Josh Barro and Jonathan V. Last: The Patriotic Cowboys Wrecking Our Economy
Evaluation and Summary
The Bulwark Daily episode features hosts Tim Miller, Josh Barro, and Jonathan V. Last discussing economic frustrations under the Trump administration and governance concerns. The episode opens with a lighter note about accountability in Washington, referencing a staff member's career troubles following a basketball mix-up during the Jack Smith hearing. The main substantive focus shifts to economics: Barro explains that while the U.S. isn't technically in recession, Americans feel economically stuck due to higher borrowing costs, large budget deficits driving inflation, and what the hosts characterize as a "war of choice" exacerbating these problems. The hosts argue that current leadership lacks a coherent plan to address these economic headwinds. Last contributes analysis on how financial markets are now pricing in risks associated with Trump's foreign policy decisions, particularly regarding oil risk premiums. Beyond economics, the discussion broadens to critique the current administration's personnel and ideology. The hosts discuss what they call "the weirdos running our government," with specific attention to Pete Hegseth's emphasis on masculinity as a governing principle. The episode concludes with a philosophical discussion about the role of shame and social accountability in maintaining liberal democratic institutions, referencing a New York Times piece by Jodi Kantor about public criticism of Chief Justice John Roberts. The closing song is "Suffering" by The War on Drugs. The episode attempts to connect economic policy failures, personnel concerns, and broader questions about democratic norms and accountability. However, the show notes suggest the episode may sacrifice depth for breadth, jumping between topics from basketball hearing mishaps to oil markets to judicial accountability. The title "Patriotic Cowboys Wrecking Our Economy" appears to reference the administration's personnel and ideology rather than being explained substantively in the available notes.
Why this score: Solid political commentary with relevant economic analysis, but limited depth on individual topics and unclear how well the title is actually addressed in the episode content.
Worth it if you're a politically engaged listener interested in center-right critiques of the Trump administration's economic policy and governance style.
Based on the episode description. AI-generated; it can be wrong.
Show notes
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