Election Lore

  • Effective Strategies to Shrink the Deficit

    A high-level look at what’s possible The federal deficit is about $1.5–2 trillion per year. We can’t ignore it forever — but the usual arguments (raise taxes, cut benefits) miss the bigger picture. Here’s a smarter path that could shrink the deficit by up to half over time — without hurting families: – Reduce healthcare…

  • Why Education Should Drive US Economic Strategy

    The United States should focus its economic strategy on education, not broad-based tariffs aimed at job creation. While tariffs may offer short-term political appeal, they are a blunt instrument that misunderstands the realities of the global economy. Many of the jobs lost to globalization were labor-intensive roles that either became automated or shifted offshore to…

  • Fact-Checking Misleading Claims on Tariffs

    At the March 11, 2025, White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made several misleading claims about tariffs, trade, and the U.S. economy. Here’s a quick fact-check: 1. “Tariffs are a tax cut for Americans.” → False. Tariffs are a tax on imports, which U.S. businesses and consumers ultimately pay through higher prices. 2.…

  • Understanding Tariffs: Myths and Realities

    Recent statements—like those from Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, and comments on Facebook—suggest that many people don’t fully understand what a tariff actually is. At a White House Press Briefing on 3/11/2025, Ms. Leavitt stated: “He’s [President Trump] actually not implementing tax hikes. Tariffs are a tax hike on foreign countries that again, have…

  • Debt Reduction Through Growth: A Smarter Alternative to Austerity

    There’s a Better Way to Reduce Debt Than Austerity The national debt and deficits are real challenges that, if left unchecked, could lead to major economic consequences. However, the approach we’re seeing now—cutting without a clear plan for growth—creates uncertainty and risks slowing the economy. And when the economy shrinks, tax revenues fall, deficits grow,…

  • Gas Prices and Politics: The Market, Not Washington, Calls the Shots

    Think public policy controls gas prices? Think again. Oil producers aren’t waiting on Washington—they’re making decisions based on profits, not politics. There is little incentive for more than a modest increase in oil production. U.S. oil producers are prioritizing capital discipline and shareholder returns over aggressive expansion. The demand for oil and natural gas is…