Cato Podcast

Ryan Bourne from Cato Institute discusses the urgent need to reduce deficits to avoid a fiscal crisis. Topics include the unsustainability of high deficits, the importance of proactive deficit reduction for economic stability, potential government responses leading to fiscal crises, and solutions for addressing the country's growing debt concerns.

Expert Erica York from the Tax Foundation debunks myths about tariffs, explaining how they essentially function as taxes on imported goods. The podcast explores historical perspectives on tariffs in the US, their impact on domestic producers, trade deficits, industry impact, and the implications on consumers and the global economy.

Experts Nick Anthony and Travis Fisher discuss the energy consumption of Bitcoin mining, including debates on grid access, energy costs, and the potential introduction of a digital asset mining energy tax. They explore the implications of Bitcoin mining on energy prices, financial considerations, and the risks associated with giving power over electricity regulation based on personal preferences.

Adam Michel from the Cato Institute discusses the upcoming increase in income taxes in 2026 and proposes tax policy reforms to address the issue. They explore the complexities of individual income taxes, the progressive nature of the US tax system compared to OECD countries, and the impact on public engagement and government transparency.

Exploring the US commitments to Taiwan, complexities in the Taiwan-US-China relationship, implications of ambiguity, Taiwan's recent presidential election, and defense recommendations for Taiwan amidst increasing hostility.

Cato adjunct, John Early, discusses the connection between human freedom and prosperity, emphasizing the importance of legal and property rights, safety, freedom to trade, lower taxation, and capital formation rate. The podcast explores contrasting economic strategies between the American consensus and Cornwall consensus, highlighting the impact on prosperity and government intervention. It also delves into the limitations of bureaucratic responses to economic changes and the role of individual decision-making in innovation.

Economic historian Phil Magness critiques proposals to tax unrealized income, debunking revenue predictions. Topics include billionaire tax, challenges of taxing unrealized gains, implications of wealth tax, inflated net worth claims, and wealth inequality narratives.

Political analyst Jon Hoffman discusses the US-Israel relationship, questioning the benefits of the $3.8 billion annual aid package. Topics include US national interests, Middle East policies, Saudi-Israel relations, and foreign policy decisions.

Financial regulation expert Jennifer Schulp discusses ways to reform the Securities and Exchange Commission, focusing on increasing regulatory comments, aligning actions with statutes, and following proper procedures. Topics include shortcomings of the SEC, public comments on rule proposals, transparency concerns in rulemaking activities, bias in ALJ process, and the importance of oversight and reform efforts.

Stephanie Slade from Reason magazine discusses how changing voter alignments impact libertarian ideas. Topics include voter attitudes towards trade, minority voters, and the influence of education levels on political affiliations. The podcast also explores the shifting landscape of political ideologies and the role of the Libertarian Party in future elections.