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A faction of the political right, supported by the think tank American Compass that is funded by the leftist Hewlett Foundation, claims that organized labor has a “conservative heart” and should be empowered to dominate American life in a manner not seen since the 1940s or 1950s. But is that true? Just about all available […]
Josh opens the show by discussing what "the common good" really means as the debate takes center stage across the country. He explains the difference between policies that genuinely serve the common good and the way the phrase is being used by some to advance their own political agenda. Oren Cass, Chief Economist at American Compass, joins Josh to discuss inflation, the growing conversation surrounding the New Right movement, and the renewed focus on the idea of the common good. They also examine the rise of data centers and what their long-term impact could be on the U.S. economy. With it being primary day in Michigan, Josh wraps up the show by discussing the DSA-backed candidate on the ballot and what a primary victory would say about the direction of Democratic voters in the state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Republican Party is often associated with free-market fundamentalism, deregulation, and tax cuts. But a new faction on the right is challenging that consensus. In this episode, Bethany and Luigi sit down with Chris Griswold, the Policy Director at American Compass. Drawing on Catholic social teaching, Griswold argues that we need to stop viewing our economy as a force of nature or an end unto itself, but a tool meant to serve human flourishing and dignity. The conversation explores if the traditional neoliberal regime has failed working-class Americans, and whether policy should step in to channel capital toward productive uses. To fix our current system, Griswold argues we need to go back to a first-principles question: What is capitalism, or any economy for that matter, actually for? Connect with us:
Drew Holden, managing editor at American Compass, and his Substack is "Holden Court," joins the show to discuss everything that went wrong during the COVID lockdown.
Hour 2 begins with Mark discussing trans rights in sports, and Sophie Cunnigham. Then, we have Sue's News and it's National Chicken Wing Day! Drew Holden, managing editor at American Compass, and his Substack is "Holden Court," joins the show to discuss everything that went wrong during the COVID lockdown.
Hour 1 begins by discussing how ridiculous Anthony Fauci sounded this morning. Brad Young, 97.1 Chief Legal Analyst and Partner with Harris, Young and Kayser, joins the show to discuss if Fauci is able to take the fifth after already being given immunity. How far does his pardon reach? Curtis Houck, Managing Editor of News Busters at the Media Research Center, joins the show to discuss the Liberal media's coverage of Fauci, as well as last Friday night's dinner at the White House. Hour 2 begins with Mark discussing trans rights in sports, and Sophie Cunnigham. Then, we have Sue's News and it's National Chicken Wing Day! Drew Holden, managing editor at American Compass, and his Substack is "Holden Court," joins the show to discuss everything that went wrong during the COVID lockdown. Hour 3 begins with Duane Patterson, of HotAir.com and Host of Duane's World Podcast, joins the show to talk all things political. Then, we hear from Fred Parry, Former Boone County Commissioner, who joins the show to discuss what to make of the recent violent episodes in Columbia, and his take on a controversial story time at the Boone Regional Library. We finish the show out with the Audio Cut of the Day!
Should conservatives abandon their opposition to increasing taxes, or should they retain the long standing policy? Here to argue in the affirmative that they should abandon that is Oren Cass, founder and Chief Economist of American Compass and here arguing against changing course and continuing to oppose tax increases is Grover Norquist, founder and president […]
0:30 - Mike Koolidge filling in for Dan 8:12 - Commies in Cities 23:36 - The DSA Sweet Spot 40:30 - President of American Commitment and principal of The Committee to Unleash Prosperity Phil Kerpen says fixing health care starts with prices, not price controls. Follow Phil on X @kerpen 59:09 - Illinois comptroller candidate Bryan Drew asks, "Shouldn't everyone want a check on government spending?" For more on Bryan’s campaign for comptroller drewforillinois.com 01:18:18 - Best-selling author Brilyn Hollyhand discusses the rise of socialism among young Americans, his friendship with Charlie Kirk, and his new book Make America Talk Again. 01:35:55 - Program Director and Policy Advisor for American Compass, Brad Littlejohn, on Tech Policy’s Libertarian Hangover. Brad also writes at mereorthodoxy.substack.com 01:49:15 - Open Mic Friday!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on The Narrative, Aaron and Mike discuss the MLB's backpedaling after threats over Pride gear compliance, a journalist's tantrum over the Success Sequence (a proven framework for poverty avoidance) because "Oprah didn't take that path," and the left's desperate fight over common-sense voter ID requirements.After the news, Brad Littlejohn explains why conservatives must stop letting blind free-market absolutism dictate American life. True prosperity doesn't come from letting corporate elites maximize capital at the expense of our neighborhoods, but from intentional, pro-family policies that proactively help communities thrive. From championing child tax credits to pushing Ohio's App Store Accountability Act, Brad argues that the common good requires the government to put its thumb on the scale. True freedom means placing healthy constraints on the market so parents can successfully protect their kids and rebuild strong, stable homes.Listen or queue up your commute podcast now!More About Brad LittlejohnBrad Littlejohn (Ph.D., University of Edinburgh) is director of programs and education at American Compass. He founded and served for 10 years as president of The Davenant Institute. He has published and lectured extensively in the fields of Reformation history, Christian ethics, and political theology. You can find more of his writing at Substack. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Rachel, and four children.
