Explain It to Me

Why hasn’t student debt been canceled?

Listen Later

Dylan and Dara are joined by Vox’s Libby Nelson to talk about the policy merits and political implications of plans to cancel some or all student loans. They also discuss whether President Joe Biden has the power to cancel student debt unilaterally. And, Vox’s Jerusalem Demsas joins Dylan and Dara for a white paper about prisoners of war and genetics. 

References:

  • Brookings Institution’s Andre Perry on why student loan forgiveness isn't regressive
  • How canceling student debt helps beneficiaries get out of other debt
  • The racial justice case for student loan cancellation
  • Luke Herrine arguing that the Department of Education can erase debt unilaterally
  • Is there a secret memo saying Biden can erase the debt?
  • David Leonhardt’s case against debt cancellation
  • White Paper of the Week: “Health Shocks of the Father and Longevity of the Children's Children”


    • Hosts:

    • Dylan Matthews (@dylanmatt), senior correspondent, Vox
    • Jerusalem Demsas (@jerusalemdemsas), policy reporter, Vox
    • Dara Lind (@dlind), immigration reporter
    • Libby Nelson (@libbyanelson) policy editor, Vox


      • Credits:

      • Sofi LaLonde, producer and engineer
      • Libby Nelson, editorial adviser
      • Amber Hall, deputy editorial director of talk podcasts


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