whether the government should intervene to block it. Finally, the panel revisits the COVID-19 response in the wake of Anthony Fauci's appearance before Congress and asks what lessons, if any, America has learned from the pandemic. 0:00—Democratic socialism goes national 26:57—Trump restarts talks with Iran 34:28—Listener question on Warner Bros.-Paramount merger 53:07—Fauci's appearance before Congress 1:04:39—Weekly cultural recommendations Mentioned in the podcast: "Friends Like These," by Liz Wolfe "Study Says Foxconn Deal Cost Wisconsin $20 Billion in Lost Economic Growth," by Veronique de Rugy "Trump Backs Down From Yet Another Empty Threat to Iran," by Matthew Petti "12 States Sue, Call Paramount–Warner Bros. Merger an Antitrust Violation," by Joe Lancaster "Paramount's Acquisition of Warner Bros. Wouldn't Be the End of Hollywood or Press Freedom," by Jack Nicastro "Mergers and Disquisitions," by Nick Gillespie "Don't Sweat Comcast/NBC, Either," by Matt Welch "The 2024 Campaign Was an Embarrassment for Elite Media," by Matt Welch "Reasons not to sweat AOL-Time Warner--and other megadeals," by Nick Gillespie "Another Merger That Didn't Require Antitrust: Time Warner to Ditch Time," by Matt Welch "What Anthony Fauci's Defenders (and Critics) Get Wrong," by Robby Soave "Anthony Fauci Refuses to Answer Rand Paul's Questions After Diary Disclosures Go Viral," by Robby Soave and Amber Duke "At Senate Hearing, Fauci Takes the Fifth To Avoid Accounting for Inconsistent Statements About a Lab Leak," by Christian Britschgi "What Anthony Fauci's Diary Reveals About COVID," by Robby Soave "We Will Regret Not Taking the Economic Effects of Mass Quarantine More Seriously," by Nick Gillespie "In Spider-Man: Brand New Day, a Web Slinging Superhero Grows Up," by Peter Suderman The post Is Democratic Socialism Going National? appeared first on Reason Magazine.
July 27 · 1 hr 6 min
The Democrats Have a Socialism Problem
This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss whether the Democratic Socialists of America's (DSA) growing influence reflects a serious governing vision or a political movement driven more by symbolism than workable policy. They discuss the DSA's platform, the future of Medicare for All, and what the rise of democratic socialism could mean for the Democratic Party ahead of the midterms. They also examine President Donald Trump's decision to hit pause on military action against Iran, discuss former Federal Trade Commission chair Lina Khan's return to politics, and make the case for deregulating peptides. Finally, they answer a listener question about what The Odyssey says about liberalism. 0:00—Do Democrats have a socialism problem? 12:53—The DSA's policy agenda 25:31—Trump pauses Iran strikes 32:10—Listener question on The Odyssey 43:56—Deregulating peptides 50:22—Weekly cultural recommendations Mentioned in the podcast: "Zohran Mamdani Tells Jon Stewart Socialism Is Just Having a Library," by Robby Soave "For Thousands of New York City Apartment Buildings, the Math Doesn't Math," by Christian Britschgi "The DSA, MAGA, and the New Policy Nihilism," by Peter Suderman "Nobody Likes Red Tape, Not Even Mamdani," by Meagan O'Rourke "Mamdani's Zombie Apartment Nightmare," by Christian Britschgi "Waltz: Interceptor Shortage Is Biden's Fault, Fake News, and Illegal To Discuss," by Matthew Petti "Pentagon Death Numbers," by Liz Wolfe "Trump Can't Just Pretend Iran War Casualties Don't Count," Joe Lancaster "Trump's Newest Tariffs Are Likely Illegal Too," by Eric Boehm "Tariff Man," by Peter Suderman "Disillusioned Revolutionaries: Many Founders Died in Despair About the American Experiment," by Matt Welch "The Energy Department Admits the OMB Canceled Grants 'Solely' To Punish Trump's Political Opponents," by Jacob Sullum The post The Democrats Have a Socialism Problem appeared first on Reason Magazine.
