Newsom’s Free Diaper Initiative Sparks Backlash

This week, editors Peter Suderman and Katherine Mangu-Ward are joined by Senior Editor Robby Soave and reporter Reem Ibrahim to examine California Governor Gavin Newsom’s initiative to provide free diapers and the nonprofit framework that has sparked controversy around it. The panel weighs whether the program offers genuine assistance to new mothers or if it exemplifies government turning a straightforward issue into an expensive, politically connected spending scheme. They also explore what the backlash implies about California governance more broadly, from high-speed rail to homelessness spending to a troubled 911 program, and whether discontent with the state’s Democratic establishment might open space for Los Angeles mayoral hopeful Spencer Pratt.

Next, the group shifts attention to Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s (D–N.Y.) claim that billionaire wealth cannot be earned ethically and her assertion that the American Revolution was a revolt against the billionaire class. They also discuss President Donald Trump’s ongoing confrontation with Iran, whether the conflict has diminished his leverage ahead of a forthcoming meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and what the fallout could mean for the United States’ credibility abroad. The editors then assess escalating disputes over redistricting in Virginia and Florida. Finally, a listener asks whether rising ticket prices and corporate consolidation indicate that government ought to play a larger role in regulating mergers and competition.

 

0:00—Newsom’s no-cost diaper initiative

13:04—Pratt’s bid for the mayoralty

17:30—AOC’s critique of billionaire wealth

28:40—Has America erred in its Iran policy?

38:51—Listener question about ticket prices

46:00—Redistricting battles intensify across the nation

53:23—Weekly cultural recommendations

 

Items cited during the episode

“California Spent $450 Million on a Failed 911 System. Now, the State Is Restarting the Project,” by Meagan O’Rourke

“Contra AOC, You Don’t Have To Be a Billionaire To Be a Leech,” by Christian Britschgi

“A Pointless War: How Iran Hawks Finally Got Their Way,” by Matthew Petti

“How Much Has the Iran War Actually Cost? A Lot More Than $25 Billion,” by Eric Boehm

“How Mortal Kombat Went From National Panic to Nostalgic Camp,” by Peter Suderman

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