Say It Ain’t So, Joe: The Downsides of Bidenomics | Libertarian: Richard Epstein | Hoover Institution
Aug 31, 2023
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Richard Epstein discusses the contrasts between President Biden's economic policy and the Trump and Obama administrations. Topics include the potential impact of Biden's economic policies, his approach to energy, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the downsides of Bidenomics such as subsidies, capital development, and labor unions.
Biden's economic policy focuses on taxation and regulation, with potential implications for the wealthy and American tax system.
Biden's reliance on administrative discretion and emphasis on antitrust laws raise concerns about future market trust and innovation.
Deep dives
Distinctive Economic Policy of Biden
Biden's economic policy distinguishes itself by contrasting with the neoclassical economics approach. He does not believe that supply and demand and market forces should dominate society. Biden aims to go beyond what Obama did by implementing more progressive policies. On the economic side, he focuses on taxation and regulation. The tax system is set to become more progressive, with higher rates for the wealthy and a potential wealth tax. Biden is also considering taxing unrealized appreciation, which would represent a significant change to the American tax system. On the regulatory front, Biden's emphasis on renewable energy sources like wind and solar is seen as audacious and dangerous as the technologies may not be stable enough to meet the energy demands. Additionally, the use of executive orders to shape economic policy and the overly stringent approach to antitrust laws are concerning. Overall, there is a growing popular apprehension about the long-term effects of Biden's economic policies.
Administrative Discretion and Market Distrust
Biden's economic approach relies heavily on administrative discretion, granting the president and his chief administrative officers significant power over economic decisions. This top-down approach, instead of relying on legislation, raises concerns about binding future administrations and lacking market trust. The increased focus on antitrust laws threatens technological cooperation and innovation. The attempt to regulate individual firms' carbon emissions, among other environmental concerns, fails to acknowledge the minimal impact of these firms compared to larger global contributors like China. These policies erode confidence in market institutions and create uncertainty about long-term capital development and future investment in the United States.
Labor Unions and Pessimism
Biden's pro-union stance, although appealing to some, raises questions about the impact of monopoly power on firms and the overall economy. Monopoly power resulting from labor unions can reduce output, harm consumers, and discourage long-term capital investment. The overwhelming opposition from firms to unions, even from liberal-leaning ones, reflects a lack of belief in unions' ability to foster growth. This skepticism, along with other factors such as distrust in market institutions, inflation concerns, and the overall decline in standard of living, contributes to a pessimistic outlook on the economy. Biden's policies and their potential long-term consequences are causing popular dissatisfaction and a desire for a different economic approach.
Richard Epstein contrasts President Biden’s economic policy with the Trump and Obama administrations, and judges the success of the Inflation Reduction Act one year later.
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