Nate Silver joins Ezra Klein to discuss the 2026 midterm elections, what the polls suggest, and how much confidence to place in election forecasts.
His reading list ranges from American economic history to personal agency and high-stakes poker. These are the three books explicitly recommended in the episode’s published show notes.
Guest: Nate Silver
Episode: Nate Silver Predicts a ‘Momentous’ Midterm
Released: October 27, 2026
Nate’s three picks
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The Rise and Fall of American Growth
The U.S. Standard of Living Since the Civil War
Robert J. Gordon traces the inventions that transformed American life after the Civil War, from electricity and plumbing to cars and air travel. He argues that this extraordinary period of growth is unlikely to repeat and examines the pressures facing future living standards.
You Can Just Do Things
How High-Agency People Get What They Want Out of Life
Drawing on an unconventional career spanning law, professional poker, and biotechnology, Cate Hall explores how people take initiative and pursue ambitious goals. Written with Sasha Chapin, the book offers ways to act despite uncertainty, learn from setbacks, and create opportunities.
The Biggest Game in Town
Al Alvarez reports from Las Vegas during the 1981 World Series of Poker, following the players who made their living at the highest stakes. His account combines a portrait of the tournament with an examination of gambling, skill, and the personalities drawn to the game.
An independent reading guide. Not affiliated with The Ezra Klein Show or The New York Times. Recommendations are sourced from the episode’s published show notes.