July 20 · 1 hr 10 min
Is the War in Iran Spiraling Out of Control?
This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss the escalating war with Iran and whether President Donald Trump has any way to bring the conflict under control. The panel examines the deaths of American service members, rising gas prices, attacks on civilian infrastructure, and the lack of a clear objective for a war that has continued despite repeated attempts at ceasefires. Next, the editors discuss Trump's new tariffs on Brazil and the increasingly incoherent use of trade policy to pursue unrelated political goals. They then examine Trump's primetime address on election security and whether his efforts to change election rules ahead of the midterms should be taken seriously. The panel also considers the growing popularity of democratic socialism, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's political appeal, and why voters who support free markets may still embrace socialist politicians. Finally, a listener asks whether fears about artificial intelligence amount to a moral panic. 0:00—Iran war intensifies 12:53—Brazil tariffs and trade war escalation 27:56—Trump's primetime address 38:34—Listener question on AI moral panic 47:44—Mamdani's rising popularity 55:08—Weekly cultural recommendations Mentioned in the podcast: "The Iran War Is Back, Sort Of," by Matthew Petti "As U.S. Starts 'New' Iran War, Lawmakers Want Answers About Deadly Elementary School Strike," by Meagan O'Rourke "Meet the New War," by Liz Wolfe "America Has a Huge Trade Surplus With Brazil. Trump Just Put 25% Tariffs on Brazilian Goods Anyway," by Eric Boehm "Trump's Attacks on Free Trade Have Actually Made It More Popular With Voters," by John Mueller "The Most Corrupt Presidency in American History, by the Numbers," by Matt Welch "Election Vulnerability," by Liz Wolfe "Trump Threatens To Revoke ABC and NBC Licenses for Not Broadcasting His Election Speech," by Joe Lancaster "Election interference by foreigners: An assessment," by John Mueller "AI Is the Democratic Party's Next Villain," by Eugene Volokh "Labor Unions Hate Robots—and It's Stopping Democrats From Delivering on Affordability," by Peter Suderman "The Age of Stupid—and Self-Serving—AI Regulation Is Here!" by Nick Gillespie "Is AI Really Taking All the Jobs? Anthropic Co-Founder Jack Clark Reveals the Data," by Nick Gillespie "Working Class Hero," by Liz Wolfe "The 'Free Market' is More Popular than 'Capitalism,'" by Ilya Somin The post Is the War in Iran Spiraling Out of Control? appeared first on Reason Magazine.
July 13 · 1 hr
Did Lindsey Graham Push Trump Toward War?
