Month: March 2020

Coronavirus Stimulus, Defense Production Act, Restarting the Economy

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Mike, Jay, and Trey open the show with a discussion of the federal government’s economic response to the coronavirus pandemic – both the $2 trillion legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump as well as the Federal Reserve’s multi-trillion dollar promise to do whatever it takes to keep the economy functioning.

After that, they discuss President Trump’s recent invocation of the Defense Production Act, focusing on how it may help areas most affected by coronavirus. Then they debate whether it’s too soon to restart the economy, if President Trump is being irresponsible and ignoring his public health experts, and the often agonizing tradeoffs that have to be made in crises.

Recommendations
Mike suggests you check out (and comment on)  The Reluctant Detective, his book in progress. He also recommends the shows Derry Girls and Brockmire.

Jay recommends Neil Gaiman’s novel American Gods as well as this documentary on jazz great Miles Davis.

Trey’s recommendation is the book Davinci in Love.

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Reasons to be Rationally Optimistic About The Coronavirus Pandemic

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In this special episode, Mike and Trey suggest reasons to feel at least potentially optimistic about the coronavirus pandemic. Their reasons for optimism cover likely outcomes, government response, and longer term ramifications. They also share some things they’ve found useful in coping with the crisis. (Such as Mike’s recommendation to fellow liberals to check out moderate-right news sources like The Bulwark and National Review.)

Today’s Sponsor
The sponsor for today’s show is Coronavirus Daily Briefing.

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Coronavirus, Ohio’s Primary That Wasn’t, Social Media in an Emergency

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On this special episode Trey and Ken are joined by Mike. They begin the show discussing the California lockdown, the first of its kind in the country, and the Senate Republican direct payment relief plan. Next the trio talk about the Democratic primary, focused primarily on the primary that wasn’t in Ohio. They finish the show discussing social media in an emergency and their respective weekly recommendations.

Recommendations

Mike’s Recommendation is his own, ongoing creation: The Reluctant Detective.

Mike also recommends When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times. Pema Chodron. and Living Beautifully With Uncertainty and Change. Pema Chodron.

Trey recommends CBS All Access’s Star Trek Picard.

Ken recommends the music of Paul Kopasz (aka Paul K).

Today’s Sponsor
The sponsor for today’s show is Coronavirus Daily Briefing.

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Listener support helps make The Politics Guys possible. If you’re interested in supporting the, go to patreon.com/politicsguys or politicsguys.com/support.

Thomas Philippon on How America Gave Up on Free Markets

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Mike talks with Thomas Philippon, a Professor of Finance at the Stern School of Business at New York University. Professor Philippon is a member of the Monetary Policy Advisory Panel of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the author of the recently released book, The Great Reversal: How America Gave Up On Free Markets, which they discuss on this episode.

Topics discussed include:

  • the many benefits of competition
  • how and why the US became much less competitive over the last two decades
  • how, in many ways, Europe is actually much more competitive than the US
  • how lobbying and campaign finance contribute to the problem
  • the ‘revolving door’ between government and the private sector
  • the decline of competition in finance, health care, and the tech sector
  • what can be done to increase competition

Thomas Philippon on Twitter

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Coronavirus Pandemic Response & How Moderate is Joe Biden, Anyway?

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Mike and Kristin discuss the many political and policy implications of the Coronavirus pandemic. They begin with a synopsis of the past week and a review of Trump’s address and press conference, the takeaways, the stock market rebound, and their thoughts. Then, they weigh some of the deeper policy issues that this crisis has dredged up – public health funding, emergency preparedness, paid sick leave, and government embracing big tech. They also discuss how moments like this often have lasting effects on culture, and vice versa.

Finally, Mike and Kristin turn to the Democratic Primary and have a conversation about Biden and whether he is a “moderate” or a “progressive”.

Nick Shabazz (the YouTube knife guy Mike recommended)

Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup (Kristin’s book recommendation)

Today’s Sponsor
Empower. For more info about Empower, visit: empower.me/politicsguys

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Super Tuesday, Biden Rising, Bloomberg & ‘Buying an Election’, Warren & Sexism, Coronavirus Response

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Mike and Jay discuss the state of the Democratic primary in the aftermath of a Biden resurgence. Mike Bloomberg makes us wonder whether anyone can,in fact, buy an election and Mike and Jay give their takes on Elizabeth Warren’s “sexism” comments.  Then the discussion turns to the political and economic impact of the coronavirus and whether the crisis highlights Trump’s incompetence or confirms validity of some of his platform points. Finally, Mike and Jay recommend some stuff to read that is older than the remaining presidential candidates.

Jay & Mike’s Recommended Reading
– Ohio 1912 State Constitution Debates
– Discourses & Handbook of Epictetus

Today’s Sponsors
Empower. For more info about Empower, visit: empower.me/politicsguys
The Democracy Group. For more info visit: democracygroup.org

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