The US presidential election is a contest of economic illiterates
There is a lot of crazy economic policy being spruiked by both sides of American politics, but thinking people know serious, substantive policy debate will take place next year.
Returning to Washington after a couple of weeks in Australia, I’m reminded that there’s nothing unique about the malaise that’s overcome Australian politics, where the choice at the coming election seems to be between bad and worse – regardless of which way you plan to vote.
Just a few weeks out from the US presidential election, it’s difficult to recall a more frustrating time for my profession. As though both candidates are taking turns sticking pins in a voodoo doll labelled “economist”.
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Steven Hamilton is assistant professor of economics at George Washington University and visiting fellow at the Tax and Transfer Policy Institute at the ANU.
