Why the Left Lost the Working Class (with Daron Acemoglu)
Summary
Preet Bharara interviews Nobel laureate Daron Acemoglu about his book on liberal democracy’s crisis and the need for shared prosperity. They discuss how vague labels like "democratic socialism" obscure policy goals, arguing instead for tax reforms that treat capital and labor equally to curb excessive automation. Acemoglu warns that AI could deepen inequality unless guided by pro-worker policies, contrasting past successful transitions with today’s political polarization. The episode concludes with legal analyses of FEMA funding disputes and the merits of electing the Attorney General.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and intro
Welcome Darren Acemoglu and his new book
Liberal democracy vs. capitalism
The meaning of democratic socialism
Tax code, inequality, and labor vs. capital
Historical disruptions and the pro-worker AI agenda
Sponsors: Mint, Upwork, Quince
Robot adoption in Japan vs. US layoffs
Political realignment and the working class
AI's threat to liberal democracy and jobs
Outro and sponsors: Claude, San Pellegrino
FEMA funding and sanctuary city lawsuits
Should the US Attorney General be elected?
Credits and final sponsor: SimpliSafe
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