Presidential Candidates and Their Economic Proposals

Introduction

Presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have outlined their proposals for the economy. Pundits and voters often debate these proposals and place unwarranted attention on them. The reality, however, is starkly different.

Influence of a President on the Economy

Despite the attention given to their economic plans, a president has limited influence on the economy.

Credit and Blame

If the economy performs well during their term, they undeservedly take credit. Conversely, if the economy flounders, they hastily shift the blame to their predecessor. This pattern is a recurrent theme in American politics.

Example:

President	Economic Indicator	Credit/Blame Given
Donald Trump	Unemployment Rate	Credit for decrease
Barack Obama	GDP Growth	Blame for slow growth

Factors Influencing the Economy

Multiple factors sway the economy beyond the control of any one president:

• Global Markets: International trade and market trends are significant influences.
• Technological Advancements: Innovations can either boost or disrupt economic stability.
• Federal Reserve Policies: Interest rates and monetary policies play a crucial role.

Global Markets

Global markets, for instance, can have a substantial impact. Consider the US-China trade war as an example. Trade tensions can drive economic uncertainty, which no single president can fully control.

Technological Advancements

Technological advancements also play a pivotal role. For instance, the rise of automation has significantly changed job markets and economic landscapes.

Federal Reserve’s Role

The Federal Reserve’s decisions, such as altering interest rates, have immediate and potent effects on the economy. These are often independent of presidential influence.

Example:

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates in 2018, which impacted loans and mortgages, influencing aggregate demand and economic growth.

Conclusion

In essence, while economic proposals by presidential candidates like Kamala Harris and Donald Trump receive significant attention, the actual influence of the president on the economy is marginal. Global markets, technological advancements, and the Federal Reserve’s policies play more substantial roles. It is imperative to consider these broader factors when evaluating the economic landscape.