Abdul El-Sayed joins Ezra Klein for a conversation about his upbringing, health care reform, foreign policy, and the political choices facing the Democratic Party.
His four closing recommendations address the Vietnam War, the relationship between media and public life, the costs of racism, and Malcolm X’s life. The books below come from the episode’s published recommendation section.
Guest: Abdul El-Sayed
Episode: What Does Abdul El-Sayed Believe?
Released: September 25, 2026
Abdul’s four picks
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The Best and the Brightest
Halberstam examines the policymakers and assumptions that helped draw the United States deeper into the Vietnam War. It is a study of elite confidence, institutional power, and disastrous judgment.
Amusing Ourselves to Death
Neil Postman argues that television’s demands transform politics, journalism, education, and public debate. His critique asks what happens when entertainment becomes the governing form of public communication.
The Sum of Us
Heather McGhee explores how racism imposes costs across American society. Through reporting and analysis, she examines the damage of zero-sum thinking and the possibilities created by shared investment.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
Malcolm X recounts his life and evolving political and religious convictions with Alex Haley. The autobiography traces transformations in identity, belief, and the struggle for Black freedom.
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.