This episode explores the impacts of recent policy changes on American businesses and citizens. Host Tim Miller interviews Jonathan Cohn, a new senior national correspondent at The Bulwark, focusing on the effects of tariffs and changes at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Against this backdrop, Cohn details how tariffs disproportionately affect smaller businesses, using the example of a board game company facing a 50-100% cost increase due to tariffs on imported materials. More significantly, the discussion pivots to the dramatic cuts in biomedical research funding at HHS, highlighting the long-term consequences for scientific innovation and public health. For instance, Cohn cites the cancellation of numerous studies and grants, potentially delaying cures for diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's. In contrast to the seemingly irrational cuts, the conversation touches upon the political ramifications of potential Medicaid cuts and the challenges of implementing work requirements. Ultimately, this episode reveals the far-reaching consequences of seemingly isolated policy decisions, underscoring the need for a more comprehensive understanding of their impact on American society.
