In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie react to the second inauguration of President Donald Trump. The gang parses some of his contradictory ideas before touching on the saga of banning TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media application, in the United States.

01:46 - Donald Trump's second inauguration

14:20 - Trump's Day 1 executive actions

28:34 - Joe Biden's farewell address

42:25 - Weekly listener question

48:04 - TikTok ban

57:10 - This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Day 1," by Liz Wolfe

"Trump Signals a Crackdown on Legal and Illegal Immigration," by Fiona Harrigan

"Trump Promises To Be a 'Peacemaker,' Threatens Panama," by Eric Boehm

"Trump's 'External Revenue Service' Is a Public Relations Effort. It Won't Change How Tariffs Work," by Eric Boehm

"Many Workers Don't Want To Return to the Office. That Could Help Shrink the Government," by J.D. Tuccille

"The Equity Mess," by Matt Welch

"Biden's Preemptive Pardons Undermine Official Accountability and the Rule of Law," by Jacob Sullum

"Biden Attempts To Ratify the Equal Rights Amendment by Blog Post," by C.J. Ciaramella

"The Tech Bros Love Trump Because the Democrats Pushed Them Away," by Robby Soave

"State-Run TikTok Coming Soon?" by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"TikTok Is Back Online as Trump Proposes Nationalizing It," by Joe Lancaster

"These Lawmakers Actively Use TikTok Even After Voting To Ban It," by Joe Lancaster

"SCOTUS Rules in Favor of TikTok Ban as Some Supporters Realize It's a Bad Idea," by Robby Soave

"Was David Lynch the Original Libertarian Democrat?" by Nick Gillespie

"Twin Peaks and the Moment TV Changed," by Jesse Walker

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsors:

• Are you a student looking for a transformative opportunity that supports the foundations of a free society? Reliance College invites students aged 16 to 24 to the 2025 Great Connections Seminar in Chicago, from July 26 to August 2. This year's theme, "Reason and Free Will," dives into timeless ideas from writers such as Thomas Jefferson, Ayn Rand, and Aristotle. Students sharpen critical thinking in small, dynamic groups, developing the intellectual tools needed to thrive in a free society. Outside the classroom, they'll explore Chicago's vibrant culture—touring museums, trying improv comedy, and building lifelong connections. Parents, this program equips students to think, reason, and act independently. Go to reliancecollege.org/reason to learn more and apply. Early registration is just $400 before March 1, including room and board, with scholarships available. Don't miss out! Visit www.reliancecollege.org/reason to learn more and apply.
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The post Donald Trump's Chaotic and Contradictory Day 1 appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman reflect on the failed policy decisions that have exacerbated the L.A. wildfire crisis, as well as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's announcement that the company is ditching third-party fact checking on Facebook.

01:54—L.A. wildfires and failed policy

28:06—Weekly listener question

37:36—Zuckerberg announces the company nixes third-party fact checking

47:06—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"California's Fire Catastrophe Is Largely a Result of Bad Government Policies," by J.D. Tuccille

"Looting Is Bad. So Are Curfews," by Jack Nicastro

"What's Wrong With a Private Firefighter?" by Liz Wolfe

"Los Angeles Zoning Laws Pushed People and Homes Toward Fire-Prone Areas," by Jack Nicastro

"Fires Incinerated the Facade of California Governing Competence," by Matt Welch

"Hell Out West," by Liz Wolfe

"A Failed State," by Liz Wolfe

"Burning Los Angeles," by Nick Gillespie

"California Regulations Prevent Insurers From Accurately Pricing Wildfire Risk, so Now They're Fleeing the State," by Ronald Bailey

"Why is the bureaucracy and red tape there in the first place?" by Nick Gillespie

"Zuck Finds His Spine," by Liz Wolfe

"Mark Zuckerberg Was Right To Fire Facebook's Rogue Fact-Checkers," by Robby Soave

"Facebook's New Free Speech Policy Shows Business Getting Back to Business," by J.D. Tuccille

