Interesting Times: Why Older Americans Are 'Hoarding the Future'

What if America’s biggest political bottleneck isn’t ideology, but an aging power structure that won’t step aside? In this condensed recap of Ross Douthat’s conversation with Yale law professor Samuel Moyn, the full episode is streamlined into a quick listen that distills the key ideas on gerontocracy, economic inequality, and intergenerational conflict. Moyn argues that older Americans have accumulated wealth and authority while younger generations face rising housing, healthcare, education, and utility costs, leaving renewal stalled across politics and public life. Ross Douthat and Moyn also examine how incumbency, the cult of longevity, climate change, leadership succession, and debates over assisted suicide shape the future of American democracy. The conversation moves beyond generational blame to focus on intergenerational solidarity, policy reform, and what a humane society should owe people as they age. Listen now to get the key ideas in minutes.