An all-contrarian roundtable—Paul Krugman, Norm Eisen, and Jen Rubin—chronicles the first signs of pushback against Trump’s constitutional assaults and analyzes the vacuous tariffs initiatives. Norm provides some dispatches from the litigation front, which has secured multiple injunctions against Trump’s lawless, harmful policies. Paul proceeds to explain how tariffs work and why they are at best counter-productive before considering Elon Musk’s strange role through the prism of economics.
Too Many Musks on the Field
Feb 11, 2025

Talking Feds
Featuring roundtable discussions on the most important legal and political issues of the day
Featuring roundtable discussions on the most important legal and political issues of the dayListen on
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Harry Litman
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Paul Krugman
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Where’s the written journalism? I signed up to read your thoughtful, articulate, articles, not to listen to lengthy conversations between friends who have know each other for years.
I prefer to read, as well, but given the huge audience for podcasts and such I think including a number of audio/video pieces makes sense. You can always read the transcript. If you hadn't noticed it; the "transcript" button is below the video, below the title.(It's in the line of icons that--left-to-right--starts with the "like" button.) The "transcript" button is on the right next to the "share" button. The transcripts are accurate and easy to read, formatted almost like a regular written column.
There is also written journalism every day, most recently right here: https://contrarian.substack.com/p/words-and-phrases-we-could-do-without-1ee
I understand that podcasts are very popular and I’m aware of the transcript which is helpful but I’m still reading a conversation or interview. I under that the Contrarian is still in its fledgling stage but I hope to see more written journalism.
Just under the title of the story and the names of the participants is the word "TRANSCRIPT."
I thought the round table discussion was thoughtful and helpful.
I did also, Ladd. I appreciate that each person has insights to contribute to a wider understanding of any of the numerous problems we are all facing. Each insight helps me to ponder through a slightly different lens. I liked this! Thank you.
Thank you so much Harry! Talking Feds and the Contrarians coming together is a big win for us all.
I think if you're going to have these discussions, they should always end with 1 or 2 specific, actionable efforts that us regular citizens can take today that can make a difference.
Fabulous. Understanding the dynamics of business and rich guys and fellow citizens who don't focus on what makes me a Democrat(,just trying to make a living and support family ) ;really helps me to see how our democracy mechanics have been usurped by greed and power mongering. The lies keep them in place but the reality of consequences to their actions, and witnessing the banal cruelty to our neighbors, may wake people up...but in time? DT has 54 percent approval rating however...time to roll up our sleeves! MOC
Keep up the podcasts with transcripts. I listen while exercising. I also appreciate the articles.
Sometimes it's helpful to listen to a podcast while doing something away from the computer.
I also enjoy hearing your voices. It's more personal. Since you have thoughtfully also provided a transcript for people who prefer reading, I hope you continue offering podcasts when you can.
I really enjoyed this conversation among such smart, accomplished, politically aware and (gently) entertaining people.
Looking forward to your next podcast. Thank you!!!
Thank you. I'm listening while cooking. On a technical note, I can't watch this and other contrarian videos all the way through. The videos pause when my screen timesout. I think there may be something you can do on your end at the Contrarian, because this doesn't happen on Bulwark videos. I will also look for a fix on my end. Thank you
LOVE the audio…thank you! And thank you for the great content! Like a babe, I feel held and soothed with Truth. BIG Love to ALL! 🩷
Thank you for the podcast. I listened to it while stitching. Although I had most of this information, the podcast consolidated what I knew, and I picked up some additional information. I try to consume information about what is happening in our country through a variety of media. I also appreciate the written articles.
More. More! Thanks! Great conversation.
Musk-brats.
There was no mention of the Chinese tariffs, or the new tariffs on steel and aluminum.
Great.👏👏👏❤️❤️⚖️⚖️