"An Urgent Meeting of the Fact-Check Legion of Doom," by Robby Soave

"Let's Stop Talking about Free Speech and Start Defending It," by Nick Gillespie

"Why Facebook 'Welcomes' Regulation, by Todd Krainin," Nick Gillespie, and Jim Epstein

"Mark Zuckerberg: 'I Believe We Need a More Active Role for Governments and Regulators,'" by Nick Gillespie

"TikTok Took a Beating at the Supreme Court," by Robby Soave

"Trump Dodged My Question About the Federal Debt," by Nick Gillespie

"Parents, Not the Government, Should Make IVF Decisions," by Ronald Bailey

"Breeder Reactionaries: The 'feminist' war on reproductive technologies," by Wendy McElroy

"The Brutalist Is Great American Cinema," by Peter Suderman

Event:

Reason Speakeasy: Bryan Caplan and David Bier, January 21, 2025

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsors:

• ZBiotics. ZBiotics Pre-Alcohol Probiotic Drink is the world's first genetically engineered probiotic. It was invented by Ph.D. scientists to tackle rough mornings after drinking. Make ZBiotics your first drink of the night, drink responsibly, and you'll feel your best tomorrow. Go to zbiotics.com/ROUNDTABLE to get 15 percent off your first order when you use ROUNDTABLE at checkout. ZBiotics is backed with a 100 percent money-back guarantee so if you're unsatisfied for any reason, they'll refund your money, no questions asked.

• Are you a student looking for a transformative opportunity that supports the foundations of a free society? Reliance College invites students aged 16 to 24 to the 2025 Great Connections Seminar in Chicago, from July 26th to August 2nd. This year's theme, "Reason and Free Will," dives into timeless ideas from writers such as Thomas Jefferson, Ayn Rand, and Aristotle. Students sharpen critical thinking in small, dynamic groups, developing the intellectual tools needed to thrive in a free society. Outside the classroom, they'll explore Chicago's vibrant culture—touring museums, trying improv comedy, and building lifelong connections. Parents, this program equips students to think, reason, and act independently. Go to reliancecollege.org/reason to learn more and apply. Early registration is just $400 before March 1st, including room and board, with scholarships available. Don't miss out! Visit www.reliancecollege.org/reason to learn more and apply.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

• Video Editor: Ian Keyser
• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post How Awful Policies Fueled the L.A. Fires appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman chime in on the ongoing online debate over a federal visa program for high-skilled workers and look back at the legacy of former President Jimmy Carter.

04:04—H-1B visa debate

21:07—Biden blocks sale of U.S. Steel to Japan's Nippon Steel

30:49—Weekly listener question

41:13—Former President Jimmy Carter dead at 100

57:59—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Can Nativists and Dynamists Coexist Within Trump's MAGA Coalition?" by Eric Boehm

"Bernie Sanders Is Still Wrong About Immigration," by Joe Lancaster

"Trump Promised More Legal High-Skilled Immigration. His Record Says Otherwise," by Kevin Garcia-Galindo

"Trump Suddenly Loves Immigration," by Liz Wolfe

"Democrats Learned that Voters Don't Like Border Chaos," by Alex Nowrasteh

"Don't Blame Melania Trump for Breaking Immigration Laws: CHANGE THE DAMN LAWS," by Nick Gillespie

"Miller outlines how Trump administration would prioritize mass deportations," by Rebecca Falconer and Russell Contreras

"The U.S. benefits from immigration but policy reforms needed to maximize gains," by Daniel Costa, Josh Bivens, Ben Zipperer, and Monique Morrissey

"Blocking the U.S. Steel Sale Is a Perfectly Disgraceful End to Biden's Political Career," by Eric Boehm

"Corpse President Says Companies Can't Do What They Want," by Liz Wolfe

"Bootleggers and Baptists in the U.S. Steel Deal," by Eric Boehm

"Nippon Steel-U.S. Steel Merger Poses No National Security Threat," by Jack Nicastro

"Trump's Vow To Block U.S. Steel's Sale Sends Stock Tumbling," by Eric Boehm

"Abolish Amtrak," by Jason Russell

"Privatize the Postal Service, Amtrak, Airports, and More," by Veronique de Rugy

"This Company Is Running a High-Speed Train in Florida—Without Subsidies," by Natalie Dowzicky

"How Are Your State's Roads Funded?" by Janelle Fritts

"Congressional Testimony: The Long-Term Solvency of the Highway Trust Fund," by Robert W. Poole

"How Do Long Distance Trains Perform Financially?" by Amtrak

"Why Can't We Build Anything?" by Katherine Mangu-Ward

"The $1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill Spends a Lot More Money on the Same Old Highway Programs," by Christian Britschgi

"America's Highways Need That Trillion Dollars Congress Already Spent," by Matt Welch

"Road to Ruin," by Robert Poole

"RIP Jimmy Carter, the 'Passionless' President," by Gene Healy

"Jimmy Carter, 'The Great Deregulator,' 1924–2024," by Nick Gillespie

"Jimmy Carter Supported Federal Pot Decriminalization for Half a Century. It Still Has Not Happened," by Jacob Sullum

"Jimmy Carter's Gift to Hollywood Was No Gift to Georgia Taxpayers," by Joe Lancaster

"Jimmy Carter Sparked a Craft Beer Explosion by Getting Government Out of the Way," by Eric Boehm

"What Jimmy Carter and Jerry Brown Can Teach Us About Deregulation," by Matt Welch

"Energy and the National Goals—A Crisis of Confidence," by Jimmy Carter

"Why Do We Have a Department of Education? Jimmy Carter's Debt to a Teachers Union," by Anthony Fisher

"Tom Wolfe, RIP," by Matt Welch

"Tom Wolfe Is Dead but the 'Me Decade' Lives On (and That's a Good Thing)," by Nick Gillespie

"Tom Wolfe on 2012 Election: 'I Wrote in Ron Paul,'" by Brian Doherty

"Does Bob Dylan Have a Politics and if Yes, What the Hell Are They? by Nick Gillespie, Brian Doherty, and Andrew Kirell

"Jeffrey Edward Green: Why Bob Dylan's Prophecies Continue To Fascinate," by Nick Gillespie

"Positively Fourth Rate," by Nick Gillespie

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• ZBiotics. ZBiotics Pre-Alcohol Probiotic Drink is the world's first genetically engineered probiotic. It was invented by Ph.D. scientists to tackle rough mornings after drinking. Make ZBiotics your first drink of the night, drink responsibly, and you'll feel your best tomorrow. Go to zbiotics.com/ROUNDTABLE to get 15 percent off your first order when you use ROUNDTABLE at checkout. ZBiotics is backed with a 100 percent money-back guarantee so if you're unsatisfied for any reason, they'll refund your money, no questions asked.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

• Video Editor: Ian Keyser
• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post Why MAGA Is Fighting Over High-Skilled Immigration appeared first on Reason.com.

In the last episode of The Reason Roundtable in 2024, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman select undercovered stories from the past year across three categories: politics, global affairs, and private industry. Au revoir, 2024!

00:14—Undercovered stories in politics

18:07—Undercovered stories in global affairs

33:14—Undercovered stories in private industry/commerce

48:24—2024 under the radar cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"No, California's $20 Minimum Wage for Fast-Food Workers Did Not Create Jobs," by Aaron Brown

"We Have Already Passed Peak Public School," by Matt Welch

"A Week of Failing To Pay With Bitcoin in El Salvador," by Katarina Hall

"IMF Pressures El Salvador To Stop Pushing Bitcoin," by Katarina Hall

"A Glimmer of Success in Miserable Moldova," by Matt Welch

"Guillaume Verdon: Should We Have a 'Second Amendment for AI'?" by Zach Weissmueller and Liz Wolfe

"Nic Carter: Did Bitcoin Win the Election?" by Zach Weissmueller and Liz Wolfe

"Influencers Are Here To Stay—Now It's Time To Modernize Labor Laws," by Liya Palagashvili and Susannah Petitt

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

• Video Editor: Ian Keyser
• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post 2024's Most Undercovered Stories appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Peter Suderman welcome special guest Tim Carney to the show. The panelists discuss Joe Biden's commutations of 37 out of 40 federal death row sentences, before unpacking the latest on the traditional end-of-year struggle in Congress to pass a spending deal.

