The Ezra Klein Show
The New York Times
"The Ezra Klein Show" offers a distinctive exploration of big ideas and complex issues, presented by the incisive journalist and co-founder of Vox, Ezra Klein. This podcast, produced by The New York Times, brings listeners thought-provoking interviews with today's leading thinkers, policymakers, and academics. Each episode dives deep into topics ranging from political science to philosophy, health care to climate change, providing not just information but also insight and a rich understanding of the world around us. Ezra's unique interviewing style showcases his ability to clarify intricate concepts and invite his guests to engage in genuine, revealing conversations. Whether you’re looking for deep analyses of global events or intriguing new ways to understand your world, "The Ezra Klein Show" offers accessible, meticulously researched perspectives that enlighten and challenge listeners. Join Ezra and his guests for a journey through the ideas shaping our future.
Episodes
Is Kamala Harris Underrated?
This in-depth analysis on "The Ezra Klein Show" delves into Vice President Kamala Harris's career and her perceived underestimation within the political sphere. The episode features insights from political journalist Elena Plot Calabro and scrutinizes Harris's strengths and weaknesses, examining how her background as a prosecutor and her role as vice president have shaped her public image and effectiveness in governance. Discussion points include Harris's communication skills, her approach to major political and social issues, and the strategic decisions within the Democratic Party regarding her positioning as a potential leader post-Biden.
How an Open Democratic Convention Would Work
In "How an Open Democratic Convention Would Work," host Ezra Klein and expert guest Elaine Kamarck delve into the intricacies of open democratic conventions. They discuss the historical shifts from delegate-driven conventions to the primary system established in the 1970s, catalyzed by the contentious 1968 Democratic National Convention. The episode highlights the risks and dynamics of a hypothetical scenario where the current primary system is bypassed or disrupted, leading to an open convention. Through expert analysis and historical examples, the discussion covers how conventions were conducted in the past, the role of delegates, and the potential consequences of returning to such a format in today's political climate.
What Is the Democratic Party For?
Ezra Klein delves into the dilemmas facing the Democratic Party as it navigates President Biden's reelection prospects amidst widespread concerns about his age and effectiveness. The episode features critical insights from political figures like Gavin Newsom and discussions on the party's identity and strategy. It examines the party's past decisions, such as rallying behind Biden in 2020 to defeat Trump, contrasted with the Republican Party's alignment with Trump despite electoral losses. The episode raises questions about the Democratic Party's ability to present a viable candidate other than Biden and critiques the party's seeming lack of readiness to adapt or re-strategize as necessary for future electoral success.
After That Debate, the Risk of Biden Is Clear
This episode of "The Ezra Klein Show" delves into the aftermath of a presidential debate that proved challenging for Joe Biden. Host Ezra Klein, joined by Ross Douthat and Michelle Cottle, explores Biden's performance, which raised concerns about his capacity to campaign and govern effectively due to his age and communication skills. The discussion is critical of Biden's inability to assertively communicate and manage the rigors of a campaign, juxtaposing his performance against Donald Trump's surprisingly controlled demeanor. The episode suggests that Biden's underwhelming performance might necessitate a reconsideration of his candidacy by the Democratic Party, emphasizing the strategic and ethical implications of running a candidate who may not be perceived as capable by the electorate.
Trump's Bold Vision for America: Higher Prices!
Ezra Klein explores Donald Trump's economic strategies, emphasizing Trump's proposed tariffs and their implications for rising prices. The discussion highlights Trump's campaign promises to impose a 10% tariff on imported goods and a 60% tariff on goods from China, aiming to bolster domestic production but potentially leading to higher consumer costs. The episode features insights from guest Matt Yglesias, analyzing Trump's policies' potential to exacerbate inflation and disrupt various economic sectors, including agriculture and manufacturing. They also discuss Trump's broader economic vision, contrasting his proposals with current economic conditions and previous policies during his presidency.
The View From the Israeli Right
In this thought-provoking episode of "The Ezra Klein Show," Ezra Klein engages with Amit Segal, a leading Israeli political analyst, to unpack the complexities of Israeli politics from the right-wing perspective. The discussion centers around the Israeli political scene following significant events like the resignation of Benny Gantz from the war cabinet and its implications on future elections. Segal provides insights into the ideological shifts within Israel, where the political spectrum has seen a distinct move towards the right, largely influenced by security concerns and disillusionment with peace processes. The episode also explores broader themes of security, governance, and international relations, particularly the influence of global powers in regional dynamics. Klein and Segal discuss the intricate realities faced by Israel, touching on the impacts of military strategies, public sentiment towards governance, and the profound discrepancies between Israeli and international viewpoints on security and political stability.
The Economic Theory That Explains Why Americans Are So Mad
Ezra Klein of The New York Times hosts a deep dive into the disconnect between economic data and public perception in the U.S. Despite positive indicators like low unemployment and high stock values, American discontent with the economy is high. The episode discusses how the affordability crisis, exacerbated by the pandemic, has left many feeling the pinch despite "good" economic data. Klein and his guests, including economists and his wife, Annie Lowry, explore the nuances of housing, healthcare, and education costs, revealing a complex layer of economic challenges that statistics alone fail to capture.
