Slate News Politcal Gabfest | Elon Musk’s DOGE Rampage
Feb 6, 2025
David Leonhardt, a New York Times columnist known for his insights on economics and social issues, joins the conversation. They delve into Elon Musk's bold actions impacting federal agencies and explore how U.S. economic growth contrasts with citizen well-being. The discussion highlights the widening gap between prosperity and quality of life, emphasizing income inequality and social isolation. They also examine recent state-level immigration efforts and their legal implications, navigating the contentious landscape of policy and governance in America.
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Alarming Takeover
- Elon Musk's takeover of the federal government is alarming due to his sweeping power and lack of transparency.
- This unelected, unconfirmed individual accesses private data and operates outside established processes.
Constitutional Crisis Source
- The current constitutional crisis stems from Congress's inaction, not inter-branch conflict.
- Republicans in Congress, who hold the power of the purse, have failed to check Musk's power.
Complementary Skills
- David Plotz notes how Musk and Trump's skills complement each other.
- Trump craves attention and chaos, while Musk, an engineer, enjoys action and getting things done.
