The New Liberal Podcast

Charlie Kirk was assassinated yesterday, and sadly that kind of political violence is no longer unusual in America. The last few years have seen a blitz of assassination attempts, bombings, shootings and more. Why is political violence rising in America? How should liberals respond? And is there anything we can do to stop it? To get bonus episodes, support us at patreon.com/newliberalpodcast or https://cnliberalism.org/become-a-member Got questions? Send us a note at mailbag@cnliberalism.org. Follow us at: https://twitter.com/CNLiberalism https://cnliberalism.org/   Join a local chapter at https://cnliberalism.org/become-a-member/

Congressman Josh Harder, a U.S. Representative from California's 9th district and founder of the Build America Caucus, shares insights on bipartisan solutions for U.S. infrastructure. He discusses the caucus's mission to cut bureaucratic hurdles for housing, energy, and infrastructure projects. Harder highlights the urgency of addressing rising living costs, the challenges of executing federal initiatives, and the significance of community advocacy in improving mass transit. His passion for effective governance and collaboration shines through as he calls for immediate action to enhance living conditions.

Dave Weigel, a political reporter at Semafor, dives into the strategic landscape of the 2026 midterms. He discusses how gerrymandering may impact electoral outcomes and the issues both parties are zeroing in on. Weigel poses critical questions about the effectiveness of party strategies, especially for Republicans navigating without Trump. He also analyzes the role of conservative media in shaping liberal perceptions and the significance of economic factors in voter decision-making.

Ben Ritz, an expert from the Center for Funding America's Future, breaks down the critical issues facing Social Security, which is set for insolvency in just seven years. He presents a new plan focusing on targeted benefit reductions and smart revenue increases to ensure sustainability. The discussion also highlights the need for reforms that promote intergenerational fairness and suggests implementing a consumption tax as a robust funding mechanism. Ritz advocates for creating a Social Security system that's equitable for all, especially low-income seniors.

Adam Ozimek, Chief economist at the Economic Innovation Group and auto industry expert, joins to bust myths surrounding the American automotive scene. He discusses how the industry is not in decline despite perceptions, emphasizing its cultural significance and stable production rates. Adam also sheds light on the Treaty of Detroit and its impact on labor dynamics, as well as the effects of Trump's tariffs on competitiveness. The conversation is a deep dive into how history and trade policies shape the future of America's auto manufacturers.

In a lively discussion, Andrew Heaton, host of The Political Orphanage podcast and a keen explorer of economics, law, and history, joins to unravel the complex role of the Federal Reserve. They dive into why managing interest rates is crucial for economic stability and explore alternate monetary systems. Heaton illustrates money as a social construct, examines the dynamics of fractional reserve banking, and clarifies the Fed's dual mandate of controlling inflation while promoting employment. It's a thought-provoking chat that challenges conventional economic beliefs!

Adam Aleksic, author of *Algospeak*, explores the fascinating language evolution spurred by social media algorithms. He dives into how users create euphemisms to bypass censorship and the impact of these trends on communication styles. The discussion reveals the challenges creators face in maintaining authenticity while adapting to algorithmic demands. Aleksic also highlights the relationship between language and identity, examining how online cultures shape our understanding of belonging in a digital landscape.

Jack Despain Zhou, founder of the Center for Educational Progress, dives into the pursuit of excellence in education. He questions the balance between equity and academic performance, arguing that focusing solely on closing achievement gaps may hinder overall progress. The discussion also highlights innovative schools that personalize learning and the importance of inclusive yet rigorous academic standards. Parental concerns about advanced classes and grassroots movements striving for reform reveal the complexities of modern educational policy.

In this discussion, Elan Sykes, Director of Energy and Climate Policy at PPI, dives into the ramifications of a major Republican bill affecting energy policy. He highlights how this legislation could lead to pricier and more polluting energy options. The conversation also touches on complex clean energy tax credits set to expire soon, as well as the political dynamics contrasting current GOP stances with prior Democratic efforts for a cleaner energy landscape. Sykes warns of increasing household energy bills and challenges for renewable energy development.

Jason Furman, an esteemed economist from Harvard and former chair of Obama's Council of Economic Advisors, joins Ben Ritz, a policy development expert at PPI, to delve into the implications of Trump's Big Beautiful Bill. They explore how the bill could blow up the deficit, assess the Biden administration's fiscal strategies, and debate the impact of various tax cut proposals. The conversation also highlights the fragile nature of economic dynamics and warns against overlooking historical precedents for sustainable solutions.