David Leonhardt’s Surprisingly Optimistic Analysis of Our Political Moment
Podcast Description
Have you achieved the American Dream? Actually–how do you even define the American Dream? Sometimes it can feel like that phrase is meaningless and politicized but that idea is such a cornerstone of what makes us the United States. It’s foundational, but it can sometimes feel like it’s falling apart.
Enter David Leonhardt’s new book–he’s a columnist at the New York Times and heads their The Morning newsletter. In the book, Ours Was the Shining Future, he sets out to quantify the American Dream and tell a story of how it’s changed over the last few decades. And for those who might feel intimidated by economics, Leonhardt’s book might just be the perfect entry point: the personal narratives of the people who shaped our history bring this book from the theoretical to the concrete.
This insightful, comprehensive, human book provides a perfect jumping off point to examine the long, imperfect story of our ongoing project as Americans, striving to realize the promises of democracy and capitalism–and all the successes and failures along the way so far. We can learn from the past, and David, armed with data but also with compassion and optimism, is an excellent guide.
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My Podcast Club
Politics. I find it fortunate to have a diversity of politic views from people around me. It can be difficult at times, but in the end I was told to take the good from people.
I needed something after this last election to help me piece together what is going on in America right now. I think this podcast helped me see the past, present and future.
3 Questions
Can you think of companies that have built within their communities? What do you think of those companies? Would you be more willing to support local?
The importance of unions was expressed in this podcast. Have you ever been part of a union or know someone who has? What has been your or their experience in a union?
The American Dream. Is it still alive? Can someone from any background build a life with their basic needs and wants met? Are the affluent just becoming so affluent that the ceiling to reach a good life is higher?
