Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer

Journalist Kurt Hackbarth, a contributor to Jacobin Magazine and co-founder of MexElects, discusses the significant electoral success of Mexico’s Morena party. He highlights how their middle-out policies, like minimum wage hikes and robust social safety nets, have reduced poverty and defied neoliberal norms. Hackbarth delves into Morena's innovative communication strategies via social media and the importance of maintaining grassroots connections, offering valuable lessons for U.S. Democrats looking to reshape their approach.

Gary Gerstle, a historian and author specializing in American political and economic history, shares his insights into the rise and decline of neoliberalism. He explores how its roots intertwine with cultural movements of the 1960s and 70s, and how recent political shifts challenge its principles. Gerstle discusses the rivalry between the U.S. and Soviet economies, the elitist tendencies of neoliberalism on democracy, and the potential for a more equitable 'middle-out' economic framework amid today's crises.

With a second Trump administration on the horizon, we’re bracing for a return to the same failed trickle-down policies that have dominated our politics for 50 years—policies that enrich the wealthy few at the top while leaving everyone else behind. That’s why we’re resharing our 2022 conversation with Mark Blyth, a political economist who explains why trickle-down economics refuses to die and how it continues to shape our world. In this episode, Mark exposes the myths behind these harmful ideas and makes a compelling case for a new economic paradigm.This episode originally aired on October 11, 2022.Mark Blyth is a political economist, professor, author and the Director of the William R. Rhodes Center for International Economics and Finance at Brown University. He is the author of several influential books, including Austerity: The History of a Dangerous Idea and Angrynomics (co-authored with Eric Lonergan), and he’s the co-author of a forthcoming book, Inflation: A Guide for Users and Losers. Further reading: Inflation: A Guide for Users and LosersAngrynomicsAusterity: The History of a Dangerous IdeaWebsite: http://pitchforkeconomics.comInstagram: @pitchforkeconomicsThreads: pitchforkeconomicsBluesky: @pitchforkeconomics.bsky.socialTwitter: @PitchforkEcon, @NickHanauer, @civicactionYouTube: @pitchforkeconomicsLinkedIn: Pitchfork EconomicsSubstack: The Pitch

David Autor, an MIT professor and labor economist, shares his insights on the future of AI and its potential to empower the middle class. Rather than fearing job loss, Autor argues that AI can enhance productivity and create new opportunities, emphasizing the need for equitable access to its benefits. He discusses the importance of targeted investments and labor support to navigate the challenges posed by technological transition. This engaging conversation tackles the ethical deployment of AI and the vital connection between labor markets and democratic stability.

This week, Dr. Abdul El-Sayed joins Nick and Goldy to discuss how the recent assassination of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson has thrown a harsh spotlight on the public's visceral anger toward our exploitative healthcare system. Dr. El-Sayed outlines the stark contrasts between the profit-driven U.S. healthcare system and those of other developed nations, arguing that we need a public option to alleviate the burdens of skyrocketing costs and access issues. Goldy also explains how the warnings from Nick’s viral POLITICO piece from 10 years ago, “The Pitchforks Are Coming For Us Plutocrats,” feel eerily prescient, as the public reaction to Thompson’s death was a mix of hailing the shooter as a hero, outrage, and people sharing their personal healthcare horror stories online. Is it possible that America’s healthcare system is having its own pitchforks moment?Dr. Abdul El-Sayed is a physician, epidemiologist, and public servant whose work focuses on health equity, resiliency, and environmental justice. He is the host of America Dissected, Crooked Media’s podcast that explores the intersection of health and society with leading experts in science, public health, and policy. Abdul is also the author of Healing Politics and Medicare for All: A Citizen’s Guide, and he serves as a visiting scientist at Harvard’s FXB Center for Health & Human Rights, as well as a Scholar in Residence at Wayne State University and American University.Social MediaBlueSky: @abdulelsayed.bsky.socialInstagram: abdulelsayedThreads: abdulelsayedTwitter:  @AbdulElSayedFurther reading: America Dissected Healing Politics: A Doctor's Journey Into the Heart of Our Political EpidemicMedicare for All: A Citizen's Guide   Nick’s OpEd in POLITICO: The Pitchforks Are Coming… For Us PlutocratsNick’s Ted Talk: Beware, fellow plutocrats, the pitchforks are comingWebsite: http://pitchforkeconomics.comInstagram: @pitchforkeconomicsThreads: pitchforkeconomicsBluesky: @pitchforkeconomics.bsky.socialTwitter: @PitchforkEcon, @NickHanauer, @civicactionYouTube: @pitchforkeconomicsLinkedIn: Pitchfork EconomicsSubstack: The Pitch

