Tonight in Las Vegas, the GOP debate will likely skip economic issues and turn into a contest as to who can drop the most bombs on the most people the mostest.
National security is, and always will be, crucial. When considering the ability of foreign violent groups to export their terror to domestic shores, a healthy debate over foreign policy and our intelligence services is absolutely warranted. We’re here to simply add that it would be unfortunate if the furor surrounding terrorism totally crowds out discussion on meaningful economic issues.
With that in mind, here are three topics that we’d love to see tonight’s gladiators mention.
Labor Market Slack
During our review of the November jobs report, we discussed how excitement over the increase in overall job growth must be tempered by an awareness of the significant slack remaining in the labor market.
Every candidate is going to talk about how they would create jobs, we get it. What should really be asked is how the candidate would engage disaffected members of the workforce.
How would he or she reach out to someone who has given up looking for work? How would he or she convince someone with little technical skill that they have a part to play in the new economy? And, most importantly, how does his or her job-growth plan specifically account for millennials – who are severely overqualified and underemployed?
For a party accused of being “by old people, for old people,” embracing young, unsatisfied workers is a simple way to engage a demo crucial to the national vote, if not the primary.
Federal Reserve
Continuing the assessment of economic recovery, how do the candidates feel about the Federal Reserve (likely) raising the federal funds rate? Is the economy sufficiently strong to pull off the gas pedal a little? Or, does the aforementioned labor market slack indicate that there is still much more growth to be had?
Of course, the only person likely eager to discuss the Federal Reserve will be Rand Paul, who will almost assuredly argue for its total demise. At least he keeps things interesting.
Government Shutdown
All reports indicate that the clucking hens in the capital will find a way to agree on a budget deal and avoid a government shutdown. To wit, Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid even said staffers “worked through the weekend,” which is what the rest of us call “maintaining gainful employment.”
Regardless, asking the candidates whether they view threatening to shutdown the government is a viable negotiating tactic or a reckless ploy would elicit some interesting answers.
Surely, Messrs. Cruz and Paul would react favorably, but how about someone like John Kasich or Chris Christie? Further, would The Mighty Combover and Ben Carson even understand what a government shutdown entails? Questions to which we want answers.
Enjoy the debate for what it’s worth and remember to avoid any drinking games that involve The Mighty Combover and reality. You can thank us tomorrow.
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