28 Comments
User's avatar
Mark Goldsher's avatar

Jen, could we have a transcript of this conversation? It was packed with solid information and arguments, and I'd like to reference it from time to time. Thanks

Expand full comment
C C's avatar
7dEdited

I was also impressed with his information and arguments, Mark

Your request made me think that Professor Wolfers' recitation of Trump's bizarre tariff dance between this past April through today, would make a very effective argument against Trump's tariff "policy" if read publicly by one of the better Democratic speakers in the House of Representatives.

Anyone paying attention at all knows this whole tariff debacle is outrageous, bad for America in many ways and shockingly stupid.

But hearing it recited like Professor Wolfers laid it out really illustrates that it has come from a man who has lost any "marbles" that may have been previously rolling around in his head.

Expand full comment
Bruce Bender's avatar

Yes, transcript please. There seem to have been several interviews without transcripts lately, which is a shame.

Reading the written transcripts is how I am informed by the Contrarian, watching interviews is something I tend to skip in favor of written information somewhere else.

Expand full comment
Sally Fell's avatar

Another amazing guest!!! In calm, upbeat logic, Justin Wolfers just cut to shred every possible defense Trump could have about there being a purpose to his tariffs. It was an amazing display of insight and understanding, and Justin was an absolute delight to listen to!!! THANK YOU for another fantastic webcast, Jen!! As always, great questions!!

Expand full comment
Irena's avatar

Why are there more and more interviews without transcripts? You're losing readers.

Expand full comment
Patrick Schelling's avatar

I think Trump just likes to use power whenever he can. Hurting people is the ultimate expression of power for him.

Expand full comment
Arkansas Blue's avatar

1,000% agreed!

Expand full comment
Judith Sowder's avatar

I can’t play the video. Could we have a transcript? Thanks Jen

Expand full comment
C C's avatar

Thank you for bringing Justin Wolfers back for a conversation today. He is always worth listening to because he knows his subject very well AND he explains it in a clear and interesting way.

Expand full comment
C C's avatar
7dEdited

I was following the conversation and then, Jen, you asked what country Trump was going to slap a tariff on next..."Genovia?"

Thank you for the unexpected big laugh!

Expand full comment
pixxer1's avatar

Best Guest Prize here! A high bar, actually, but wow, these discussions with Wolfers are so valuable!

Expand full comment
Jennifer Anderson's avatar

I’m convinced he doesn’t understand the basic mechanics of tariffs. He always says “they are going to pay x, and we’re paying zero” I would bet my house he thinks their government has to pay us to sell here and we’re getting access for free.

Expand full comment
Jim Carmichael's avatar

justin is absolutely hysterical, and brilliant! thank you both! This conversation is so therapeutic!

Expand full comment
Sharon's avatar

I always appreciate Justin’s insights. Thanks for interviewing him.

Expand full comment
Pat Jones Garcia's avatar

Whoever counseled Trump on tariffs and came up with ridiculous "formulas" had no sense of tariffs and how they work. Trump appears to be bullying other countries instead of working with them--sort of the way he is hurting us "ordinary people" day by day.

Expand full comment
Michelle Jordan's avatar

Trump is bigoted to the core as shown here in this conversation.

Expand full comment
David Moscatello's avatar

As Justin explained, Trump has no idea what he wants to achieve from his tariff war, because he doesn't understand economics or non-corrupt business.

Although making $ billions for himself and his cronies by insider trading via market manipulation is a strong contender for an explanation, I haven't completed dropped my suspicion that Trump and his co-conspirators are INTENTIONALLY destroying the future of United States.

Expand full comment
Lynne Schroeder's avatar

If this weren’t real, it would be quite a stand-up comedy routine!

Expand full comment