The Ship of State: Can Radicals Really Move It?

In a fascinating conversation, the speaker takes us on a journey through the history of the ship of state, questioning whether it's truly possible to move it. Drawing from his own experiences and observations, he argues that radicals are indeed necessary to break the ship loose and set a new course. But what does it take to be a radical, and how do we know if the ship has actually turned?

The speaker shares two compelling exhibits: China and the Supreme Court. He shows how the Trump administration's tariffs on Chinese goods and the appointment of conservative justices like Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh led to significant changes in the country's policies. These moves, he argues, demonstrate that radicals can indeed move the ship of state. But what about the challenges that come with this kind of change? How do we balance the need for radical action with the importance of steady, incremental progress?

The speaker also delves into the world of journalism, highlighting a conversation between a conservative law professor and the New York Times' assistant managing editor for Standards and Trusts. The professor, Josh Blackman, pointed out the paper's tendency to label conservative experts with an adjective, while liberal experts were often described simply by their title and institution. The assistant editor, Patrick Healy, acknowledged the issue and expressed a commitment to doing better.

As we listen to this episode, we're left with important questions: Can we really move the ship of state, or is it stuck in its ways? What role do radicals play in shaping our country's policies, and how do we ensure that our media accurately represents diverse perspectives? Join us as we explore these questions and more in this thought-provoking conversation.