Emily Ekins

Emily Ekins, Director of polling at the Cato Institute, and Ian Vásquez, Director of Cato's Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity, delve into the chilling effects of political violence on free speech in America. They explore public opinion trends and ideological divides, particularly after the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Switching gears, Ian discusses the implications of Milei's electoral setback in Argentina and the resilience of Peronism. Together, they reveal a more complex picture of political tolerance and the battle for reform in Latin America.

Joined by Jeffrey Miron, a Harvard professor known for his libertarian views, and Emily Ekins, Director of Polling at the Cato Institute, the discussion dives into Trump’s pressure tactics on elite universities and the Federal Reserve. They analyze the implications of such strongarm politics, questioning whether it could deepen institutional politicization or signal a shift in presidential power. Additionally, they explore public opinion on Social Security reform and the need for accountability in climate policy, shedding light on recent libertarian successes.

Emily Ekins, Vice President and Director of Polling at the Cato Institute, dives into a revealing new survey about Social Security. Despite overwhelming support, Americans hold misconceptions about its structure and finances. Ekins discusses how myths about personal accounts and proportional benefits muddy the waters of public opinion. Generational divides emerge, with retirees resistant to reforms while Gen Z is more open to changes. The conversation highlights the urgent need for a youth-focused education campaign to address these misunderstandings and facilitate meaningful reform.

In this engaging discussion, Mustafa Akyol, an expert on Islam and liberal democracy, and Doug Bandow, a foreign policy fellow, explore the shared values between Jewish and Muslim communities. Brian Blankenship sheds light on NATO’s burden-sharing dilemmas. Robert R. Redfield and Ryan Bourne critique the pandemic response and its economic fallout. Emily Ekins, Scott Lincicome, and Caleb O. Brown tackle American misunderstandings of protectionism. Lastly, Gene Healy discusses evolving views on presidential power and accountability.

Emily Ekins, Director of polling at the Cato Institute, dives into the key factors behind Trump's return to the White House. She discusses how immigration and inflation reshaped voter preferences since 2020. Ekins highlights shifting demographics, particularly among men and important support from black men in swing states. The repercussions of rising inflation on voter behavior are analyzed, along with the misconceptions surrounding it. She also addresses the disconnect felt by non-college-educated voters influenced by issues like student debt.