The wave of support which evidently buttressed Trump's nomination and eventual election to the Presidency has often been called "a wave of populism". This term has a broad meaning and I would like to deconstruct its many uses to get at the center of what it actually means. Populism by definition appeals to "ordinary" voters... Continue Reading →
Are Exports Falling in Minnesota Due to the Trade War?
U.S exports comprise a little over 12% of the nation's GDP as of 2017. A shock to this cohort of production would be a significant blow to the economy over the mid-term. What I'm interested in, is the question of whether since then, given the ongoing trade war, Minnesota's exports have dropped. Well, in aggregate,... Continue Reading →
Counting Political Beans at the Minnesota State Fair
At the DFL booth(DNC for non-Minnesotans) at the MN state fair there was a novel way to gauge voter sentiment toward the candidates: soybeans. If only primary elections were as interesting as soy beans! There were tubes for each of the remaining candidates, as well as a generic "Democrat" tube, for which the purpose seems... Continue Reading →