Ezra Klein, a New York Times columnist and co-author of 'Abundance,' dives into the contrasts between scarcity and abundance. He critiques the current administration's scarcity agenda impacting healthcare and housing, advocating for a mindset shift to foster economic growth. The conversation explores the synergy between urban innovation and housing policy, emphasizing their roles in shaping a hopeful future. Klein also discusses the Democratic Party's need for effective governance as it navigates challenges heading toward the 2024 election.
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Scarcity Mindset
The Trump White House has used a scarcity mindset, citing shortages to justify sacrifices.
This includes claiming America can't afford healthcare for the poor due to debt and restricting trade and immigration due to perceived shortages.
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Tariffs and Housing Costs
Trump's tariffs on Canada and Mexico increased the cost of lumber and drywall, essential for house construction.
This demonstrates how a scarcity mindset can worsen problems, especially for young people struggling with housing affordability.
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Democratic Scarcity
Democratic-led cities often restrict housing, transit, and energy development through regulations.
This creates another form of scarcity, driving up housing prices and homelessness in states like California.
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In this book, Peter H. Diamandis and Steven Kotler present a contrarian view that the future is brighter than commonly perceived. They document how exponential technologies, DIY innovators, technophilanthropists, and the rising billion (the world's poor empowered by modern communication technology) are conspiring to solve global problems such as access to clean water, food, energy, healthcare, education, and freedom. The authors provide examples and strategic roadmaps for governments, industries, and entrepreneurs to address these challenges, offering a optimistic outlook on the potential for technological innovation to improve human living standards[2][4][5].
Public Citizens
David Lilienthal
Golden Gates
Conor Dougherty
Golden Gates by Conor Dougherty delves into the complexities of the housing crisis in America, with a focus on the San Francisco Bay Area. The book explores the historical and economic factors contributing to the crisis, highlighting the impact on individuals and communities. It also examines potential solutions and the efforts of activists and policymakers to address the issue.
Why Nothing Works
Who Killed Progress—and How to Bring It Back
Marc J. Dunkelman
This book delves into the reasons behind America's current inability to address significant challenges such as housing shortages, climate crises, and infrastructure issues. Dunkelman argues that a 'vetocracy' allows nearly anyone to stifle progress and that progressive reforms have inadvertently contributed to this gridlock. He suggests that progressivism must rediscover its roots to break through the current paralysis and restore faith in public institutions.
Recoding America
How the Digital Revolution Reshaped Our Politics
Jennifer Palka
The Rent Is Too Damn High
What To Do About It, And Why It Matters More Than You Think
Matthew Yglesias
The book discusses how high rent affects not just personal finances but also economic growth, environmental quality, and overall quality of life. Yglesias argues for deregulation of housing and zoning to increase density and lower costs, benefiting both economic development and individual well-being.
Donald Trump is serving up a scarcity agenda to America. He and the White House say we don’t have an economy that works, so we might just need to accept a period of economic hardship. They say America cannot afford its debt, and therefore we cannot afford health care for the poor. They say America doesn’t have enough manufacturing, so we have to accept less trade. They say America doesn’t have enough housing, and so we need fewer immigrants.
America needs the opposite of this scarcity mindset to grow and thrive. We need an abundance agenda. But what does that mean? The answer to that question is in my new book, which I cowrote with the New York Times columnist and podcaster Ezra Klein. He is also today’s guest. We talk about ‘Abundance’ the book, and why it exists. And we talk about abundance the idea, and why it matters. (You can buy the book here!)
If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at PlainEnglish@Spotify.com.
Host: Derek Thompson
Guest: Ezra Klein
Producer: Devon Baroldi
P.S. If you live in Seattle, Atlanta, or the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area, Derek is coming your way in March! See him live at book events in your city. Tickets here!
Plain English with Derek Thompson 
