The podcast explores why many Americans live at home, the Biden administration's Iran policy, secession movements in Oregon, and the surprising satisfaction levels of Americans. The hosts also share travel tips for visiting Japan.
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Quick takeaways
The challenging economic situation in the US has resulted in about 45% of Americans aged 18 to 29 living with their families, similar to levels in the 1940s.
The Biden administration's Iran policy has led to a relaxation of sanctions enforcement and an increase in Iranian oil shipments, raising concerns about potential risks for US citizens and the price per American hostage.
Deep dives
Living with Family in America
A recent survey reveals that about 23 million or 45% of Americans aged 18 to 29 are living with their families, similar to the levels in the 1940s. This trend reflects the challenging economic situation that prevents younger people from achieving financial independence from their parents.
Changes in US-Iran Relations
The Biden administration's approach to Iran has resulted in a relaxation of sanctions enforcement and an increase in Iranian oil shipments. The recent release of five American prisoners followed the issuance of a waiver allowing international banks to release frozen Iranian money. While the administration denies any quid pro quo, concerns arise about the price per American hostage and potential risks for US citizens in Iran.
Efforts to Change the Oregon-Idaho Border
Several counties in Oregon are pushing to move the state border westward, joining Idaho due to policy differences and a perceived lack of influence by conservatives in Oregon's predominantly democratic region. However, significant changes to state borders are unlikely, as similar secession or partition movements throughout history often face significant obstacles and are often expressions of frustration rather than achievable goals.
This week, Walter and Jeremy discuss why so many Americans are living at home, the Biden administration’s Iran policy, whether parts of Oregon will break off and join Idaho, and why elites are more miserable than normies.
Each week on What Really Matters, Walter Russell Mead and Jeremy Stern help you understand the news, decide what matters and what doesn’t, and enjoy following the story of America and the world more than you do now. For more, check out tabletmag.com/what-really-matters. You can read Walter Russell Mead’s Tablet column here, and check out more from Tablet here.