Episode 397 - Reading The Coconut Tree Leaves (w/ David Dayen)
Aug 15, 2024
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David Dayen, Executive Editor of The American Prospect, dives deep into Kamala Harris' economic policy and the shadowy influences shaping her decisions. He highlights the intriguing connections between her advisory team and corporate interests, questioning whether they align with progressive values. Dayen explores the implications of hiring practices in governance, especially in relation to past accountability failures. The discussion also touches on the complex balance of power within the Democratic party and the challenges of navigating finance and antitrust in policymaking.
The podcast explores the impact of Kamala Harris's economic advisors on her potential policy direction and alignment with corporate interests.
There is a critical examination of Kamala Harris's past actions and decisions to assess her commitment to progressive reforms.
The discussion highlights the growing reliance on independent journalism to inform the public about complex political dynamics and policies.
Deep dives
The Importance of Independent Journalism
The ongoing crisis in journalism is critical, as it influences the strength and depth of political discourse. Independent outlets like the American Prospect and The Intercept play a vital role in providing comprehensive insights and investigative journalism, which is essential for understanding the current political landscape. With traditional newsrooms facing challenges, there's a heightened reliance on independent journalism to shape narratives and inform the public about power dynamics and policies. The necessity for steadfast, long-term investigative work has never been clearer, emphasizing the importance of supporting these institutions.
Kamala Harris's Political Positioning
Skepticism about Kamala Harris's potential presidency centers on whether she will maintain the Biden administration's policies or adopt a more progressive stance. Critiques focus on her record, particularly regarding issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the implications for domestic policy. Discussions highlight the perception that her identity as a Black and Indian woman should not automatically signal progressive policies, as the public seeks clarity on her actual intentions and past decisions. The discourse underscores the need for critical examination of her past actions and advisors to assess her probable policy directions.
The Influence of Tony West
Tony West's role as an advisor in Kamala Harris's campaign raises questions about her policy direction and the implications of his corporate affiliations. His past positions in both the Justice Department and at Uber suggest a potential alignment with business interests, raising concerns about prioritizing corporate agendas over progressive reforms. His involvement with litigation against the Biden-Harris administration indicates possible conflicts that could influence Harris's decision-making. The scrutiny of West's influence highlights the importance of understanding the backgrounds of advisors to predict a candidate's potential governance style.
The Legacy of the 2008 Financial Crisis
The 2008 financial crisis has significantly shaped contemporary leftist movements, with the consequences still felt across various social and economic fronts. The response to this crisis, particularly the failure to hold financial institutions accountable, serves as a pivotal moment that informs current political perspectives. Kamala Harris's previous positions, including her actions during the foreclosure crisis, are examined to assess her effectiveness in advocating for homeowners against corporate interests. The ongoing conversation about accountability and reform underscores the need for vigilance regarding policies that may perpetuate economic inequalities.
Antitrust and Regulatory Policies
The conversation surrounding antitrust policies highlights the complexities of corporate influence in governance, particularly in relation to Kamala Harris's potential administration. Concerns are raised about the pressure from the donor class to shift away from aggressive antitrust enforcement, leading to anxiety about the future of consumer protection under a Harris administration. The debate over whether expertise from the business sector equates to effective policymaking serves as a critical point of contention among Democrats. Ultimately, the effectiveness of regulatory bodies like the FTC in shaping fair market practices will be paramount in determining the trajectory of Harris's economic policies.
Executive Editor of The American Prospect David Dayen returns to Bad Faithto help decipher Kamala Harris’ economic policy. Having dodged interviews and eschewed policy proposals, we’re left reading the tea leaves — analyzing who she’s surrounded herself with, and what her surrogates have been saying on CNBC and beyond. What does it mean that her brother-in-law, Uber’s chief legal officer & an Obama DOJ alum, is a senior advisor? How does someone who fought for drivers to be classified as contract employees advise Kamala’s labor policy? Will she be an ally for the banks over the people, echoing the DOJ’s choices after the financial crash? When people close to the candidate refuse to give straight answers on whether Lina Khan will remain head of the FTC, is it because Kamala is trying to avoid ticking off donors who want her gone? Or is it because she’s trying to avoid ticking off the voters who think she’s the best thing Biden been did? Few are better equipped than Dayen to break it all down.