This week, Nick and Goldy interview a Pitchfork Economics first: a sitting President of the United States. President Joe Biden joins the podcast for a conversation about the transformative economic vision at the heart of his presidency. Biden shares how his groundbreaking middle-out economic policies—investing in workers, rebuilding infrastructure, and revitalizing American industries—are reshaping the economy and creating a legacy of shared prosperity. From empowering unions to creating good-paying jobs and boosting wages, the President underscores why a thriving middle class isn’t just the foundation of a strong economy—it’s the engine that drives it. This is an insightful discussion with the leader who has helped turn the page on five decades of failed economic theory, breaking the suffocating DC economic consensus in favor of prioritizing working Americans.Joseph R. Biden is the 46th President of the United States. Social Media:Facebook: Joe BidenInstagram: joebidenThreads: joebidenTwitter: @JoeBidenFurther reading: President Biden in The American Prospect: From the Middle Out and Bottom UpA New Economics Takes HoldWebsite: http://pitchforkeconomics.comInstagram: @pitchforkeconomicsThreads: pitchforkeconomicsBluesky: @pitchforkeconomics.bsky.socialTwitter: @PitchforkEcon, @NickHanauer, @civicactionYouTube: @pitchforkeconomicsLinkedIn: Pitchfork EconomicsSubstack: The Pitch

Sandeep Vaheesan, legal director at the Open Markets Institute, and Brian Callaci, chief economist, dive into the housing crisis gripping the U.S. They argue that profit-driven markets fail to ensure affordable housing, especially for low-income individuals. Exploring the need for stronger antitrust enforcement and rent controls, they reveal how algorithms worsen rental prices. Their conversation emphasizes the necessity of governmental intervention and presents the idea of a public housing option as a key solution for creating stability and equity in housing.

Guest Gregg Colburn, an associate professor of real estate at the University of Washington, dives into the complex causes of homelessness. He debunks the myth that homelessness stems from addiction or mental health issues, emphasizing that skyrocketing housing costs are the real culprit. Colburn advocates for a comprehensive approach to tackle this crisis, highlighting the need for affordable housing and rental assistance. He argues for substantial investments in housing as essential infrastructure, presenting a data-driven strategy to address America’s homelessness issue.

In a fascinating discussion, Rachel Cohen, a policy correspondent for Vox Media, sheds light on innovative approaches to social housing in America. She highlights a successful public housing initiative in Montgomery County, Maryland, showcasing how it can rival private options without the typical stigma. The conversation dives into the benefits of mixed-income housing and the financial advantages of publicly owned housing as a sustainable solution to the housing crisis, ensuring affordability for low- and middle-income earners.

Faiz Shakir, Executive Director of A More Perfect Union and former campaign manager for Bernie Sanders, joins the discussion on corporate greed in the oil industry. He reveals a shocking oil price-fixing conspiracy between U.S. companies and OPEC that has cost American families up to $1,000 annually. Shakir emphasizes the need for stronger regulatory oversight and enforces harsher penalties against market manipulation. The conversation sheds light on fair competition and the critical importance of legal compliance in safeguarding consumer rights.