Cato Podcast

Vanessa Brown Calder, an insightful analyst of campaign pledges, dives into the curious overlap between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump's family policies, specifically their proposals for a large child tax credit. She discusses the surprising similarities and motives behind these pledges while questioning their effectiveness. The conversation also explores how financial incentives might affect fertility rates and critiques housing policies aimed at first-time home buyers, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms to tackle affordability issues.

Radley Balko, a journalist focused on public sector accountability, dives into the pervasive issues of police and prosecutor misconduct. He highlights the struggles victims face in seeking justice, emphasizing the need for reform to enhance accountability. Balko examines the troubling trend of militarization in policing, driven by financial incentives, and discusses landmark cases that illustrate the challenges of holding law enforcement accountable. He advocates for Sentinel Event Reviews to learn from mistakes and foster meaningful change in the criminal justice system.

Jai Kedia, a monetary policy expert, dives deep into the Federal Reserve's commitment to a policy rule and its implications for institutional credibility. He discusses how adherence to consistent monetary rules could enhance accountability and stability. Kedia highlights the challenges of balancing transparency with flexibility in Fed policy, while critiquing the previous dismissal of inflation as 'transitory.' He emphasizes the importance of a rules-based approach to foster greater predictability in economic outcomes.

David Inserra, a keen observer of free speech and First Amendment issues, shares intriguing insights on the current threats facing free expression. He tackles misconceptions surrounding the First Amendment and discusses the chilling effects of government overreach, particularly in places like Great Britain. The conversation extends to censorship on social media, especially following the Trump and Musk dialogue, and warns of the implications of EU regulations on American platforms. Inserra calls for a robust defense of free speech amidst growing global challenges.

Doug Bandow, a seasoned political commentator, delves into the complexities of the Ukraine conflict. He argues that the U.S. should reassess its support for Ukraine in light of their recent military operations within Russia. Bandow emphasizes the risks of escalating tensions with Russia and highlights a shift in Ukraine's strategy towards seeking negotiations. He also discusses varying views among U.S. presidential candidates regarding aid to Ukraine, revealing ongoing debates about the future of foreign policy.

Adam Michel, a tax policy expert, dives into the murky waters of special tax benefits proposed by presidential candidates like Harris and Trump. He argues that eliminating taxes on tips and Social Security may look appealing but could undermine a fair tax system. Michel emphasizes the importance of broad tax bases and warns against creating loopholes that favor specific groups. He also touches on the complexities of these proposals and their potential impacts on the Social Security Trust Fund, urging a more equitable approach to tax reform.

Neal McCluskey, an expert on educational policies from Cato, dives into the complex issues surrounding Arizona's universal Education Savings Account program. He discusses how parental choice in education challenges traditional institutional power. The conversation reveals how funding follows students, debunking myths about class sizes and outcomes. McCluskey also addresses equity concerns, showing increased enrollment among lower-income families and emphasizing the vital role of informing all families about educational options.

Scott Lincicome, a trade policy expert, and Emily Ekins, a public opinion researcher, dive into new polling data revealing how Americans view protectionism. They discuss the conflict between supporting 'Buy American' initiatives and the potential costs consumers face. Lincicome and Ekins highlight a significant disconnect between public anxiety over inflation and the allure of tariffs. The conversation sheds light on how education can reshape perceptions about trade, creating an intriguing dynamic in the ongoing debate over economic policies.

Jennifer Huddleston, a legal expert, dives into the intriguing world of monopolies, focusing on Google's dominance in search. She unpacks a recent court ruling labeling Google a search monopolist despite competition. The conversation navigates the complexities of antitrust laws, market definitions, and consumer choices in digital markets. Huddleston highlights how evolving technologies like AI could reshape competition and the future of consumer behavior, making this discussion essential for understanding modern market dynamics.

Nicholas Anthony, an expert in the interplay between cryptocurrency and politics, dives into the intricate landscape of the 2024 election. He discusses how candidates are navigating the complex political waters of crypto, with a focus on the contrasting stances of key figures like the Vice President and Donald Trump. The conversation highlights skepticism surrounding political promises in the crypto realm, while also offering practical recommendations for improving U.S. cryptocurrency policy, such as eliminating capital gains taxes and protecting self-custody rights.