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Pelosi/Taiwan
Isn’t it possible that the democrats are playing 4D chess with China? I certainly think that Pelosi is visiting Taiwan more as a vanity project, but wouldn’t it behoove the United States (in a defense perspective) to have the Speaker visit Taiwan with the President’s express disapproval? The PRC would be far more dismayed if Biden visited Taiwan, but Pelosi showing US support while the Biden signals to China that he disapproves almost acts like a shield so the US can still act as a superior nation afraid of no man? And even if it isn’t a 4D chess game, can’t it be a happy accident because tensions likely won’t ratchet up if PRC sees Biden against the visit?
Labor participation and the economy
I've been interested for a while about the gulph between economic metrics such as low unemployment and low public confidence in the economy. Even before inflation became a central issue, Americans reported low confidence despite the unemployment rate returning to pre-pandemic levels, which were at a historic low. The Labor Force Participation Rate is a less sexy metric, but seeing that this number is much further from recovering to pre-pandemic levels, perhaps this can help explain low confidence among Americans in the economy. Do you have any thoughts as to why these two metrics seem to be tracking a different trend? How can this help us better understand what's going on in our nation's economy?
How To Ask Good Questions?
Dear Marshall and Saagar, Hope ya’ll are well. I have been deeply educated and have gathered great benefits from listening to your work since the inception of the podcast. I thank you both for you work - across all your medians - and the service you two provide. Marshall, following you on the Realignment and Counterbalance, I admire and never cease to be impressed by your question asking. I am guilty of giving a fist pump every time the guest says something along the line of “that’s a great question”, “I’ve never thought of it like that”, or “I am really glad you asked that”, etc. Thus, my question for you is: what is your process for conjuring up questions? I imagine that a lot of it has to do with your skill of active listening, but can you share or provide any tricks or tips that have helped you become a better interviewer/host? Best, Travis R P.S. Saagar I’ve noticed from your instagram that your girl friend is from the philadelphia area. I was born and raised in the area as well. How do you like our community? If you ever need food recommendations I used to be a chef if the city and know all the good spots.
Interview with Scott Ritter
I was wondering if you would reach out to Scott Ritter for an interview? He's a former US Marine intelligence officer and a UN weapons inspector who served in the Soviet Union implementing the INF Treaty and in Iraq where he tried (unsuccessfully) to warn the world that the Iraqis had no WMDs. I've listened to him on several other podcasts and found him to be a fascinating speaker who has a lot to say about the realignments that will occur throughout the world as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Whether you agree with his analysis or not, he definitely has a lot of relevant background and makes a strong case for his opinions. He has a new book that comes out in September ("Disarmament in the Time of Perestroika: Arms Control and the End of the Soviet Union"), so the timing would be great. He can be found on Telegram at t.me/ScottRitter.