Richard Rubin

John Ralston, CEO and editor of the Nevada Independent, shares insights on Nevada's critical role in the 2024 presidential race. Richard Rubin, a Wall Street Journal reporter, dives into the implications of tax proposals from candidates. They discuss how economic concerns, especially in Nevada, influence voter sentiment. The conversation highlights rising living costs, diverse voter demographics, and contrasts between candidates’ tax policies. With catchy slogans versus detailed plans, they analyze what really resonates with undecided voters.

The U.S. budget deficit has reached a staggering $1.8 trillion, yet presidential candidates seem to avoid addressing it. The discussion highlights the political challenges of a looming $18 trillion deficit, often overshadowed by more immediate issues. Experts explore the historical context of national deficits and current spending trends. Both candidates propose plans likely to futher increase the deficit without offering solid strategies for management. This raises crucial questions about the future of America's fiscal policies amid ongoing economic strains.

Richard Rubin, a U.S. tax policy reporter for The Wall Street Journal, and Nina Olson, former National Taxpayer Advocate and current Executive Director at the Center for Taxpayer Rights, dive into the chaos at the IRS. They discuss the agency's severe staffing cuts and leadership turnover, which could affect taxpayer rights and services. Concerns about taxpayer privacy arise from a new agreement with ICE, and they shed light on the confusion surrounding recent IRS changes that complicate filing for small businesses and individuals alike.