Honestly with Bari Weiss

The Aftermath Part 2: The Haves and The Have Nots

Jan 21, 2022

In this discussion, journalist Alec MacGillis dives into the widening chasm between America's wealthy and working-class amidst the pandemic. He reveals how COVID-19 has accelerated economic disparities, placing a spotlight on those struggling in precarious jobs while the affluent flourish. MacGillis also critiques how convenience from giants like Amazon shapes social dynamics and politics, urging a return to community values. His insights challenge us to reflect on the future of our society and the pressing need for empathy in rebuilding post-pandemic America.

35:06

Episode guests

Alec MacGillis

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

2min

Pandemic Inequities: The Divide in America

6min

The Cost of Convenience: Amazon's Impact

13min

Shifts in Community and Politics Amidst Changing Times

5min

Rebuilding Community in a Post-Pandemic America

8min

At this point in the pandemic, one group of Americans generally gets to show their faces. The other still does not. One group orders groceries from Amazon, while the other packages it. One group enjoys take-out. And the other delivers it in the rain.

Today, in part two of my conversation with ProPublica journalist Alec MacGillis, we unpack the ways the pandemic has exacerbated the already enormous divide between the haves and the have nots. MacGillis discusses his recent book, Fulfillment: Winning and Losing in One-Click America, and how Democrats became such a big part of what he calls “the Amazon coalition.” We also talk about how the stubbornness of our political and media class—and their insistence on doubling down on short-sighted policies—is already reshaping our politics and culture.

If you haven’t yet listened to part one of the conversation, you can do so here.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.