Cato Podcast

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.

Catherine Pakaluk, author of 'Hannah's Children', discusses why women choose to have more than replacement-level children. The podcast explores the challenges, societal norms, and impact of age on motherhood decisions, alongside the historical decline in fertility rates and the role of government policies and market dynamics in shaping individual choices.

David Bier discusses the shifting views on immigration within the Democratic Party, criticizing Biden's restrictive approach. The podcast delves into the interplay between immigration and housing costs, advocates for a reformed immigration system, and analyzes Trump's mixed messages on immigration policies.

Colin Grabow discusses the importance of balancing industry protection and free trade for national security. Strategies include deregulation, immigration reform, and collaboration with allies like Japan and South Korea to strengthen US manufacturing and address protectionism effects on the shipbuilding industry.