https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1sggf9exTQ
Podcast audio:
In this episode of the Ayn Rand Institute podcast, Ben Bayer and Samantha Watkins challenge Zohran Mamdani’s plan to phase out NYC’s Gifted & Talented program — a move that would hold back advanced students from the education they need to thrive — and replace it with universal free childcare.
Topics include:
NYC’s Gifted & Talented Program
Mamdani’s Reasons to End G&T
Mamdani’s Universal Childcare Proposal
The Goal Is Punishing Gifted Kids
The Reaction to Mamdani’s Proposals
Education Is Not Zero-Sum
Resources:
Ayn Rand, “The Age of Envy,” Return of the Primitive
Ayn Rand, “The Comprachicos,” Return of the Primitive
This episode was recorded on November 5, 2025, and posted on November 13, 2025. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Watch archived podcasts here.
Image Credits: [Child]: Catherine Delahaye /DigitalVision / via Getty Images[Mamdani]: Stephanie Keith / Stringer / via Getty Images
