US Vice President Kamala Harris is discussed as a potential replacement for Joe Biden. The podcast also analyzes the economic impact of the UK elections and the new Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership. Additionally, topics include minority group political leanings in the US, the impact of social media on mental health, and challenges faced by Britain post-Brexit.
Kamala Harris's economic background shaped by post-Keynesian ideas and emphasis on capital accumulation and investment.
Harris's academic focus on economics at Howard University showcases unique path for black women in the US.
Harris's economic philosophy aligned with California liberalism, emphasizing social issues while maintaining ties with big tech companies.
Deep dives
Key Point 1: Harris's Family Background and Post-Keynesian Economics
Kamala Harris's father, Donald J. Harris, a renowned economist from Stanford University, was part of the post-Keynesian school of economics. He focused on economic development, emphasizing capital accumulation and investment. His ideas connected investment rates to income distribution and savings rates, relating growth to the societal class structure.
Key Point 2: Harris's Educational Background and Economics Tradition at Howard University
Kamala Harris majored in economics at Howard University, a historically black college in Washington, DC. This is uncommon for black women in the United States, highlighting her unique academic path. Howard's economics department has influential figures advocating for the relationship between macroeconomics and race, emphasizing racial and labor market disparities.
Key Point 3: Harris's Economic Philosophy and California Liberalism
Harris's tenure in California positions her within a transitional phase of the Democratic Party, marked by the tech boom era. Her economic philosophy mirrors California liberalism, emphasizing ties with big tech companies. While advocating for social issues like curbing sex trafficking and revenge porn, Harris maintains connections with senior Silicon Valley figures.
Key Point 4: Harris's Focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Harris has faced biased attacks for championing diversity, equity, and inclusion. She distinguishes between equity and equality, promoting equitable treatment to empower individuals for fair competition. This distinction underscores addressing systemic disadvantages and ensuring opportunities that align with individuals' needs, reflecting a nuanced approach to societal inclusivity.
Key Point 5: Harris's Policy Positions and Progressive Realism in Foreign Relations
Harris's policy stance reflects a commitment to secure economic philosophy and progressive realism in foreign affairs. Her alignment with Janet Yellen's supply-side liberalism underpins economic productivity goals while acknowledging budgetary constraints. The emphasis on public-private partnerships and addressing working class issues signifies a pragmatic approach to governance within the constraints of existing fiscal policies.
On today’s episode, hosts Cameron Abadi and Adam Tooze discuss electoral politics in the United States and Britain. In the first segment, the two look at the career of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris is being talked about as a potential replacement candidate for Joe Biden should he decide to no longer pursue a second term. The second segment analyzes the economic ramifications of the recent U.K. elections, where the Labour Party won in a landslide, ushering in new Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
