Cato Daily Podcast

Jonathan Rauch, author of "Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy," passionately argues for a harmonious relationship between Christian values and liberal democracy. He discusses the declining influence of Christianity in American public life and critiques the rise of divisive ideologies in its absence. Rauch emphasizes the importance of character and moral education in governance. He also reflects on how political identities have overtaken religious affiliations, urging a return to principles like courage and dignity to foster civil discourse.

Political philosopher Matt Zwolinski, co-author of The Individualists, urges aspiring libertarians to explore diverse perspectives before settling on a specific ideology. He discusses the evolving strands of libertarianism, emphasizing the importance of self-ownership and its clash with state authority. Zwolinski critiques oversimplified libertarian views, advocating a nuanced approach to political and economic theories. He also addresses contemporary issues like climate change, highlighting the need for policies that balance individual rights with societal responsibilities.

David Inserra, a free expression and technology expert, and John Samples, the Vice President of the Cato Institute and a member of Meta's oversight board, delve into the complexities of content moderation on platforms like Facebook. They discuss the shifting practices influenced by political pressures and societal expectations. The conversation highlights how government regulations impact social media companies, the challenges of balancing free speech with hate speech moderation, and the evolving landscape of digital expression and censorship across different regions.

David Bier, the Immigration Studies Director at the Cato Institute, delves into the surprising implications of the Trump administration's immigration policies. He discusses how rhetoric surrounding illegal immigration often overshadows significant reductions in legal immigration. Bier highlights the economic consequences of these restrictions, the necessity to retain talented individuals, and the potential changes to birthright citizenship. He challenges the notion that legal pathways are straightforward, revealing the complexities that impact families and the economy.

Neil McCluskey, director of the Cato Institute's Center for Educational Freedom and an education policy expert, delves into the complexities of abolishing the Department of Education. He discusses the department's role in fund distribution and the misconceptions surrounding its removal. The conversation explores various strategies, legal implications, and public perceptions tied to the department's disbandment. McCluskey also highlights financial considerations and the constitutional debate over federal involvement in education.

Explore the intriguing dynamics of Donald Trump's trade and diplomatic strategies regarding Canada and Greenland. The discussion uncovers how presidential powers affect trade negotiations and the legal ramifications of tariffs. Historical tensions between the U.S. and Canada come to light, revealing how nationalist policies could threaten economic relations. Amidst the rhetoric, the podcast delves into the broader implications for international trade credibility.

Clark Neily, Senior Vice President for Legal Studies at the Cato Institute and an expert on the presidential pardon power, dives into the recent abuses of this constitutional authority. He discusses the implications of blanket pardons by Presidents Biden and Trump, emphasizing the delicate balance of justice and power. Neily examines the controversial pardons related to the January 6th Capitol attack, raising critical questions about accountability and the integrity of the process. He concludes with a call for reforms to protect against potential misuse.

Eric Gomez, a former senior fellow at the Cato Institute and nuclear policy expert, delves into the nuclear triad's critical components: air, sea, and land delivery systems. He argues for their reassessment in light of modern defense needs and emerging technologies like hypersonic weapons. Gomez also discusses the financial implications of maintaining an aging infrastructure versus the necessity of nuclear modernization. His insights challenge current deterrence strategies and emphasize the importance of realigning defense priorities with contemporary threats.

Should the US presidency be replaced with a prime minister? Adam Gurri of Liberal Currents entertains the idea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tommy Berry, a scholar at the Cato Institute, dives into the Supreme Court's decision allowing a federal order for TikTok's potential ban in the U.S. He unpacks the implications for free speech on social media and critiques the court's reasoning with respect to intermediate scrutiny. The discussion raises important questions about the selective targeting of TikTok over other platforms and the underlying motivations tied to national security. Berry highlights the precarious balance between data privacy and free expression in the digital age.