00:39 - Joe Biden commutes federal death row sentences
06:41 - Congress scrambles to pass spending deal
29:32 - Weekly listener question
36:12 - Will Trump administration policies be more family-friendly?
48:59 - This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"We Don't Need Terrorism Laws When Murder Is Already Illegal," by Matthew Petti
"Cancerous Politics," by Eric Boehm
"Third Time's the Charm?" by Christian Britschgi
"The Crony Capitalism Litmus Test," by Timothy Carney
"Tim Carney: Why Aren't People Having More Kids?" by Zach Weissmueller and Liz Wolfe
"Baby Incentives," by Liz Wolfe
"Government Can't Fix America's Baby Bust," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown
"Storks Don't Take Orders From the State," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown
"Report from 'Alienated America': Podcast," by Nick Gillespie

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• ZBiotics. ZBiotics Pre-Alcohol Probiotic Drink is the world's first genetically engineered probiotic. It was invented by Ph.D. scientists to tackle rough mornings after drinking. Make ZBiotics your first drink of the night, drink responsibly, and you'll feel your best tomorrow. Go to zbiotics.com/ROUNDTABLE to get 15 percent off your first order when you use ROUNDTABLE at checkout. ZBiotics is backed with a 100 percent money-back guarantee so if you're unsatisfied for any reason, they'll refund your money, no questions asked.

Audio production by Ian Keyser
Assistant production by Hunt Beaty
Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

• Video Editor: Ian Keyser
• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post Was Biden Right To Take Prisoners Off Death Row? appeared first on Reason.com.

For the very first Reason Versus debate this week, Reason was joined by The Bulwark for a lively, thought-provoking discussion. The resolution: "You Don't Have To Pick a Side in Politics."  

Reason's Nick Gillespie and Matt Welch argued for the affirmative, while The Bulwark's Tim Miller and Sarah Longwell argued for the negative. The debate was moderated by Reason's Peter Suderman.

Whether you've made up your mind about the necessity of choosing sides or are questioning the whole premise, this debate will challenge your assumptions and broaden your perspective. The discussion was recorded in front of a live audience at the Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C. A full video of the event can be found here.

• Video Editor: César Báez
• Audio Production: Ian Keyser
• Camera : Cody Huff
• Camera: Justin Zuckerman

The post Do You Have To Choose a Side in Politics? <em>Reason</em> Versus <em>The Bulwark</em> appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie welcome special guest Jacob Sullum to discuss President Joe Biden's latest batch of pardons and clemency grants, as well as President-elect Donald Trump's plans to pardon January 6 Capitol rioters.

01:01—Biden's clemency grants and pardons

14:13—Trump intends to pardon January 6 rioters

37:57—Weekly listener question

50:36—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Biden Issues More Pardons and Commutations Under Pressure From Criminal Justice Groups," by C.J. Ciaramella

"Biden Shouldn't Have Commuted the Sentence of a Judge in the 'Kids for Cash' Kickback Scandal," by C.J. Ciaramella

"Biden Faces Mounting Pressure To Clear Federal Death Row and Issue More Commutations After Pardoning His Son," by C.J. Ciaramella

"The President Still Has Time To Show His Mercy Extends Beyond His Own Son," by Jacob Sullum

"What Happened to Biden's Ambitious Criminal Justice Reform Plans?" by C.J. Ciaramella

"Trump Decries Disproportionate Drug Penalties While Threatening Dealers With Death," by Jacob Sullum

"It's (Almost) Always the Feds: How the FBI Fabricates Schemes To Entrap Would-Be Radicals," by C.J. Ciaramella

"Vivek Ramaswamy Really, Really Wants You To Know He Thinks January 6 Was an 'Inside Job,'" by Matt Welch

"With 22-Year Sentence, Ex-Proud Boys Leader Enrique Tarrio Pays Hefty 'Trial Penalty,'" by Christian Britschgi

"Stewart Rhodes Gets 18 Years After the DOJ Reiterates a Conspiracy Claim That Jurors Rejected," by Jacob Sullum

