Truly insightful discussion. But Mr. Cass, there remains an elephant in the room : do you REALLY believe that the current president actually believes - let alone understands - all the concepts you meticulously explained? A president who peddled golden sneakers, crypto and NFTs and who surrounded himself with “qualified” yes men? Sorry, but I’ll believe your vision of the New Right when Republicans get a new leader.
I felt the same way. Regrettably, as it would be so good if we could get back to proper debates between left and right, not just useless and destructive polarization.
There is just a MASSIVE and ABSURD disconnect between Mr.Cass’s proposals and the current leader (and state) of the Republican Party, and unfortunately, that immediately discredits any of his arguments. The few men he cited that were supposedly “qualified”, are the exception, not the rule. You can’t possibly aspire to any serious economic or trade policy change when one of your main proponents of fiscal responsibility walks on stage with a chainsaw and / or a block of cheese on his head while your defence and security teams shares emojis discussing war plans on an app. Mr. Cass seems like a serious man. His party and this government are not. He is either in denial or hoping that this administration will ultimately come to its senses. Unfortunately, as the Democrats should realize : hope is not a strategy.
100%. I (lefty) support much of what Mr. Cass espouses, but implemented RESPONSIBLY, by people who ACTUALLY have the best interests of working people at heart.
I found Oren independently of politics — I didn’t even know he was connected to government until I saw him interviewing a politician last fall. I started listening to his American Compass Podcast.
I’ve long been searching for a voice of reason in economics in our national dialogue and American Compass simply has the best ideas, and the right ideas for the broad majority of Americans for the 21st Century.
Bravo to Oren, clear, firm, fair, courteous.
JD VANCE UNDERSTANDS THESE ISSUES AND HE WILL (likely) BE PRESIDENT 2028-2036 — SO THE NEW RIGHT IS HERE TO STAY.
Except I have a hard time understanding how the New Right’s vision for economic recalibrating is to bring back manufacturing jobs to the US and stop being the world’s military police, while this current administration is admittedly favourable to billionaires, firing an unprecedented amount of government workers, causing price hikes across the board for consumers AND barely touching the defence budget (where it could actually have a significant budgetary impact AND align itself with its new, self-proclaimed wish to reduce its military presence around the globe). Mr. Cass was indeed clear, firm and fair in his ideas. Too bad nobody on the right is actually listening or paying attention to him right now.
There is so much to learn, as well. Start studying economics.
we’ve got a 12 year transition — paradigm shifts don’t happen overnight. The changes being made now will be felt by my children (Gen Z, and my grand children, Gen TBD)
I enjoyed the interview and look forward to reading your book. Refreshing to hear a rational viewpoint that captures some of what I believe as an old purple guy. Where you lost me was giving kudos to folks like Vance who I see as a self serving opportunist not a champion of any particular viewpoint.
Oren was very impressive. It was unfortunate that Mr. Stewart kept interrupting him with attempts to be funny or whatever while Oren was addressing important topics that are NEVER discussed or acknowledged in the media or by politicians on either side. I have been waiting about 30 years (since China became a "free trade partner") to hear a single interviewee of any background (or a politician) say the things Oren said. I have pre-ordered Oren's book to learn more from him.
Stewart has always used that tactic in interviews, which is a big reason I stopped watching The Daily Show way back in the day. With that said, I was pleasantly surprised to see he had Cass on the show, and even seemed receptive to what he had to say.
I hope the new right and progressives can come together on these issues. Of course, neither side seems willing to make compromises on abortion.
I will certainly join the chorus in support of civil discourse, something I desperately miss, and something we desperately need. Too bad Don and JD practice anything but. Think back to the themes of their campaign, especially down the stretch. A serious leader would have explained and justified the economic transformation they would soon embark on. Instead, we were treated to gaslighting flood victims in North Carolina, the disgusting Haitian debacle, picking on a handful of struggling trans kids, personal invective hurled against his opponent, the lovely racist rally at Madison Square Garden, etc. These themes of hate are what motivate Don and JD, we watched it live and in color. Today, Liberation Day, is the first day of the rest of Don’s term. Let’s all pay rapt attention as he, Elon, and JD unspool their clever remaking of the world economic and security order. What could possibly go wrong?
