Thursday Night Debate Breakdown: Krystal Ball & Kyle Kulinski vs. Sohrab Ahmari on Right-Populism
Sep 17, 2023
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Krystal Ball & Kyle Kulinski debate Sohrab Ahmari on right-populism. They discuss voting preferences, social liberalism, guns, immigration policies, economics, euthanasia, Catholicism in politics, and the impact of social security on the black vote. They also explore coalition building within the Republican Party.
Coercion in the private economy should be addressed through democratic deliberation and public accountability.
Conservatism should address economic issues and connect them to the organization of the political economy.
Coalition building is crucial for economic reform to create a more equitable economy.
A decent economy can lower the temperature of cultural disputes and promote shared goals.
Deep dives
The book argues for a pro-worker Republican party
The podcast guest, Sorab Amari, discusses his book that advocates for a pro-worker Republican party. He highlights the need to address coercion in the private economy and the negative impacts of neoliberalism on working-class people. Amari emphasizes that Americans often only view coercion as a government issue, neglecting the coercion present in the private sector. He argues that democratic deliberation and public accountability should be applied to private economic coercion as well.
Amari embraces socially conservative views
Amari admits to being a social conservative and a Roman Catholic. He acknowledges differing views on guns but supports calls for more regulation. While his stance on abortion aligns with the Republican Party, he also recognizes that social conservatism should not hinder discussions about the economic barriers faced by working-class families. Amari argues that conservatism should address economic issues as well, connecting cultural phenomena to the organization of the political economy.
Abortion, guns, and social issues
The podcast does not fully discuss Amari's positions on abortion, guns, or specific social issues like gay marriage. However, in previous interviews, Amari has stated his opposition to gay marriage, alignment with pro-life views, and a belief that gun laws should be better regulated.
An internally consistent worldview
Amari's political philosophy combines economically progressive views, such as supporting unions, a higher minimum wage, and universal healthcare, with socially conservative positions like opposition to abortion and potentially more lenient attitudes towards guns. While his views may seem disparate to some, they can be seen as an internally consistent worldview rooted in his Catholic beliefs and a desire to address both economic and social issues.
The importance of coalition building and the New Deal
Coalition building is crucial for economic reform, as seen in the New Deal era. Despite cultural differences, a common goal of economic progress brought together diverse groups like high WASP gentry, urban working-class Catholics, and evangelical backcountry Democrats. While the New Deal didn't fully address racial inequality, it significantly improved economic conditions for many Americans. Coalition building should be prioritized to create a more equitable economy.
The need for a balanced approach to social and economic issues
The speaker discusses his devout Catholicism, emphasizing the importance of pro-life and anti-euthanasia stances. While recognizing the economic issues that impact society, he believes a decent economy can lower the temperature of cultural disputes. By ensuring working-class job security and economic opportunities, people can focus on shared goals rather than engaging in divisive cultural debates.
Criticism of the Republican Party's commitment to economic reform
The speaker expresses doubt in the Republican Party's ability to prioritize the working class. Despite initial promises in 2016 and 2020, he feels disappointed in the party's failure to become a champion for economic reform. He highlights the need for intellectual voices within the party and stresses the importance of forming a coalition to create an economy that benefits the majority.
Challenges of advocating for economic and cultural issues simultaneously
The speaker grapples with the tension between his pro-life stance and economic reform. While acknowledging that both issues hold significance for him personally, he believes that a thriving economy can alleviate some cultural disagreements. However, he recognizes the necessity to advocate against policy extremes to prevent unjust practices and protect vulnerable populations.
{Sorry, we forgot to upload this on Tuesday--that's when the debate breakdowns are going out now!]
Matthew Whalan joins Ben Burgis to continue the weekly series of Thursday Night Debate Breakdowns by watching Sohrab Ahmari's recent appearance on "Krystal, Kyle & Friends" to argue about right-populism.
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