This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R–S.C.) and his political legacy as one of Washington's most persistent advocates for an interventionist foreign policy. The panel examines Graham's evolution from John McCain ally and Trump critic to one of the president's most loyal supporters, his role in pushing Trump toward a more hawkish foreign policy, and what his career reveals about the transformation of the Republican Party. Next, the editors check in on Trump's escalating war with Iran and debate whether there is any plausible case that the conflict has left the United States better off. They also discuss the bipartisan housing bill passed by Congress, whether its permitting and regulatory reforms could meaningfully reduce housing costs, and Trump's refusal to sign it. The panel then examines the collapse of Graham Platner's Senate campaign and what it reveals about Democratic candidate recruitment and populist politics. Finally, a listener asks whether the SAVE America Act's voting requirements could inadvertently produce a more informed electorate and create the conditions for a libertarian moment. 0:00—Lindsey Graham's legacy 10:13—New military strikes on Iran 22:55—21st Century ROAD to Housing Act 30:45—Listener question on the SAVE America Act 39:47—Graham Platner ends Senate campaign 50:24—Weekly cultural recommendations Mentioned in the podcast: "Last of the Neocon 'Three Amigos': Lindsey Graham Dies Unexpectedly," by Matthew Petti "Sen. Mitch McConnell's Hospitalization Proves Again That Gerontocracy Sucks," by Ronald Bailey "'Scrap It and Start All Over': Ex-Bush and Obama Officials Say the War on Terror's Powers Have Gone Too Far," by Billy Binion "Lindsey Graham Is Outraged About Federal Surveillance Powers That Lindsey Graham Helped Create and Expand," by Eric Boehm "Crisis Phase," by Liz Wolfe "The Sindex: Gas Prices Rose 29% in 2 Months After Trump Went to War With Iran," by Jason Russell "Can the U.S. Defend Itself if Sequestration Cuts Really Happen?" by Nick Gillespie "Will Sequestration Cause the Sky to Fall (Defense Edition)? Not even close," by Nick Gillespie "Housing Villains," by Christian Britschgi "New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units," St. Louis Federal Reserve "The Noncitizen Voting Myth," by Fiona Harrigan "A Trump-Appointed Judge Quashes a Subpoena Aimed at Validating the President's Stolen-Election Fantasy," by Jacob Sullum "Has the GOP Lost Its Mind Over Donald Trump and Election Fraud?" by Nick Gillespie "Graham Platner Dropped Out, but His Shadow Lingers Over Democrats and U.S. Politics," by J.D. Tuccille "Good Riddance to Graham Platner," by Robby Soave "Democrats' Maine Problem," by Liz Wolfe The post Did Lindsey Graham Push Trump Toward War? appeared first on Reason Magazine.
July 6 · 1 hr 13 min
Can You Hate the Government and Still Love America?
This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie are joined by reporter Reem Ibrahim to discuss America's declining sense of patriotism and whether it's possible to distrust the government while still loving the country. The panel examines why fewer Americans say they are proud to be American, the growing skepticism toward capitalism, and whether there are still reasons for optimism about America's future. Next, the editors discuss why World Cup tourists are embracing the United States, from air conditioning to everyday convenience, and what the tournament says about America's global image. They then examine the Supreme Court's latest gun rights rulings and what they mean for the future of the Second Amendment. The panel also compares America's response to extreme summer heat with Europe's resistance to air conditioning. Finally, a listener asks about "stolen land," private property, and the libertarian perspective on historical injustice. 0:00—Patriotism is on the decline 11:31—World Cup visitors embrace America 28:17—SCOTUS ruling on gun rights 34:46—Listener question on "stolen land" 47:07—Europe's resistance to air conditioning 1:00:11—Weekly cultural recommendations Mentioned in the podcast: "Why Are Americans Less Patriotic Than Ever?" by Nick Gillespie "After 250 Years, Are America's Best Days Still Ahead?" by Steven Greenhut "On America's 250th Birthday, Celebrate Liberty," by J.D. Tuccille "Americans Will Never Shut Up or Do As We're Told," by Matt Welch "The World Cup Experience Lives Up to the Hype," by Jason Russell "How the US Has—Mostly—Avoided the Dark Side of the World Cup," by Ilya Somin "Balogun's World Cup Red Card Is Suspended—Justly," by Paul Cassell "Second Amendment Roundup: Cert Granted on Semiautomatic Rifle Bans," by Stephen Halbrook "Europe May Never Be Cool, but It Can Be Air Conditioned," by J.D. Tuccille "Zohran Mamdani Goes Full Commie on Air Conditioning," by Robby Soave and Christian Britschgi The post Can You Hate the Government and Still Love America? appeared first on Reason Magazine.
June 29 · 1 hr 1 min
Is Socialism Going Mainstream?