In hour 2, Sue hosts, "Sue's News" where she discusses the latest trending entertainment news, this day in history, the random fact of the day and more. Mark is then joined by Drew Holden, the Managing Editor at American Compass. His Substack is “Holden Court”. They discuss the many ridiculous claims made during the COVID Pandemic including the negative effects of the lockdown.
In hour 1 of The Mark Reardon Show, Mark is joined by Carl Cannon, the Washington Bureau Chief for Real Clear Politics. Cannon previews a multitude of New York Primary Elections occurring today and the large number of Democratic Socialist candidates that are likely to win. Mark is later joined by Art Laffer, the Founder and Chair of Laffer Associates, an Economic Research & Consulting Firm. Known as “The Father of Supply Side Economics”, he was also a member of President Reagan's Economic Policy Advisory Boards. Laffer speaks on the death of former Oregon Representative Bob Packwood as well as former economist Alan Greenspan. In hour 2, Sue hosts, "Sue's News" where she discusses the latest trending entertainment news, this day in history, the random fact of the day and more. Mark is then joined by Drew Holden, the Managing Editor at American Compass. His Substack is “Holden Court”. They discuss the many ridiculous claims made during the COVID Pandemic including the negative effects of the lockdown. In hour 3, Mark is joined by Batya Ungar-Sargon, the Host of “Batya!” on NewsNation (Airs Saturday's at 6p, Sunday's at 10a), a Columnist for The Free Press, and the author of “Bad News: How Woke Media is Undermining Democracy” and “Second Class: How the Elites Betrayed America's Working Men and Women.” She shares her thoughts on the Memo of Understanding with Iran. Will it hold? He's later joined by George Rosenthal, a Co-Owner of Throttlenet for Tech Talk Tuesday. He discusses the era of the AI Agent collective, Apple's Smart Home rebirth and more. They wrap up the show with the Audio Cut of the Day.
Mark is joined by Drew Holden, the Managing Editor at American Compass. His Substack is “Holden Court”. They discuss the many ridiculous claims made during the COVID Pandemic including the negative effects of the lockdown.