I watched the interview earlier today and truly enjoyed it. It is refreshing to hear ideas clearly articulated and all parties be respectful, and maintain a sense of humor and grace. Have you ever considered running for office?
Oren, this is such a great interview. The fact that they aired all 30 minutes means they really respect you. John is clearly searching hard for the outlines of the new political order that the left needs to rebuild itself around, and he's rightly perceived that y'all at U/A already have your arms around it.
The bit where he ran offstage after landing that plane of a point about Germany just goes to show how much he realized he was on the backfoot. Good of you to respectfully push there.
I wish y'all had been able to chat more about flourishing, worker power, state capacity, etc. Basically, the things that could be common components of a new left/right post-neoliberal consensus.
I started following you after watching the interview. You were both engaging and it felt like there was a respect from both sides of the table. Unfortunately that doesn’t happen often these days and it was refreshing to see. I don’t agree with everything you were saying (I don’t agree with everything ANYONE says), but I appreciated your points. Well done to you both!
I am a Canadian. I was captivated by this interview. I have a few questions. You looked like you were going to respond to Mr. Stewart’s remark about Canada. From my point of view, Canada and the United States have had a mutually beneficial economic relationship. If oil is taken out of the equation, the U.S. has a trade surplus with Canada. I would love to see your analysis of the Canada/US trade relationship. On the military spending point, I agree. Other countries need to do their part and spend more. One thing that worries me is that if the U.S. withdraws too far, other countries may decide to build their own nuclear deterrent. That would be a bad result. In any event, I enjoyed the interview and really enjoy your writing. Take care.
Oren said he is a bit mystified by Trump’s targeting of Canada. His publication Commonplace did make a good case for why there should be scrutiny and you can read it here but pretty sure he thinks Trump’s rhetoric on Canada has been a bit much: https://commonplace.org/2025/03/25/no-pain-no-gain-on-canada-and-mexico-tariffs/
Hopefully fundraising skyrockets:) I gotta admit I admire Oren's moxie. Like Stephen Miran and others, it ain't easy being called on to sane wash Don's antics. But perhaps it's good that some choose to trail him around in an attempt to retrofit an intellectual framework around his government by gas pain approach. If you haven't, read Miran's paper, since so many are holding it up as the intellectual underpinning of Don's economic vision (I admit I belly laugh thinking about Don actually having a policy vision of any sort, let alone one this expansive, but I digress). After reading it, ask yourself : 1) is that the plan that is actually being pursued at the moment, and 2) how likely is it that Don has the smarts and skill to thread the long term needle that Miran is so explicit in describing as being necessary. Since this is a president that couldn't identify the nuclear triad, who identified his sexual assault accuser as his wife (after claiming he couldn't have committed the crime because his accuser "wasn't his type") and that continues to brag publicly about "acing" a test meant to detect dementia, I'm just a tad suspicious. You?
[Edit: I was guilty of lazy linking - the most relevant part of the speech might be the following:
"The blunt reality is that there will be dwindling appetite and patience in the U.S. Congress – and in the American body politic writ large – to expend increasingly precious funds on behalf of nations that are apparently unwilling to devote the necessary resources or make the necessary changes to be serious and capable partners in their own defense. Nations apparently willing and eager for American taxpayers to assume the growing security burden left by reductions in European defense budgets.
"Indeed, if current trends in the decline of European defense capabilities are not halted and reversed, future U.S. political leaders – those for whom the Cold War was not the formative experience that it was for me – may not consider the return on America’s investment in NATO worth the cost."
Truly insightful discussion. But Mr. Cass, there remains an elephant in the room : do you REALLY believe that the current president actually believes - let alone understands - all the concepts you meticulously explained? A president who peddled golden sneakers, crypto and NFTs and who surrounded himself with “qualified” yes men? Sorry, but I’ll believe your vision of the New Right when Republicans get a new leader.
I felt the same way. Regrettably, as it would be so good if we could get back to proper debates between left and right, not just useless and destructive polarization.
