Conversations with Bill Kristol

Irwin Stelzer is Director of Economic Policy Studies at Hudson Institute, a Sunday Times (London) columnist, and a thinker who combines wisdom about politics with penetrating insights into economics. In this Conversation, Stelzer shares his perspective on threats to American democratic capitalism, including the “feeling that compensation and performance have become disconnected.” To address these current challenges, Stelzer calls for a more political approach to economics—one which is both mindful of the limitations of economics and considers the political consequences of distributional inequities. In sum, Stelzer offers a spirited defense of democratic capitalism: “not because of the goods and services it produces, but because of the freedom that it has produced.”

Ronald Brownstein is a Senior Editor at The Atlantic, Senior Political Analyst at CNN, and a shrewd observer of American politics. In this Conversation, Brownstein shares his perspective on the 2016 elections and explains why Trump’s path to victory represents the culmination of long-term trends in the ways voters relate to the political system and the two parties. Brownstein also discusses the partisan divisions in the country, today, and outlines the central political and electoral challenges facing each party—including Democrats’ lack of appeal beyond urban and coastal areas and the demographic headwinds faced by Republicans.

Mike Murphy is a Republican political strategist, commentator, and veteran of the campaign trail—having advised John McCain, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jeb Bush, Mitt Romney, Spencer Abraham, Christie Whitman, among many others. In this Conversation, Murphy shares his perspective on the 2016 elections, the first months of Donald Trump’s presidency, and the challenges both Republicans and Democrats face ahead of the 2018 and 2020 elections. Kristol and Murphy also reflect on Murphy’s experiences in campaigns, including some notable (and comical) experiences with George H.W. Bush and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Finally, Murphy considers how and why American politics has become increasingly “tribal” over the last few decades.

Martin Feldstein is a professor of economics at Harvard University, former president of the National Bureau of Economic Research, and was chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Reagan (1982-1984). In this Conversation, Feldstein discusses the financial crisis of 2008, the policy mistakes that led to it, and the risks we face today from a sustained policy of low interest rates. Feldstein then shares his perspective on other important questions of political economy—including the costs and benefits of trade, the impact of technological innovation, as well as the need for tax and regulatory reform. Finally, Feldstein recalls his experiences as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers and explains what we can learn from how Reagan managed the serious economic challenges of the early 1980s.

Josh Bolten was White House Chief of Staff from 2006-2009, having served as Deputy Chief of Staff (2001-2003) and Director of the Office of Management and Budget (2003-2006). In this Conversation, Bolten reflects on his tenure in the George W. Bush administration, particularly his experiences in the White House on September 11, 2001 and responding to the financial crisis of 2008. Bolten and Kristol also discuss the role of chief of staff in the modern presidency more generally and the challenges of creating processes that lead to effective decision making. The Conversation offers a fascinating insider's account of one of the most important and least understood positions in contemporary politics.

A veteran of the Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations, John Walters was “Drug Czar” of the George W. Bush administration (director of the White House Office of National Drug Policy from 2001-2009). In this Conversation, Walters discusses the opioid epidemic and the country's shocking passivity about addressing the crisis seriously and comprehensively. Reflecting on the devastating consequences of the opioid threat, Walters makes a compelling case for fighting back—through urgent changes to the way we approach law enforcement, combatting foreign sources of supply, education about drug abuse, and treatment for addiction.

Elected in 2014, Ben Sasse is a U.S. Senator from Nebraska. In this Conversation, Sasse shares his thoughts on the state of American society and culture. Drawing on themes from his forthcoming book, The Vanishing American Adult, Sasse highlights an erosion of American civic life and a corresponding decline in work ethic. Along with Bill Kristol, he argues for the importance of a culture that promotes self-reliance and rewards meaningful work. Sasse also reflects on his first years in the Senate and the politics of Washington.

In his twelfth Conversation with Bill Kristol, Harvey Mansfield discusses the Senate’s confirmation hearings for Neil Gorsuch. This event, says Mansfield, “turned out to be a lesson in politics. You were learning from people actually in politics about the issue: What’s the relationship between law and politics?” Beginning from the arguments of Senate Democrats and Republicans, Mansfield explains how the hearings captured the opinions of each party about the proper relationship of politics and law. Mansfield and Kristol also discuss how Aristotle’s reflection on the limits of politics and law might inform our own understanding of politics, law, and the Constitution.

Greg Mankiw is a professor of economics at Harvard University and was chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers under President George W. Bush (2003-2005). In this Conversation, Mankiw analyzes the American economy and shares his perspective on current public policy debates about trade, immigration, technological innovation, jobs, and economic growth. Reflecting on the economic challenges the U.S. faces today, Mankiw makes the case for a robust commitment to free markets—both for the sake of America and for the world.

A senior editor at The Weekly Standard, Christopher Caldwell is one of America’s leading journalists and most thoughtful commentators on Europe. In this Conversation, Caldwell reflects on the difficult situation in Europe today, highlighting what he calls its “demographic, economic, and military weakness.” Caldwell points to demographic decline, stagnant economies, the migrant crisis, the failure to integrate immigrants, and the rise of Islamism as major challenges facing the continent. Finally, Caldwell and Kristol analyze the populist movements and parties in Britain and various European countries and consider how they might shape Europe’s future.