Should employers have to verify or confirm the legal status of their workers before offering them a job? That's a contentious issue, along with the question of immigration, and we have many views within the conservative movement on it. To debate the issue this week: Daniel Kishi, senior policy analyst at American Compass who will […]
At the 2026 New World Gala, American Compass introduced Reclaiming American Citizenship, a new "project for the people" to confront the existential task of revitalizing what it means to be an American citizen, not merely as a matter of who gets to be here, but about the responsibilities inherent in that privilege. Compass policy advisor Chris Griswold joins Oren to make sense of what doing so means in practice on the eve of America's 250th anniversary.They discuss how a fuller understanding of being a citizen breaks from the libertarian notion that liberty is merely a question of maximizing the freedom to do what one wants, and how a commitment to the latter has done so much damage to our body politic. And they outline the pillars of how to reclaim our citizenship, and what America could look like if we did.Further reading:Reclaiming American Citizenship, American Compass
Bill English of Bible and Business and On Path Coaching shares how the "always-on digital culture" operates and what it looks like to love our enemies well- following the lead of the Holy Spirit, while setting good boundaries. Dr. Brad Littlejohn of American Compass talks about The Economics of Vice and what a free market really boils down to. The Reconnect with Carmen and all Faith Radio are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here
After decades of sacrificing economic security for the sake of the free market, American policymakers are returning to the wisdom that economic security and national security are inextricably linked. At American Compass's 2026 New World Gala, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent joined Oren to explain why this shift is vital for the national interest.They talk through how COVID didn't create but revealed our supply chain crisis for vital resources, and what the Trump administration is doing, from pharmaceuticals to military readiness and beyond, to restore preparedness. Finally, they discuss the “raw deal” so many young Americans have gotten in today's “lottery economy,” and how to restore hope in the system.Further reading:Reclaiming American Citizenship, American Compass
Pope Leo XIV's highly anticipated encyclical marks a significant milestone in the debate around artificial intelligence and what it means for the future of humanity.To analyze the document and its many implications, Oren speaks with American Compass policy director Chris Griswold, Foundation for American Innovation executive vice president Max Bodach, and Leah Sargeant, editorial director at the Institute for Progress and author of Other Feminisms and The Dignity of Dependence. The group discusses to what extent AI can exhibit human characteristics, the Pope's surprisingly strong takedown of universal basic income, and what the encyclical says about the new technology's potential role in labor relations.They conclude by looking at how the United States should approach AI development, competition, and regulation, and how to balance those competing interests while keeping an eye on global allies and adversaries alike.
Josh opens the show by breaking down reports of growing divisions inside the White House over how to handle Iran. While one faction is calling for stronger action, others continue to push for diplomacy and renewed negotiations. Josh explains why he believes the time has come for decisive leadership, argues that past attempts to negotiate with the Iranian regime have repeatedly failed, and lays out what he sees as the path toward ending the conflict. Josh also takes a look at some of the most controversial candidates emerging from the Left in congressional and Senate races across the country, examining what their rise says about the direction of the Democratic Party heading into the midterms. Later, Josh is joined by Oren Cass of American Compass for a wide-ranging discussion on the economy. The two discuss the president's trip to China, the future of U.S.-China trade relations, and whether any meaningful agreements are likely to come from the visit. They also explore strategies for reducing inflation without triggering the economic pain that can accompany deflation. Plus, Josh reacts to a recent interview featuring Jeff Bezos, in which Bezos argues that Washington's biggest problem is not necessarily government spending, but government inefficiency. Josh weighs in on the debate and what it means for the future of federal policy and economic growth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The affordability crisis has become Washington's favorite talking point, but the solutions proposed so far won't solve it. From capital gains tax cuts pitched as relief to renewed enthusiasm for Chinese investment as a growth strategy, many policymakers are circling the problem without addressing its core drivers: stagnant wages, distorted incentives in trade and industrial policy, and an economy that has stopped reliably producing gains for working Americans.Chris Griswold, policy director at American Compass, joins Oren to discuss how affordability is less about marginal tax tweaks and more about rebuilding the productive foundations of the economy. They also explain why proposals to deepen economic integration with China ignore the strategic and structural realities of a state-directed competitor. Finally, they explore what a more honest political message would look like heading into the midterms, one that connects affordability to wages, industry, and national strategy rather than short-term price relief.
