Cato Podcast

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.

A man currently on death row in Texas is probably innocent, and it’s taken more effort than you might hope to get his case re-examined. Republican State Rep. Brian Harrison comments on the legislature’s temporary delay to Robert Roberson’s execution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The work of judges is often opaque to the public and poorly understood generally, and yet voters are regularly expected to vote on them. Clint Bolick of the Arizona Supreme Court makes his case for a better way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Biden administration's FTC has earned the ire of many who support a more freewheeling business sector. Would a Harris administration maintain that skepticism toward big business? Or are those ideas about punishing big companies more suited to Team Trump? Jennifer Huddleston comments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa Brown Calder, an expert in reproductive policy, dives into the heated debate surrounding in vitro fertilization and its ethical implications post-Dobbs decision. She critiques the endorsement of federal subsidies by political figures, arguing against the economic drawbacks and regressive impacts on income distribution. Discussions also explore the ethical dilemmas of embryo loss and the complexities of existing family policies. Calder emphasizes the need for reforms to genuinely support families striving for larger households in today's challenging environment.

Eric Mack, Professor Emeritus at Tulane University, dives into the lasting impact of Robert Nozick's landmark book, 'Anarchy, State, and Utopia', marking its 50th anniversary. Mack discusses the philosophical clash between Nozick and John Rawls, particularly on justice theories and individual rights vs. societal good. He elaborates on the debate over economic distribution and the idea of minimal state intervention while advocating for personal freedoms. Their conversations reflect on the book's relevance today and its continued influence on libertarian thought.