The Two-Handed Economist
Both sides of today’s economic debates.
Each week, the Center for Tax and Budget Policy’s John Diamond delivers what a one-handed economist can’t: both sides of the debate on the economic issues that matter most.
Latest Episode
The Future of Social Security
In this episode of “The Two-Handed Economist,” John W. Diamond and Bill King discuss the 2026 Social Security Trust Fund report, examining the program’s long-term financial outlook, the history of past reforms, and policy options for addressing demographic and fiscal challenges.
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The Federal Budget’s March Madness
John W. Diamond escales down federal government spending and points out the relatively untested and opaque market of private credit that could soon be seeing stressors for the first time.
John W. Diamond March 27, 2026
Shutdown Economics, AI Layoffs, and Trade Deals in Asia
John W. Diamond explores the fiscal consequences of the ongoing government shutdown, plus warning signals from the labor market and new trade deals in Asia.
John W. Diamond November 6, 2025
Mounting Shutdown Costs and a Knife’s Edge Economy
John W. Diamond analyzes the mounting costs of the government shutdown and how the U.S. economy is faring amid a tug-of-war between demand and supply shocks.
John W. Diamond October 17, 2025
Why Government Shutdowns Don’t Work — And Keep Happening Anyway
John Diamond explains what led to the current government shutdown and what it reveals about budgetary and policymaking dysfunction in Washington.
John W. Diamond October 2, 2025
High-Skilled Immigration and the Future of US Competitiveness
John Diamond unpacks the looming government shutdown and explains why a weakening labor market is pushing the Federal Reserve to cut the federal funds rate (even in the face of sticky inflation).
John W. Diamond September 25, 2025
The Federal Budget Process Is Broken
John Diamond unpacks the looming government shutdown and explains why a weakening labor market is pushing the Federal Reserve to cut the federal funds rate (even in the face of sticky inflation).
John W. Diamond September 18, 2025
The Trump Tariff Ruling, the De Minimis Exemption, and an Economy Losing Steam
John W. Diamond breaks down a federal court ruling against President Trump’s tariffs, Trump’s executive order ending the de minimis exemption, and the latest signs of a weakening labor market.
John W. Diamond September 4, 2025
Should the Federal Reserve Cut Interest Rates?
Should the Federal Reserve cut interest rates? On “The Two-Handed Economist,” John W. Diamond lays out what’s at stake for the economy amid persistent inflation, a cooling labor market, and an escalating pressure campaign waged by the Trump administration.
John W. Diamond August 28, 2025
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act Kicks the Fiscal Can Down the Road
On “The Two-Handed Economist,” John W. Diamond reviews President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act and explains why it won’t increase growth enough to offset its trillions in revenue declines.
John W. Diamond June 5, 2025
UK and China Trade Deals, the GOP’s ‘One Big, Beautiful’ Tax Bill, and Trump’s Plan to Slash Prescription Drug Costs
On “The Two-Handed Economist,” John W. Diamond explains what makes fiscal sense and what doesn’t on Trump’s trade deals with the UK and China, the GOP’s “one big, beautiful” tax bill, and Trump’s order to slash prescription drug costs.
John W. Diamond May 15, 2025