In this sixth episode of Season 5, I interview Mr. Chris Griswold. An alum of Wheaton College and Princeton Theological Seminary, he was formerly a senior advisor to then Senator Marco Rubio, and is currently the Policy Director for American Compass—a leading center-right public policy think-tank. Recently, he contributed to the book, The New Conservatives (2025), an anthology edited […]
In this sixth episode of Season 5, I interview Mr. Chris Griswold. An alum of Wheaton College and Princeton Theological Seminary, he was formerly a senior advisor to then Senator Marco Rubio, and is currently the Policy Director for American Compass—a leading center-right public policy think-tank. Recently, he contributed to the book, The New Conservatives (2025), an anthology edited by his colleague, Oren Cass, that re-articulates a conservative economic vision for the country. Drawing on it, we discuss the crisis of America's political economy, from questions surrounding current AI, automation, and the end of free trade; political instability and populism; how economic policy can best serve American workers and families; and what makes us hopeful for the country's future during its 250th anniversary. Hosted by Ryan Shinkel, Madison's Notes is the podcast of Princeton University's James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. The transcript for this interview is available on our new Substack page, “Madison's Footnotes.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
In this sixth episode of Season 5, I interview Mr. Chris Griswold. An alum of Wheaton College and Princeton Theological Seminary, he was formerly a senior advisor to then Senator Marco Rubio, and is currently the Policy Director for American Compass—a leading center-right public policy think-tank. Recently, he contributed to the book, The New Conservatives (2025), an anthology edited by his colleague, Oren Cass, that re-articulates a conservative economic vision for the country. Drawing on it, we discuss the crisis of America's political economy, from questions surrounding current AI, automation, and the end of free trade; political instability and populism; how economic policy can best serve American workers and families; and what makes us hopeful for the country's future during its 250th anniversary. Hosted by Ryan Shinkel, Madison's Notes is the podcast of Princeton University's James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. The transcript for this interview is available on our new Substack page, “Madison's Footnotes.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science
In this sixth episode of Season 5, I interview Mr. Chris Griswold. An alum of Wheaton College and Princeton Theological Seminary, he was formerly a senior advisor to then Senator Marco Rubio, and is currently the Policy Director for American Compass—a leading center-right public policy think-tank. Recently, he contributed to the book, The New Conservatives (2025), an anthology edited by his colleague, Oren Cass, that re-articulates a conservative economic vision for the country. Drawing on it, we discuss the crisis of America's political economy, from questions surrounding current AI, automation, and the end of free trade; political instability and populism; how economic policy can best serve American workers and families; and what makes us hopeful for the country's future during its 250th anniversary. Hosted by Ryan Shinkel, Madison's Notes is the podcast of Princeton University's James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. The transcript for this interview is available on our new Substack page, “Madison's Footnotes.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies
In this sixth episode of Season 5, I interview Mr. Chris Griswold. An alum of Wheaton College and Princeton Theological Seminary, he was formerly a senior advisor to then Senator Marco Rubio, and is currently the Policy Director for American Compass—a leading center-right public policy think-tank. Recently, he contributed to the book, The New Conservatives (2025), an anthology edited by his colleague, Oren Cass, that re-articulates a conservative economic vision for the country. Drawing on it, we discuss the crisis of America's political economy, from questions surrounding current AI, automation, and the end of free trade; political instability and populism; how economic policy can best serve American workers and families; and what makes us hopeful for the country's future during its 250th anniversary. Hosted by Ryan Shinkel, Madison's Notes is the podcast of Princeton University's James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions. The transcript for this interview is available on our new Substack page, “Madison's Footnotes.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/book-of-the-day
Immigration enforcement has long been framed as a question of border security, but the Trump administration's success at stopping illegal crossings has turned the public's attention toward removing illegal aliens who have become enmeshed in communities across America. Now, the administration's challenge will be enforcing immigration law in our labor market.Daniel Kishi, senior policy advisor at American Compass, joins Oren to discuss what effective immigration enforcement actually requires. They explore why targeting employers may be more effective than high-profile raids, how weak enforcement distorts labor markets and suppresses wages, and what the administration's shifting strategy reveals about the politics of immigration. They also examine the structural flaws in the H-1B visa program, from below-market wage rules to the lottery system, and consider whether temporary worker programs can truly serve the national interest. Finally, they turn to the trucking industry, assessing how relaxed standards and unauthorized labor reshaped the market and how recent crackdowns from the administration are beginning to restore wages, safety, and the rule of law.Further Reading:"Fix the H1-B Visa Program" by Daniel Kishi
Artificial intelligence continues to advance, but the debate over its economic consequences takes place mostly in two separate spheres: amongst the technologists developing the technology and the workers whose jobs may be transformed by it. As technology gets deployed, the question is no longer whether it will reshape the labor market, but who will benefit and who will bear the costs.American Compass co-hosted a recent Labor + AI Summit in Washington, D.C., where Oren moderated a conversation between Alex Karp, CEO of Palantir, and Sean O'Brien, General President of the International Brotherhood of the Teamsters. They discuss how AI may shift labor demand away from white-collar professions, the risks of deepening economic inequality if workers are excluded from the conversation, and why labor must have a “seat at the table” as new technologies are implemented. They also explore the role of unions, the pressures globalization and immigration have placed on wages, and what it would take to ensure that AI strengthens rather than destabilizes the American middle class.
