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Cato Daily Podcast

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Oct 3, 2024 • 17min

Harris and Trump Have No Plans to Substantially Liberate Health Care

Michael Cannon, an expert on health care policy, discusses the growing issue of government overreach in the healthcare sector. He critiques the lack of substantial reform plans from both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, pointing out their failure to address the inefficacy of current government interventions. The conversation dives into the opaque nature of healthcare pricing and the importance of consumer empowerment to foster transparency and lower costs. Cannon emphasizes that without meaningful change, fiscal burdens will only increase.
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Oct 2, 2024 • 19min

Buckeye v. IRS

Robert Alt, the President of Ohio's Buckeye Institute, discusses the IRS's controversial practice of collecting information on nonprofit major donors. He highlights the implications for constitutional rights and donor privacy, connecting it to landmark cases such as NAACP v. Alabama. Alt delves into the potential misuse of sensitive information and the risks posed by IRS data leaks. He emphasizes the chilling effect on free speech and associational rights, advocating for stronger protections for donor anonymity amidst ongoing legal challenges.
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Oct 1, 2024 • 12min

Reforming State and Local Economic Development Subsidies

Marc Joffe, an expert on economic development strategies, shares insights into how states can rethink their approach to business subsidies. He tackles the detrimental effects of competitive subsidies that burden taxpayers and outlines the role of site consultants in this system. Joffe discusses potential reforms that promote transparency and interstate cooperation, drawing on rivalries like that between Kansas and Missouri. He encourages lawmakers to reevaluate subsidy models, advocating for a more thoughtful approach to attract businesses without unsustainable costs.
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Sep 30, 2024 • 13min

Could We Have Better Presidential Debates?

Erec Smith, an advocate for reforming political debates, dives into the flaws in current presidential debate formats. He critiques the focus on entertainment over meaningful discourse and suggests a shift towards a more conversational style reminiscent of ancient philosophical dialogues. Smith also reflects on the nostalgia for past debates, like the unrealized 1964 showdown between Kennedy and Goldwater. He discusses the impact of social media on debate dynamics and emphasizes the importance of direct engagement with the public.
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Sep 27, 2024 • 22min

How States Might Address the 'Squatter or Trespasser' Problem

Kyle Sweetland, a representative from the Pacific Legal Foundation, sheds light on the growing challenges property owners face with squatters. He discusses diverse legal frameworks in states like New York and Georgia, highlighting the frustrations of the eviction process. Sweetland emphasizes the need for modern reforms to address outdated squatting laws and explores the complexities that owners encounter amidst eviction moratoriums. With fascinating real-life cases, he reveals the significant legal and financial consequences for struggling homeowners.
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Sep 26, 2024 • 16min

Where Are the Rooming Houses?

Deirdre McCloskey, an economist and historian, joins fellow economist Art Carden to unravel the bizarre legacy of outdated laws originally aimed at brothels that now stifle boarding houses. They tackle how these restrictions contribute to socioeconomic segregation and limit affordable housing for students and immigrants. The duo also explores the shocking potential GDP boost from flexible migration policies, the historical roots of the current housing crisis, and the push and pull of community desires against the need for diverse housing solutions.
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Sep 25, 2024 • 12min

The Search for Accountability for Warrantless Surveillance

Patrick Eddington, a policy analyst at Cato focusing on surveillance and accountability, dives into the critical issues surrounding warrantless federal surveillance. He sheds light on the challenges of obtaining internal audits revealing unauthorized FBI queries on Americans. The conversation highlights the urgent need for transparency amid reauthorization efforts and discusses strategies to ensure accountability. Eddington advocates for restoring constitutional safeguards, stressing the importance of proper cause and warrants to protect individual rights against invasive surveillance practices.
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Sep 24, 2024 • 10min

Don't Get Your Hopes Up for a New Iran Nuclear Deal

Justin Logan, an analyst skeptical about the likelihood of a new nuclear deal with Iran, shares his insights on the complexities of the situation. He argues that hopes for renewing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) are misguided. The discussion highlights Iran's escalating nuclear activities since the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 and the challenges of negotiating with a regime while simultaneously pushing for regime change. Logan details the geopolitical implications and potential crises related to uranium enrichment that could arise.
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Sep 23, 2024 • 19min

Trump Pitches Voters on a Price Control for Credit Card Interest

Nick Anthony, a commentator on economic policies, critiques Donald Trump's proposal to cap credit card interest rates. He discusses the dangers of government price controls, emphasizing how they can conflict with personal freedoms and harm vulnerable consumers. The conversation dives into the historical implications of similar regulations and how they distort consumer choices and market availability. Anthony warns that limiting interest rates could lead to unintended consequences, reducing access to credit for those who need it most.
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Sep 20, 2024 • 12min

A New Chapter in Mexico's Hard Turn against Liberalism

Ian Vasquez, a Cato expert on international affairs, dives into Mexico's alarming political landscape under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. He discusses the centralization of power and the implications for market freedom, emphasizing the adverse effects on everyday citizens. The conversation highlights threats to democracy, particularly through judicial reforms that undermine independence and human rights. Vasquez warns of the repercussions for Mexico's trade relations, particularly with the United States, as these shifts take hold.

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