Marketplace All-in-One An unbalancing of power
Nov 13, 2025
Kai Ryssdal, a veteran host and commentator known for his work on Marketplace programs, discusses the ongoing power struggle between Congress and the Executive Branch following the shutdown. He delves into the Supreme Court's skepticism regarding Trump's tariff arguments and warns of a constitutional crisis due to Congress's waning power. Kai links the erosion of democratic stability to economic decline, emphasizing the need for civic engagement as a response. Tune in for insights on political dynamics and their implications for the economy.
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Choosing The Wrong Shutdown Issue
- The Democrats chose an issue the White House would never concede, making their shutdown stance strategically weak.
- Kai Ryssdal argues that picking the ACA extension was a political mistake that ensured Democrats would fold.
Asymmetric Political Pain Tolerance
- Republicans can tolerate more pain politically than Democrats, letting them hold out longer in standoffs.
- That asymmetric willingness to absorb pain helped end the shutdown in Republicans' favor, says Kai Ryssdal.
Court Skepticism On Tariff Power
- The Supreme Court arguments made the tariff fight tougher for the president than expected.
- Conservative justices showed skepticism about granting broad, permanent tariff powers to the White House.