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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What Congress Should Consider As It Weighs TCJA Extensions
On “The Two-Handed Economist,” John W. Diamond outlines what Congress should consider as it prepares to extend key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that expire at the end of 2025.
John W. Diamond May 13, 2025
The GDP Drop Isn’t the Real Warning Sign
The U.S. economy shrank by 0.3% in the first quarter of 2025. On “The Two-Handed Economist,” John W. Diamond breaks down the latest GDP report and explains why the headline negative number isn’t the most important story.
John W. Diamond May 2, 2025
The Damage of Trump’s Tariffs, Explained
In the first episode of “The Two-Handed Economist,” John W. Diamond attempts to inject a common-sense analysis into the Trump administration’s rapidly changing tariff policy.
John W. Diamond April 16, 2025