Share
Checks and Balance from The Economist
Checks and Balance: What is the fight over CRT really about?
•
The final episode in our three-part special series investigating the battle over what is taught in America’s public schools and asking how the anti-CRT movement became such a powerful social, legislative and political force in its own right. Although there is plenty of anecdotal evidence of teachers getting it wrong, there is little sign so far that CRT is causing widespread harm. What then explains the frenzy?
The Economist’s Tamara Gilkes Borr speaks to a teacher in Tennessee who lost his job after getting caught up in the debate. She visits a seemingly unconnected hearing in the Arizona legislature and unearths something surprising. And she goes back to Christopher Rufo, one of the leaders of the anti-CRT movement, to find out what the connection is between his campaign and the push to increase school choice in America. Does the anti-CRT movement have a bigger target?
You can listen to the rest of this special series in full via the Checks and Balance homepage and sign up to our weekly newsletter. For full access to print, digital and audio editions, as well as exclusive live events, subscribe to The Economist at economist.com/uspod.
Audio of labour-activist Dolores Huerta from “Outlawing Dolores Huerta: The Tucson Diaries” by NonProfit News
More episodes
View all episodes
Tariff tiff: How Trump’s policies change other countries’ politics
48:46|This week, Donald Trump slapped tariffs on almost all of America’s trading partners. It was the latest in a series of moves that upended business as usual for American foreign policy. Liberal leaders seem to be benefiting politically from the chaos. Leaders on the right are having a tougher time. How much has Trump affected the domestic politics of other countries? And how much more could he do?John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by The Economist’s Corbin Duncan and Ayse Zarakol of Cambridge University. Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
Moving fast and breaking things: Elon Musk takes on Washington
49:29|Over the past two months, Elon Musk’s DOGE has ripped through the federal government. It has scrapped agencies and tried to slash the workforce. It has now turned its attention to hoovering up government data. Is all of this necessary to remake America’s federal government? Or is Musk at risk of breaking it?John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by The Economist’s Daniel Knowles and Mihir Desai of Harvard Business School. Runtime: 49 minTranscripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
Moscow rule: The Russia-MAGA relationship
45:51|America and Russia seem closer than ever. It goes further than Putin and Trump’s lengthy phone call this week. Russian thinkers are spreading their anti-liberal ideas abroad. MAGA men are a receptive audience. Just how much do MAGA and Russian political thinkers have in common? And what does this mean for the future of both countries? John Prideaux hosts with Idrees Kahloon and Adam O’Neal. They’re joined by The Economist’s Ed Carr and Arkady Ostrovsky. Runtime: 46 minTranscripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
Hot mic: How podcasts are changing politics
46:03|Podcast hosts are having a moment. They’re clinching interviews with powerful Americans. They’re filling roles in the Trump administration. Politicians are trying to join their ranks. The fact that trust in traditional media is at a low only bolsters their influence. How does America’s love of podcasts affect the country’s politics? And will it last? John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by Fox News host Brian Kilmeade and The Economist’s James Bennet. Runtime: 46 minTranscripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
Dems the breaks: The Democratic Party
49:41|Democrats are having an identity crisis. The party is leaderless. Their messaging is in shambles. Meanwhile, Trump is undoing everything they claim to care about. How long will it take the Democratic Party to turn it around? And what should be its answer to MAGA?John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by US Rep Jake Auchincloss and Matt Bennett of Third Way. Runtime: 49 minTranscripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
Putin on the Ritz: Trump and Europe
48:57|On the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, American-European relations are hanging on by a thread. Donald Trump seems willing to make major concessions to end the war in Ukraine. European leaders are preparing for a post-NATO world. What really are Trump’s plans for Ukraine and the rest of Europe? And how will America’s allies on the other side of the Atlantic respond?John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by Kori Schake of the American Enterprise Institute, and The Economist’s David Rennie. Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
Reign the swamp: Trump’s power grab
49:42|Donald Trump is reshaping the American presidency. He has issued more than 70 executive orders, seeking more control over spending and the civil service. How is Mr Trump trying to extend the presidency’s power—and will the courts and Congress stop him?Charlotte Howard hosts with Idrees Kahloon and Adam O’Neal. They’re joined by Steve Vladeck, of Georgetown Law, and Saikrishna Prakash, of the University of Virginia School of Law.Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcastsListen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
States fights: Federalism under the Trump administration
46:44|States fights: Federalism under the Trump administrationDonald Trump has signed tens of executive orders, many of them telling America’s cities and states what to do. But on hot button issues like immigration, local governments are taking matters into their own hands. Will states stymie the president’s agenda? Or will they supercharge it?John Prideaux hosts with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon. They’re joined by The Economist’s Aryn Braun and Rebecca Jackson.Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.
Bathtub brawl: Trump v the civil service
49:51|Donald Trump is going to war with his employees, assisted by Elon Musk and DOGE. How far can the president go? And who may slow him down?John Prideaux hosts with Idrees Kahloon and Adam O’Neal. They’re joined by Eloise Pasachoff of Georgetown University Law School and The Economist’s Daniel Knowles.Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+ For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.