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5 October 2024

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Bloggingheads.tv videos — September 2013

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Sep 26, 2013 — Robert Farley & Laura Seay
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Foreign Entanglements
On Foreign Entanglements, Rob speaks with Laura about the recent attack on Nairobi’s Westgate Mall. Laura frames the attack within the larger context of Somalia-Kenya relations, including America’s role in supporting operations targeting Al Shabab. Was this attack a sign of desperation? Rob notes the professional character of the attack. Do Kenyans support their military’s activities in Somalia? Rob and Laura discuss the role of the International Criminal Court in African politics in the context of Kenya’s own ICC experience. Finally, Laura notes that Kenya’s response to the attack demonstrated signs of progress for the nation.
Sep 25, 2013 — Bill Scher & Matt K. Lewis
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The DMZ
On The DMZ, Bill and Matt discuss the intra-conservative battle over Ted Cruz’s attempt to defund Obamacare. Matt says the conservative rank and file is being manipulated and misled. Is a government shutdown imminent? Matt argues that the GOP is stuck with a message that appeals to its base, but not to the media or the larger public. Bill explains how John Boehner could make an unorthodox play for greatness. Turning to foreign policy, Bill touts the importance of Obama’s address to the UN. Has the president pursued a consistent foreign policy vision? Plus: Why “taking the fight to Obama” may be a poor political strategy for Republicans.
Sep 24, 2013 — Kevin Glass & Stephen Slivinski
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Rational Actors
On Rational Actors, Kevin and Stephen consider whether economics is a science. Stephen outlines the disagreements between behavioral economists and experimental economists. Is the “rational actor” theory alive and well? Stephen makes the case for government gridlock, and Kevin wonders whether the current gridlock is exactly what the American people want.
Sep 23, 2013 — Glenn Loury & Harold Pollack
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The Glenn Show
On The Glenn Show, Glenn and Harold discuss the growing field of behavioral economics. Harold argues that 401(k) plans show both the benefits and the limits of benign paternalism. What about people too poor to have a 401(k)? Glenn and Harold consider how behavioral economists are studying the developing world. They close by discussing Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir’s new book Scarcity, which explores why poor people make self-limiting decisions.
Sep 22, 2013 — Glenn Loury & Ann Althouse
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The Glenn Show
On The Glenn Show, Glenn and Ann check in on Obama a year into his second term. Has his vacillation on Syria and the Fed hurt his credibility? Ann argues that the Larry Summers controversy exposed an anti-science crowd on the left—but maybe a small dose of delusion is healthy. Turning to the end of NYC’s stop-and-frisk program, Ann worries that emotions adulterated the public debate. Are liberal gun-control measures breeding a nation of victims? Finally, Glenn criticizes the secrecy of the security state under Obama.
Sep 20, 2013 — Sarah Posner & Anthea Butler
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The Posner Show
On The Posner Show, Anthea explains why she thinks Pope Francis is a great diplomat. She and Sarah discuss the growing doctrinal gulf between the Vatican and many bishops. Anthea predicts that the church would permit non-celibate priests before it would ordain women. Why does Jon Stewart love the Pope, but American bishops don’t seem to be showing the love?

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