Cato Podcast

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.

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.