On today’s Capital Record, David looks at the issue of housing affordability and walks through Rahm Emanuel’s new op-ed in the Washington Post whereby a confused explanation of the financial crisis is given, and even more confused solutions are offered to a problem Rahm mostly identifies correctly. Few subjects in the American economy touch more people than housing, and if housing has become unaffordable for too many, the one thing we really cannot afford is to get this subject wrong.

Show notes:
What’s Really Depressing America’s Young Men

David looks at the unspeakable recent murder of the Blackstone Real Estate CEO and those who have celebrated the murder. Highlighting their despicable lack of moral clarity is the easy part. But unpacking the inexplicable economic ignorance embedded in their murderous hatred is perhaps an equally important subject. Fortunately, most people do not condone horrific murders; but unfortunately, far too many do buy the rationale that a Blackstone Real Estate CEO was doing something bad for regular people. And that assumption is what we will take to the woodshed in today’s Capital Record.

David is joined by his first podcast guest of 2025, and what a guest it is! The distinguished economist, Dr. Lacy Hunt, joins David to talk about a real assessment of the labor market; of economic growth; and of the second, third, and fourth order impact of tariffs. He transcends the mere first order inflationary impact to delve into the second order disinflationary impact. It is a fascinating conversation that is apolitical, objective, and vitally important.

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