Contra Krugman

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 215 Don't Worry About the Deficit! Jan 19, 2020

Show notes

That's Krugman's message now. Interestingly, back in 2003 the very indicators he's now using to tell us not to worry were actually less pronounced, and yet back then he was warning of a "fiscal train wreck." In any case, today we discuss what the genuine problems with the deficit are, and why it makes perfect sense to be concerned about it. Show notes for Ep. 215

Ep. 214 Austerity Is Just What the World's Economies Needed Jan 06, 2020

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Krugman blames the "austerity" that began a decade ago for ensuing economic ills and political instability. This is a fashionable enough view, but the evidence against it is more or less overwhelming. Enjoy! Show notes for Ep. 214

Ep. 213 Trump's Tariff War a Flop? Dec 23, 2019

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Although details are still emerging, a deal has evidently been reached between China and the United States regarding trade. Did Trump accomplish anything (from his standpoint)? Was the whole thing a waste of time and resources? Did it create uncertainty in the business world? What should we think about trade deficits? It's all in here, folks. Show notes for Ep. 213

Ep. 212 Trump, Crony Capitalism, and Impeachment Dec 07, 2019

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We discuss the impeachment, Krugman's selective praise for whistleblowers, and what the correct approach to the problem of "crony capitalism" should be. Show notes for Ep. 212

Ep. 211 LIVE FROM VIENNA: Is Europe an Example for the U.S.? Nov 25, 2019

Show notes

We recorded this episode before a live audience at -- of all places -- the Austrian central bank in Vienna, where the Austrian Economics Center held a two-day academic conference. We respond to Krugman's key claim: namely, that Eurosclerosis is long over, and that Europe can no longer be cited with any plausibility as evidence that significant social spending and regulation retard employment. Show notes for Ep. 211

Ep. 210 Elizabeth Warren's Fiscal Fantasies Nov 09, 2019

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Krugman is impressed by the detail and alleged seriousness of Elizabeth Warren's Medicare for All plan and how it will be paid for. Bob and Tom, by contrast, are not so impressed. Show notes for Ep. 210

Ep. 209 Robots Aren't the Problem Oct 27, 2019

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Krugman criticizes Democrats who think automation is behind American job losses. But just when he's sounding sensible, he jumps back into "inadequate spending" being the problem. Show notes for Ep. 209

Ep. 208 Debt Is Money We Owe to Ourselves, Idiot! Oct 13, 2019

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We got a lot of requests for an episode on debt after Krugman tweeted that "debt is money we owe to ourselves." What's the real truth? Show notes for Ep. 208

Ep. 207 Krugman Embraces Warren, Discards Economics Oct 05, 2019

Show notes

Historian and podcast host Brion McClanahan joins Bob to discuss Krugman's defense of Elizabeth Warren against the big bad plutocrats, who apparently are threatening to support Trump if she's the Democratic nominee. Krugman dismisses the possibility that these wealthy people might oppose Warren's wealth tax, and instead suggests that the real reason they hate Warren is that she hurt their feelings. Show notes for Ep. 207

Ep. 206 Are You Deranged for Opposing Regulation? Sep 21, 2019

Show notes

Krugman says people on the political right get inordinately worked up over minor regulations that have a clear public benefit, and that such people now have a champion in the White House. Could there be a reason other than derangement for why people get upset about various kinds of regulation? Bob and Tom discuss. Show notes for Ep. 206

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