Lina Khan's latest interview with Adam Friedland, comedian and top candidate for "Joe Rogan of the Left," showcased her remarkable ability to stay on message despite being bombarded with off-topic asides and attempts at humor. Khan, former Federal Trade Commission chair and rising star in progressive politics, emerged unscathed from the grueling Q&A session.
When Friedland asked if she was a popular girl in high school, Khan quipped that she was actually the editor of her school's newspaper. The levity didn't faze her as she quickly shifted back to discussing the perils of monopolies and corruption. Her candid assessment of history's repetition rings true: "Growing consolidation across the German economy had basically facilitated the rise of Nazism." Khan's emphasis on concentrated economic power and its correlation with concentrated political power is a crucial insight that has been lost in recent years.
Friedland attempted to test Khan's sense of humor, joking about Bari Weiss becoming the modern-day Joseph Goebbels. However, she remained resolute, refusing to engage with his provocations. Her composure was impressive, and it spoke volumes about her maturity as a public figure.
The interview revealed some valuable insights into Khan's work at the FTC and her vision for addressing corruption outside of the agency. She discussed her efforts to tackle high drug prices by exposing patent tricks used by pharmaceutical companies, which led to significant price drops on asthma inhalers. Her stance on healthcare as an industry that "fucks people the most" was stark and unapologetic.
Khan also drew a clear contrast between her approach to addressing corruption and the Trump administration's leniency. She emphasized the importance of enforcing laws without regard to political connections, saying, "We just had to look at 'Are you breaking the law or not?'"
When asked about potential methods for identifying corruption in the future, Khan showed no interest in Friedland's suggestion to show up to Burning Man and ask executives questions while they're under the influence. Her response was characteristically measured: "We didnโt have that good idea."
Throughout the interview, Khan spoke plainly about her views on America's current state, stating that people are realizing corporations are driving many of their problems by breaking laws. While she dismissed political office ambitions, she emphasized the need for a New Deal-style level of ambition to address corruption.
Khan's demeanor throughout the interview was remarkable, maintaining a professional tone despite Friedland's attempts to rattle her. Her responses were thoughtful and measured, showcasing her expertise on complex issues. As she deftly navigated the conversation, it became clear that Lina Khan is a force to be reckoned with in progressive politics, equipped with a sharp mind and an unwavering commitment to truth.
When Friedland asked if she was a popular girl in high school, Khan quipped that she was actually the editor of her school's newspaper. The levity didn't faze her as she quickly shifted back to discussing the perils of monopolies and corruption. Her candid assessment of history's repetition rings true: "Growing consolidation across the German economy had basically facilitated the rise of Nazism." Khan's emphasis on concentrated economic power and its correlation with concentrated political power is a crucial insight that has been lost in recent years.
Friedland attempted to test Khan's sense of humor, joking about Bari Weiss becoming the modern-day Joseph Goebbels. However, she remained resolute, refusing to engage with his provocations. Her composure was impressive, and it spoke volumes about her maturity as a public figure.
The interview revealed some valuable insights into Khan's work at the FTC and her vision for addressing corruption outside of the agency. She discussed her efforts to tackle high drug prices by exposing patent tricks used by pharmaceutical companies, which led to significant price drops on asthma inhalers. Her stance on healthcare as an industry that "fucks people the most" was stark and unapologetic.
Khan also drew a clear contrast between her approach to addressing corruption and the Trump administration's leniency. She emphasized the importance of enforcing laws without regard to political connections, saying, "We just had to look at 'Are you breaking the law or not?'"
When asked about potential methods for identifying corruption in the future, Khan showed no interest in Friedland's suggestion to show up to Burning Man and ask executives questions while they're under the influence. Her response was characteristically measured: "We didnโt have that good idea."
Throughout the interview, Khan spoke plainly about her views on America's current state, stating that people are realizing corporations are driving many of their problems by breaking laws. While she dismissed political office ambitions, she emphasized the need for a New Deal-style level of ambition to address corruption.
Khan's demeanor throughout the interview was remarkable, maintaining a professional tone despite Friedland's attempts to rattle her. Her responses were thoughtful and measured, showcasing her expertise on complex issues. As she deftly navigated the conversation, it became clear that Lina Khan is a force to be reckoned with in progressive politics, equipped with a sharp mind and an unwavering commitment to truth.