Politix

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.politix.fmBrian’s European Vacation continues as Matt is joined by special guest Jane Flegal of the Blue Horizon Foundation to break down the energy provisions of Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill. The energy cuts have attracted less attention than the health care provisions in part because they were made much more severe at the last minute. Jane breaks down how the Inflation Reduction Act changed America’s approach to clean energy subsidies — making them more durable, more flexible, and more inclusive of the full range of technologies including nuclear, geothermal, and carbon capture — and how it connects to larger industrial policy questions related to supply chains and battery production. Repealing these measures will leave America worse off than it was pre-Biden in terms of clean energy production, which is going to lead to higher levels of air pollution and higher energy bills as Americans face a generational increase in electricity demand from AI and data centers. After the break, Matt and Jane analyze the broader philosophy of investment-led climate policy — what’s the right lesson to learn from the failure of Obama-era carbon pricing and what can we do about the flood of extremely dirty Chinese steel on world markets?All that, plus the full Politix archive are available to paid subscribers—just upgrade your subscription and pipe full episodes directly to your favorite podcast app via your own private feed.Further reading:* How Republicans turned against energy programs in their Big Beautiful Bill.* The impact of repealing energy credits on electricity prices.* Dylan Matthews on the geopolitics and environmental economics of steel.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.politix.fmBrian is on vacation, so special guest McKenzie Wilson joins Matt to talk about Blue Rose Research’s retrospective on the 2024 election and their work on message-testing. McKenzie came to Blue Rose after working in the private sector, working for Jamal Bowman, and working in the Biden administration’s Department of Health and Human Services — she believes in progressive values and she wants to win elections. In this episode, Matt and McKenzie discuss: * The central role of the cost of living in the 2024 election.* The importance of partisan realignment based around engagement with news and politics. * The deep unpopularity of Joe Biden and the need for Democrats to internalize that as they move forward. Then, behind the paywall, what are the Trump administration’s biggest points of vulnerability? What are Democrats getting right and wrong about highlighting those issues? Most of all, McKenzie makes the case for a disciplined approach that ties everything back to core values that motivate progressives and also resonate with swing voters.All that, plus the full Politix archive are available to paid subscribers—just upgrade your subscription and pipe full episodes directly to your favorite podcast app via your own private feed.Further reading: * The full Blue Rose slide deck.* Matt’s article on Republicans’ Medicaid cuts.* A corporate marketing guru’s appreciation and praise of Bernie Sanders’ message discipline.

A heated discussion centers on a controversial Republican budget bill that poses significant risks for Medicaid and could shift party dynamics. Humor and insights mix as the hosts tackle aging, existentialism, and the future of healthcare in an AI-driven world. They dissect the procedural hurdles faced by the GOP while pondering the strategic narratives lawmakers use to navigate voters' frustrations. Additionally, the complexities of the SALT deduction reveal tensions around fairness in tax policy amid rising national debt and political uncertainty.

After a month of trade turmoil, a political figure rolls back tariffs on China, but at what cost? The hosts dissect whether this move will be termed a 'win' and what it means for the economy moving forward. They contemplate the effectiveness of cult-like grassroots movements within politics. The discussion shifts to the complexity of tariff impact and how trade policies could hamper job creation and contribute to recession. From post-COVID dynamics to the downfalls of social media and AI in shaping narratives, the conversation dives deep into the current political and economic landscape.

The discussion revolves around Republicans' ongoing attempts to repeal Medicaid expansion, despite its popularity. Topics include the implications of work requirements on vulnerable populations and the complex political dynamics that shape state funding. Insights from an economist emphasize the challenges of oversimplifying healthcare issues. The podcast also examines how Democratic responses can effectively counteract GOP strategies, as well as the accountability pressures faced by Republican lawmakers in both the House and Senate.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.politix.fmOn Donald Trump’s hundredth day in office—the day we taped this podcast—he was historically unpopular, driving the country into recession, and responding to the loss of confidence in his administration by escalating his authoritarian threats against the public. In this special episode, Paul Krugman joins Brian to discuss:* What Trump has done to the U.S. economy in just the past 100 days.* Why it’s too late for him to fix some of the mistakes he made without subjecting Americans to real economic hardships in the coming weeks.* How his own faithless, erratic conduct will make recovery difficult (for the economy and his polling) even if he ends his trade war. Then, behind the paywall, how can future leaders attempt to undo the damage Trump has done? What will the country look like after 1300ish more days of this? Are economic forecasters underrating the risk of recession to hedge their bets? Would further inroads toward dictatorship deepen the economic crisis as well as the crisis of democracy and human rights? And what does it say about the direness of our circumstances that major upheaval, like impeachment and removal, would likely help restore global economic confidence in the U.S.All that, plus the full Politix archive are available to paid subscribers—just upgrade your subscription and pipe full episodes directly to your favorite podcast app via your own private feed. Further reading:* Krugman asks, Did Peter Navarro save democracy? * Brian argues that though Trump is wreaking economic havoc, the rising against him isn’t class war as commonly understood on the left.* Matt argues hoping Trump implodes is not enough, and Democrats need a plan to actually win back the Senate.

The discussion dives into Trump's tough-guy view of masculinity and its implications for women's roles, suggesting a return to manual labor. The critique of right-wing ideologies highlights the risks of crushing female employment. As they explore how Republican strategies may lack the courage to fully embrace cultural changes, they question what liberals can do to appeal to hardworking men who reject Trump's authoritarianism. The conversation suggests a societal shift could emerge by encouraging men to socialize more and engage offline.

Delve into the complexities of Donald Trump's trade war and its fleeting impact on markets. Explore whether traders or Democrats have a better grasp of the economic fallout. The discussion also highlights how Trump's actions might lead to greater backlash than inflation under Biden. With threats to democracy looming, the podcast examines how Democrats can strategize to sustain their political power amid chaos and recruit candidates to maximize their chances in upcoming elections.

This discussion highlights how Donald Trump's tariffs decimated wealth and strained trade relations. The hosts delve into the shock among billionaire backers and the broader economic implications, questioning if Trump seeks a way to negotiate his way out of the mess. They examine the Democratic Party's response and ponder if they are navigating the crisis effectively. There’s also an analysis of international power dynamics, revealing how world leaders interact with Trump and setting the stage for possible recovery in a globally shaken economy.

Dive into the controversial unitary executive theory and its implications for presidential power. Explore how recent shifts in the filibuster are reshaping legislative dynamics. Hear about the challenges facing the Democratic Party amid Republican struggles in special elections. The discussion also highlights the dangers of an unaccountable presidency and its potential impact on the Federal Reserve. Delve into the complexities of executive authority and the risk of political corruption in today's political landscape.