"Kash Patel's QAnon Dalliances Reflect an Outlook That Pits Trump Against Evil Conspirators," by Jacob Sullum

"When Deciding Whether To Investigate His Opponents, Trump Says, He Will Defer to 'Very Fair' Kash Patel," by Jacob Sullum

"Kash Patel's Threats Against Journalists Make Him an Alarming Choice To Run the FBI," by Jacob Sullum

"Jordan Neely Needed to Be Institutionalized," by Josh Barro

"Debate: Mentally Ill Homeless People Must Be Locked Up for Public Safety," by Jared Meyer and Mike Riggs

"Eric Adams' Plan To Involuntarily Hospitalize Mentally Ill Homeless People Will Face Legal Challenges," by C.J. Ciaramella

"Curing the Therapeutic State: Thomas Szasz interviewed by Jacob Sullum," by Jacob Sullum

Upcoming Events:

Reason Versus, December 18, 2024

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsor:

• In an election year, getting overwhelmed by the constant buzz of news and opinions is easy. Understanding the true impact of political events can be a challenge. Not Another Politics Podcast, from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, provides clear, research-driven perspectives on the biggest issues. Get the insights you need to truly understand the political landscape—no spin, just facts. Subscribe today at harris.uchicago.edu/napp or look for Not Another Politics Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

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Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

• Video Editor: Ian Keyser
• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post Biden's Messy Mercy appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman assess the situation in Syria after Bashar al-Assad flees the country and dig into the health care policy debate in the wake of the recent assassination of United Healthcare's CEO, Brian Thompson.

02:58 - Bashsar al-Assad ousted in Syria
15:36 - Murdered United Healthcare CEO's death stirs debate
34:42 - Weekly listener question
48:56 - This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:
"Assad Gone at Last," by Liz Wolfe
"Outlaws on Pickup Trucks Accomplish What $1 Billion in CIA Money Couldn't," by Matthew Petti
"Why Is America Still In Syria?" by Matthew Petti
"Constantly Shifting Alliances in Syrian Civil War Are Orwell on Steroids," by Nick Gillespie
"Obama Explains His Syria Failure on 60 Minutes," by Nick Gillespie
"There Are No Good Reasons for the U.S. To Wage War in Syria," by Nick Gillespie
"John Kerry's Morally, Linguistically, and Historically Obscene Case for War in Syria," by Matt Welch
"Wacko Birds vs. Angry Birds: This Time it's War," by Matt Welch
"Delay Deny Depose," by Liz Wolfe
"Hit on a CEO," by Liz Wolfe
"You're Either With Us, Or With the Insurance Companies," by Matt Welch
"5 Major Reasons Why VA Disability Claims Get Denied," by Turley Redmond & Rosasco, L.L.P.
"No one knows how often health insurers deny claims. Here's why," by Bruce Gil
"How Doctors Broke Health Care," by Christy Ford Chapin
"The U.S. Physician Shortage Is Only Going to Get Worse. Here Are Potential Solutions," by Elaine K. Howley
"If You Want More Doctors, Maybe Depending on the Feds Is a Bad Idea," by J.D. Tuccille
"Remy: People Will Die!" by Remy
"This Just In: Conspiracy Theorists Not Quite as Kooky as Previously Reported," by Jesse Walker
"How the Political Spectrum Turned Inside Out," by Jesse Walker
"Ron Paul Slams 'Cultural Marxism' with a Quickly Deleted Bigoted Cartoon," by Brian Doherty
"Going Protectionist Over a Fantasy Highway," by Shikha Dalmia and Leonard Gilroy
"Ron Paul's Rally," by David Weigel
"Tucker Carlson, Jesse Ventura, and the Ron Paul Rally," by Dan Hayes and David Weigel
"A Tale of Two Libertarianisms," by Brian Doherty
"Hunter Biden's Pardon Is Unprecedented," by Robby Soave
"After Hunter's Pardon, Joe Biden Should Support De-Weaponizing Government Power," by J.D. Tuccille
"Errol Morris Is Fascinated by and Terrified of Steve Bannon," by Nick Gillespie
"Errol Morris on Donald Rumsfeld, The Unknown Known, and Evidence-Based Journalism," by Nick Gillespie and Jim Epstein
"Still Fab: Why We Keep Listening To the Beatles," by Charles Paul Freund
"Long and Whining Road: The Beatles, the Boomers, and Boredom," by Nick Gillespie

