Congressional Republicans are poised to pass the biggest tax overhaul in a generation, but Americans remain unconvinced that the measure will cut their own taxes or significantly boost the economy. A new USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll finds just 32% support the GOP tax plan; 48% oppose it. That’s the lowest […] Read more »
An Economist Explains: How to Sort Facts From Fictions
In public debates about economic policy, it can be hard to separate real insights from political posturing. But a few simple rules of thumb can help. … The government statistical agencies typically offer only a dry recitation of the numbers. But for people with a partisan perspective, the latest economic […] Read more »
It’s the Economy Stupid or Is It?
… Elections are driven by the fundamentals. And, nothing is more fundamental to voters than the health of the economy. In 1998, even at the height of the Monica Lewinsky scandal and the impeachment proceedings, President Clinton enjoyed job approval ratings in the 60’s. Why? Voters determined that a good […] Read more »
The GOP doesn’t care if you like their tax plan. Here’s why
Protesters shout their disapproval of the Republican tax bill on Nov. 28, 2017. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite David C. Barker, American University School of International Service Congressional Republicans’ collective sigh of relief after passing tax legislation may seem confusing. Won’t voters hold them accountable in 2018 for passing such an […] Read more »
GOP Tax Cuts Are Driven by Politics, Not Economics
Congressional Republicans have convinced themselves that they need to pass a tax bill ASAP. Having failed to repeal and replace Obamacare and made little if any progress on either a border wall or a major infrastructure program—President Trump’s two other stated objectives for the year—they don’t want to head into […] Read more »
Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index Increased Again
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®, which had improved in October, increased further in November. The Index now stands at 129.5 (1985=100), up from 126.2 in October. CONT. Conference Board Read more »