The Brian Lehrer Show Paul Krugman Looks Back
Dec 18, 2024
Paul Krugman, a Nobel laureate in economics and New York Times columnist, reflects on his impactful career. He discusses the evolving public sentiment from hope to distrust, influenced by events like the Iraq War and the 2008 financial crisis. Krugman analyzes the rise of cacistocracy and the populist movements on both ends of the political spectrum. He also addresses misconceptions surrounding inflation and examines healthcare challenges in the U.S., offering insights and hope for the future amidst a complicated political landscape.
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Optimism and Its Decline
- In 2000, the economy thrived, and people felt optimistic about the future.
- This optimism, however, later curdled due to declining trust in elites and unforeseen events.
Erosion of Trust
- The Iraq War and the 2008 financial crisis eroded public trust in elites. Krugman claims he was almost alone in opposing the Iraq War on major op-ed pages.
Rise of Right-Wing Populism
- Right-wing populist movements gain traction due to a right-leaning information environment.
- Many people rely on sources like Fox News and Facebook, where right-wing narratives often dominate.