The Supreme Court's recent decision to limit the president's use of emergency tariff authority set off a wave of commentary declaring the end of Trump's trade agenda. But one week later, the reality looks far more complicated than what the chattering class might lead you to think. If IEEPA is off the table, what tools remain? What happens to the deals already struck? And does this ruling mark a retreat from tariff policy, or will the administration simply a shift to firmer legal ground?Mark DiPlacido, senior political economist at American Compass, joins Oren to assess where things stand. They delve into the alternative authorities available to the administration—Sections 232, 301, and 122; what a “balance of payments” means in practice; and how sectoral tariffs on steel, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals might reshape the next phase of trade policy. They also explore what a stable endpoint for Trump's tariff strategy would actually look like and what Congress would need to do to make a better system of global trade permanent.
Oren Cass, founder and chief economist at American Compass, discusses what's driving the Trump administration's aggressive new approach to trade in North America and around the world. Cass explains why the New Right rejects the old "America as benevolent hegemon" model, how tariffs fit into its broader vision of balanced trade relationships, and where its thinking diverges from both traditional conservatism and the New Left. He also explores what this realignment means for labour policy, industrial strategy, the future of the Republican coalition, and ultimately Canada. This episode is produced in partnership with the New North America Initiative at the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary. From the shifting ideologies of the New Right and the New Left in the U.S., this multi-month series will bring Canadians inside debates on trade, globalization, and power that are likely to shape America's policy direction — and Canada's interests — for the years and decades to come. The New North America Initiative is generously funded in part by the Government of Alberta. Learn more about the initiative: https://newnorthamerica.org. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this multimedia content do not necessarily represent those of the New North America Initiative, the School of Public Policy, or the University of Calgary. This content has been made available for informational purposes, and our role in production does not constitute an endorsement. The Hub is Canada's fastest growing independent digital news outlet. Subscribe to The Hub's podcast feed to get all our best content: https://tinyurl.com/3a7zpd7e (Apple) https://tinyurl.com/y8akmfn7 (Spotify) Watch a video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHubCanada Follow The Hub on X: https://x.com/thehubcanada?lang=en CREDITS: Elia Gross - Producer and Editor Sean Speer - Host Carlo Dade and Alexander Giordano - New North America Initiative
As the stock market continues to break records, Jon is joined by Oren Cass, Chief Economist at American Compass, to examine how America's economy was reengineered to serve shareholders instead of workers. Together, they trace the history of financialization that enabled this transformation, explore how shareholder capitalism has hollowed out worker prosperity, and consider what policy interventions could rebuild an economy that delivers shared gains. Plus, Jon answers listener questions on The Washington Post, DOGE and lunch! This episode is brought to you by: GROUND NEWS - Go to https://groundnews.com/stewart to see how any news story is being framed by news outlets around the world and across the political spectrum. Use this link to get 40% off unlimited access with the Vantage Subscription. BILT - Join the loyalty program for renters at https://joinbilt.com/tws MINT - Plans start at $15/month at https://mintmobile.com/tws SHARK NINJA ESPRESSO MAKER - Get $60 off the Ninja Luxe Cafe Premier Series with code STEWART exclusively on sharkninja.com while supplies last. Follow The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart on social media for more: > YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@weeklyshowpodcast > Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weeklyshowpodcast> TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@weeklyshowpodcast > X: https://x.com/weeklyshowpod > BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/theweeklyshowpodcast.com Host/Executive Producer – Jon Stewart Executive Producer – James Dixon Executive Producer – Chris McShane Executive Producer – Caity Gray Lead Producer – Lauren Walker Producer – Brittany Mehmedovic Producer – Gillian Spear Video Editor & Engineer – Rob Vitolo Audio Editor & Engineer – Nicole Boyce Music by Hansdle Hsu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
