Episode 26 – American Compass and the New Conservatives

American Compass is, at 5 years, a relatively young think tank, but it has already become well-known for mapping an alternative to right-wing economic orthodoxy. Its founder, Oren Cass, has tirelessly explained the reason why American Compass believes the US economy – and, above all, US workers, will benefit from an overall tariff of 10 percent and why the initial pains will be rewarded with substantial gains. Vice President JD Vance has embraced the course of American Compass, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has contributed to its publications and events, and Senator Josh Hawley (Missouri) is among its many supporters. What do these New Conservatives, as the title of their new book goes, want? What is their vision beyond economic protectionism? We are tackling these questions with American Compass policy director, Chris Griswold. Before joining the think tank, he was a senior advisor in the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship and Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Representative Tom MacArthur (New Jersey). Before working on Capitol Hill, Griswold helped launch and run a nationwide youth development nonprofit in South Africa. He is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Wheaton College.LinksRerum Novarum: Rerum Novarum (May 15, 1891) | LEO XIII"In God They Trust: Understanding the Catholic Moment in American Politics" by Claudia Brühwiler