The Fifth Column #502 - The Second Battle of Batya (w/ Batya Ungar-Sargon)
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Apr 24, 2025 
Batya Ungar-Sargon, Deputy Opinion Editor at Newsweek, joins the discussion to dive into the heated intersection of politics and culture. They tackle contentious topics like tariffs and trade dynamics, exploring U.S. relations with China and the impact on global manufacturing. The conversation gets perky as they dissect the intricacies of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the evolving nature of media influence in presenting these narratives. Buckle up for a lively debate that balances humor with serious commentary on today's most pressing issues!
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Trump's Tariff Strategy Explained
- Trump’s tariff approach uses both stick and carrot to reshore manufacturing and protect national security.
- His messy tactics aim to reduce dependency on China and encourage allies to consume American goods.
GDP Misleads Economic Reality
- Economists favor GDP but that metric masks worker decline under free trade and mass immigration.
- Some classes gain wealth while working class Americans face downward mobility and lost manufacturing jobs.
Redefining Economic Success Metrics
- Success means Americans produce and consume more domestic goods and reduce reliance on Chinese imports.
- The focus should be on raising workforce employment and restoring dignity to working-class people.