Jesse Arm (X, Substack) is the Vice President of External Affairs at the Manhattan Institute. He joins the podcast to talk about his recent article, “Ezra Klein’s Blindspot.” Along with Richard Hanania, he discusses whether there really is a pro-abundance future for the Democrats. The conversation involves a comparison of the two parties, and a debate over what is happening on both sides of the political spectrum. Hanania mentions self-driving cars as a perfect experiment to test which side is more likely to embrace progress, and thus far it has been red states that have been more open to the technology.

Hanania and Arm disagree strongly about JD Vance, and what he says about the future of the GOP. Recently, Rod Dreher made waves by suggesting that perhaps 30% to 40% of Republican staffers are Groypers. As Arm’s job involves dealing with this class of people, he has particular insight into that issue. Hanania is interested in not only whether they are personally fans of Nick Fuentes, but also what their views are about Ronald Reagan and how they think about political issues more generally.

Arm also explains the dynamics of the recent NYC mayoral race. How did Mamdani end up winning? And why couldn’t the Republicans field a serious challenger? The conversation provides much to consider for those who believe that embracing markets and new technology is the best way to achieve economic growth but feel alienated from both major parties right now. Arm and Hanania also handicap the 2028 Democratic race, discussing how Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez might rise to the top due to the moderate wing being split, in the same way that Biden had a lane open to him in 2020.

For more articles by Arm and other Manhattan Institute scholars, subscribe to the City Journal Substack.

Related Links

Jesse Arm, “Ezra Klein’s Blindspot”

Richard Hanania, “The Broad Lessons of YIMBY”

Richard Hanania, “Boomer Liberalism Must Be Overcome” (conversation with Derek Thompson)

Richard Hanania interviews State Senator Scott Weiner on the YIMBY victory in California

Timothy B. Lee and Kai Williams, “Waymo’s Next Five Cities Are All in Red States”

JD Vance on the problems of Appalachia

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Abundance, Liberals, and the Future of Conservatism