Cato Podcast

David Kemp, a policy analyst at the Cato Institute, offers sharp insights into the economic realities of nuclear power expansion under Biden. He critiques the ambitious timeline for increasing nuclear capacity, highlighting historical inefficiencies and financial hurdles. Kemp compares U.S. nuclear projects to those in France, discussing challenges that have caused delays and high costs. He also addresses the implications of subsidies and regulatory reforms, pondering their potential impact on taxpayers and the long-term sustainability of the nuclear industry.

Nick Anthony, a contributor at the Cato Institute, and Will Luther, director of the Sound Money Project, dive into the murky waters of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). They discuss the troubling intersection of CBDCs and financial surveillance, highlighting the risks to personal privacy. Historical precedents reveal how intrusive transaction monitoring can become. The duo argues that mandatory information sharing could erode privacy while advocating for a stronger private banking system to combat government overreach.

Bobby Campbell, the creative mind behind the Tales of Illuminatus comic series, dives into the intriguing world of conspiracy theories inspired by Robert Anton Wilson's iconic trilogy. He discusses how this classic work resonates in today's landscape of bizarre beliefs and paranoia. Campbell humorously shares the challenges of adapting complex narratives into comics, likening it to detective work. The conversation also addresses the emotional connections fans have to conspiratorial literature and its potential to influence contemporary culture.

Neil McCluskey, Director of Cato's Center for Educational Freedom and author of "The Fractured Schoolhouse," delves into the controversial discussion of ending the Department of Education. He presents a historical context of the Department, outlining its inefficiencies and financial burdens. McCluskey cautions against the nationalization of school choice proposed by President-elect Trump, emphasizing the risks of federal involvement that could stifle local autonomy and complicate education policies. The conversation highlights the balance between state control and equitable access to education.

Romina Boccia, a budget and entitlement policy expert at the Cato Institute, dives into the myths surrounding Social Security. She explains that the Social Security Trust Fund is essentially a mirage filled with IOUs, rather than a real fund. Romina critiques how it operates like a Ponzi scheme, causing sustainability issues in light of a declining worker-to-beneficiary ratio. She also outlines urgent reforms needed to prevent fiscal crises that would burden future generations, while advocating for changes in benefit calculations to enhance equity.

Jeff Singer, a Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, dives into Robert Kennedy Jr.'s controversial stance on public health. They discuss how Kennedy’s views on vaccines and fluoride stir public skepticism, complicating the battle against misinformation. Singer highlights the need for FDA reform and diverse health perspectives to enhance trust. The conversation also explores the tension between government regulation and individual health autonomy, advocating for a rethinking of health agency roles and a potential shift towards market-driven solutions.

John Mozena, an expert from the Center for Economic Accountability, unveils the troubling landscape of corporate welfare and its political implications. He discusses how state governments often trade taxpayer money for votes, fueling favoritism among businesses. Election year politics drive these decisions, with politicians leaning towards flashy subsidies over essential tax cuts. Mozena highlights the lack of solid evidence proving these handouts benefit taxpayers, questioning the ethical use of public funds in favor of private gain.

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.

Americans voted on more than just a contentious Presidential fight. Ranked-choice voting, labor reform, and drugs were among the issues decided. Walter Olson details a few of them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Nowrasteh, Vice President for Economic and Social Policy Studies at the Cato Institute and an immigration and trade policy expert, delves into the implications of a potential second term for Donald Trump. He discusses the notable risks and downsides associated with Trump's return to power, while also highlighting potential benefits over a Kamala Harris administration. Nowrasteh explores anticipated policy changes on immigration and healthcare, as well as the complexities of fiscal policy and entitlement reform in a future Trump administration.