Good on Paper

Scott Lincicome, Vice President of General Economics at the Cato Institute, dives into the complexities of tariffs and trade policy. He critiques the political rhetoric from figures like Trump and Harris, arguing that tariffs often burden consumers more than intended. The conversation highlights the CHIPS and Science Act's aims to boost U.S. manufacturing while pointing out the inefficacy of broad tariffs that stifle innovation. Lincicome also explores how tariffs intertwine with immigration policies, emphasizing the importance of immigrant workers for economic growth.

Oliver Kim, a researcher known for challenging conventional beliefs about economic development, dives into Taiwan's impressive transformation from poverty to prosperity. He explores the complexities of land reform, arguing it’s not just about redistribution but also about fostering productivity. Kim discusses how industrial policy shaped Taiwan and South Korea’s economies, while also emphasizing the vital role of export discipline. With insights on the interplay between political systems and economic success, he redefines what drives a nation’s rise.

Dylan Matthews is a Vox contributor who made headlines by donating his kidney to a stranger. In this engaging discussion, he weighs the ethical dilemmas of compensating kidney donors, proposing the idea of a $50,000 incentive amid a critical organ shortage. He delves into the personal and financial challenges faced by living donors, while exploring societal perceptions and policy inconsistencies. The conversation also debates the moral implications of financial incentives and critiques traditional altruism in organ donation.

Ezra Karger, an economist who investigates crime patterns linked to school schedules, sheds light on a surprising phenomenon: juvenile crime rates spike when school starts. He discusses the complexities of crime behavior among teens, the impact of school environments on delinquency, and intriguing seasonal crime trends. Karger emphasizes the need for further research to understand these dynamics, while also contemplating how factors like bullying and curfews influence students’ experiences and could shape effective crime prevention strategies.

Yamil Velez, a political scientist at Columbia University, dives into the intricate world of persuasion and fact-checking. He discusses when fact-checks succeed or backfire, revealing that rudeness is a major turn-off for changing minds. Velez shares insights from experiments with chatbots, showing that people can shift their opinions on hot topics but often cling to their beliefs when faced with incivility. The conversation navigates the ethics of research and the complexities of misinformation, blending humor with serious social issues.

In this insightful discussion, John Rappaport, a law professor at the University of Chicago, dives into the intriguing topic of police labor mobility. He reveals how policies often trap officers in stagnant positions, complicating accountability and fostering a concerning trend of 'wandering officers'—those who move between departments despite past misconduct. Rappaport discusses the impact on community safety, the role of police unions, and presents the idea of a national database to enhance transparency. This conversation sheds light on the urgent need for reform in law enforcement practices.

Yoni Appelbaum, deputy executive editor at Atlantic, joins host Jerusalem Demsas to unravel the hidden drivers of America’s housing crisis. They discuss how local governments, despite a favorable public image, are exacerbating issues like rising rents and economic stagnation. Appelbaum highlights the disconnect between local voters and decision-makers, and how zoning policies stifle mobility and exacerbate the affordable housing shortage. The conversation also touches on the role of activist groups challenging these entrenched local policies.

Dylan C. Penningroth, a UC Berkeley professor, shines a light on the often-overlooked history of Black people's interactions with the legal system. He reveals how enslaved individuals utilized contracts, property rights, and marriage laws to assert their humanity and agency. The discussion challenges the victim-centric narratives of the Jim Crow era, highlighting resilient Black institutions and community dynamics. Penningroth also critiques the portrayal of legal knowledge among Black southerners by civil rights organizations, emphasizing the complexities of civil rights narratives and the ongoing impact of law on Black lives.

Michelle Goldberg, a New York Times columnist known for her incisive political commentary, discusses the evolution and backlash of 'wokeness.' She explores how social movements have shifted in recent years, focusing on language versus tangible change. The conversation highlights challenges in progressive activism and the role of social media in shaping discourse. Goldberg questions whether we might miss 'wokeness' if it fades away, while analyzing its implications for movements, policy, and the current political landscape.

Political commentator Matt Yglesias discusses the nuances of vice-presidential picks, specifically examining Kamala Harris's choice of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. He explores whether this selection can truly sway undecided voters and critiques traditional electoral strategies. Yglesias dives into the complexities of identity politics, especially for female candidates, and reflects on the evolving nature of political communication in the digital age. He even shares insights on leadership challenges from his experience at Vox.com.