US $1.8 Trillion Deficit Keeps Growing & HBO Doc Reveals Bitcoin Creator?
2024/10/9
Morning Brew Daily
Neal和Toby分析了美国政府持续增长的赤字问题，赤字已达到1.8万亿美元，创下三年来新高。他们指出，老年人计划支出（社会保障和医疗保险）的增加以及美联储加息导致的利息支付增加是导致赤字增长的主要原因。他们认为，如此大的赤字在经济形势良好的情况下出现是史无前例的，并对国家债务的持续增长表示担忧，因为利息支付已经超过了国防预算。他们还讨论了减少赤字的两种方法：削减医疗保险或社会保障福利，以及提高税收。然而，他们认为这两种方法在政治上都难以实现。两位总统候选人都没有提出有效的减少赤字的计划，他们的支出计划反而会增加赤字。
Neal和Toby还讨论了美国政府赤字问题在当前经济形势下的特殊性。他们指出，虽然美国历史上曾出现过更大的赤字，但这些赤字通常发生在战争、经济衰退或疫情期间。而当前的赤字是在经济增长强劲、失业率低的情况下出现的，这使得情况更加令人担忧。他们认为，要大幅减少赤字，需要在医疗保险和社会保障方面做出艰难的政治抉择，或者大幅提高税收。
Deep Dive
The US government's deficit hit $1.8 trillion, mainly due to increased spending on programs for older Americans and higher interest payments. This is concerning as it's happening during a period of economic growth, unlike previous large deficits during wars or recessions. Both presidential candidates have spending plans that could further increase the deficit, making it unlikely to shrink soon.
- The US deficit reached $1.8 trillion, the largest in three years.
- Increased spending on Social Security, Medicare, and higher interest payments contributed to the deficit.
- Interest payments alone exceeded the Pentagon's budget.
- The current deficit is high despite a strong economy, unlike previous large deficits that occurred during times of crisis.
- Both presidential candidates' plans could add trillions to the national debt.
Shownotes Transcript