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The Memo: Could a Trump holdover save the Biden presidency? on December 15, 2023 at 10:30 am Business News | The Hill
A key holdover from the Trump presidency could give President Biden a huge boost as he seeks reelection.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell looks to be on the cusp of pulling off a “soft landing” of the economy, after inflation roared to a four-decade high last year.
The Fed’s series of interest rate increases, which began in March 2022, have helped pull inflation down to just 3.1 percent from a high of 9.1 percent. But they have done so without throwing the economy into recession — at least so far.
Powell cautioned on Wednesday that it was “far too early to declare victory” in the battle against inflation. The annualized inflation rate is still higher than the Fed’s target of 2 percent.
But the Fed’s projections now assume three interest rate cuts in 2024. Powell himself told a news conference that the central bank was keenly aware of the risk that “we would hang on too long” without lowering rates.
Those comments came as the Fed held interest rates steady — a decision that helped propel the Dow Jones Industrial Average to its first ever close above 37,000.
Rate cuts next year would make homes more affordable, ease the purchase of other big-ticket items like cars, and make credit card debt less burdensome — all factors that could boost public sentiment on the economy and help the president.
So far, a strong jobs record for Biden has not been enough to overcome public pain about rising prices. An Economist/YouGov poll released Wednesday showed just 39 percent of Americans approve of Biden’s performance on the economy while 52 percent disapproved.
Democrats and Republicans fell along predictable lines on that question, but independent voters broke almost 2-to-1 against Biden on the economy, with 57 percent disapproving and just 30 percent approving.
Those numbers are a heavy millstone around the president’s chances of winning a second term.
But a soft landing could change everything.
Such a scenario “would be a very good thing for the president,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Analytics. “Markets will be up, mortgage rates will be down, housing affordability will improve. So it is all good news.”
Zandi emphasized this outcome was not guaranteed but that if it happened, “it should help the president make the case that the economy is in a good spot.”
Other observers who are broadly sympathetic to Biden argue that Americans could finally be about to shift from their feelings of malaise about the economy and embrace a more optimistic attitude.
“A year ago economists thought there was a 100 percent chance of a recession and now the Fed is signaling we are going to have three rate cuts, possibly next year, and that’s on the back of a strong GDP report and strong employment numbers,” said Brendan Duke, the senior director for economic policy at the liberal Center for American Progress.
“When it comes to how Americans feel about the economy, these rate cuts have been sort of the missing piece,” Duke added. “They are going to unlock a rising stock market and lower mortgage rates.”
Conservative-leaning experts, however, see the situation quite differently.
EJ Antoni, public finance economist with the conservative Heritage Foundation, contended that Biden’s broad economic record was “poor” at best and that there was little chance that the Fed could pull off a genuine soft landing.
Instead, Antoni argued that rate cuts next year would likely be premature and risk a rerun of the grim economic conditions of the late 1970s and early 1980s when inflation was rampant and persistent.
“There is really no way for the Fed to engineer a soft landing,” Antoni said. “They’ve never done it before, and they are not going to do it this time either.”
Antoni’s argument, at its core, is that the prudent economic course would be to leave rates elevated for some time to come but that “it doesn’t seem like Powell and company have the political will to continue on the current track when we are going into an election year.”
The Fed is ostensibly independent but Antoni argued that the idea that it was immune from political pressures was unrealistic.
“We need to put to rest this idea that the Fed is politically independent when they have demonstrated again and again that is not the case,” he said.
Beyond any disputes about the Fed’s motivations, though, there are also some who question whether a “soft landing” would really save Biden.
David Winston, a veteran GOP pollster, argued that Biden’s team is fundamentally misreading how public perceptions of the economy are formed.
The inflation rate may have been cut down to one-third of its peak, he argued, but that doesn’t change the fact that prices are continuing to rise.
The central point, Winston contended, is “the way people are feeling as they walk into a grocery store and see prices are continuing to go up. The argument the president is using — ‘Yes, but more slowly’ isn’t all that persuasive.”
Winston noted that even rate cuts next year would leave those rates “lower than their peak but still higher than they have been until a few years ago.”
This, he added, was likely to lead the electorate restless and dissatisfied with the president.
More Biden-sympathic observers, like Duke, don’t see it that way.
The current optimism, he said, is a sign “that the COVID economy is over.”
If that perception takes root, it could yet propel Biden out of the polling doldrums and toward a second term.
And he’ll have Jerome Powell to thank.
The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage.
