NDN Blog

This week we’ve seen an incredible focus on healthcare. As Simon and Rob both write – fixing our broken healthcare system and truly bringing down costs is an important step towards our long term financial stability. However, long after the debate over the public option has ended, a number of big-picture global economic issues will remain. This week we’ve focused on a few we believe are important – the global center left agenda, climate change and trade, fiscal policy and job creation.

• For Demos and Open Left: Meeting the Challenges of the 21st Century, by Simon Rosenberg, 7/24/09 – Rosenberg argues that the centre-left movement both here and abroad must “build a reinvented governing agenda capable of tackling the challenges of our time.” The progressive movement must be on the frontlines - taking serious step towards carbon neutrality, harnessing the promise of this new age of mobile, and coming to terms with the rise of the rest.

• Noticing and Solving the Problem with Jobs and Wages, by Dr. Robert Shapiro, 7/23/09 – Shapiro is happy to see the administration finally acknowledge the serious issue of job creation. He argues that “the only way to ensure that the next expansion won't be like the last one, but instead will create more jobs and bring higher wages, is to make medical cost containment the center of health care reform and make the development and broad use of alternative fuels, from biomass to nuclear, the center of energy and climate policy.” Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like that’s the direction in which Congress is headed.

• Bernanke’s Congressional Testimony: Exit Strategy, Independence, Fiscal Policy (and Politics) by Jake Berliner, 7/22/09 – Jake breaks down the broad themes of Chairman Bernanke’s testimony before the House Financial Services Committee and adds his own color commentary on the future of fiscal policy.

• Trade and Carbon, by Michael Moynihan, 7/22/09 – Moynihan writes that we should be wary of using trade policy as a tool to combat climate change.

• Coming to Terms with the Deteriorating Economy by Simon Rosenberg, 7/18/09 – Rosenberg applauds the President’s return to the central issue of the economy, but believes that ultimately much more comprehensive action is needed.

• Politicians Who Ignore Problem with Jobs could Lose their Own by Dr. Robert Shapiro, 7/16/09 – Shapiro argues that we will continue to see a rise in unemployment perhaps even after the recession has ended.  He writes that it is equally important to note that those still employed will see a decline in the number of hours worked.  All of this amounts to a very slow return to growth.

• The Economic Conversation Enters a New Phase: Putting Consumers Front and Center Now  by Simon Rosenberg, Huffington Post, 5/14/09 - Rosenberg writes that the Administration's turn in the national economic conversation from the plight of big institutions and the financial system to what is perhaps the most important part of the story of the Great Recession still is not adequately understood - the weakened state of the American consumer prior to the recent recession and financial collapse.

• A Stimulus for the Long Run by Simon Rosenberg and Dr. Robert Shapiro, 11/14/2008 – This important essay lays out the now widely agreed-upon argument that the upcoming economic stimulus package must include investments in the basic elements of growth for the next decade, including elements that create a low-carbon, energy-efficient economy.

• Accelerating the Development of a 21st Century Economy: Investing in Clean Infrastructure by Michael Moynihan, 10/18/2008 – NDN Green Project Director Michael Moynihan outlines a strategy for investing in clean infrastructure that will help create long-term prosperity.

President Obama focused in on the issues of everyday Americans this week, launching his new American Graduation Initiative – something we here at NDN have long advocated. There has been much talk this week about what the future holds for the American economy. This week’s backgrounder focuses in on our fellows answers to the pressing question – What’s next?

• Politicians Who Ignore Problem with Jobs could Lose their Own by Dr. Robert Shapiro, 7/16/09 – Shapiro argues that we will continue to see a rise in unemployment perhaps even after the recession has ended.  He writes that it is equally important to note that those still employed will see a decline in the number of hours worked.  All of this amounts to a very slow return to growth.

