China Is Winning. How Can the U.S. Catch Up?

From Solutions with Henry Blodget by Vox Media Podcast Network

February 23, 2026 · 48 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the U.S.'s economic competition with China and features guest Steven Rattner's insights on potential solutions.

The U.S. is falling behind in its economic competition with China. One potential solution? An expansion of executive power. That’s according to investor and contributing New York Times columnist Steven Rattner. Rattner served as counselor to the Treasury secretary in the Obama administration; he was known as President Obama’s “car czar,” for leading the team that saved the auto industry in the wake of the financial crisis. Today, we discuss why Rattner’s recent trip to China convinced him the U.S. is not winning, and his practical ideas for how we can turn things around — and fast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Henry Blodget

Guest: Steven Rattner

Topics covered

economic competition
China
U.S. economy
executive power
business strategy

Keywords

China
U.S. economy
executive power
Steven Rattner
economic competition
business strategy
Obama administration

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: New York Times, Obama administration, Vox Media Podcast Network

Places: China, U.S.