In This House, We’re Angry When Government Fails
The Ezra Klein Show
Deep Dive
Why have Democrats become the party of defending institutions while Republicans have become the party of distrusting them?
Democrats defend institutions because they prioritize respect for expertise and science, while Republicans distrust them due to a perception of liberal bias and a desire to dismantle or weaponize them for political gain.
What are the dangers associated with Democrats' strong defense of institutions?
Democrats' defense can lead to a lack of clear-eyed criticism, making it difficult to address institutional failures that many Americans experience, thereby creating an opening for right-wing criticism and reform proposals.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic supercharge polarization over institutions?
The pandemic exposed deep flaws in institutional responses, such as school closures and economic lockdowns, which were perceived as coercive and often ineffective, leading to a loss of trust and increased polarization.
Why are government agencies often focused on process rather than outcomes?
Agencies are driven by a need to defend their decisions against potential legal and political attacks, leading to a culture of risk aversion and a focus on process to avoid criticism rather than achieving desired outcomes.
What role does adversarial legalism play in the current state of government institutions?
Adversarial legalism, characterized by frequent lawsuits against the government, creates a culture of fear and risk aversion, driving agencies to rely on rigid processes to defend their decisions and avoid legal scrutiny.
How has the Democratic Party's approach to managing dissent within its coalition affected its relationship with the public?
The Democratic Party's tendency to marginalize and ostracize dissenting voices, rather than engaging in constructive conflict, has contributed to a perception of insularity and a lack of responsiveness to public concerns.
What is 'I-95-ness' and why is it important for the Democratic Party?
'I-95-ness' refers to the ability to prioritize and swiftly address critical issues, as demonstrated by Josh Shapiro's response to the I-95 collapse. It is important for Democrats to show this kind of leadership to build trust and demonstrate effectiveness.
What are some key books recommended by the guests that explore the failures and challenges of government institutions?
Recommended books include 'Why Nothing Works' by Mark Dunkelman, which examines how the left has hindered its own goals, and 'The Unaccountability Machine' by Dan Davies, which explores why institutional failures often result in no clear accountability.
- Democrats prioritize respect for institutions and expertise.
- Republicans distrust institutions and seek to dismantle or weaponize them.
- The core conflict in politics is now over institutions.
Shownotes Transcript