Presidential politics and economic education

“I am interested in doing what’s right and not the consequences.”

It was 5am, I was tossing and turning in a hotel room, and was more or less listening to the television I had left on during the night. As I laid there I had just turned to see what show was on as they were discussing the upcoming presidential election. Speaking was Senator Obama, when suddenly the scene shifted to a Democratic member of the US Congress, and “Super Delegate”, and blurted out the quote above.
While I laid there stunned, at the same time my mind was racing. I knew it! I have been teaching this for years! Now the proof. Our political leaders have no idea about the truth of the core economic principles. Not only are they idea less about the principles, they don’t care about the future and the consequences of their decisions.
In the past I have taught that generally, good economics makes bad politics (take note of the word “generally”, please). I rest my case.

“The issue of economics is an issue I probably don’t know as well as I should”

One more. Who said this? While each of my daughters, I am confident, have thought this sentiment at one time in their life, they are not the source of this particular quote above. During the same news program, several stories later. If this honest assessment of ones knowledge of economics is being made by one member of Congress, how many more of them have the same view? Of course for many of us in the economic education profession, this admission is only confirming what we have been stating for years. Who made this statement- Republican presidential frontrunner, Senator John McClain.

Two quotes from two different political parties and political viewpoints. Both quotes reveal the need for a sound understanding of the 6 Core Economic Principles by every voter. We need to hold our elected officials accountable, and we can best hold them accountable through our knowledge as an electorate. We cannot let them off the hook.