The Pervasiveness of Sentiments

Ezra Klein, journalist, political analyst, and podcaster, sits with Erik Torenberg to go deeper into the intellectual movement of supply-side progressivism and what Silicon Valley misses about politics. This conversation was recorded in early February 2023, but is even more relevant today. If you’re looking for an ERP platform, check out our sponsor, NetSuite: http://netsuite.com/UPSTREAM

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Preview of Ezra discussing Elon Musk

(02:16) Unpacking supply side liberalism and the abundance agenda

(07:55) Contrasting Ezra’s Buildism with Marc Andreessen and Tyler Cowen

(12:20) Why we can't build

(16:36) Sponsors: Secureframe | Mercury | MarketerHire

(18:47) Unions

(21:06) Ezra on what Silicon Valley misunderstands about politics

(24:15) Abundance agenda is bipartisan, but will polarize

(27:05) Ezra on immigration and free trade

(31:08) Reinterpreting Ezra’s book Why We’re Polarized in 2023

(34:30) Institutional distrust

(39:10) Davos elite v. Tech Elite v. Crypto Elite

(47:10) What makes Elon right wing?

(51:50) Chris Caldwell’s theory of polarization

(01:00:15) What the president can actually do

(01:07:00) Where he differs from Patrick Collison

(01:10:15) Equality of opportunity vs a sufficient floor

(01:16:55) Elon and the era of the trickster god

(01:20:30) Ezra’s book recommendation

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This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.