Podcast Summary: This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von – Episode #591 with Congressman Ro Khanna

Release Date: June 20, 2025

In this compelling episode of "This Past Weekend with Theo Von," host Theo Von engages in an in-depth conversation with U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna from California's 17th district, located in Silicon Valley. The discussion spans a wide range of topics, including foreign policy, lobbying influence, technological advancements, and economic strategies. Below is a detailed summary of their conversation, segmented into key themes with notable quotes and corresponding timestamps.

1. Introduction and Personal Background

Theo Von opens the episode by introducing Congressman Ro Khanna, highlighting his Indian heritage and familial background.

• Ro Khanna shares his family's history:

  "My grandfather, actually Amarnath Vidyalankar, spent years in jail fighting for India's independence as part of Gandhi's independence movement. And then my parents came and settled in Philadelphia. That's where I was born."
  [02:42]

He elaborates on his upbringing in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, noting the limited presence of Indian families in a predominantly white community and the support he received from educators and coaches.

2. Foreign Policy and Potential Conflicts

The conversation shifts to global politics, with a focus on the escalating tensions involving Iran and the potential for World War III.

• Ro Khanna expresses deep concern:

  "I'm really concerned. I'm fearful we have a possibility where we're going to blunder into another war in the Middle East."
  [05:18]

He introduces the War Powers Resolution he co-introduced with Republican Thomas Massie, aiming to require congressional approval before the President engages in military action with Iran.

• Theo Von inquires about the bill's specifics:

  "What is it called?"
  [06:09]

• Ro Khanna responds:

  "It's called the War Powers Resolution to Stop a War in Iran, which basically says before the president does anything to go into war with Iran, he's got to get a vote in Congress."
  [06:13]

Despite bipartisan efforts, Ro Khanna highlights the challenges posed by lobbying influences, particularly from pro-war factions within the Republican Party.

3. Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Discussing the ongoing conflict, Ro Khanna provides a sobering account of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

• Ro Khanna details the dire situation:

  "You've got 130,000 people injured. You've got over 600,000 kids who are not in school there. You've got the entire population of Gaza being forced into a corner... over 400,000 people who are starving."
  [08:10]

He critiques Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's persistent military actions against Hamas, emphasizing the lack of progress and increasing civilian casualties.

• Ro Khanna offers a potential solution involving diplomatic efforts led by Donald Trump to broker peace and establish a new Palestinian government excluding Hamas.
  [15:17]

4. Lobbying and Its Influence in Congress

A significant portion of the discussion delves into the pervasive influence of lobbying in American politics, particularly focusing on the pharmaceutical industry.

• Ro Khanna condemns the extensive lobbying efforts:

  "We're paying for all these drugs to be developed... we have to fight that system."
  [30:10]

He advocates for increased transparency and accountability, referencing resources like OpenSecrets.org to monitor lobbying activities and financial contributions to Congress.

• Ro Khanna emphasizes the need for legislative action to curb the undue influence of money in politics:

  "My bill, it's called the Drain the Swamp act or my Political Reform act, and it says ban members of Congress from ever becoming lobbyists."
  [35:09]

5. Technology, AI, and Privacy Concerns

The conversation transitions to the realm of technology, specifically addressing the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) and data privacy.

• Theo Von raises alarms about Palantir's role in data aggregation and AI-driven military applications:

  "Palantir's software is reportedly used by the Israeli military to help select targets in Gaza... significant error margins and their recommendations can be enough to authorize deadly strikes."
  [67:03]

• Ro Khanna discusses the dual-edged nature of AI:

  "AI can be an incredible tool... but it has to be subservient to human agency."
  [67:07]

He introduces the Internet Bill of Rights, co-created with Tim Berners-Lee, advocating for data ownership, consent, and transparency in algorithmic decision-making.

• Ro Khanna states:

  "Your data should not be collected without your consent. You need to know what data of yours the federal government has."
  [85:21]

6. Economic Strategies and Future Workforce

Addressing economic disparities, Ro Khanna proposes "economic patriotism" as a means to rebuild American industries and create equitable opportunities.

• Ro Khanna outlines a vision reminiscent of FDR's industrialization efforts:

  "Let's have a Marshall Plan, not for Europe, a 21st century Marshall Plan for America where we start to build new factories, new industry, new AI centers."
  [100:35]

He emphasizes the importance of tech education from a young age to prepare the workforce for the evolving demands of AI and digital industries.

• Ro Khanna remarks:

  "Everyone should have a technology class. China is aiming by 2030 to have universal literacy on AI."
  [76:33]

7. Political Reforms and Restoring Trust

The duo discusses necessary political reforms to restore public trust in Congress, including banning stock trading and preventing members from becoming lobbyists post-tenure.

• Ro Khanna advocates for the No Trust Act:

  "It says members of Congress cannot trade stock. If there are any assets, they put them in a trust, and that would eliminate conflicts."
  [112:15]

He criticizes the revolving door between Congress and lobbying firms, highlighting the need for stringent measures to prevent conflicts of interest.

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Theo Von and Ro Khanna reflect on the fading American dream and the urgent need for unity and visionary leadership to address systemic issues.

• Ro Khanna emphasizes the importance of a unified national purpose:

  "We've lost that. What is the common American dream? We've... got to have a common sense of vision."
  [105:05]

• Theo Von expresses hope that engaged citizens can drive meaningful change:

  "I just feel like this is it. We gotta find a developer who's like, you know what? I'm gonna fucking try to save humanity."
  [93:22]

Both agree on the critical role of informed and proactive citizenship in shaping the nation's future amidst technological advancements and political challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• War Powers Resolution: A bipartisan effort to require congressional approval before military actions, aiming to prevent unilateral engagements.

• Lobbying Influence: The pervasive role of money and lobbyists in shaping legislation, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector, undermines democratic processes.

• AI and Privacy: The integration of AI in military and governmental operations raises significant concerns about data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and ethical governance.

• Economic Patriotism: Revitalizing American industries through innovation, education, and equitable economic policies can bridge the wealth gap and rejuvenate the national economy.

• Political Reforms: Implementing measures like the No Trust Act is essential to eliminate conflicts of interest and restore public trust in legislative bodies.

This episode underscores the intricate interplay between politics, technology, and society, advocating for reforms that prioritize transparency, accountability, and the collective well-being of American citizens.