The $40 Trillion Price of Staying in Power

In this podcast:

-America’s national debt reaches $40 trillion, highlighting decades of spending supported by politicians from both parties.

-The show argues that Congress is not necessarily dysfunctional from politicians’ perspective: a system that rewards incumbents and reelection can be working exactly as intended.

-Congressional term limits are presented as a way to change the incentives that encourage politicians to prioritize reelection, special interests, and continued spending.

-Evidence from states suggests that term limits are associated with slower growth in government revenues and expenditures, while lobbying becomes less effective.

-The episode highlights several 2026 elections and political developments involving term limits, including Ralph Norman’s Senate runoff and President Trump’s renewed expression of support for congressional term limits.