• President Obama Begins Hard Economic Conversation with America by Jake Berliner, 7/15/09 – Jake praises Obama for acknowledging a truth NDN has long been touting – everyday Americans – faced with declining incomes, stagnating wages, and rising healthcare, energy, and pension costs – have been in a recession for nearly a decade.  We need a more prosperous American economy that goes beyond recovery to respond to the great challenges of globalization.

• Rebuilding a Better Economy by Morley Winograd and Mike Hais, 7/14/09 - Providing new job opportunities and the skills required to get them for working class youth will be a key test of the Obama administration's desire  "to build a firmer, stronger foundation for growth that not only will withstand future economic storms but help us thrive and compete in a global economy."

• NDN Congratulates Obama on Investing in 21st Century Skills and Community Colleges by Simon Rosenberg, 7/14/09 - NDN congratulates President Barack Obama for addressing the importance of the nation's community colleges in creating a 21st century workforce. This agenda has long been a part of NDN's 21st century economic strategy for agenda.

• Clean Technology and Competitiveness by Michael Moynihan, 7/14/09 – Moynihan writes that if the US is to reap the economic rewards of a clean technology revolution, we need to seriously examine our competitiveness posture and take the steps needed to put us back on track to leading, not lagging the global economy.

• The Economic Conversation Enters a New Phase: Putting Consumers Front and Center Now  by Simon Rosenberg, Huffington Post, 5/14/09 - Rosenberg writes that the Administration's turn in the national economic conversation from the plight of big institutions and the financial system to what is perhaps the most important part of the story of the Great Recession still is not adequately understood - the weakened state of the American consumer prior to the recent recession and financial collapse.

• A Stimulus for the Long Run by Simon Rosenberg and Dr. Robert Shapiro, 11/14/2008 – This important essay lays out the now widely agreed-upon argument that the upcoming economic stimulus package must include investments in the basic elements of growth for the next decade, including elements that create a low-carbon, energy-efficient economy.

• Accelerating the Development of a 21st Century Economy: Investing in Clean Infrastructure by Michael Moynihan, 10/18/2008 – NDN Green Project Director Michael Moynihan outlines a strategy for investing in clean infrastructure that will help create long-term prosperity.

While the President spent the week participating in an anti-climactic G8 summit - news at home has centered on the ever faltering economy.  While healthcare and climate change occupy congressional leaders, polls show that the top issues for most Americans remain the economy and jobs.   A number of NDN fellows have weighed in over the past few weeks about a realistic approach to growth:

• The Lessons of LBJ and Robert McNamara for Barack Obama by Dr. Robert Shapiro, 7/9/09 – Dr. Shapiro cautions its time for the administration to put away best-case scenarios. He argues the indulgent optimism of LBJ and McNamara was responsible for the collapse of liberalism.  President Obama should take note and face the economic crisis realistically, appreciating the worst may be yet to come.

• The Stimulus so Far by Michael Moynihan, 7/7/09 - Moynihan writes amidst debate of a second stimulus, that it’s important to keep in mind, we have yet to see the real impacts of the first stimulus plan yet.  Recovery will be dependent on how intelligently we invest recovery funds and how quickly we are able to do so.

• Not taking the Presidential Eye off the Economic Ball by Simon Rosenberg, 7/2/09 - Simon argues the administration should abandon the rhetoric of recovery entirely. What America needs is a more modern and better economy - the very opposite of recovering what we had.  We must acknowledge that average Americans faced stagnated wages and economic insecurity long before credit default swaps and Bear Sterns dominated headlines.

• Will Higher Savings Help or Hurt the Economy? By Dr. Robert Shapiro, 7/2/09 – Dr. Shapiro writes what happens to wages and incomes will be the critical test of the economic success of Barack Obama's presidency. If incomes rise, as they did in the late 90s, savings will help the economy. If wages stagnate as they did during the Bush years, high savings rates will only further slow growth.

