Luke Mayville (@LukeMayville) joins us today to discuss his new book, “John Adams and the Fear of Oligarchy.” John Adams’ skepticism of “meritocracy” and the glorification of the rich. John Adams’ understanding of “oligarchy,” as opposed to the “meritocratic” elite of the counter-majoritarian Federalist Papers. What is true and untrue about Thomas Jefferson’s “populism.” Adams’ heterodox […]

The distinction between FDR-brand liberalism and socialist democracy. The role of liberty in FDR’s liberalism. The importance of public goods, and moving expenditures from private market to the public sector. Bernie’s democratic socialism as distinct from FDR liberalism and Bernie’s appeal to the New Deal legacy. Bernie’s focus on unfairness as opposed to freedom. The […]