Upcoming Events:
Reason Versus, December 18, 2024

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsors:

• Lumen. Lumen is the world's first handheld metabolic coach. You just breathe into the device and it measures your metabolism through your breath. The phone-based app lets you know if you're burning fat or carbs, and it gives you tailored guidance to improve your nutrition, workouts, sleep, and even stress management. Your metabolism is your body's engine—it's how your body turns the food you eat into fuel that keeps you going. Because your metabolism is at the center of everything your body does, optimal metabolic health translates to a bunch of benefits, including easier weight management, improved energy levels, better fitness results, and better sleep. It can help women track their cycles and the onset of menopause, and adjust recommendations to keep your metabolism healthy through hormonal shifts. So, if you want to stay on track with your health this holiday season, go to lumen.me/ROUNDTABLE to get 15% off your Lumen.
• ZBiotics. ZBiotics Pre-Alcohol Probiotic Drink is the world's first genetically engineered probiotic. It was invented by Ph.D. scientists to tackle rough mornings after drinking. Make ZBiotics your first drink of the night, drink responsibly, and you'll feel your best tomorrow. Go to zbiotics.com/ROUNDTABLE to get 15 percent off your first order when you use ROUNDTABLE at checkout. ZBiotics is backed with a 100 percent money-back guarantee so if you're unsatisfied for any reason, they'll refund your money, no questions asked.

Audio production by Ian Keyser
Assistant production by Hunt Beaty
Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

• Video Editor: Ian Keyser
• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post Why Socialists Are Cheering the Death of an Insurance CEO appeared first on Reason.com.

In this special live episode of The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman will respond to your burning questions. Tune in at 1 p.m. (EST) on December 4 on YouTube, X, or wherever you watch your podcasts.

Watch the episode live here: https://youtube.com/live/JOrlrWLmttc.

It's that time of year again, dear listener, when we ask you to open your wallets and make a tax-deductible donation to Reason's annual webathon! Go to reason.com/donate for more information.

• Video Editor: Ian Keyser

The post Libertarians Answer Your Questions: Webathon 2024! appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman react to President Joe Biden's blanket pardon of his son Hunter Biden and President-elect Donald Trump's nomination of Kash Patel for the role of FBI Director.

04:47—President Joe Biden pardons Hunter Biden
23:14—Kash Patel nominated to lead the FBI
38:13—Weekly listener question
47:33—This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Joe Pardons Hunter," by Robby Soave
"Comparing Trump's Pardon of Arpaio and Biden's Pardon of Biden," by Josh Blackman
"Can the Just-Pardoned Hunter Biden Claim Privilege Against Self-Incrimination, if Questioned About His Crimes?" by Eugene Volokh
"Trump Pardons 26 More, Including Paul Manafort and Roger Stone," by C.J. Ciaramella
"Trump's Pattern of Self-Serving Pardons Continues," by Jonathan H. Adler
"Ross Ulbricht Is Serving a Double Life Sentence," by Katherine Mangu-Ward
"The Most Important Trial in America," by Nick Gillespie
"Did Silk Road Creator Ross Ulbricht Deserve Life in Prison? Deep Web Director Alex Winter Speaks," by Zach Weissmueller
"Silk Road Trial: Read Ross Ulbricht's Haunting Sentencing Letter to Judge," by Nick Gillespie
"How Government Stifled Reason's Free Speech," by Nick Gillespie and Matt Welch
"They Lied," by Peter Suderman
"Everyone Knows Government Is a Hot Mess. So Why Does It Keep Getting Bigger Anyway?" by Nick Gillespie
"The Death of Obama's 'Noble Lie,'" by Matt Welch
"Two Years To Slow the Spread," by Matt Welch
"When Biden's 'Bubble Wrap' Burst," by Matt Welch
"Some Canadian Health Care Patients Say They're Being Encouraged To Just Die Already," by Scott Shackford
"Who Decides How You Die? Inside Montana's Assisted Suicide Fight," by Zach Weissmueller
"A Good Death?" by Jacob Sullum
"Camus at 100: Rock On!" by Nick Gillespie
"Review: Elvis," by Kurt Loder

