Ben Harris

Ben Harris, vice president at the Brookings Institution and former Treasury official, dives into the U.S. government's fiscal health. He addresses the rising primary deficit and critiques the Big Beautiful Bill, discussing its implications on the national debt. Ben also explores how stablecoins and AI could offer innovative solutions to economic challenges. He shares insights on the unpredictability of debt dynamics, the significance of the debt ceiling, and the interplay between inflation and government spending, all while reflecting on his love for basketball.

Ben Harris, a former Treasury Chief Economist, and Wendy Edelberg, director at the Hamilton Project, tackle the pressing issue of U.S. federal debt and its potential economic fallout. They discuss the unsustainable growth of debt relative to income and its implications for Social Security, particularly for future retirees facing possible cuts. The conversation highlights the need for bipartisan solutions to ensure fiscal solvency and maintain equitable support for the economy. Tune in for insights on the balance between government spending and the financial security of individuals!

Ben Harris, Vice President at the Brookings Institution and former assistant treasury secretary, dives deep into the current state of the economy. He evaluates the tax proposals from presidential candidates, stressing their impact on national debt. The discussion also navigates economic policies shaped by inflation and a robust labor market, while pondering potential recessions. Additionally, Harris examines how immigration policy intersects with monetary strategies, shedding light on labor shortages and the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions.