The Dispatch Podcast Our Fragile American Economy | Roundtable
41 snips
Oct 31, 2025 
Join Jonah Goldberg, a sharp conservative commentator, Kevin Williamson, an astute writer on policy, and Megan McArdle, a keen journalist specializing in economics, as they dissect the current U.S. economy. They delve into whether the economy is genuinely thriving or just fragile, debate the potential of an A.I. bubble, and explore the implications of rising national debt. The trio also touches on how presidential actions shape economic perceptions and reflects on Trump’s recent Asia trip, emphasizing the disconnect between headlines and tangible outcomes.
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Economy Looks Healthy But Is Fragile
- The U.S. economy is doing okay but remains fragile and concentrated in a few tech firms and AI data-center investment.
- Inflation, tariffs, and geopolitical tensions create downside risks that could push the economy toward stagnation.
AI Drives Growth But Is Uncertain
- AI investment, especially data-center construction, has driven much of recent GDP growth and could be volatile.
- Whether AI becomes a lasting productivity revolution or an overhyped bubble remains uncertain.
Debt Service Is Already A Major Budget Strain
- Rising U.S. debt and debt-service costs are already crowding the budget and will force painful choices when rates normalize.
- Policymakers have high tolerance now, but a fiscal crisis would have global consequences.