This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss the growing influence of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and whether socialism is becoming a mainstream force within the Democratic Party. The panel examines what's driving the DSA's recent gains, whether President Donald Trump has accelerated the movement's rise, and what a more openly socialist Democratic Party could mean for American politics. Next, the editors discuss the DSA's policy agenda, including proposals on housing, labor, and public spending. They then examine Trump's strategy toward Iran and debate whether the latest round of military escalation has become a recurring cycle of weekend conflicts followed by uneasy ceasefires. The panel also reflects on America's 250th birthday and what the country's founding ideals still mean in an era of political polarization. Finally, a listener asks how low-budget filmmakers should balance fair pay for crew members with the financial realities of independent production. 0:00—Is this the socialist moment? 15:45—DSA policy analysis 28:55—Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz 31:30—Listener question on films and unions 44:00—America's 250th birthday 50:05—Weekly cultural recommendation Mentioned in the podcast: "Are Socialists More Like Libertarians Than We'd Prefer To Admit?" by Elizabeth Nolan Brown "The DSA and the Democrats' Retreat Into Economic Fantasyland," by Peter Suderman "Mamdani Got His Rent Freeze Wish. Don't Expect New York City Housing To Become More Affordable," by Meagan O'Rourke "Democratic Socialism Remains an Elite Phenomenon," by Robby Soave "Darializa Avila Chevalier Will Be This Congress' First Campus Radical," by Robby Soave "Socialists Hijacked My City," by Liz Wolfe "Dire Strait," by Eric Bohem "Adam Schiff Wants Federal Tax Credits for Movie and TV Production," by Joe Lancaster "Film Subsidies Weren't Enough To Keep Marvel in Georgia," by Joe Lancaster "The Former Drug Dealer Whose Shows Make Millions Without Hollywood," by Ben Fritz "Don't Let the Country's Wet Blankets Ruin Independence Day," by J.D. Tuccille "The Gun That Won the Revolution," by David Kopel "Native Americans Taught Colonists How To Fight—and To Live Without Kings," by Charles C. Mann "Disillusioned Revolutionaries: Many Founders Died in Despair About the American Experiment," by Matt Welch "My Very Long Ride on the MAGA Ferris Wheel," by Billy Binion The post Is Socialism Going Mainstream? appeared first on Reason Magazine.
June 22 · 1 hr 8 min
Why U.K. Socialism Could Soon Be America's Problem
This week, editors Peter Suderman, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch are joined by reporter Reem Ibrahim to discuss the resignation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and what it reveals about the United Kingdom's economic stagnation. The panel examines the legacy of Brexit, the rise of the self-described "business-friendly socialist" Andy Burnham, and whether the U.K.'s growing embrace of big government policies offers a warning for the United States. Next, the editors discuss the growing influence of Democratic Socialists in major American cities, including New York, Washington, and Los Angeles. They then examine Trump's negotiations with Iran and debate whether the administration's deal represents a diplomatic success or a strategic retreat. The panel also discusses Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) decision to abandon plans for new migrant detention centers and what it reveals about the future of immigration enforcement. Finally, a listener asks whether Cuba's latest market reforms signal a genuine shift away from socialism or just another false start. 0:00—Starmer resigns 14:05—Democratic Socialists of America ascendant in blue cities 31:29—Iran negotiations and the Strait of Hormuz 39:12—Listener question on Cuba 45:09—ICE to sell off warehouses 55:03—Weekly cultural recommendations Mentioned in the podcast: "British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Has Resigned. His Replacement Will Likely Be More of the Same," by Reem Ibrahim "England Fans Warned Not To Chant 'Keir Starmer's a Wanker' at World Cup," by Reem Ibrahim "How Worried Should We Be About a Socialist Mayor in D.C.?" by Christian Britschgi "Graham Platner Signals a Problem for Democrats, and the Rest of Us," by J.D. Tuccille "Compromise With Iran Isn't 'Surrender,'" by Matthew Petti "Bibi Tearing Up the Deal," by Liz Wolfe "ICE Largely Abandons Plan To Turn Warehouses Into Migrant Detention Facilities," by Joe Lancaster "ICE Says It's Moved Detainees Out of 'Alligator Alcatraz' For Hurricane Season," by C.J. Ciaramella The post Why U.K. Socialism Could Soon Be America's Problem appeared first on Reason Magazine.
