Abundance, darling agenda of centrist Democrats, comes home to San Francisco

Michael Pollan recently moderated a discussion with Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson about their book "Abundance," which critiques bureaucracy and advocates for a more efficient government. Pollan noted that the book's relevance has significantly diminished due to President Trump's disruptive actions in Washington, which have effectively torched many of the reforms the book calls for. He described his experience of reading it post-Trump as inducing "cognitive dissonance," particularly regarding the challenges posed to federal grant processes. In response, Klein and Thompson clarified that "Abundance" is not just a policy framework; it serves as a political manifesto aimed at transforming the Democratic Party amid rising authoritarianism. They argued that the urgency of their themes has increased, as Trump serves as a "tragic dark foil" to their ideas, promoting a scarcity mindset that exacerbates societal divides.

They believe the Democratic Party needs to become a popular and effective opposition, emphasizing deregulation to tackle rising costs of living. The authors highlighted the book's growing reception and interest within the political system, underlining the critical need for liberal democracy to deliver results. Ultimately, they conveyed a sense of urgency in ensuring that liberal democracy remains intact.