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The Reason Roundtable

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 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.com.

  • 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.com.

  • 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.com.

  • 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.com.

  • 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.com.

  • 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.com.

  • 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.com.

  • 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.com.

  • 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.com.

  • 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.com.

  • 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.com.

  • 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.com.

  • June 1 · 1 hr 4 min

    Why Socialism Won't Deliver Government Efficiency

    This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's new Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE). The panel examines Mamdani's claim that bureaucracy is preventing New York from delivering housing, transit, and other services, while questioning whether the commission represents a serious effort at reform or simply a rebranding of the city's existing political priorities. They also consider what Mamdani's embrace of efficiency rhetoric says about the state of the Democratic Party and the growing recognition that government often struggles to deliver on its promises. Next, the editors discuss former Vice President Mike Pence's claim that "Democrats have lost their mind" and examine the Democratic Party's continuing attraction to polarizing candidates, from Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to California's unsettled gubernatorial race. The panel then checks in on the endlessly unresolved Iran conflict, before debating a proposal to eliminate property taxes for senior citizens and what it reveals about the growing trend toward narrowly targeted tax breaks. Finally, the editors answer a listener's question about whether late Sen. John McCain's (R–Ariz.) opposition to mixed martial arts helped shape the cultural forces that eventually brought the UFC to the White House lawn. 0:00—The Commission on Government Efficiency 14:04—Mike Pence's comments on Democratic Party 22:21—Graham Platner and Democratic candidate quality 30:19—Iran war update 33:01—Listener question on the White House UFC event 42:30—Should seniors pay property tax? 50:05—Weekly cultural recommendations Mentioned in the podcast: "Elon Did DOGE. Now Mamdani Is Trying COGE," by Megan O'Rourke "Mamdani 'Balanced' New York City's Budget—With a Bailout From Albany," by Joe Lancaster "Confidence in Market Principles," by Mike Pence "Mike Pence's Sensible (and Probably Doomed) Plan To Fix the National Debt," by Eric Boehm "Today Mike Pence May Find That All His Temporizing and Obfuscation About the Election Sacrificed His Integrity for Nothing," by Jacob Sullum "Ken Paxton's Primary Victory Shows How Trump's Grudges Undermine His Party's Interests," by Jacob Sullum "Don't Get a Nazi Tattoo or Praise Hitler: Advice for New Politicians," by Robby Soave "Bleeding into the Mainstream," by Greg Beato "Government's Ongoing Effort to Shutter Mixed Martial Arts," by Kerry Howley "UFC: One Man's Brutal Spectacle Is Another's Eden," by A. Barton Hinkle "Stop Giving Property Tax Breaks to Senior Citizens," by Eric Boehm "Baby Boomers Are the Richest Generation in History. Why Do Politicians Keep Spending More on Them?" by Eric Boehm "Abolish Property Taxes?" by Christian Britschgi "Helen Lewis: The Dark Side of Genius," by Nick Gillespie The post Why Socialism Won't Deliver Government Efficiency appeared first on Reason.com.

  • May 26 · 1 hr 6 min

    Does Anyone Know What's Happening in Iran?

    This week, editors Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch are joined by The Gist's Mike Pesca to discuss the ongoing Iran conflict, the unstable ceasefire negotiations, and whether anyone in Washington has a coherent explanation for what the United States is trying to accomplish. The panel examines President Donald Trump's shifting rationale for the war, the growing pressure for regime change, and why so many of the same foreign policy debates from the Iraq era seem to be repeating themselves in real time. They also consider whether America's political class has learned anything from the past two decades of interventionism. Next, the panel turns to Spencer Pratt's surprisingly competitive Los Angeles mayoral campaign and what his rise says about frustration with the city's political establishment. They discuss why media coverage of Pratt increasingly resembles the early anti-Trump backlash, whether one-party political cultures are capable of meaningful reform, and why even critics of Pratt's candidacy acknowledge that Los Angeles governance appears badly broken. The editors then revisit the panic surrounding Project 2025 and ask how much of the agenda actually materialized during Trump's second term. Finally, the panel examines Trump's controversial $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" and why even some Republicans see it as an unprecedented abuse of executive power. 0:00—What have we learned from this war with Iran? 9:38—Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo clashes with the Trump administration 14:19—Spencer Pratt and the Los Angeles mayoral race 27:11—Listener question on Project 2025 37:28—The Anti-Weaponization Fund 47:29—Weekly cultural recommendations Mentioned in the podcast: "Yes, the Iran War Is a 'War of Choice,' and a Bad One," by Nick Gillespie "Why Does Trump Keep Bringing Up Decades-Old Foreign Grievances?" by Matthew Petti "Drew Carey Goes on Foul-mouthed Rant About Spencer Pratt's LA Mayoral Run: 'F–k This Guy,'" by Antoinette Bueno "The $1.776 Billion in Trump's 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' Fits a Pattern of Fanciful Figures," by Jacob Sullum "Trump's 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' Is Built on a Contradiction," by Billy Binion "The DOJ's Flimsy Legal Theories To Support Trump's 'Anti-Weaponization Fund,'" by Joe Lancaster The post Does Anyone Know What's Happening in Iran? appeared first on Reason.com.