This week: The American Economy at the crossroads. Are tariffs leading the way back to the re-industrialization of the country or hurting the average consumer? Taking sides in the debate are Mark DiPlacido, policy advisor at American Compass and Richard Stern, Vice President of the Plymouth Institute for Free Enterprise at Advancing American Freedom. Video […]
Inflation may have cooled, but Americans still feel squeezed. Groceries are still expensive, housing and health care costs continue to outpace wages, and consumer credit debt continues to balloon, leaving a gap between encouraging economic data and the daily experience of the average American. Voters continue to express concern, and the Trump administration has responded with a flurry of proposals aimed at bringing prices down.Daniel Kishi, senior policy advisor at American Compass, joins Oren to make sense of what's actually driving the affordability crisis and how policymakers should respond. They examine recent, sometimes unconventional, ideas from the administration to expand housing supply, cap credit card rates, overhaul health care, and empower more aggressive antitrust enforcement. Plus, they discuss the necessary role that Congress must play in codifying workable, populist solutions if the affordability crisis is to be solved.Further Reading:“Trump's New Volcker Shock" by Henry Olsen“Our Concentrated Health Care Markets Are Anything but ‘Free'" by Chris Griswold
The assumptions that once defined global trade are cracking. The United States can no longer absorb the world's trade surpluses, China has become a near-peer adversary, and allies are facing hard choices about their own dependence on Beijing. This year has made it clear that the era of unquestioned free trade is over—and that America is charting a new course.Mark DiPlacido, policy advisor at American Compass, joins Oren to discuss why the United States is embracing a new trade paradigm. They also explore the history that led to this turning point, how a results-oriented approach is replacing the old rules-based order, and what a post-WTO world could mean for America's partners, competitors, and workers.Further Reading:“On Balance“ by Mark DiPlacido
Oren Cass, founder and chief economist of American Compass and editor of The New Conservatives: Restoring America's Commitment to Family, Community, and Industry (Simon & Schuster, 2025), argues for a new approach to global trade, one based on balance.
Today, Josh Hammer breaks down the stakes of a major special election in Tennessee, asking whether Democrats actually have a shot at flipping a deep-red seat — and what that would signal heading into 2026. Josh then updates listeners on the Russia–Ukraine peace talks being facilitated by the United States and what the latest developments mean for global stability.Next, Josh torches the Left’s ongoing witch hunt against Pete Hegseth over a drug-boat strike earlier this year, exposing how critics are twisting the facts to score political points. Finally, Josh is joined by Oren Cass, Chief Economist at American Compass, to dig into the one issue that will define the next election: the economy. Cass explains why inflation is dramatically lower than when President Trump took office, how messaging — not numbers — drives voter perception, and why tariffs play a far smaller role in consumer prices than the media wants you to believe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Heading into the holidays, the hottest gifts on the shelf are AI-powered smart toys, leading parents to confront a troubling question: what happens when machines start reading to our kids, teaching them, and becoming their companions? At the same time, schools, already grappling with record learning loss, are rushing to adopt AI tools with little evidence they help children learn or grow.Brad Littlejohn, director of programs and education at American Compass, joins Oren to explore how AI slipped into classrooms and Christmas shopping carts and why smart devices often undermine the very skills childhood and education depend on. They discuss the rise of phone-free schools, the lure of AI tutors, and what it will take to draw real boundaries in a technological world built to erode them.