There is just a MASSIVE and ABSURD disconnect between Mr.Cass’s proposals and the current leader (and state) of the Republican Party, and unfortunately, that immediately discredits any of his arguments. The few men he cited that were supposedly “qualified”, are the exception, not the rule. You can’t possibly aspire to any serious economic or trade policy change when one of your main proponents of fiscal responsibility walks on stage with a chainsaw and / or a block of cheese on his head while your defence and security teams shares emojis discussing war plans on an app. Mr. Cass seems like a serious man. His party and this government are not. He is either in denial or hoping that this administration will ultimately come to its senses. Unfortunately, as the Democrats should realize : hope is not a strategy.
100%. I (lefty) support much of what Mr. Cass espouses, but implemented RESPONSIBLY, by people who ACTUALLY have the best interests of working people at heart.
I found Oren independently of politics — I didn’t even know he was connected to government until I saw him interviewing a politician last fall. I started listening to his American Compass Podcast.
I’ve long been searching for a voice of reason in economics in our national dialogue and American Compass simply has the best ideas, and the right ideas for the broad majority of Americans for the 21st Century.
Bravo to Oren, clear, firm, fair, courteous.
JD VANCE UNDERSTANDS THESE ISSUES AND HE WILL (likely) BE PRESIDENT 2028-2036 — SO THE NEW RIGHT IS HERE TO STAY.
Except I have a hard time understanding how the New Right’s vision for economic recalibrating is to bring back manufacturing jobs to the US and stop being the world’s military police, while this current administration is admittedly favourable to billionaires, firing an unprecedented amount of government workers, causing price hikes across the board for consumers AND barely touching the defence budget (where it could actually have a significant budgetary impact AND align itself with its new, self-proclaimed wish to reduce its military presence around the globe). Mr. Cass was indeed clear, firm and fair in his ideas. Too bad nobody on the right is actually listening or paying attention to him right now.
Patience…
There is so much to learn, as well. Start studying economics.
we’ve got a 12 year transition — paradigm shifts don’t happen overnight. The changes being made now will be felt by my children (Gen Z, and my grand children, Gen TBD)
This was a great interview and the reason I am now following you on Substack.
Same here
Same!
Same
Same here.
Same here.
Same. More of this kind of discussion please!
Halfway through I had to hop on and follow you, I loved the conversation you guys had.
Likewise
Ditto
Same.
I enjoyed the interview and look forward to reading your book. Refreshing to hear a rational viewpoint that captures some of what I believe as an old purple guy. Where you lost me was giving kudos to folks like Vance who I see as a self serving opportunist not a champion of any particular viewpoint.
He’s very good at his job; not really sure what you’re expecting here.
I’ll admit, not who I was expecting when I turned on yesterday’s Daily Show.
Oren was very impressive. It was unfortunate that Mr. Stewart kept interrupting him with attempts to be funny or whatever while Oren was addressing important topics that are NEVER discussed or acknowledged in the media or by politicians on either side. I have been waiting about 30 years (since China became a "free trade partner") to hear a single interviewee of any background (or a politician) say the things Oren said. I have pre-ordered Oren's book to learn more from him.
As Mr. Stewart once said, "My show is on a network with 'comedy' in the name."
Stewart has always used that tactic in interviews, which is a big reason I stopped watching The Daily Show way back in the day. With that said, I was pleasantly surprised to see he had Cass on the show, and even seemed receptive to what he had to say.
I hope the new right and progressives can come together on these issues. Of course, neither side seems willing to make compromises on abortion.
I will certainly join the chorus in support of civil discourse, something I desperately miss, and something we desperately need. Too bad Don and JD practice anything but. Think back to the themes of their campaign, especially down the stretch. A serious leader would have explained and justified the economic transformation they would soon embark on. Instead, we were treated to gaslighting flood victims in North Carolina, the disgusting Haitian debacle, picking on a handful of struggling trans kids, personal invective hurled against his opponent, the lovely racist rally at Madison Square Garden, etc. These themes of hate are what motivate Don and JD, we watched it live and in color. Today, Liberation Day, is the first day of the rest of Don’s term. Let’s all pay rapt attention as he, Elon, and JD unspool their clever remaking of the world economic and security order. What could possibly go wrong?
Well put.. agreed. I’m not very hopeful.
