Why hasn’t student debt been canceled?

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

Sign up for The Weeds newsletter each Friday: vox.com/weedsletter Want to support The Weeds? Please consider making a donation to Vox: bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices