A Balanced Scorecard for the Nation (from the Archives)

Duration: 54.32 | Recorded on January 19, 2025S2E4 – In this episode, the brothers dive into a data-driven discussion about how to measure presidential success. Instead of relying on political spin or folklore, they explore a wide range of metrics, from traditional economic indicators like GDP, inflation (CPI and PPI), and unemployment rates, to less conventional measures like labor participation rates, manufacturing jobs, international conflict reduction, and health outcomes. (They even consider the impact of presidential policies on the price of bourbon and rum!) The brothers discuss how government spending affects inflation and the importance of understanding that many factors influence the economy. They analyze the complexity of measuring economic success and emphasize the need to consider a “balanced scorecard” of measures. Featured SpiritsElmer T. Lee Single Barrel BourbonDos Maderas Triple Aged RumReferenceBureau of Labor Statistics (for unemployment rate, CPI, etc.)ACLED (Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project)UCDP (Uppsala Conflict Data Program)Global Peace IndexCorrelates of War ProjectHeidelberg Institute for International Conflict ResearchConflict Barometer