Oren Cass, founder and chief economist of American Compass and author of the article A Grand Strategy of Reciprocity for Foreign Affairs, joins the show to discuss how the United States should think about the current strategic moment. ▪️ Times 00:01 Introduction to Free Markets and Trade 00:43 Discussion on China and Global Strategy 02:15 Historical Context of American Grand Strategy 04:40 Assumptions about China 07:40 Strategic Competition and Spheres of Influence 10:00 Economic Decoupling and Its Challenges 13:30 Relationships with Other Countries 16:00 Concept of Reciprocity in Alliances 20:00 US-Mexico-Canada Relations and Global Implications 25:00 The Role of the Trump Administration 30:00 Future of Global Alliances 35:00 Economic and Security Strategies 40:00 Conclusion and Final Thought Follow along on Instagram, X @schoolofwarpod, and YouTube @SchoolofWarPodcast Find a transcript of today's episode on our School of War Substack
Oren Cass is the keynote speaker at the 10th Annual Valley Made Manufacturing Summit in Fresno. Cass is the Executive Director and Chief economist of American Compass and author of The Once and Future Worker: A vision for renewal of works in America (2018). He is a contributing opinion writer for the Financial Times and the New York Times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A favorite libertarian parable, I, Pencil, portrays the market as a mystical force beyond human control, an “invisible hand” that government must never try to steer. This conversation tells a different story: how Sharpie manufacturing returned from China to America, and what we can learn about how policy can shape markets in the national interest.Chris Griswold, policy director at American Compass, joins Oren to discuss his Commonplace essay, I, Sharpie, and what the marker's story reveals about reindustrialization, automation, and worker power. They trace how tariffs and long-term investment helped bring Sharpie production back to Tennessee, explore why automation need not threaten good jobs, and explain how technology and labor can advance together in a high-wage, high-innovation economy.Further Reading:“I, Sharpie,” by Chris Griswold
While the nation's cultural curators cluster in a few wealthy zip codes, the voters who decide its elections remain rooted in towns where family, church, and work still bind community together. The result is a political and media class increasingly alien to the country it claims to represent, a dynamic cast in stark relief by the recent memorial for Charlie Kirk.Salena Zito, author of Butler and political reporter for the Washington Examiner, joins Drew to explain how rootedness, not ideology, drives much of American politics. They discuss the divide between “placed” and “placeless” citizens and why that distinction is fundamental to understanding the rise of President Trump, before focusing on how increasing energy demands from AI data centers could revitalize jobs for “placed” Americans.Further Reading:Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America's Heartland, by Salena Zito“Down In a Pennsylvania Mine, I Saw Coal's Future,” by Salena Zito, Washington Post“New Survey Upends Conventional Wisdom About the American Dream,” American Compass
The general election result of 2024 reflected – among other things – a collapse of trust among British voters in the Conservatives. How can the British right evolve so it learns lessons from the past and from across the pond, in order to win back its base?This is an excerpt from an event hosted by The Spectator and American Compass; a leading US think tank. The panel includes:Robert Jenrick MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and MP for NewarkMiriam Cates, former MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge and GB News PresenterGavin Rice, head of political economy at OnwardNick Timothy, MP for West SuffolkHenry Olsen, Senior Fellow, Ethics & Public Policy CentreProduced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The general election result of 2024 reflected – among other things – a collapse of trust among British voters in the Conservatives. How can the British right evolve so it learns lessons from the past and from across the pond, in order to win back its base?This is an excerpt from an event hosted by The Spectator and American Compass; a leading US think tank. The panel includes:Robert Jenrick MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Justice and MP for NewarkMiriam Cates, former MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge and GB News PresenterGavin Rice, head of political economy at OnwardNick Timothy, MP for West SuffolkHenry Olsen, Senior Fellow, Ethics & Public Policy CentreProduced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Donald Trump has arrived in Britain with promises of billions in tech investment. But is this AI boom real growth — or just another bubble? Oren Cass, chief economist at American Compass and editor of The New Conservatives, joins Freddy Gray to discuss whether the Trump administration has been taken over by big tech.Click here to get your tickets for Americano live.