Ep 246. Matt Taibbi

Matt Taibbi, an American author and journalist who covers politics and the economy, sits down with Jon Stewart on this episode of The Daily Show. The two discuss Taibbi's latest book, "The Divide: American Injustice in the Age of the Wealth Gap," which explores the growing wealth inequality in America and the ways in which it affects the criminal justice system.

Throughout the interview, Taibbi shares his research and personal experiences that informed his book. He discusses how wealthy individuals are often able to avoid prosecution for crimes that would send a lower-income person to jail, citing examples such as the 2008 financial crisis, in which the bankers responsible for the collapse were not held accountable.

Taibbi also delves into the ways in which the criminal justice system disproportionately targets and punishes low-income individuals. He notes that the system has become a "wealth extraction mechanism" in which poor individuals are forced to pay exorbitant fines and fees for minor offenses, leading to a cycle of debt and imprisonment.

Stewart and Taibbi explore the role that race plays in this inequality, with Taibbi arguing that poverty is often used as a proxy for race when it comes to policing and the justice system. He cites statistics showing that African Americans and Hispanics are targeted and punished at much higher rates than their white counterparts, despite similar levels of drug use and crime.

The conversation then turns to the political and economic factors that contribute to this inequality, including the influence of money in politics and the deregulation of Wall Street under the Clinton and Bush administrations. Taibbi argues that the "winner-take-all" mentality of the current economic system has led to a society in which the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

Despite the bleak picture painted by Taibbi's book, the conversation ends on a somewhat hopeful note. Taibbi notes that there is growing awareness of these issues and an increasing movement for change, particularly among young people who are becoming politically engaged. He suggests that it is possible to create a more just society, but it will require a sustained effort and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.

Overall, this episode of The Daily Show provides an insightful and thought-provoking conversation about wealth inequality and its impact on American society. Taibbi's extensive research and firsthand experience offer a unique perspective on a complex issue, and Stewart's skilled interviewing allows for a nuanced and engaging discussion.