Scott Lincicome, an economist and Vice President of General Economics at the Cato Institute, joins to tackle the complexities of economic policies under Trump and Harris. He critiques how economic news is reported, highlighting common misconceptions. The rise of economic populism is dissected, revealing its influence on policies and voter sentiments. They also examine proposals like eliminating taxes on tips and assess the financial burden of tariffs on consumers. Additionally, Lincicome discusses the intricate role of executive power in shaping immigration and economic policy.
The implementation of tariffs leads to significant price increases for both imported and domestic goods, adversely affecting American consumers.
Misunderstandings in economic reporting contribute to public misconceptions, particularly regarding trade policies and the complexities of price controls.
Deep dives
Impact of Tariffs on Prices
Implementing tariffs on imports results in increased prices not only for the imported goods but also for domestic products. Historical examples, such as steel tariffs, illustrate that the overall market prices rise, impacting consumers significantly. Contrary to popular belief that foreign exporters bear the cost, the burden falls predominantly on American consumers and companies, leading to an estimated annual increase of up to $4,000 per household depending on the tariff rate. These tariffs have broader implications, including international retaliation from other countries, further complicating the economic landscape for American exporters.
Misconceptions in Economic Reporting
A significant issue in economic journalism is the lack of foundational knowledge among reporters, many of whom do not have formal training in economics. This gap contributes to the misrepresentation of complex topics such as trade policies and price controls, often leading to oversimplified and misleading conclusions. For instance, price control measures touted as beneficial for consumers can lead to reduced investments in key industries and ultimately worsen supply shortages. The failure to understand the nuanced effects of economic policies means that the public receives incomplete and potentially harmful information.
The Rise of Economic Populism
The emergence of economic populism can be attributed to several intertwined factors, including the lingering effects of the Great Recession, which fostered a sense of economic insecurity among the populace. This environment paved the way for figures like Donald Trump, who disrupted traditional party dynamics and shifted both parties toward more populist economic positions. The influence of China's economic rise and the uncertainties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated calls for protective measures and domestic manufacturing. As a result, political campaigns increasingly cater to these populist sentiments, often prioritizing short-term electoral gains over sound economic policies.
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Host Ron Steslow welcomes economist Scott Lincicome (Vice President of General Economics at the Cato Institute) to Politicology to discuss the economic policies of both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
They dive into the challenges of economic news coverage and common misconceptions, the rise of economic populism and its impact on policy, and then dive into specific policy proposals from both presidential campaigns.
Segments to look forward to:
(01:03) Frustration with news coverage of economics
(04:41) The rise of economic populism
(10:13) No Tax on Tips
(13:54) Tariffs
(22:05) Deportation
(22:58) Presidential authority in shaping economic policies
(26:51) Grocery price gouging
Read Scott’s piece in The Atlantic: https://bit.ly/4dW0ukz