Are you better off today than you were four years ago? 

This is a common question voters hear from candidates during an election year. But on this episode, two economists ask that question, then try to answer it using economic data. They say the evidence shows that overall the economy is showing signs of strength, but there’s a disconnect: Regular Americans don’t believe they’re better off. What’s causing this?

This week’s episode features AEI Senior Fellow Beth Akers in another Defending Enterprise feature segment. Beth interviews Claudia Sahm, a former Federal Reserve economist who now runs her own economic consulting firm. They discuss the latest economic indicators, coupled with consumer sentiment data, exploring why some of the experts and average Americans diverge on their current views of the economy. 

Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, equipping listeners to become more effective champions of sound principle and good policy. Visit defendingideas.org.