The Political Economy of Trumpism The Political Economy of Trumpism
Though he started by threatening Mexico, Canada, and China, Trump’s tariffs mean the US will drain Europe as Ukraine fades.
Jan 15, 2025 / James K. Galbraith
Why Bidenomics Was Such a Bust Why Bidenomics Was Such a Bust
A large majority of voters gave the Biden administration a failing grade on the economy. For the sake of future policy battles, it is worthwhile to try to understand their reasons...
Dec 9, 2024 / James K. Galbraith
Bidenomics and Its Discontents Bidenomics and Its Discontents
The White House believes American workers have seldom had it so good. And lots of prestigious economists agree. But the voters aren’t buying. Maybe they know something?
Mar 27, 2024 / James K. Galbraith
In Defense of the 30-Year Mortgage In Defense of the 30-Year Mortgage
A recent New York Times column argued that the long term fixed-rate loan popular with US homebuyers is unfair to banks. In fact the arrangement—a fruit of the New Deal—is somethin...
Nov 23, 2023 / James K. Galbraith
Next Time, Dammit, Just Default Next Time, Dammit, Just Default
Democrats feared a monster called “default”—but it’s just another Washington scare story.
Jun 9, 2023 / James K. Galbraith for The Nation
The Debt Deal Is a Tragedy The Debt Deal Is a Tragedy
The debt-limit agreement entrenches long-term austerity. It was a huge GOP win.
May 30, 2023 / James K. Galbraith
More “Dangerous Nonsense” From “The New York Times” on the Debt Ceiling More “Dangerous Nonsense” From “The New York Times” on the Debt Ceiling
There are multiple legal pathways to resolve the current debt “crisis.” Having the president and House speaker agree on spending cuts to programs already approved by Congress is no...
May 18, 2023 / James K. Galbraith
The Debt Ceiling Drama Is All Stagecraft The Debt Ceiling Drama Is All Stagecraft
Remember: The US Treasury is obligated to make payments. The rest is optics.
May 11, 2023 / James K. Galbraith for The Nation
What Elizabeth Warren, Larry Summers, and Paul Krugman All Got Wrong About SVB What Elizabeth Warren, Larry Summers, and Paul Krugman All Got Wrong About SVB
It’s a war for the dollar—and the big banks. The rest of us better hold on tight.
Mar 21, 2023 / James K. Galbraith for The Nation
The Debt Ceiling Explained. Once More, With Feeling… The Debt Ceiling Explained. Once More, With Feeling…
What The New York Times doesn’t know might hit you in the wallet.
Jan 19, 2023 / James K. Galbraith