More than 400 economists and former White House policy advisors have recently announced their support for Vice President Kamala Harris over former President Donald Trump in an open letter. The endorsements come at a crucial time as both Democrats and Republicans are working hard to position their respective candidates as the superior choice for the U.S. economy in the upcoming November election. This is especially significant as high costs of living continue to be a top priority for voters in national polls.
The letter, signed by a diverse group of economists and policy experts, clearly outlines the stark choice facing American voters. It highlights the contrast between what they describe as “inequity, economic injustice, and uncertainty” under Donald Trump’s leadership, and the promise of “prosperity, opportunity, and stability” with Kamala Harris at the helm. This endorsement carries significant weight given the expertise and experience of the signatories, many of whom have served in prominent roles in past Democratic administrations.
Among the signers are renowned economists such as Harvard’s Jason Furman, who previously chaired the Council of Economic Advisers under President Obama, as well as Roger Altman, the founder of Evercore and former deputy treasury secretary under President Clinton. Additionally, former government officials like Penny Pritzker, who served as commerce secretary under President Obama, and Alan Blinder, a former vice chair of the Federal Reserve, have also thrown their support behind Harris. This impressive lineup of experts spans multiple areas of economic policy and regulation, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
While the majority of the signers are associated with progressive economic views, it is worth noting that a few of them have worked under Republican administrations in the past. This bipartisan support underscores the broad consensus among economists and policy advisors that Harris represents the best choice for the country’s economic future. Individuals like Sean O’Keefe, who served in the George W. Bush administration, and Phillip Braun, a former staff member under President Reagan, add a diverse perspective to the endorsement.
The letter from these economists and former White House advisors is not just a symbolic gesture; it has the potential to shape the economic narrative of the upcoming election. Harris is set to deliver a speech focused on the economy, where she is expected to unveil new policy proposals that align with the views of these experts. This endorsement provides her with a strong foundation to build upon as she outlines her vision for economic growth and stability in the country.
It is important to note that while many of the signers support Harris, there may be areas of disagreement or criticism regarding specific policy proposals. For instance, Jason Furman has previously expressed reservations about Harris’ plan to impose a federal ban on “price gouging” in the food and grocery sectors. Despite these differences, the overall consensus among the signatories is clear: Harris offers a more promising path forward for the economy than Trump’s policies.
In contrast to Harris’ approach, Trump’s economic proposals have faced widespread criticism from economists and experts. His reliance on hardline tariffs, deep corporate tax cuts, and attempts to influence Federal Reserve decisions on interest rates have raised concerns about their potential impact on the economy. The letter from these economists serves as a strong rebuke of Trump’s economic agenda, highlighting the risks and uncertainties associated with his policies.
The support for Harris extends beyond just this group of economists and policy advisors. Prior to Biden’s decision to endorse Harris, a significant number of progressive and center-left economists had already voiced their opposition to Trump’s plans and thrown their support behind the Democratic ticket. In fact, sixteen Nobel Prize-winning economists endorsed Biden’s candidacy earlier in the year, underscoring the broad consensus among experts about the dangers of Trump’s economic approach.
In conclusion, the endorsement from over 400 economists and former White House advisors in support of Vice President Kamala Harris is a significant development in the lead-up to the November election. Their collective expertise and experience add credibility to Harris’ economic platform and offer a compelling argument for why she is the better choice for the country’s economic future. As the campaign heats up, Harris can leverage this endorsement to make a strong case to voters about her vision for prosperity and stability in the years ahead.
