© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
DONATE
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

PBS News Hour

Author Joel Stein on defending the ‘intellectual elite’

Season 2019 Episode 351 | 6m 36s

The word “elite” has a negative connotation today, often unleashed as a political attack. But author Joel Stein has a different perspective on the word’s meaning, and he spoke with Americans across the country in order to define it. Stein joins Amna Nawaz to discuss his new book “In Defense of Elitism,” and what inspired him to write it.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
Watch • 7:51
PBS News Hour
Trump sets new tariffs, covering nearly all U.S. imports
Trump sets new tariffs on trading partners, covering nearly all U.S. imports
Clip: S2026 E152 | 7:51
Watch • 6:46
PBS News Hour
Aid worker describes crisis in Venezuela after earthquakes
Aid worker describes crisis in Venezuela, one month after devastating earthquakes
Clip: S2026 E152 | 6:46
Watch • 3:27
PBS News Hour
Jason Epperson on the history found at national parks
Jason Epperson on the history found at national parks
Clip: S2026 E152 | 3:27
Watch • 10:13
PBS News Hour
Brooks and Marcus on Iran becoming a 'forever war'
Brooks and Marcus on the Iran conflict becoming a 'forever war'
Clip: S2026 E152 | 10:13
Watch • 6:48
PBS News Hour
News Wrap: CDC reports more measles cases so far this year
News Wrap: CDC reports more measles cases so far this year than in all of 2025
Clip: S2026 E152 | 6:48
Watch • 8:33
PBS News Hour
How volunteers with 3D printers make weapons for Ukraine
How volunteers with 3D printers make weapons for Ukraine
Clip: S2026 E152 | 8:33
Watch • 8:18
PBS News Hour
Eye prosthetics become canvases for self-expression
Ocular artistry: Eye prosthetics become canvases for self-expression
Clip: S2026 E152 | 8:18
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
July 24, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
July 24, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: S2026 E152 | 57:46
Watch • 6:08
PBS News Hour
Trump reluctant to pressure China after election claim
Trump reluctant to pressure China after claiming election interference
Clip: S2026 E151 | 6:08
Watch • 3:15
PBS News Hour
Trump vows major punishment after Houthi attacks in Red Sea
Trump threatens 'major military punishment' after Houthi attacks on tankers in Red Sea
Clip: S2026 E151 | 3:15