The Press Box The Ezra Klein and Ta-Nehisi Coates Showdown, Floating Paul Finebaum for Senate, and the Meaning of Kamala’s Book Sales
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Oct 2, 2025 Dive into a heated exchange between Ezra Klein and Ta-Nehisi Coates as they debate the ethics of journalism in light of political grief. Explore the surprising prospect of ESPN's Paul Finebaum running for the Senate and the implications of his political leanings. The discussion also touches on the explosive sales of Kamala Harris's memoir and the evolving landscape of Washington Post's opinion section. With a mix of serious discussions and lighter moments, the hosts keep listeners engaged throughout!
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Klein Sees Himself As Political Persuader
- Ezra Klein frames his role as political persuasion, not neutral reporting.
- That framing explains why he defended praising Charlie Kirk's tactics despite ideological disagreement.
Moral Scope Versus Political Tactics
- Ta-Nehisi Coates emphasizes moral accountability over tactical admiration.
- He argues journalists should name harms and the people left out, not just coach winning strategies.
The Problem With Saying 'We'
- Saying "we" reveals Klein's identification with Democratic power-building.
- That collective language blurs journalist and partisan roles and drew Coates' criticism.
