Ezra Klein: The Case Against Writing With AI | How I Write

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May 28, 2025

Ezra Klein, co-founder of Vox and host of The Ezra Klein Show, dives into the current landscape of journalism and writing. He argues that longer pieces are essential for depth, emphasizing the need for personal engagement in content creation. Klein critiques AI's role in writing, asserting it cannot replicate the craft required for meaningful journalism. He also discusses the evolution of editorial processes and the importance of thorough research in storytelling. Expect insights on the delicate balance between personal creativity and institutional demands!

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ANECDOTE

Early Journalism Lesson

Ezra Klein learned early journalism requires integrating diverse voices, not just his own opinions.
His editor impressed upon him, "You have to pick up the phone" to make pieces real.

INSIGHT

Evolving Voice With Responsibility

Ezra treats his journalistic voice as a professional responsibility, not just self-expression.
Over time, he transitioned from casual blogging punches to careful, weighty writing with institutional influence.

INSIGHT

The Importance of Editing Taste

Great editing requires unteachable taste, a subtle and personal sense of what is good.
Trust in an editor’s judgment is more vital than technical fixes or grammar tweaks.

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Why We're Polarized

Howard W. French

Antonio M. Jaime

Luis Miller

Ezra Klein

In 'Why We're Polarized,' Ezra Klein argues that America’s political system is polarizing due to the merging of partisan identities with racial, religious, geographic, ideological, and cultural identities. The book explores how these merged identities have led to a dysfunctional political system and traces the feedback loops between polarized political identities and institutions. Klein also discusses the role of media and psychological factors in exacerbating polarization, providing a comprehensive analysis of the current state of American politics[2][3][5].

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