Krugman: Optimism Is Not Enough

Krugman: Optimism Is Not Enough

Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman discusses the outlook for the US economy and the reforms necessary to prevent the next financial crisis.

Copy Link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
Bluesky
Pocket
Email

Rachel Maddow reviews what has happened in America since President Obama
took off on his first trip
abroad
: a dismal earnings season has
begun, the unemployment rate has
continued to rise, executives expect more
layoffs–and yet, consumer confidence is growing. Does this mean the
economy is improving? Princeton economics professor and New York
Times

columnist Paul Krugman says public optimism doesn’t matter as much as
the state of the credit markets, which “are inconceivably bad by normal
standards,” and the regulatory reforms of Tim Geithner and Larry
Summers, “smart guys–ask them, they’ll tell you,” who are unfortunately
pushing a bad
plan
.

Corbin Hiar

Check out more great Nation videos on our YouTube channel.

Time is running out to have your gift matched 

In this time of unrelenting, often unprecedented cruelty and lawlessness, I’m grateful for Nation readers like you. 

So many of you have taken to the streets, organized in your neighborhood and with your union, and showed up at the ballot box to vote for progressive candidates. You’re proving that it is possible—to paraphrase the legendary Patti Smith—to redeem the work of the fools running our government.

And as we head into 2026, I promise that The Nation will fight like never before for justice, humanity, and dignity in these United States. 

At a time when most news organizations are either cutting budgets or cozying up to Trump by bringing in right-wing propagandists, The Nation’s writers, editors, copy editors, fact-checkers, and illustrators confront head-on the administration’s deadly abuses of power, blatant corruption, and deconstruction of both government and civil society. 

We couldn’t do this crucial work without you.

Through the end of the year, a generous donor is matching all donations to The Nation’s independent journalism up to $75,000. But the end of the year is now only days away. 

Time is running out to have your gift doubled. Don’t wait—donate now to ensure that our newsroom has the full $150,000 to start the new year. 

Another world really is possible. Together, we can and will win it!

Love and Solidarity,

John Nichols 

Executive Editor, The Nation

Ad Policy
x