Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer The Abundance Doctrine (with Mike Konczal)
Apr 22, 2025
Mike Konczal, Senior Director of Policy and Research at the Economic Security Project and former Chief Economist for the National Economic Council, joins in to explore the concept of 'abundance.' He critiques the deregulatory themes in the recent book by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, highlighting that more isn't always better. Konczal dives into the complexities of housing policy and the failures of the market to address affordability. Their discussion challenges the notion that innovation alone can resolve economic inequalities, advocating for vital government intervention.
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Understanding 'Abundance' Concept
- The "abundance" idea centers on removing outdated regulations to boost supply and build more efficiently.
- It is tied to housing, green energy, and innovation but has varied interpretations and impacts in politics.
The Limits of Deregulation Focus
- Many barriers hindering progress are regulatory but not all regulations are obstructive; some serve important purposes.
- Deregulatory emphasis in abundance discourse risks oversimplifying complex issues like healthcare access.
Public Options Missing from Abundance
- Expanding public options like Medicare for all could significantly increase abundance by reducing costs and improving access.
- The abundance narrative mostly overlooks such public sector expansions, focusing instead on deregulation.