Business, Administration, Campaign, News A key holdover from the Trump presidency could give President Biden a huge boost as he seeks reelection. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell looks to be on the cusp of pulling off a “soft landing” of the economy, after inflation roared to a four-decade high last year. The Fed’s series of interest rate increases, which…
Business
The Cities Bracing for Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
In the wake of Donald Trump’s recent election victory and his promise of “the largest deportation operation in American history,” several major U.S. cities are bracing for potentially seismic shifts in their economic and social landscapes. As the nation grapples with the implications of this proposed policy, urban centers that have long been havens for immigrant communities find themselves at the epicenter of a looming storm.
Los Angeles, often dubbed the “City of Angels,” stands to lose more than its celestial nickname suggests. As a primary gateway for immigrants, the city’s vibrant tapestry of cultures and its economic engine could face significant disruption. From the bustling streets of Koreatown to the sun-drenched orchards of the Central Valley, the absence of undocumented workers could leave gaping holes in the city’s workforce and cultural identity.
Across the country, New York City, with its iconic skyline and melting pot reputation, faces its own reckoning. The Big Apple’s 5.9 million immigrants, many of whom are undocumented, form the backbone of industries ranging from construction to healthcare. The potential exodus could transform neighborhoods like Jackson Heights and Flushing, altering the very essence of what makes New York a global city.In the Sunshine State, Miami’s tropical allure belies the turbulent times ahead. Home to 2.5 million immigrants, the city’s economy relies heavily on sectors like tourism and hospitality – industries where undocumented workers often fill crucial roles. The potential deportation of these workers could send shockwaves through Miami’s economic ecosystem, from South Beach’s glitzy hotels to the agricultural heartlands of South Florida.
Chicago, the “City of Big Shoulders,” may find those shoulders significantly weakened. With 1.7 million immigrants in its metropolitan area, the Windy City’s diverse neighborhoods and industries face an uncertain future. From the meatpacking plants to the tech startups, Chicago’s economic resilience could be tested like never before.
In the Lone Star State, Houston and Dallas stand as twin testaments to the complexities of immigration policy. These Texas titans, each home to large immigrant populations, could see their booming economies stumble. The construction sites that dot their ever-expanding skylines and the service industries that keep these cities humming could face unprecedented labor shortages.
Out West, the San Francisco Bay Area’s reputation as a bastion of innovation and progress could be challenged. The region’s tech industry, often reliant on immigrant talent, might find itself grappling with a new reality. From Silicon Valley’s coding campuses to the agricultural expanses of the Central Valley, California’s economic powerhouse could face a reckoning. Phoenix, rising from the Sonoran Desert, could see its growth trajectory altered. As Arizona’s urban center, it stands at the forefront of the immigration debate, potentially facing not just economic impacts but social and political upheaval as well.
These cities, along with others like San Diego and Las Vegas, are not just facing potential economic disruptions. They are staring down the barrel of profound social change. Family separations, community fragmentation, and the erosion of cultural enclaves built over generations are all possible consequences of mass deportations. Moreover, the fiscal implications are staggering. Undocumented immigrants contribute billions in taxes annually, often without receiving the full benefits of their contributions. Their sudden absence could leave gaping holes in city budgets, potentially affecting public services and infrastructure projects.
As these urban centers brace for impact, the debate rages on. Supporters of stricter immigration policies argue for the need to enforce laws and protect American jobs. Critics warn of economic devastation and the unraveling of America’s urban fabric. What’s clear is that America’s cities stand at a crossroads. The coming months and years will likely reshape urban landscapes in ways both visible and invisible. From the foods we eat to the services we rely on, from the neighborhoods we call home to the very character of our cities, the impacts of this proposed immigration crackdown could be far-reaching and long-lasting. As the nation watches and waits, these cities – vibrant, diverse, and economically vital – find themselves on the front lines of a policy that could redefine what it means to be an American city in the 21st century.
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How Trump’s Deportation Plans Could Reshape Major Cities
In the wake of Donald Trump’s recent election victory, his ambitious plans for mass deportations have thrust America’s urban centers into the spotlight. As the nation grapples with the potential implications of what Trump calls “the largest deportation operation in American history,” cities across the country are bracing for significant changes that could reshape their economic, social, and cultural landscapes.
The stakes are particularly high for metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, and Miami, which host the largest populations of unauthorized immigrants. These cities, along with other major urban hubs such as Chicago, Washington D.C., and San Francisco, stand at the forefront of a looming transformation that could reverberate throughout the nation.
Economic Tremors
Economists warn that the proposed deportations could send shockwaves through urban economies. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s, cautions that businesses would face “significant challenges” if a substantial number of immigrants were removed. Industries such as construction, hospitality, and healthcare—pillars of urban economies—could face severe labor shortages.
