Political Ideas and The Ideal Number of Children in a Family with Tim Carney

In this episode, we interview Tim Carney, a father, husband, and political reporter.

Summary:

In this episode, we sit down with Tim Carney, a political reporter, think tank fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and author based in Washington, D.C. Tim, a Catholic father of six, shares his unique perspective on raising a family in the nation's capital, challenging the stereotype of D.C. as a "moral wasteland." He discusses his latest book, Family Unfriendly: How Our Culture Made Raising Kids Much Harder Than It Needs to Be, and dives into topics like the declining U.S. birth rate, the importance of culture in politics, and practical ways to support families—from walkable neighborhoods to tax policies. Tim also reflects on the role of fatherhood, the need for cultural shifts, and why he believes having more kids (four or more!) can actually make life easier.

Key Topics:

• Life in D.C.: Tim debunks myths about Washington, D.C., highlighting its strong Catholic community, great schools, and notable figures like Justice Clarence Thomas attending Mass.
• Writing & Work: As a political commentator, Tim has authored books on lobbying and corporate welfare, but his recent focus is on family and community—arguing that babies and strong families are vital to society.
• Culture Matters: At AEI, Tim works in the new Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies department, emphasizing how marriage, kids, and human values shape politics and the economy—despite resistance from D.C.’s policy-focused elite.
• Low Birth Rates: Tim addresses America’s falling fertility rate (1.62 babies per woman) and the growing political awareness of this issue, citing figures like JD Vance pushing for a pro-family agenda.
• Policy Ideas: From local walkability for kids to federal child tax credits, Tim explores how government can support families without overreach, drawing examples from Hungary and France.
• Fatherhood: He advocates for culturally elevating fatherhood as distinct from motherhood, encouraging dads to prioritize family over work and set an example in their communities.
• Favorite Article: Tim shares the success of his Washington Post piece, “The Ideal Number of Children in a Family: Four at a Minimum,” which sparked debate and highlighted the benefits of larger families.

Quotable Moments:

• “Babies are a good thing. Life is good.”
• “If you want fecundity in the sheets, you need walkability in the streets.”
• “Childhood anxiety is mostly about kids growing up without unsupervised play. Parental stress is this false belief that you control them.”

Where to Find Tim:

• Book: Family Unfriendly – Available on Amazon or your local bookstore (if you convince them to stock it!).
• X: @TPCarney

Closing Thoughts:

Tim’s blend of humor, policy insight, and pro-family passion makes this a must-listen for anyone interested in culture, parenting, or the future of American society.