  • May 18 · 1 hr 9 min

    Why Is Trump Trying To Purge Thomas Massie?

    This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Matt Welch are joined by Reason Senior Editor Robby Soave to discuss Rep. Thomas Massie's (R–Ky.) competitive Republican primary challenge and why President Donald Trump has made him one of his top political targets. The panel examines Massie's opposition to the Iran war, his push to release the Epstein files, his longstanding focus on spending, and why his brand of libertarian-style politics has become increasingly rare inside today's Republican Party. Next, the panel turns to the economy, where inflation continues to rise, the U.S. debt has surpassed gross domestic product (GDP), and working-class voters appear increasingly frustrated with Trump's economic agenda. The editors then examine New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's claim that he closed the city's massive budget gap without cutting services and whether the plan relies more on gimmicks than serious fiscal reform. Finally, a listener asks how to develop political confidence without losing intellectual humility. 0:00—Massie's primary challenge 20:57—Inflation and the national debt 40:31—Listener question on intellectual humility 51:15—Mamdani's $12 billion budget gap 57:41—Weekly cultural recommendations Mentioned in the podcast: "Thomas Massie's Moment Has Come," by Robby Soave "Thomas Massie's Enemies Are Attacking Him With an Unfair Accusation," by Robby Soave "The War Comes for Your Wallet: Inflation Hits 3.8%, Highest Level in 3 Years," by Eric Boehm "When Businesspeople Run Government, the Government Doesn't Become a Business," by Veronique De Rugy "Pete Hegseth Can't Explain Why America Needs a $1.5 Trillion Military Budget," by Eric Boehm "Trump's 'Golden Dome' Estimated To Cost $1.2 Trillion, New Report Reveals," by Meagan O'Rourke "Mamdani 'Balanced' New York City's Budget—With a Bailout From Albany," by Joe Lancaster The post Why Is Trump Trying To Purge Thomas Massie? appeared first on Reason.com.

  • May 11 · 1 hr 2 min

    Gavin Newsom's Free Diaper Disaster

    This week, editors Peter Suderman and Katherine Mangu-Ward are joined by Senior Editor Robby Soave and reporter Reem Ibrahim to discuss California Gov. Gavin Newsom's "free diapers" initiative and the political controversy surrounding its nonprofit structure. The panel examines whether the program is a useful benefit for new mothers or another example of government turning a simple problem into an expensive, politically connected spending project. They also consider what the backlash reveals about California governance more broadly, from high-speed rail to homelessness spending to a troubled 911 program, and whether frustration with the state's Democratic establishment is creating an opening for Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt. Next, the panel turns to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's (D–N.Y.) claim that billionaires cannot ethically earn their wealth and her argument that the American Revolution was a revolt against the billionaire class. They also discuss President Donald Trump's ongoing conflict with Iran, whether the war has weakened his negotiating power ahead of a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and what the fallout could mean for U.S. credibility abroad. The editors then examine escalating fights over redistricting in Virginia and Florida. Finally, a listener asks whether rising ticket prices and corporate consolidation are evidence that government should play a larger role in regulating mergers and competition. 0:00—Newsom's "free diaper" program 13:04—Pratt's mayoral campaign 17:30—AOC attacks billionaires 28:40—Has America lost in Iran? 38:51—Listener question on ticket prices 46:00—Redistricting battles escalate nationwide 53:23—Weekly cultural recommendations Mentioned in the podcast: "California Spent $450 Million on a Failed 911 System. Now, the State Is Restarting the Project," by Meagan O'Rourke "Contra AOC, You Don't Have To Be a Billionaire To Be a Leech," by Christian Britschgi "A Pointless War: How Iran Hawks Finally Got Their Way," by Matthew Petti "How Much Has the Iran War Actually Cost? A Lot More Than $25 Billion," by Eric Boehm "How Mortal Kombat Went From National Panic to Nostalgic Camp," by Peter Suderman The post Gavin Newsom's Free Diaper Disaster appeared first on Reason.com.

  • May 4 · 1 hr 13 min

    Why Do Big City Democrats Keep Electing Socialists?

