So this is true . . . since Trump isn't going to be there, they've invited Woodward and Bernstein to be the guests of honor.

Yeah, it was ridiculous when he submitted the Depression-era version of Glass-Steagal to the Senate word-for-word. It was a perfect example of grandstanding instead of policy. I mean, even liberal economists admit that Glass-Steagal being in effect would probably have actually made the 2008 financial crisis even…

Yeah, like I said, it wasn't exactly a rare thing in the 90s. I think that there's definitely a reason why we no longer consider that type of rhetoric acceptable today, and frankly to suggest that Clinton isn't aware of that factor would be an insult to her intelligence. She's clearly an extremely smart individual. …

Yeah, it falls into a weird category where both the protagonists and antagonists are all scientists.

I really like Airframe. The idea of studied competence beating hysteria really appealed to me. It almost had a Parks and Rec vibe to it. Ironically, he almost contradicts that theme in some of his other later works.

I would be a little more critical of Clinton's comments on 'superpredators'. I think that there was an implication there that goes beyond 'some teenagers who exhibited extreme violent and antisocial behaviors'. I realize that she never said anything along those lines, but her choice of words was evocative in a way…

Honestly, I kind of admire Sanders for this. One of my larger concerns is that he would endorse a primary candidate in one of those races. The fact that he's signalling he wouldn't is a really good sign in my eyes.

The idea that advertisers target younger consumers because they spend more isn't entirely accurate though.

Yeah. Having been in social science research, I've learned through experience that people in Sander's vein haven't necessarily been very receptive to our input. The problem is usually that their entire ideology is predicated on the assumption that a) every structure of society is biased against them and b) they're…

Yeah, I'd totally buy a primary in a place like Massachusetts or California if there was a particularly moderate candidate. But you're not going to get any better than Manchin or Heidtkamp in either of those states. Primaries are just going to eat away at our majority.

Yeah, I know. Usually I'm actually really good at staying patient in those types of situations. But I'll admit I lost my cool. I guess that just goes to show how ridiculous I thought the whole thing was.

Yeah, I have my disagreements with Sanders, but I wouldn't call him the Trump of the left. He's got his own whole set of issues, but I feel like comparing him to Trump is a little bit hyperbolic.

could you guys maybe not choose to bitterly divide yourself over two losing candidates?

Yeah, it was a perfect storm of several factors. I have to imagine that if Comey were less partisan, then she would have won. But also a stronger candidate would have been more resilient to a last minute surprise like that.

Yeah, there are some Ron Paul libertarians who I just stare agape at. I distinctly remember going to a party and getting into an argument with someone over bitcoin. Don't take me wrong, bitcoin has all sorts of cool applications, but he just saw it as a way to get rid of the Fed. Anyway, I pointed out all the…

Well, let's just put it this way. If it were ever going to happen, the cards couldn't possibly be dealt to us better than they are now. But I know a lot of people who are practically expecting us to take back the House, and I think we need to temper expectations. But if it helps keep you motivated and involved, I…

Yeah, that's the hope. But we're still talking between a ten to fifteen percent bump across the board. That's practically unthinkable in modern electoral politics. But if it were to happen, the House would become an absolute bloodbath. We're talking above 50 seats here.

That and the fact he doesn't really understand most of the issues he's progressive about. For example, I support breaking up several of the major banks, but as someone with a basic understanding of monetary economics, I find myself cringing whenever I hear him talk. I mean, seriously, he once was complaining about…

Yeah, if we want to hold people accountable when they actually have legitimate accusations, then we need to watch this kind of bs.

Yeah. I figure that when you're trying to understand Donald Trump, eventually you're gonna hit a point of diminishing returns.