Higher tariffs on U.S. imports will be passed on to American consumers, many of whom are already hurting economically due to the sluggish Obama recovery. Trade wars will also damage U.S. competitiveness. As former Mexican deputy trade minister Luis de la Calle explained in a conference call to investors in New York earlier this month, Carrier Corp.’s production move to Mexico from Indiana—much-assailed by Mr. Trump—means that the company can survive Asian competition and can retain U.S. jobs in research, development, marketing and high-end components.
Someone who does understand the facts and theory of trade is GMU Econ alum Anne Bradley.
Nick Gillespie ponders the choice between a bloviating buffoon and a North American Evita.
GMU Econ alum Mark Perry documents some likely destructive consequences of minimum wages.
The speech [by Trump] was purest populism: nine-tenths grievances and empty promises, one-tenth stupid policy ideas. Yet the formula is working — partly because the grievances are skillfully marshalled, and partly because his opponents in politics and the media (meaning almost everybody in those incestuously connected industries) are deeply confused in their response.
My friends at Cato are unimpressed by Tim Kaine.
Are you, like me, sick and tired and anxious about this especially frightening election in the U.S.? Sarah Skwire recommends a fishing break.