The Republican Party's Decay Began Long Before Trump
Ezra Klein delves into the transformation of the Republican Party, tracing its ideological shifts and strategic missteps over decades. The episode argues that Donald Trump’s rise and influence are symptoms rather than causes of deeper, longstanding issues within the party. Interviews with political scientists Daniel Schlossman and Sam Rosenfeld, along with their insights from their book, illuminate the decay and dysfunction that set the stage for Trump's dominance. They discuss the historical role of gatekeepers in the party, the shift from a structured nomination process to primaries, and the consequent loss of party control over its direction. This narrative is interwoven with broader discussions on the impact of media, party polarization, and changes in party dynamics from the grassroots to the national level.
Your Mind Is Being Fracked
In the "Your Mind Is Being Fracked" episode of the Ezra Klein Show, host Ezra Klein and guest D. Graham Burnett, a historian of science at Princeton, delve into the complexities of attention in the modern age. They discuss how attention is not merely a resource but a deeply human capacity that's being exploited by the digital economy. Burnett compares this exploitation to fracking, where high-pressure techniques are used to extract oil, similar to how our digital environment bombards us with stimuli to harvest our attention. The conversation covers historical perspectives on attention, the impact of advertising, and the psychological experiments that have shaped our understanding of human focus.
Artificial Intelligence?' No, Collective Intelligence.
In this episode of The Ezra Klein Show, host Ezra Klein delves into the complex world of AI art and collective intelligence, featuring a detailed conversation with AI artist and musician Holly Herndon. The discussion focuses on Herndon's innovative use of AI in her music, emphasizing the personal and uncanny qualities she infuses into her work, challenging the generative nature of AI. Herndon shares her journey from church choirs to techno music in Berlin, leading to her profound engagement with technology in the Bay Area. The episode highlights the potential of AI as both a collaborative tool and a medium for artistic expression, while also considering the ethical and economic implications of AI in the creative industries.
A Conservative Futurist and a Supply-Side Liberal Walk Into a Podcast …
In this engaging episode, Ezra Klein delves into the shifts in economic growth, productivity, and technological innovation since the 1970s with Jim Pethokoukis, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. They discuss how various political and economic decisions have shaped the current technological landscape, contrasting the optimistic expectations of the past with today's reality. The conversation highlights the role of government and private sector in innovation, examining the regulatory environment and its impact on the ability to build and grow new technologies. They also touch on the societal implications of technological advancements, including the potential benefits and challenges they pose.
This Is a Very Weird Moment in the History of Drug Laws
Ezra Klein explores the changing landscape of drug laws in the U.S., focusing on Oregon's radical Measure 110. Despite initial enthusiasm, the policy's outcomes have been mixed, leading to political backlash and policy reversal. Guests discuss the broader implications of drug decriminalization, contrasting it with both historical approaches and international examples, questioning whether there can be a balanced approach to drug policy that avoids the extremes of criminalization and liberalization. The episode intertwines expert analysis with real-world examples to underscore the ongoing debate about the most effective way to manage drug use in society.
Watching the Protests From Israel
In this thoughtful episode of "The Ezra Klein Show," host Ezra Klein navigates the turbulent waters of campus protests across the US centered on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Through an insightful conversation with Ari Shavit, a seasoned political reporter in Israel, the dialogue delves deep into the roots and repercussions of these protests. Shavit expresses a profound sadness over the one-sided nature of the demonstrations, which he feels often border on anti-Semitism. He draws historical parallels, noting a lack of similar delegitimization faced by other nations in conflict. The discussion also critiques the binary representation of strength and weakness in global conflicts, challenging listeners to reconsider widespread assumptions about moral righteousness based on power dynamics.
Is Green Growth Possible?
In this insightful episode of "The Ezra Klein Show," host Josh Klein engages with expert guest Hannah Ritchie to tackle the critical question: Is green growth viable? The discussion delves into the complex relationship between prosperity, sustainability, and the politics of environmental action. Ritchie, a lead researcher at Our World in Data, provides a nuanced analysis of global energy challenges, the limitations and potentials of renewable resources, and the technological advancements that could allow humanity to sustain economic growth without exacerbating environmental degradation. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including air pollution, the impact of agricultural practices on the environment, and the role of innovative technologies in achieving a sustainable future.
Salman Rushdie Is Not Who You Think He Is
In a revealing discussion with host Ezra Klein, Salman Rushdie delves into the profound misunderstandings that have shadowed his public image. The conversation uncovers Rushdie's thoughts on his identity versus the public's perception, stemming from the notorious fatwa issued against him in 1989. The episode navigates through Rushdie's personal anecdotes, his near-fatal stabbing in 2022, and his latest book "Knife," which metaphorically and literally cuts deep into the layers of his life and public persona. Through engaging and introspective dialogue, Rushdie and Klein explore themes of identity, the impact of social media on personal narratives, and the ongoing struggles Rushdie faces in reconciling his lived reality with the world's imposed views.
This Conversation Made Me a Sharper Editor
In the episode "This Conversation Made Me a Sharper Editor" from "The Ezra Klein Show" by The New York Times, host Ezra Klein discusses with guest Adam Moss, a renowned editor, the intricate relationship between editing, creativity, and personal intuition. They delve into how various artists and creators, including themselves, utilize editing not just to refine their work but to explore new creative territories and expressions. The conversation illuminates how editing can be a deeply personal and introspective process, revealing insights about oneself and one's work.