I watched the interview earlier today and truly enjoyed it. It is refreshing to hear ideas clearly articulated and all parties be respectful, and maintain a sense of humor and grace. Have you ever considered running for office?
Oren, this is such a great interview. The fact that they aired all 30 minutes means they really respect you. John is clearly searching hard for the outlines of the new political order that the left needs to rebuild itself around, and he's rightly perceived that y'all at U/A already have your arms around it.
The bit where he ran offstage after landing that plane of a point about Germany just goes to show how much he realized he was on the backfoot. Good of you to respectfully push there.
I wish y'all had been able to chat more about flourishing, worker power, state capacity, etc. Basically, the things that could be common components of a new left/right post-neoliberal consensus.
I really enjoyed your interview with Jon and learned a lot. Hope you will be back.
Unfortunately Fox News took it turned it upside and inside put
I started following you after watching the interview. You were both engaging and it felt like there was a respect from both sides of the table. Unfortunately that doesn’t happen often these days and it was refreshing to see. I don’t agree with everything you were saying (I don’t agree with everything ANYONE says), but I appreciated your points. Well done to you both!
Felt exactly the same way!
I am a Canadian. I was captivated by this interview. I have a few questions. You looked like you were going to respond to Mr. Stewart’s remark about Canada. From my point of view, Canada and the United States have had a mutually beneficial economic relationship. If oil is taken out of the equation, the U.S. has a trade surplus with Canada. I would love to see your analysis of the Canada/US trade relationship. On the military spending point, I agree. Other countries need to do their part and spend more. One thing that worries me is that if the U.S. withdraws too far, other countries may decide to build their own nuclear deterrent. That would be a bad result. In any event, I enjoyed the interview and really enjoy your writing. Take care.
Oren said he is a bit mystified by Trump’s targeting of Canada. His publication Commonplace did make a good case for why there should be scrutiny and you can read it here but pretty sure he thinks Trump’s rhetoric on Canada has been a bit much: https://commonplace.org/2025/03/25/no-pain-no-gain-on-canada-and-mexico-tariffs/
Canadian too, and we also were intrigued to know his opinion about the Canada-US relationship.
Excellent conversation. Impressive!
Too bad we have a wannabe dictator as President and the intelligent voices on the conservative side are obliterated by that fact.
Hopefully fundraising skyrockets:) I gotta admit I admire Oren's moxie. Like Stephen Miran and others, it ain't easy being called on to sane wash Don's antics. But perhaps it's good that some choose to trail him around in an attempt to retrofit an intellectual framework around his government by gas pain approach. If you haven't, read Miran's paper, since so many are holding it up as the intellectual underpinning of Don's economic vision (I admit I belly laugh thinking about Don actually having a policy vision of any sort, let alone one this expansive, but I digress). After reading it, ask yourself : 1) is that the plan that is actually being pursued at the moment, and 2) how likely is it that Don has the smarts and skill to thread the long term needle that Miran is so explicit in describing as being necessary. Since this is a president that couldn't identify the nuclear triad, who identified his sexual assault accuser as his wife (after claiming he couldn't have committed the crime because his accuser "wasn't his type") and that continues to brag publicly about "acing" a test meant to detect dementia, I'm just a tad suspicious. You?
Talking about the US wanting other NATO countries to start doing more, perhaps President Obama foresaw something like this developing back in 2011?
https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/natosource/text-of-speech-by-robert-gates-on-the-future-of-nato/
[Edit: I was guilty of lazy linking - the most relevant part of the speech might be the following:
"The blunt reality is that there will be dwindling appetite and patience in the U.S. Congress – and in the American body politic writ large – to expend increasingly precious funds on behalf of nations that are apparently unwilling to devote the necessary resources or make the necessary changes to be serious and capable partners in their own defense. Nations apparently willing and eager for American taxpayers to assume the growing security burden left by reductions in European defense budgets.
"Indeed, if current trends in the decline of European defense capabilities are not halted and reversed, future U.S. political leaders – those for whom the Cold War was not the formative experience that it was for me – may not consider the return on America’s investment in NATO worth the cost."
]
I watched it last night. Great discussion between you both.