Contra Krugman

Ep. 225 The Final Episode

On this final episode of Contra Krugman after nearly five years, we analyze Krugman's horrified response to state reopenings after the lockdowns. Show notes for Ep. 225

Ep. 224 Krugman Bravely Comes Out Against Killing Workers

With his usual magnanimity, Krugman declares that the epidemiologists have been completely accurate in their warnings during the pandemic, whereas those who want to reope

Ep. 223 Krugman Unwittingly Agrees the Fed Has Driven Stock Market Since 2007

In his attempt to praise Powell and criticize Trump, Krugman admits that the "real economy" is in terrible shape, and that the stock market has done well only because of

Ep. 222 Why Won't We Listen to the Experts?

Krugman is unhappy that the "right wing" is more apt to listen to people he considers quacks than to people he considers experts, and he says the COVID-19 problem is yet

Ep. 221 The Destructive Coronavirus Response, Cheered by Krugman

Guest co-host Richard Ebeling -- who was one of Bob's own economics professors -- joins me to discuss Krugman's qualified support for the $2 trillion coronavirus relief b

Ep. 220 Coronavirus Economics

This episode delves into all the key questions surrounding the economics of the coronavirus crisis: bailouts, Federal Reserve policy, payments to individuals, the effects

Ep. 219 Krugman Wants Perpetual Deficits

In a perhaps surprising move for someone who said "deficits matter again" upon Trump's election, Krugman now makes the case for perpetual budget deficits in the range of

Ep. 218 We Need Financial Regulation, Says Krugman

What really matters, says Krugman, is financial regulation. And only Elizabeth Warren can deliver, because Bernie will expend his political capital on unwinnable issues,

Ep. 217 Do Deficits Help Depressed Economies?

Krugman complains that during the Obama years, when deficit spending was desperately needed, obstructionist Republicans opposed it out of what they claimed was principle,

Ep. 216 Krugman Hearts Greta Thunberg

Krugman says Greta Thunberg is closer the economics mainstream than are her critics. Quite a few whoppers to deal with in this one, as you can surely imagine. Show note

Ep. 215 Don't Worry About the Deficit!

That's Krugman's message now. Interestingly, back in 2003 the very indicators he's now using to tell us not to worry were actually less pronounced, and yet back then he w

Ep. 214 Austerity Is Just What the World's Economies Needed

Krugman blames the "austerity" that began a decade ago for ensuing economic ills and political instability. This is a fashionable enough view, but the evidence against it

Ep. 213 Trump's Tariff War a Flop?

Although details are still emerging, a deal has evidently been reached between China and the United States regarding trade. Did Trump accomplish anything (from his standp

Ep. 212 Trump, Crony Capitalism, and Impeachment

We discuss the impeachment, Krugman's selective praise for whistleblowers, and what the correct approach to the problem of "crony capitalism" should be. Show notes for

Ep. 211 LIVE FROM VIENNA: Is Europe an Example for the U.S.?

We recorded this episode before a live audience at -- of all places -- the Austrian central bank in Vienna, where the Austrian Economics Center held a two-day academic co

Ep. 210 Elizabeth Warren's Fiscal Fantasies

Krugman is impressed by the detail and alleged seriousness of Elizabeth Warren's Medicare for All plan and how it will be paid for. Bob and Tom, by contrast, are not so i

Ep. 209 Robots Aren't the Problem

Krugman criticizes Democrats who think automation is behind American job losses. But just when he's sounding sensible, he jumps back into "inadequate spending" being the

Ep. 208 Debt Is Money We Owe to Ourselves, Idiot!

We got a lot of requests for an episode on debt after Krugman tweeted that "debt is money we owe to ourselves." What's the real truth? Show notes for Ep. 208

Ep. 207 Krugman Embraces Warren, Discards Economics

Historian and podcast host Brion McClanahan joins Bob to discuss Krugman's defense of Elizabeth Warren against the big bad plutocrats, who apparently are threatening to s

Ep. 206 Are You Deranged for Opposing Regulation?

Krugman says people on the political right get inordinately worked up over minor regulations that have a clear public benefit, and that such people now have a champion in