• The Economic Conversation Enters a New Phase: Putting Consumers Front and Center Now  by Simon Rosenberg, Huffington Post, 5/14/09 - Rosenberg writes that the Administration's turn in the national economic conversation from the plight of big institutions and the financial system to what is perhaps the most important part of the story of the Great Recession still is not adequately understood - the weakened state of the American consumer prior to the recent recession and financial collapse.

• Should We Try to Save the Damaged Brands? by Simon Rosenberg, 4/30/2009 - Rosenberg asks if these mainstay, now troubled American brands - AIG, Chrysler, Citi, GM - can be saved by being propped up by the government or if their brands are permanently insolvent.

• Spend? Save? The debate continues, by Simon Rosenberg, 2/11/2009 - Building on a previous post  , Rosenberg follows the growing debate about whether American families should be focusing on saving.

• The Utter Bankruptcy of Today's Republican Party by Simon Rosenberg, 1/28/09 - Rosenberg argues that Republican opposition to the economic recovery package represents the ideological bankruptcy of the party.

• A Stimulus for the Long Run by Simon Rosenberg and Dr. Robert Shapiro, 11/14/2008 - This important essay lays out the now widely agreed-upon argument that the upcoming economic stimulus package must include investments in the basic elements of growth for the next decade, including elements that create a low-carbon, energy-efficient economy.

• Making the Struggle of Every Day People the Central Focus of the National Debate by Simon Rosenberg, 8/17/2008 - As the 2008 presidential campaign entered a crucial phase, Rosenberg argued that political leaders must focus on raising the wages and incomes of Americans.

Waxman-Markey is currently on the House floor and things are looking good for what Michael Moynihan has dubbed “The Little Bill that Could.” Congress has been busy this week discussing healthcare reform, speaking out on Iran, and meeting with President Obama on comprehensive immigration reform. Here's what NDN’s been saying it all:

• The Little Bill that Could by Mike Moynihan, 6/29/09 – Moynihan writes that Waxman-Markey certainly isn’t perfect – but it’s a good compromise.

• Sensory Overload Produces Sloppy Policy Making by Dr. Robert Shapiro, 6/25/09 – Robert Shapiro cautions lawmakers to be thoughtful when dealing with the host of complicated and nuanced issues on the agenda.

• Putting the Green in Green Shoots by Michael Moynihan, 6/23/09 - Moynihan argues to ignite not only the immediate economy but also the economy of the next ten years, the Administration and Congress need to move forcefully to remove barriers to the clean economy.

• Choices in Universal Healthcare by Dr. Robert Shapiro, 6/17/09 - Shapiro's overseas travel left him with some fresh perspective on the future of American healthcare.

• More Inconvenient Truths by Michael Moynihan, 6/17/09 - Moynihan writes that the Obama administration's important report on the dangerous realities of climate change illustrates a cap and market regime will not begin to address the true and lasting costs of climate change.

• Passing Climate Change This Year by Michael Moynihan, 6/16/09 - Moynihan continues to make the case that there has never been a better time to pass a climate change bill and if action does not take place this year, the prospects for passage are likely to decline.

• The Waxman-Markey Bill: Politics-as-Usual Meets Climate Change by Dr. Robert Shapiro, 6/3/09 - Shapiro writes that Waxman-Markey combines the inherent problems of cap-and-trade with a catalog of giveaways and exceptions that will do little to actually deal with climate change.

• The Courage, Cunning and Shortcomings of the Administration's Health Care Plans by Dr. Robert J. Shapiro, 5/14/2009 - The Administration's health care focus, goals and priorities are right in the ways that matter. Now they need to provide a more detailed blueprint of how they intend to reach those goals and achieve those priorities.

• The Economic Conversation Enters a New Phase: Putting Consumers Front and Center Now  by Simon Rosenberg, Huffington Post, 5/14/09 - Rosenberg writes that the Administration's turn in the national economic conversation from the plight of big institutions and the financial system to what is perhaps the most important part of the story of the Great Recession still is not adequately understood - the weakened state of the American consumer prior to the recent recession and financial collapse.