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Do tariffs help rebuild American manufacturing or hold it back? In this episode, American Compass founder and chief economist Oren Cass sits down with commentator and author Noah Smith and a16z General Partner Erik Torenberg for a lively debate on the future of U.S. industry. They discuss the case for tariff-driven re-industrialization versus free-market approaches, the role of allies in trade policy, and what the numbers really show about manufacturing jobs, investment, and output. Along the way, they challenge each other's assumptions and explore what it would take to actually bring more production back to American soil. Timecodes:0:00 Introduction & Framing the Debate1:27 Oren Cass: Economic Philosophy & American Compass4:02 Manufacturing, Family, and Community5:00 Free Trade, Comparative Advantage, and Policy8:30 Tariffs: US vs. China and Historical Context9:30 Do Tariffs Help US Manufacturing?15:00 Data, Indicators, and Economic Predictions22:00 Theory, History, and the Role of Economics28:00 Trade Deficits, Scale, and Global Competition38:00 Negotiation, Game Theory, and Policy Tools46:00 Trade Deficits, Scale, and Global Competition1:03:23 Negotiating with Allies and the Limits of Tariff Threats Resources: Find Oren on X: https://https://x.com/oren_cassAmerican Compass: https://americancompass.org/Find Noah on X: https://x.com/noahpinionSubscribe to Noah's Substack: https://www.noahpinion.blog/ Stay Updated: Let us know what you think: https://ratethispodcast.com/a16zFind a16z on Twitter: https://twitter.com/a16zFind a16z on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a16zSubscribe on your favorite podcast app: https://a16z.simplecast.com/Follow our host: https://x.com/eriktorenbergPlease note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
Today on the show, President Trump's sweeping new tariffs go into effect this week. Fareed speaks with Zanny Minton Beddoes, the editor-in-chief of The Economist, and Oren Cass, founder and chief economist of the conservative think-tank American Compass, about what this trade war could mean for the economy in America and around the world. Then, the hunger crisis continues in Gaza. How did it get this bad? Fareed is joined by Gregg Carlstrom, the Middle East correspondent for The Economist, to explain the backstory of how this happened – and what needs to be done to fix it. Finally, Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes sits down with Fareed to talk about his new book “Marketcrafters” and what policymakers can do to effectively shape the American economy. GUESTS: Oren Cass (@oren_cass); Zanny Minton Beddoes (@zannymb); Gregg Carlstrom (@glcarlstrom); Chris Hughes (@chrishughes) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
President Trump announced another list of new tariffs on more than 60 countries, an unprecedented economic move that seeks to remake the global trade system. The tariffs, which range in rates from 10 to 41 percent, will take effect next week. It comes as the jobs report came in weaker than expected, with just 73,000 added last month. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Oren Cass of American Compass. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders
REALIGNMENT NEWSLETTER: https://therealignment.substack.com/PURCHASE BOOKS AT OUR BOOKSHOP: https://bookshop.org/shop/therealignmentEmail Us: realignmentpod@gmail.comOren Cass, Founder and Chief Economist of American Compass and editor of The New Conservatives: Restoring America's Commitment to Family, Community, and Industry, returns to The Realignment. Marshall and Oren discuss the evolution of the conservative movement since the 2016 election, the fifth anniversary of American Compass, and the organization's new volume covering the new right's perspective on trade, immigration, labor, family, industry policy, technology, and more...
For decades, the American right has stayed on brand: the economy. Low taxes. Free markets. Deregulation. Those have been the buzzwords for more than half a century. But that doctrine is now being challenged by other conservatives who envision a future in which America's trade deficit is lower, manufacturing returns to the US, and Americans buy more American-made products. Is this future even possible? Economist Oren Cass thinks it is. In today's episode, the founder of the think tank America Compass speaks to Sean about right-wing economic populism. The two discuss a conservative, pro-worker approach to economic policy, Cass's plan to bring manufacturing back to the US, and what types of behavior economic policy should incentivize. Host: Sean Illing (@SeanIlling)Guest: Oren Cass, chief economist and founder of American Compass. Editor of The New Conservatives: Restoring America's Commitment to Family, Community, and Industry. Listen to The Gray Area ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members Help us plan for the future of The Gray Area by filling out a brief survey: voxmedia.com/survey. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oren Cass, founder and chief economist of American Compass and editor of The New Conservatives: Restoring America's Commitment to Family, Community, and Industry (Simon & Schuster, 2025), offers his take on the Republicans' tax bill, and President Trump's agenda, plus talks about his new book.
Michael Steele speaks with Oren Cass, chief economist at American Compass, about who the "New Conservative" is, the case for tariffs, and how to build a trading system that actually works for Americans. Plus, what made Michael join the Republican Party nearly 50 years ago and the stereotypes and misconceptions about young Black men joining MAGA. Check out Oren Cass' new book here: https://www.amazon.com/New-Conservatives-Restoring-Commitment-Community/dp/B0DXD6CB8M If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Follow Oren Cass @oren_cass Follow Michael Steele @MichaelSteele Follow the podcast @steele_podcast Follow The Bulwark @BulwarkOnline
Is the short-term economic pain of President Trump's unpredictable approach to tariffs a reasonable price to pay for a more resilient America? Mr. Trump appears to think so, and so does Oren Cass — sort of. On the first episode of “Interesting Times,” the founder and chief economist of the think tank American Compass joins Ross Douthat to discuss and debate the Trump administration's drastic trade war.(A full transcript of this episode is available on the Times website.) Thoughts? Email us at interestingtimes@nytimes.com. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.