The Reason Roundtable

Join us on July 15 at 6:20 E.T. to hear from Reason's Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch for a live episode of The Reason Roundtable from New York City. It will be a night of unscripted, uncensored, and unhinged conversation about whatever the hell is happening in America this week—including the bizarre reality that President Donald Trump and New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani each represent a kind of populism. What does it mean when a word applies to both a billionaire president and a leftist intellectual? Chaos, apparently. You don't want to miss this. Watch live on Youtube here. Producer: Paul AlexanderThe post Trump and Mamdani Battle for the Populist Crown appeared first on Reason.com.

Eric Boehm, a sharp economic policy reporter from Reason magazine, dives into the implications of Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill. The discussion highlights the bill's massive financial impact, concerns over escalating federal debt, and the potential instability caused by sunset clauses. They also tackle the controversial tactics of masked federal law enforcement in immigration cases, and ponder the viability of a new political party spearheaded by Elon Musk. Expect sharp insights on the intersection of fiscal policy and political maneuvering!

Kristen Soltis Anderson, a Republican pollster and political commentator, joins the discussion to analyze Zohran Mamdani's stunning primary win in NYC. They dive into implications for the Democratic Party and explore voters' desires for change amid their quest for stability. The conversation also covers the GOP's shift on gay marriage since Obergefell and critiques of Modern Monetary Theory from a libertarian perspective, highlighting the complex dance between fiscal policies and public preferences.

This week, the discussion centers on a recent U.S. military strike on Iran, raising concerns about the gap between anti-war promises and aggressive foreign policy. The hosts debate whether any intervention is justifiable and analyze the troubling trend of Congress surrendering its war powers. They also tackle listener questions about public land privatization and explore the complexities of the NYC mayoral race between Andrew Cuomo and Zoran Mamdani, shedding light on big city governance challenges.

Matthew Petti, a Reason reporter who specializes in foreign policy, joins the discussion to analyze Israel's recent strike on Iran. He shares insights on the potential for escalating tensions in the Middle East and examines America's role in the conflict. The conversation also touches on the alarming rise of political violence in Minnesota and the nation, as well as the libertarian perspectives on anti-ICE protests and immigration policies under Trump. Petti navigates the complexities of diplomacy in a turbulent geopolitical landscape.

This week, Eric Boehm, a Reason reporter, joins the conversation to dissect the political fallout from Trump's immigration raids and the unrest these actions ignited in Los Angeles. They delve into the complex responses from political leaders and public sentiment surrounding immigration policies. The discussion also touches on the dramatic clash between Trump and Elon Musk over a spending bill, and explores the evolving landscape of drone warfare, especially in Ukraine, highlighting the technological advancements and debates surrounding modern military tactics.

The hosts dive into how artificial intelligence is changing everything from jobs to education, with oddities like AI-generated Darth Vader in Fortnite. They dissect the unsettling blend of excitement and fear surrounding AI's impact on youth and employment. The discussion shifts to politics, questioning why Democrats struggle to connect with young men. Wrapping up, they touch on President Trump's trade policy twists and the complexities of budget issues. Get ready for a wild ride through the fantastical and daunting realms of AI and modern politics!

Mike Pesca, a centrist podcaster from The Gist, joins the conversation to discuss the Trump administration's escalating conflict with Harvard University. They explore concerns about government overreach in education and its implications for civil liberties. The talk also touches on the ethics of taxation on college endowments and critiques Trump's use of federal power to target perceived enemies. Additionally, corruption linked to Trump's memecoin venture raises eyebrows, sparking a lively debate on political integrity.

The conversation kicks off with a sharp critique of Trump's proposed tax legislation and the questionable MAGA baby bond initiative. The hosts delve into how changes to the SALT deduction could benefit the wealthy while bugging fiscal responsibility. They discuss the potential implications of the Supreme Court's stance on birthright citizenship and tariffs' impact on consumers. There's a heated debate around economic inequality data and media portrayals of Biden's health, underscoring the need for transparency in governance. Cultural reflections round out the discussion.

The discussion kicks off with Elon Musk's retreat from the DOGE initiative, revealing its failures in achieving real government efficiency. The panel critiques the GOP's tax plan, suggesting it contradicts fiscal responsibility. They dive into the struggles of classical liberalism in today’s sociopolitical climate, reflecting on how libertarians engage in cultural battles without state power. Furthermore, debates on improving U.S. manufacturing and the complexities of drug pricing bring interesting insights to the forefront alongside playful cultural commentary.