Upcoming Events:
Reason Versus debate, December 18, 2024

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsors:

• In an election year, getting overwhelmed by the constant buzz of news and opinions is easy. Understanding the true impact of political events can be a challenge. Not Another Politics Podcast, from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, provides clear, research-driven perspectives on the biggest issues. Get the insights you need to truly understand the political landscape—no spin, just facts. Subscribe today at harris.uchicago.edu/napp or look for Not Another Politics Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

Audio production by Ian Keyser
Assistant production by Hunt Beaty
Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

• Video Editor: Ian Keyser
• Producer: Hunt Beaty

The post Biden's Final Insult to Our Intelligence appeared first on Reason.com.

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Matt Welch, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Peter Suderman chime in on the latest developments in Donald Trump's cabinet appointments and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

00:28 - Fred Smith tribute

04:58 - Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) takes shape

18:58 - Trump's FCC pick and free speech

31:38 - Weekly listener question

38:54 - Tulsi Gabbard vs. the Deep State

49:31 - This week's cultural recommendations

Mentioned in this podcast:

"Thank You, Fred Smith," by Ryan Young

"Fred Smith: 'The Alternative To Innovation Is Not Stability. It's Stagnation,'" by Nick Gillespie

"Bullish on DOGE," by Liz Wolfe

"DOGE Can Succeed by Scaling Back Its Ambitions," by Brian Riedl

"Incoming FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's Beef With NewsGuard Is Legally Dubious and Empirically Shaky," by Jacob Sullum

"The New FCC Chairman's Agenda Contradicts Conservative Principles," by Jacob Sullum

"Trump's Pick To Run the FCC Wants To Restrict the Editorial Discretion of Social Media Platforms," by Jacob Sullum

"We Don't Need RFK Jr. To 'Make America Healthy Again,'" by Kelvey Vander Hart

"Five Phony Public Health Scares," by Ronald Bailey

"'Impurifying our precious bodily fluids': Fear of fluoridation takes a left turn," by Ronald Bailey

"No, DOJ Shouldn't Investigate Tulsi Gabbard for 'False Russian Propaganda,'" by Robby Soave

"It Will Be a Beautiful Day When the Air Force Bombs All the Schools Having Bake Sales," by Nick Gillespie

"Tulsi Gabbard Conspiracy Theories Go Mainstream as Hillary Clinton Accuses the Candidate of Being Groomed by Russia," by Elizabeth Nolan Brown

"Hillary Clinton Says Donald Trump Is an Illegitimate President and Tulsi Gabbard Is a Russian Tool," by Robby Soave

"Tulsi Gabbard's Great Moment From Last Night's Democratic Debate," by Nick Gillespie by Robby Soave

"Gladiator II* Is a Lavish, Empty Spectacle," by Peter Suderman

"Dispatch From Trump World: The Spirit of '24," by Nancy Rommelmann

Upcoming Events:

Reason Versus, December 18, 2024

Send your questions to [email protected]. Be sure to include your social media handle and the correct pronunciation of your name.

Today's sponsors:

• ZBiotics. ZBiotics Pre-Alcohol Probiotic Drink is the world's first genetically engineered probiotic. It was invented by Ph.D. scientists to tackle rough mornings after drinking. Make ZBiotics your first drink of the night, drink responsibly, and you'll feel your best tomorrow. Go to zbiotics.com/ROUNDTABLE to get 15 percent off your first order when you use ROUNDTABLE at checkout. ZBiotics is backed with a 100 percent money-back guarantee so if you're unsatisfied for any reason, they'll refund your money, no questions asked.

Audio production by Ian Keyser

Assistant production by Hunt Beaty

Music: "Angeline," by The Brothers Steve

• Video Editor: Ian Keyser
• Producer: Hunt Beaty

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