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Why do austerity measures remain so popular within the beltway while the overwhelming evidence in the rest of the country points to the fact that such measures increase unemployment and hinder economic growth?
How, in the midst of a massive unemployment crisis—when the lack of jobs has reached crisis levels and the public overwhelmingly wants policy-makers to focus on creating them—did the deficit emerge as the most pressing issue in the country? This is a perplexing question that has been at the center of American politics for at least the past two years.
On this episode of Nation Conversations, The Nation‘s Ari Berman talks with Executive Editor Roane Carey about why austerity measures remain so popular within the beltway while the overwhelming evidence in the rest of the country points to the fact that such measures increase unemployment and hinder economic growth.
For more in-depth analysis, read Ari Berman’s article in The Nation‘s November 7 issue.
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—Jin Zhao
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