June 15 · 1 hr 11 min
Bernie Sanders Is Wrong About Trillionaires
This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie are joined by Sarah Isgur, senior editor at The Dispatch, to discuss Elon Musk becoming the world's first trillionaire and whether that milestone represents a triumph of capitalism or a warning sign about inequality. The panel examines the political backlash to extreme wealth, the role government subsidies played in Musk's rise, and whether Americans should be more concerned about how fortunes are made than how large they become. Next, the editors discuss the Supreme Court's biggest pending decisions, including cases involving birthright citizenship and the Federal Reserve. They also debate Democratic proposals to expand the Supreme Court and what those efforts could mean for the judiciary's future. The panel then examines the economic fallout from the Iran war, including rising inflation and energy prices. Finally, a listener asks whether the free market is responsible for the growing "enshittification" of everyday life, from movie theaters to fast-food restaurants. 0:00—Elon Musk becomes a trillionaire 17:50—The Supreme Court's pending decisions 31:33—Will Democrats pack the Supreme Court? 38:41—Listener question on free market and quality decline 48:57—Iran ceasefire agreement and economic impact 53:37—Weekly cultural recommendations Mentioned in the podcast: "Elon Musk Becomes the World's First Trillionaire. Is That Such a Bad Thing?" by Joe Lancaster "The Iran War Is Over, For Now," by Matthew Petti "The White House UFC Fight Is the Perfect Event for the Present, Not the Past," by Billy Binion "Counting Down the Supreme Court Term," by Sarah Isgur and David French "UFC Stages Successful White House Fight Night—if Not for Obama Insult," by Sean Gregory "Soccer Participation in the U.S. Is Surging Before the 2026 World Cup," by Sports and Fitness Industry Association "Soccer Passes Baseball in Race to Be America's Favorite Sport," by Ben Steiner The post Bernie Sanders Is Wrong About Trillionaires appeared first on Reason Magazine.
June 8 · 1 hr 4 min
Do Democrats Still Have a Big-City Crime Problem?
This week, editors Peter Suderman, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch are joined by Associate Editor Liz Wolfe to discuss New York City's falling crime rates and whether Democrats have really solved their big-city crime problem. The panel looks at the recent Penn Station stabbings, subway disorder, fare evasion, and why many New Yorkers still feel uneasy even as murders and shootings decline. Next, the editors discuss California's recent elections, including Spencer Pratt's bid for Los Angeles mayor, and what these results reveal about voter attitudes toward political leadership and governance. They then examine the political and economic fallout from President Donald Trump's war with Iran. The panel also discusses proposals from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I–Vt.) and Trump to give the federal government a stake in artificial intelligence companies. Finally, a listener asks whether AI-powered surveillance threatens individual liberty. 0:00—New York City's declining murder rate 18:16—California election results 28:22—The economic fallout of the Iran war 38:33—Listener question on AI threats to liberty 49:47—The push to nationalize artificial intelligence 55:45—Weekly cultural recommendations Mentioned in the podcast: "D.C.'s Crime Drop Didn't Require a Military Deployment," by Tosin Akintola "Trump's Middle Eastern Ceasefire: Fiery But Mostly Peaceful," by Matthew Petti "Trump and Bibi Are Fighting," by Liz Wolfe "Bernie Sanders' AI Wealth Fund Bill Shows That He Doesn't Understand AI or Wealth," by Tosin Akintola "Native Americans Taught Colonists How To Fight—and To Live Without Kings," by Charles C. Mann "Neil Gorsuch on the Declaration of Independence, Originalism, and Separation of Powers," by Nick Gillespie The post Do Democrats Still Have a Big-City Crime Problem? appeared first on Reason Magazine.

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