    This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie are joined by special guest Kate Andrews, opinion journalist for The Washington Post, to discuss how big city governance is playing out in Democratic cities. They examine why candidates with strong ties to organized labor and socialist policy agendas, such as New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, keep winning in major cities, even as affordability worsens and residents leave. The panel also considers whether these outcomes reflect voter preferences, weak alternatives, or a broader failure of reform-oriented factions on the left. Next, the panel turns to Iran, where President Donald Trump has announced "Project Freedom," a plan for the U.S. Navy to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions and uncertainty over the conflict's trajectory. They discuss the economic stakes, the political fallout, and what the lack of a clear resolution suggests about the long-term direction of U.S. foreign policy. The conversation then shifts to King Charles' visit to the United States and what it reveals about political culture, symbolism, and leadership on both sides of the Atlantic. Finally, a listener asks why voters continue to reward pandering politicians and whether meaningful change is possible within the current electoral system. 0:00—Why big city Democrats keep electing socialists 23:01—The Strait of Hormuz and "Project Freedom" 36:35—Listener question on voter behavior 45:34—King Charles visits the U.S. 53:03—Gillespie's interview with Justice Neil Gorsuch 57:08—Weekly cultural recommendations Mentioned in the podcast: "Seattle's Socialist Mayor Laughs at Wealthy Residents Leaving To Escape High Taxes," by J.D. Tuccille "Project Freedom," by Liz Wolfe "Justice Neil Gorsuch: 'Aspirations for Power Need To Be Checked'," by Nick Gillespie "Prison Doesn't Work the Way You Think," by Billy Binion "Is The Devil Wears Prada 2 the Great Millennial Journalism Movie?" by Peter Suderman The post Why Do Big City Democrats Keep Electing Socialists? appeared first on Reason.com.

  • April 27 · 1 hr 4 min

    The Shooter's Manifesto Was Uncomfortably Normal

    This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss the attempted shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner and the media coverage that followed. They examine the shooter's manifesto, why it struck some observers as uncomfortably normal, and what that says about the mainstreaming of extreme political rhetoric. The panel also considers President Donald Trump's renewed push to build his new White House ballroom in the aftermath of the attack. Next, the editors turn to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plan for city-run grocery stores, whether government-backed supermarkets can fairly compete with private businesses, and why critics may have helped turn a campaign talking point into actual policy. Then, the panel discusses reports that the Trump administration is considering a bailout that could leave the federal government owning most of Spirit Airlines. The panel then turns to Iran, where uncertain diplomacy and mixed signals over the Strait of Hormuz suggest the conflict remains far from resolved. Finally, a listener asks what the libertarian view of redistricting should be and whether fair maps are ever truly possible. 0:00—The White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting 18:49—Mamdani's city-run grocery store plan 27:42—Spirit Airlines bailout 37:06—Listener question on redistricting 43:23—What is the endgame in Iran? 48:58—Weekly cultural recommendations Mentioned in the podcast: "Shots Fired," by Eric Boehm "What If We Acted Like Political Violence Was a Problem?" by Matt Welch "Prediction: 2024 Will See Deadly Political Violence in the Streets," by Matt Welch "Charlie Kirk and America's History With Political Violence," by Nick Gillespie and Matt Welch "Politically Motivated Violence Is a Small Threat," by Alex Nowrasteh "Hasan Piker and Jia Tolentino: The Leftists Who Think Stealing Is Great," by Robby Soave "With His Grandiose White House Ballroom Plan, Trump Again Asserts the Power To Do As He Pleases," by Jacob Sullum "Mamdani's Fix for Food Deserts: Opening a $30 Million City-Owned Grocery Store Near Other Grocery Stores," by Megan O'Rourke "Zohran Mamdani's $70 Million Grocery Gamble," by C. Jarrett Dieterle "Biden Killed the Spirit Airlines Merger. Now Trump Wants Taxpayers To Save the Company," by Joe Lancaster "Spirit Airlines Didn't Die Because Biden Blocked the JetBlue Merger," by Gary Leff "The Spirit Airline Is a Bad Idea Built on a Worse Precedent," by Veronique de Rugy and Gary Leff "Why Redistricting Reform Goes Off the Rails," by Walter Olson "A Pointless War," by Matthew Petti "Neither War nor Peace With Iran," by Matthew Petti "My Books, Essay #5," by Arnold Kling "Michael Is a Brutally Dull Biopic With Nothing to Say About Michael Jackson," by Peter Suderman The post The Shooter's Manifesto Was Uncomfortably Normal appeared first on Reason.com.

  • April 20 · 1 hr 5 min

    Can New York Survive Mamdani's Tax Plan?

    This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss the growing push on the left to "tax the rich," highlighted by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani's Tax Day message. They examine whether America's tax system is already highly progressive, why wealth taxes and similar proposals have repeatedly disappointed abroad and in blue states, and whether New York risks copying California's mistakes. The panel also asks a broader question: With some of the nation's highest tax burdens, what are taxpayers actually getting in return? Next, the editors mark 4/20 with a conversation about marijuana legalization, the libertarian case for drug freedom, and whether concerns about public disorder are being wrongly blamed on legalization itself. They also discuss President Donald Trump's executive order expanding psychedelic drug research. The conversation then shifts to Palantir's call for national service and why so many tech leaders suddenly have grand plans for remaking public policy, before returning to Iran, where mixed signals over the Strait of Hormuz and uncertain negotiations raise fears of another drifting conflict. Finally, a listener asks whether today's political divide is best understood as two wings of a broader progressive movement rather than a clash between left and right. 0:00—Do wealth taxes ever work? 19:18—Drug legalization and psychedelics research 31:25—Palantir calls for national service 42:38—Listener question on progressivism 48:46—Is the Strait of Hormuz open? 53:24—Weekly cultural recommendations Mentioned in the podcast: "Can This Psychedelic Help Cure Opioid Addiction?" by Rachel Nuwer Nick Gillespie on X: "Much about this @PalantirTech list outlining the requirement of 'the technological republic' is risible, none more than the call for 'national service,' a form of indentured servitude that always goes easy on the rich and politically connected." "NYC Schools Are Losing Students and Burning Cash. Mamdani Could Make the Situation Worse," by Danyela Souza Egorov "Will Donald Trump and RFK, Jr. Psychedelicize America?" by Nick Gillespie "Kat Rosenfield: Why It's Important for Novelists To Speak Freely," by Nick Gillespie "Stan Lee Co-author Kat Rosenfield on Rise of Cancel Culture in the Literary World," by Nick Gillespie The post Can New York Survive Mamdani's Tax Plan? appeared first on Reason.com.

  • April 13 · 1 hr 3 min

    Is the War in Iran Totally Pointless?

    This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss the collapse of ceasefire talks with Iran and President Donald Trump's decision to order a U.S. military blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. They examine Trump's insistence that the conflict is a win for America, what the United States has actually gained, and the mounting costs of escalation. The panel also discusses why voices such as former national security adviser John Bolton still push for escalation and why their foreign policy arguments continue to fail. Next, the editors turn to Europe after Viktor Orbán's defeat in Hungary and what it says about the limits of nationalist populism, economic performance, and Vice President J.D. Vance's endorsement of the longtime Hungarian leader. They also discuss Kamala Harris hinting at another presidential run and Eric Swalwell's exit from California's governor race amid sexual assault allegations. The editors then examine Anthropic's decision not to release its powerful new Claude Mythos Preview model because of its hacking capabilities. Finally, a listener asks whether Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A." can still be embraced as a patriotic song. 0:00—Has the U.S. won anything from the war with Iran? 14:49—Orbán loses reelection 27:41—Democrats have a candidate quality issue 33:45—Listener question on patriotic content 39:05—Anthropic's Claude Mythos 50:04—Weekly cultural recommendations Mentioned in the podcast: "Trump Responds to Iranian Blockade of Strait of Hormuz By Blockading It," by Matthew Petti "Viktor Orbán and His American Apologists All Deserve To Lose," by Matt Welch "Viktor Orban's Hungary Exemplifies the Perils of Nationalism," by Ilya Somin "American Presidents Shouldn't Endorse Foreign Political Candidates," by Matt Welch "How Did Poland Get So Far Ahead of Hungary?" by Eric Boehm "National Conservatives Can't Find a Good Excuse for Viktor Orbán's Inflation Disaster," by Ryan Bourne "No Self-Respecting American Should Aspire to Hungarian-Style Nationalism," by Matt Welch "Hungarian Nationalism Is a Dead End," by Matt Welch "See Ya, Swalwell," by Christian Britschgi "Democrats and Republicans Both Want To Regulate AI. They Just Can't Agree on How," by Jack Nicastro "Sam Altman's (Not So) New Deal for Superintelligent AI," by Jack Nicastro "The Joys of Data Centers," by Christian Britschgi "Artemis II Launches a New Era of Lunar Exploration," by Natalie Dowzicky "The Overly Examined Life of Henry David Thoreau," by Peter Bagge "'My Thoughts Are Murder to the State,'" by Lester Hunt "Jacob Mchangama: How Hate Speech Laws Punish Minorities," by Nick Gillespie "Jeff Kosseff: Why Anonymous Speech Is Good—and Constitutional," by Nick Gillespie The post Is the War in Iran Totally Pointless? appeared first on Reason.com.

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