Presidential Debate: Economic Focus

Moderator Introduction

• Welcome to the first presidential debate.
• Jacob Clifford from the Economics Party moderating.
• Participants: Secretary Clinton and Mr. Trump.

Secretary Clinton's Economic Policies

• Job Creation:
  • Focus on new jobs, particularly in:
    • Infrastructure
    • Advanced manufacturing
    • Innovation and technology
    • Clean renewable energy
    • Small businesses
• Two Main Points:
  1. Government's role is not to create jobs; 85% of workers are in the private sector, with a majority in small businesses.
  • Emphasis on promoting competition.
  • Remove unnecessary regulations.
  • Limit taxes for job creators.
  2. High-wage jobs require skills.
  • Importance of education and skills training.

Mr. Trump’s Economic Policies

• Economic Strategy:
  • Focus on renegotiating trade deals.
  • Stop other countries from "stealing" U.S. companies/jobs.
• Criticism of Free Trade:
  • View that international trade has been beneficial despite some job losses.
  • NAFTA criticized as a poor trade deal.
  • TPP mentioned; Clinton supports, Trump opposes.
  • Economist view that free trade lowers consumer goods prices.

Further Economic Discussions

• Skills and Education:

  • Importance of skills for job acquisition.
  • Personal responsibility over government intervention in job skills.

• Social Programs and Taxation:

  • Clinton proposes paid family leave, sick days, affordable childcare, debt-free college.
  • Discussion on "fair share" of taxes for wealthy individuals.
  • Current tax contributions: Richest 10% pay 70% of income taxes.
  • Debate on feasibility of funding proposed social programs.

Federal vs. State Government

• Argument for smaller federal government.
• States handling policies individually.
  • Example: Oregon versus Texas approaches.
• Emphasis on states' freedom to experiment with policies.

Conclusion

• Emphasized need for competition, both in economic policy and within the debate itself.