The Economic Theory Behind J.D. Vance’s Populism
Digest
Ezra Klein interviews Orrin Cass, a Republican policy expert who has shifted his views on economic policy since the 2012 Romney campaign. Cass now argues for a pro-worker, pro-union economic agenda that prioritizes American manufacturing and a more stable, family-oriented society. He criticizes the Republican Party for being an anti-worker party and for neglecting the needs of working-class Americans. Cass believes that the Republican Party should focus on policies that make it possible for people to raise a family on one income, such as tariffs and sectoral bargaining. He argues that these policies would help to create a more stable and prosperous society. Klein and Cass discuss the trade-offs of these policies, including the potential for higher prices. Cass argues that the benefits of these policies outweigh the costs, and that they are necessary to address the economic challenges facing the United States. Klein and Cass also discuss the political implications of these policies, and the potential for a new Republican coalition that is more focused on working-class voters. Cass believes that there is a generational shift happening in the Republican Party, and that younger Republicans are more open to these ideas. He also argues that the Democratic Party has become too focused on the interests of a narrow, highly educated, high-income set of voters, and that this has created an opportunity for a new Republican coalition.
Outlines
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the episode and the guest, Orrin Cass, a Republican policy expert who has shifted his views on economic policy since the 2012 Romney campaign.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Vance Pick and the Emergent Faction
This Chapter discusses the implications of Donald Trump's choice of JD Vance as his vice presidential running mate. Cass argues that Vance represents a new, more populist faction within the Republican Party that is focused on economic issues and working-class voters.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Shift in Republican Economic Thinking
This Chapter explores the evolution of Republican economic thinking since the 2012 Romney campaign. Cass argues that the Republican Party has moved away from a focus on GDP growth and towards a more holistic view of economic policy that prioritizes human flourishing and strong, stable communities.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Tariffs and Reshoring
This Chapter delves into the debate over tariffs and the potential for reshoring manufacturing to the United States. Cass argues that tariffs are necessary to protect American jobs and innovation, and that they can be a powerful tool for reshoring manufacturing. Klein challenges Cass's views on tariffs, arguing that they can lead to higher prices and hurt American consumers.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Republican Focus on Family and Community
This Chapter examines the Republican Party's focus on family and community, and the potential for a new Republican coalition that is more focused on working-class voters. Cass argues that the Republican Party should focus on policies that make it possible for people to raise a family on one income, such as tariffs and sectoral bargaining.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Factional Cleavages and the Future of Republican Economic Policy
This Chapter explores the factional cleavages within the Republican Party, and the potential for a new Republican coalition that is more focused on working-class voters. Cass argues that there is a generational shift happening in the Republican Party, and that younger Republicans are more open to these ideas.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Democratic Coalition and the Opportunity for a New Republican Coalition
This Chapter discusses the Democratic Party's economic policies and the potential for a new Republican coalition that is more focused on working-class voters. Cass argues that the Democratic Party has become too focused on the interests of a narrow, highly educated, high-income set of voters, and that this has created an opportunity for a new Republican coalition.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Fiscal Policy and the Potential for Bipartisan Agreement
This Chapter examines the challenges of fiscal policy and the potential for bipartisan agreement on spending cuts and tax increases. Cass argues that there is a growing consensus among Republicans that spending needs to be reduced, and that there is an opportunity for bipartisan agreement on this issue.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Politics of Prices and the Need for Honest Trade-offs
This Chapter concludes the episode with a discussion of the politics of prices and the need for honest trade-offs in economic policy. Cass argues that there is an opportunity for a new kind of populism that is honest about the trade-offs of economic policy and that is willing to ask people to pay a price for a better future.
Keywords
Orrin Cass
Orrin Cass is a Republican policy expert who has shifted his views on economic policy since the 2012 Romney campaign. He is the founder of American Compass, a think tank that advocates for a pro-worker, pro-union economic agenda. Cass has been a vocal critic of the Republican Party's embrace of free trade and globalization, arguing that these policies have hurt American workers and communities. He believes that the Republican Party should focus on policies that make it possible for people to raise a family on one income, such as tariffs and sectoral bargaining.
JD Vance
JD Vance is an American author, venture capitalist, and politician. He is the author of the bestselling book "Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis." Vance was elected to the United States Senate in 2022, representing Ohio. He is a member of the Republican Party and is considered to be part of the party's populist wing. Vance has been a vocal critic of the Republican Party's embrace of free trade and globalization, arguing that these policies have hurt American workers and communities. He believes that the Republican Party should focus on policies that make it possible for people to raise a family on one income, such as tariffs and sectoral bargaining.
American Compass
American Compass is a think tank founded by Orrin Cass that advocates for a pro-worker, pro-union economic agenda. The think tank is critical of the Republican Party's embrace of free trade and globalization, arguing that these policies have hurt American workers and communities. American Compass believes that the Republican Party should focus on policies that make it possible for people to raise a family on one income, such as tariffs and sectoral bargaining.
Sectoral Bargaining
Sectoral bargaining is a form of collective bargaining in which workers in a particular industry or sector negotiate with employers as a group. This is in contrast to traditional collective bargaining, which is typically done at the company level. Sectoral bargaining is often seen as a way to give workers more power in negotiations with employers, as it allows them to bargain as a group rather than as individuals. It is also seen as a way to promote fairness and equity in the workplace, as it can help to ensure that all workers in a particular industry are paid a fair wage and have access to the same benefits.
