Cato Podcast

David Bier, an expert in immigration policy, explores the shifting landscape of public support for legal immigration and its implications. He delves into the contrasting immigration strategies of Trump versus Harris, emphasizing the missed opportunities by the current administration to highlight immigrants' economic contributions. Bier critiques the dangers of mass deportation proposals that threaten communities and advocates for recognizing the essential role immigrants play in bolstering the U.S. economy and social fabric, countering negative stereotypes.

Join Jennifer Huddleston, a tech policy expert from the Cato Institute, as she evaluates the contrasting tech views of Kamala Harris, a former U.S. Senator, and Donald Trump, a prominent candidate known for his unconventional stances. They delve into the complexities of regulation around tech giants like TikTok and artificial intelligence. The discussion reveals how calls for oversight intersect with issues of privacy, free speech, and innovation, offering insights into the future of technology policy in the political landscape.

Christian Bjørnskov, coauthor of "State of Emergency: An Economic Analysis," explores the complex implications of government emergency powers during the pandemic. He highlights how these powers, while meant to save lives, often lead to unintended consequences, including higher fatalities. The discussion includes a comparison of different countries' strategies, revealing how lockdown measures impacted economic stability and educational outcomes. Bjørnskov also emphasizes the vital role of civil society versus government action in managing crises.

Neal McCluskey, an advocate for education reform and commentator, discusses the implications of Project 2025 and its proposed educational reforms. He praises the plan's call for reduced federal control and advocates for school choice. McCluskey dives into the GOP's stance against critical race theory and the controversial 1776 Commission. He also critiques former President Trump's contradictory education rhetoric and emphasizes the need for state autonomy over educational policies. The conversation highlights important shifts in the education landscape.

Colleen Hroncich, an expert on parental engagement with school offerings, joins Jamie Buckland, a professional focusing on state strategies for educational navigation. They discuss the complexities parents face in choosing educational paths, especially in places like West Virginia. Highlighting the rise of alternatives like charter schools, they emphasize the need for clear, reliable information. The importance of neutral navigators is also underlined to help families overcome misinformation, ensuring equitable access to educational resources.

Nolan Gray, a housing researcher, delves into the housing crisis and explores potential federal interventions to dismantle state and local regulatory barriers. He highlights how rising home prices limit options for buyers and critiques the Biden administration's proposal for rental price caps. Instead, he advocates for bipartisan zoning reforms and increased federal funding to motivate local governments to address zoning regulations. Gray provides a historical context for these issues, emphasizing the importance of enhancing housing supply over price controls.

Scott Lincicome, a trade policy expert, dives into the trade positions of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. He argues that both leaders lean towards protectionism, using tariffs as political tools rather than champions of free trade. Lincicome also discusses the impact of Trump's exit from international trade agreements and the uncertainty surrounding future trade policies under a Harris administration. Despite political headwinds and challenges, he highlights the surprising resilience of global trade and individual interactions driving economic connections.

Walter Olson, a legal expert and advocate for transparency in government, dives into the critical issue of presidential health secrecy. He reviews historical instances from Grover Cleveland to Franklin D. Roosevelt, revealing the national security risks associated with hidden health problems. Olson highlights recent controversies surrounding public health disclosure, particularly with President Biden's absence from the public eye. He suggests that increased transparency can bolster public trust and calls for potential Congressional oversight regarding the president's medical evaluations.

Energy policy expert Travis Fisher from Cato Institute discusses the contrasting energy policies of Trump and Harris, highlighting their views on high tariffs, clean energy, fracking, and electric vehicles. Harris emphasizes subsidies and pollution fees for revenue, while Trump focuses on revenue generation through tariffs. They differ on emissions reduction goals and the transition to electric vehicles.

Political commentator Walter Olson discusses the serious challenges surrounding Joe Biden's departure from the presidential race, including legal threats over ballot replacements. The podcast delves into the complexities of state electoral deadlines, campaign finance laws, and the transition of support to Vice President Harris.