Published Feb 16, 2021

What ‘Drained-Pool’ Politics Costs America

Ezra Klein discusses with Heather McGhee the enduring impact of 'drained-pool' politics on American society, exploring the historical roots of racial exclusion and its persistent economic and social costs, while advocating for systemic change and collective progress to overcome divisive narratives.

Episode Highlights

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Episode Highlights

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Dexa/Ezra Klien

What ‘Drained-Pool’ Politics Costs America

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Racialization of Higher Education

Racial Politics Unpacked

White Perceptions, Betrayal

Racial Economic Divides

The Mortgage Market

Race in America

Racialized Policies

Zero Sum Fairness

Racial Narratives

Thanksgiving Recipe Chat

Democracy's Fragile History

Racial Narratives

Racial Wealth Gap

Drained Public Pool

TV Show Reflections

Episode Highlights

Drained-Pool Politics

Truth and Reconciliation

Racial Politics Dynamics

Economic Cost of Racism

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What Keeping American Democracy Alive Looks Like

Are Democrats Whistling Past the Graveyard?

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There’s Been a Massive Change in Where American Policy Gets Made

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What ‘Drained-Pool’ Politics Costs America

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Drained-Pool PoliticsHeather McGhee explores the enduring impact of "drained-pool" politics, where racial exclusion in public amenities reflects broader societal issues. She connects historical segregation to modern policy challenges, emphasizing the cost of zero-sum thinking on American society.

Drained-Pool Politics

Truth and Reconciliation

Racial Politics DynamicsHeather McGhee examines the psychological and narrative foundations of racial attitudes in America, revealing how these stories shape political and social landscapes. She highlights the enduring impact of "drained-pool politics" on democracy and collective progress.

Racial Politics Dynamics

Economic Cost of Racism

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