Populism
Populism is a political ideology that emphasizes the common person and their interests, often in opposition to the elite. Populist movements often arise in times of economic or social upheaval, and they typically appeal to voters who feel that they have been ignored or marginalized by the political establishment. Populist leaders often use rhetoric that is simple and direct, and they often appeal to emotions rather than reason. Populist movements can be found on both the left and the right of the political spectrum.
Trade Deficit
A trade deficit occurs when a country imports more goods and services than it exports. This can lead to a decline in the value of a country's currency, as well as a loss of jobs in the manufacturing sector. Trade deficits can be caused by a number of factors, including a country's economic policies, its level of economic development, and its trade relationships with other countries.
Reshoring
Reshoring is the process of bringing manufacturing back to a country from overseas. This can be done through a variety of means, including tariffs, subsidies, and tax breaks. Reshoring is often seen as a way to create jobs and boost economic growth. However, it can also lead to higher prices for consumers.
Inflation Reduction Act
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is a United States federal law that aims to reduce inflation, lower healthcare costs, and combat climate change. The law includes provisions to lower the cost of prescription drugs, extend subsidies for health insurance, and invest in renewable energy. The law is funded by a combination of tax increases and spending cuts.
Fiscal Policy
Fiscal policy is the use of government spending and taxation to influence the economy. Fiscal policy can be used to stimulate economic growth, reduce unemployment, or control inflation. Fiscal policy is often used in conjunction with monetary policy, which is the use of interest rates and other tools to influence the money supply.
Debt
Debt is a financial obligation that one party owes to another. Debt can be incurred by individuals, businesses, or governments. Debt can be used to finance investments, purchase goods and services, or cover expenses. However, debt can also lead to financial problems if it is not managed properly.
Q&A
What are the key arguments that Orrin Cass makes for a pro-worker, pro-union economic agenda?
Cass argues that the Republican Party should focus on policies that make it possible for people to raise a family on one income, such as tariffs and sectoral bargaining. He believes that these policies would help to create a more stable and prosperous society. He also criticizes the Republican Party for being an anti-worker party and for neglecting the needs of working-class Americans.
How does Orrin Cass view the trade-offs of policies like tariffs and sectoral bargaining?
Cass acknowledges that these policies can lead to higher prices, but he argues that the benefits of these policies outweigh the costs. He believes that these policies are necessary to address the economic challenges facing the United States.
What are the political implications of the shift in Republican economic thinking that Orrin Cass describes?
Cass believes that there is a generational shift happening in the Republican Party, and that younger Republicans are more open to these ideas. He also argues that the Democratic Party has become too focused on the interests of a narrow, highly educated, high-income set of voters, and that this has created an opportunity for a new Republican coalition.
What are the challenges of fiscal policy and the potential for bipartisan agreement on spending cuts and tax increases?
Cass argues that there is a growing consensus among Republicans that spending needs to be reduced, and that there is an opportunity for bipartisan agreement on this issue. However, he also acknowledges that Democrats are wary of entering into budget negotiations with Republicans, given their past experiences with broken promises and gridlock.
How does Orrin Cass view the politics of prices and the need for honest trade-offs in economic policy?
Cass believes that there is an opportunity for a new kind of populism that is honest about the trade-offs of economic policy and that is willing to ask people to pay a price for a better future. He argues that voters are willing to accept higher prices if they understand that they are getting something in return, such as a more stable and prosperous society.
Show Notes
When Donald Trump on Monday chose Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate it excited populists — and unnerved some business elites. Later that evening, the president of the Teamsters, Sean O’Brien, gave a prime-time speech at the Republican National Convention. “Over the last 40 years, the Republican Party has rarely pursued strong relationships with organized labor,” O’Brien said. “There are some in the party who stand in active opposition to labor unions — this too must change,” he added, to huge applause.
There’s something happening here — a real shift in the Republican Party. But at the same time, its official platform, and the conservative policy document Project 2025, is littered with the usual proposals for tax cuts, deregulation and corporate giveaways. So is this ideological battle substantive or superficial?
Oren Cass served as Mitt Romney’s domestic policy director in the 2012 presidential race. But since then, Cass has had an evolution; he founded the conservative economic think tank American Compass, which has been associated with J.D. Vance and other populist-leaning Republicans, like Josh Hawley, Marco Rubio and Tom Cotton. In this conversation, we discuss what economic populism means to him, what it looks like in policy, and how powerful this faction really is in the Republican Party.
Mentioned:
“The Electric Slide” by Oren Cass
“This Is What Elite Failure Looks Like” by Oren Cass
“Budget Model: First Edition” by American Compass
Book Recommendations:
The Path to Power by Robert Caro
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
The Green Ember by S.D. Smith
Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com.
You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast. Book recommendations from all our guests are listed at https://www.nytimes.com/article/ezra-klein-show-book-recs.
This episode of “The Ezra Klein Show” was produced by Annie Galvin. Fact-checking by Michelle Harris with Kate Sinclair and Mary Marge Locker. Our senior engineer is Jeff Geld with additional mixing by Aman Sahota and Isaac Jones. Our senior editor is Claire Gordon. The show’s production team also includes Rollin Hu, Elias Isquith and Kristin Lin. Original music by Isaac Jones. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The executive producer of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie Rose Strasser. Special thanks to Sonia Herrero.
I know exactly why they're are chearing for unions ... it's because a small sneaky group of pro union folks like me got inside of their heads ( we pretended to be pro trump) ... and it worked 😉
"good lord what a week in politics" 😃🤣🤣... most of us were busy working Mr Klein 😃
For all it's bonhomie, this discussion did nothing to build any real bridges between Rs and Ds