Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy
12 episodes
6 days ago
“The Two-Handed Economist” delivers timely analysis of economic news from John Diamond, director of the Baker Institute Center for Tax and Budget Policy. Each week, John will dive deep into the latest policy developments — mostly at the federal level, but with insights now and again into Texas and Houston finance as well.
Why a two-handed economist? President Harry Truman famously asked for a one-handed economist, tired of hearing, “On the one hand, this,” and “On the other hand, that.” John embraces the complexity that a one-handed economist might shy away from, explaining how it all adds up for consumers, businesses, and policymakers. This show is for anyone looking for a clear-eyed, common-sense perspective on economic policy issues.
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“The Two-Handed Economist” delivers timely analysis of economic news from John Diamond, director of the Baker Institute Center for Tax and Budget Policy. Each week, John will dive deep into the latest policy developments — mostly at the federal level, but with insights now and again into Texas and Houston finance as well.
Why a two-handed economist? President Harry Truman famously asked for a one-handed economist, tired of hearing, “On the one hand, this,” and “On the other hand, that.” John embraces the complexity that a one-handed economist might shy away from, explaining how it all adds up for consumers, businesses, and policymakers. This show is for anyone looking for a clear-eyed, common-sense perspective on economic policy issues.
11: Mounting Shutdown Costs and a Knife’s Edge Economy
The Two-Handed Economist
17 minutes
3 weeks ago
11: Mounting Shutdown Costs and a Knife’s Edge Economy
As the government shutdown drags on, the economic and political costs are mounting. John W. Diamond explains the impacts for workers, markets, and economic policymaking. Meanwhile, the U.S. economy is still expanding. But the tug-of-war between demand and supply shocks — notably, declining immigration and President Donald Trump’s tariff policies — amount to a fragile equilibrium.
This conversation was recorded on Oct. 15, 2025.
Mentioned:
Bill King, “Republicans Getting the Blame for the Shutdown,” https://www.billkingblog.com/blog/republicans-getting-the-blame-for-the-shutdow
Follow John Diamond on X (@jw_diamond) and LinkedIn.
You can follow @BakerInstitute on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.
The Two-Handed Economist
“The Two-Handed Economist” delivers timely analysis of economic news from John Diamond, director of the Baker Institute Center for Tax and Budget Policy. Each week, John will dive deep into the latest policy developments — mostly at the federal level, but with insights now and again into Texas and Houston finance as well.
Why a two-handed economist? President Harry Truman famously asked for a one-handed economist, tired of hearing, “On the one hand, this,” and “On the other hand, that.” John embraces the complexity that a one-handed economist might shy away from, explaining how it all adds up for consumers, businesses, and policymakers. This show is for anyone looking for a clear-eyed, common-sense perspective on economic policy issues.