• Making the Struggle of Every Day People the Central Focus of the National Debate by Simon Rosenberg, 8/17/2008 - As the 2008 presidential campaign entered a crucial phase, Rosenberg argued that political leaders must focus on raising the wages and incomes of Americans.

The week has seen a number of important debates - the future of American foreign policy, healthcare reform, climate change and new financial reform. Here's what NDN has had to say:

• Choices in Universal Healthcare by Dr. Robert Shapiro, 6/17/09 - Shapiro's overseas travel left him with some fresh perspective on the future of American healthcare.

• More Inconvenient Truths by Michael Moynihan, 6/17/09 - Moynihan writes that the Obama administration's important report on the dangerous realities of climate change illustrates a cap and market regime will not begin to address the true and lasting costs of climate change.

• Passing Climate Change This Year by Michael Moynihan, 6/16/09 - Moynihan continues to make the case that there has never been a better time to pass a climate change bill and if action does not take place this year, the prospects for passage are likely to decline.

• Getting Serious about Our Financial Mess by Dr. Robert Shapiro, 6/10/09 - America needs new, serious financial regulations. Shapiro argues the recent decision to keep trading in large, "private" deals in derivatives outside regulated markets is just one of a series of poor regulatory decisions the administration has made in the wake of TARP.

• Clean Technology Innovation: Reaping the Rewards by Michael Moynihan, 6/9/09 - Moynihan writes about the status quo's stranglehold on clean technology innovation. He outlines three steps the administration should take to encourage entrepreneurship and consumer choice.

• The Waxman-Markey Bill: Politics-as-Usual Meets Climate Change by Dr. Robert Shapiro, 6/3/09 - Shapiro writes that Waxman-Markey combines the inherent problems of cap-and-trade with a catalog of giveaways and exceptions that will do little to actually deal with climate change.

• Seizing the Smart Grid Opportunity by Michael Moynihan, 6/2/09 - In order for America to make good on clean energy opportunity, Moynihan says we must open up the grid to all and re-examine energy regulation.

• The Courage, Cunning and Shortcomings of the Administration's Health Care Plans by Dr. Robert J. Shapiro, 5/14/2009 - The Administration's health care focus, goals and priorities are right in the ways that matter. Now they need to provide a more detailed blueprint of how they intend to reach those goals and achieve those priorities.

• The Economic Conversation Enters a New Phase: Putting Consumers Front and Center Now  by Simon Rosenberg, Huffington Post, 5/14/09 - Rosenberg writes that the Administration's turn in the national economic conversation from the plight of big institutions and the financial system to what is perhaps the most important part of the story of the Great Recession still is not adequately understood - the weakened state of the American consumer prior to the recent recession and financial collapse.

• Should We Try to Save the Damaged Brands? by Simon Rosenberg, 4/30/2009 - Rosenberg asks if these mainstay, now troubled American brands - AIG, Chrysler, Citi, GM - can be saved by being propped up by the government or if their brands are permanently insolvent.

• Spend? Save? The debate continues, by Simon Rosenberg, 2/11/2009 - Building on a previous post  , Rosenberg follows the growing debate about whether American families should be focusing on saving.

• The Utter Bankruptcy of Today's Republican Party by Simon Rosenberg, 1/28/09 - Rosenberg argues that Republican opposition to the economic recovery package represents the ideological bankruptcy of the party.

• A Stimulus for the Long Run by Simon Rosenberg and Dr. Robert Shapiro, 11/14/2008 - This important essay lays out the now widely agreed-upon argument that the upcoming economic stimulus package must include investments in the basic elements of growth for the next decade, including elements that create a low-carbon, energy-efficient economy.

• Making the Struggle of Every Day People the Central Focus of the National Debate by Simon Rosenberg, 8/17/2008 - As the 2008 presidential campaign entered a crucial phase, Rosenberg argued that political leaders must focus on raising the wages and incomes of Americans.