Joe Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM, emphasizes the potential ripple effects: “The native-born workforce cannot meet current labor demands.” This labor gap could lead to increased wages, potentially rekindling inflation—a concern that looms large over city planners and policymakers alike.
Community Fabric Under Strain
Beyond economic considerations, the social fabric of cities hangs in the balance. Elena, a Nicaraguan immigrant in Houston, voices a fear echoed in immigrant communities across the nation: “I’m scared… This is my home.” The threat of family separations, particularly in mixed-status households, casts a long shadow over urban neighborhoods.
Immigrant advocacy groups like FIEL are mobilizing, advising clients to prepare for “anything that can happen.” This atmosphere of uncertainty could lead to decreased community engagement and cooperation with local authorities, potentially impacting public safety and community cohesion.
Cities at a Crossroads
As the debate intensifies, cities find themselves at a crossroads. Some, like New York and Los Angeles, have historically positioned themselves as “sanctuary cities,” often at odds with federal immigration enforcement. The impending clash between federal policy and local governance promises to be a defining feature of this new political landscape.
Meanwhile, the logistical challenges of implementing such a massive deportation operation remain daunting. Questions abound regarding detention facilities, transportation networks, and the sheer manpower required to carry out Trump’s vision.
Looking Ahead
As America’s urban centers brace for potential change, the full impact of Trump’s deportation plans remains to be seen. Legal challenges are all but certain, and the resilience of America’s cities will be put to the test.
What is clear is that the coming months and years will be pivotal for urban America. As Jason Miller, a senior Trump adviser, puts it, the plan is to “immediately reinstate” immigration policies from Trump’s first term. For America’s cities, this could mean a period of unprecedented change, challenge, and, potentially, transformation.
As the nation watches and waits, the story of America’s cities in the face of this ambitious deportation plan is just beginning to unfold. The outcome will undoubtedly shape the future of urban life in America for years to come.
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Donald Trump Wins 2024 USA Election
Based on the election results, Donald Trump has indeed won the 2024 U.S. presidential election, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. Here’s an analysis of the key statistics and implications:
Electoral College Victory
Donald Trump has secured the presidency by winning crucial battleground states and flipping some key states that were previously held by Democrats. The final Electoral College tally is still being determined, but Trump has surpassed the 270 electoral votes needed to win.
Battleground State Performance
Trump’s victory was largely secured by winning several critical swing states:
- Wisconsin: Trump’s win here was pivotal in securing his path to victory.
- Pennsylvania: This state flipped back to Republican control.
- Georgia: Another key state that Trump managed to win back.
- Michigan: Trump successfully flipped this traditionally Democratic stronghold.
Popular Vote and Voter Priorities
While the final popular vote tally is still being calculated, exit polls provide insight into voter priorities:
- Economy and democracy were top concerns for voters.
- Abortion and immigration also played significant roles in voter decision-making.
Congressional Control
The election results extend beyond the presidency:
- Republicans are set to take back the Senate majority, securing at least 51 seats.
- Control of the House of Representatives remains undetermined.
Media Implications
The outcome of this election could be seen as a challenge to mainstream media narratives for several reasons:
- Polling Discrepancies: Many pre-election polls suggested a tight race or even a slight Harris advantage in key states. Trump’s victory, particularly in battleground states, may indicate that polls underestimated his support.
- Narrative Shifts: Throughout the campaign, much of the mainstream media focused on Trump’s legal challenges and controversies. His victory suggests that these issues may not have resonated with voters as much as economic and policy concerns.
- Voter Priorities: The emphasis on issues like the economy and immigration in voter decision-making may indicate a disconnect between media focus and voter concerns.
- Electoral Predictions: Many mainstream outlets were cautious about predicting a Trump victory, even as results began to favor him. This hesitancy could be seen as a reflection of broader media skepticism about Trump’s chances.
- Underestimation of Trump’s Base: The results suggest that Trump’s core support remained strong and potentially grew, despite negative coverage in much of the mainstream media.
It’s important to note that while the election outcome may challenge some media narratives, it doesn’t necessarily invalidate all mainstream reporting. The complex factors influencing voter behavior and the challenges of accurate political forecasting remain subjects of ongoing analysis and debate.
As the dust settles on this historic election, both the media and political analysts will likely engage in extensive reflection on the factors that led to Trump’s victory and the implications for future political coverage and analysis.
Bolanle Media is excited to announce our partnership with The Newbie Film Academy to offer comprehensive courses designed specifically for aspiring screenwriters. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your skills, our resources will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the competitive world of screenwriting. Join us today to unlock your creative potential and take your first steps toward crafting compelling stories that resonate with audiences. Let’s turn your ideas into impactful scripts together!
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