The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart Why We Can’t Have Nice Things with Ezra Klein
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Mar 27, 2025 
Ezra Klein, host of The Ezra Klein Show and co-author of 'Abundance,' dives deep into the struggles Democrats face in realizing progressive visions. He discusses how good intentions often create unforeseen obstacles and the necessity of empowering officials to improve governmental efficiency. The conversation uncovers the bureaucratic challenges hindering infrastructure and broadband access, while also exploring innovative solutions like modular housing to tackle the affordable housing crisis. Klein emphasizes the need for reform and a renewed confidence in government action.
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Biden's Infrastructure Failures
- The Biden administration allocated $7.5 billion for electric vehicle chargers and $42 billion for rural broadband.
- Neither project yielded significant results, highlighting the disconnect between funding and implementation.
Liberal Idealism vs. Practicality
- Liberal idealism hinders practical implementation due to resistance to necessary changes.
- This resistance, coupled with complex regulations, makes enacting progressive visions difficult.
Self-Imposed Bureaucracy
- Democrats' complex regulatory processes hinder their own bills, not just Republican ones.
- The 14-step process for rural broadband was created by the Democrats, not imposed by Republicans.
