The Editors Episode 797: Census Time?
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Aug 8, 2025 The hosts dive into the need for a new census, highlighting challenges in counting illegal immigrants and the importance of accurate data for democracy. They discuss the complexities of Israel's strategy in Gaza, alongside shifting attitudes within American politics towards Israel. The conversation takes a reflective turn as they honor the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, weighing moral implications and historical justifications. They also touch on the frustrations of traditional forms and DMV experiences, showcasing a blend of light-hearted and serious discussions.
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Census Demands Long Lead Time
- The census requires years of ramp-up and huge temporary hiring to count everyone on a single day.
- You cannot credibly run a snap census without major planning and resources.
Fund Census Modernization
- Invest tens of millions to modernize census systems; it's trivial versus the federal budget.
- Better data improves program design and reduces improper benefits.
Noncitizen Counting Has Small Net Effect
- Counting noncitizens shifted apportionment by at most a seat in some analyses and was a wash in others.
- The partisan impact of illegal-immigrant counts appears minimal nationally.
