Stanford University / EconTalk
Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and host of the weekly podcast, EconTalk; author of The Choice: A Fable of Free Trade and Protectionism; Research Fellow at Stanford’s Hoover Institution; former Professor of Economics at George Mason University
NAFTA and the Road to the White House The North American Free Trade Agreement is 22 years old — but Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders have put it back in the headlines. They attack it for putting Americans out of work by sending jobs to Mexico. Bill Clinton signed NAFTA, making it awkward for Hillary, especially in California. Economists say free trade is what they call "a net benefit" to the US economy, but until now, there's been more emphasis on the gain than there's been on the pain. With the Trans Pacific Partnership not yet submitted to Congress, we get a reality check on an issue that won't go away.
"Free Trade" and Presidential Politics Ronald Reagan, both Presidents Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama have all supported massive trade agreements from NAFTA to CAFTA to the Trans Pacific Partnership. Economists disagree about who wins and who loses in these complex, economic agreements, which are negotiated in secret, with lobbyists for powerful interest groups making sure they get in on the action. The TPP been signed by the US and 11 Asian countries, but it's still waiting for an up or down vote in Congress. Meantime, it's become a hot-button issue in both the Democratic and Republican presidential campaigns.
"Free Trade" and Presidential Politics Ronald Reagan, both Presidents Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama have all supported massive trade agreements from NAFTA to CAFTA to the Trans Pacific Partnership. Economists disagree about who wins and who loses in these complex, economic agreements, which are negotiated in secret, with lobbyists for powerful interest groups making sure they get in on the action. The TPP been signed by the US and 11 Asian countries, but it's still waiting for an up or down vote in Congress. Meantime, it's become a hot-button issue in both the Democratic and Republican presidential campaigns.
Washington Rumbles over Taxes and Unemployment Benefits The White House originally invited leaders of both parties in both houses of Congress to a working afternoon followed by dinner on November 18. That devolved into a meeting this morning that ended well before lunch. But both Democrats and Republicans said afterward they really are trying to work together.
Can the Washington Environment Really Change? After a meeting today at the White House, President Obama and Republican leaders promised to work together on major business before the end of the year. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner will meet with members of Congress to resolve differences on the Bush tax cuts for wealthy Americans. Also high on the list are unemployment benefits and appropriations to keep the federal government running. Both sides agreed that the message from voters this month was that partisan gridlock is not acceptable. Is there a honeymoon? How long will it last?
Barack Obama and Housing Foreclosures In Phoenix, Arizona today, President Obama says it's worth $75 billion to rescue nine million homeowners already in default or “underwater” with loans worth more than their houses. He said his plan would not reward “the unscrupulous or irresponsible” -- speculators, dishonest lenders or buyers who knew they were assuming obligations they couldn't afford. We hear how homeowners can qualify for assistance and get some informed reaction.
Obama to the Rescue for Homeowners In Phoenix, Arizona today, President Obama says it’s worth $75 billion to rescue nine million homeowners already in default or “underwater” with loans worth more than their houses. He said his plan would not reward “the unscrupulous or irresponsible” -- speculators, dishonest lenders or buyers who knew they were assuming obligations they couldn’t afford. We hear how homeowners can qualify for assistance and get some informed reaction.
A call to prepare for the next natural disaster A local environmentalist says we should spend more time and money preparing for natural disasters than responding to them. A Ventura resident who lost his home in the Thomas Fire says rebuilding is taking longer than he’d hoped. Local animal shelters are becoming critical evacuation centers. And California counties must now hold public meetings on their relationship with federal immigration agents.
Americans are Sick and Tired of Politics America feels more divided than ever. But the majority of the electorate is actually united on something: they are tuning out from political debates.