Economist Brian Wesbury tells West Michigan Policy Forum in Grand Rapids: The economy is strong and fears are fueled by 'economic hypochondria'

What this episode covers

On a special edition of Talking Michigan Politics, Grand Rapids Press Political Editor Jeff sits down with Brian Wesbury, chief economist for First Trust Advisors in Wheaton, Ill., frequent guest on CNBC and Fox News, and a contributor to the Wall Street Journal's editorial page. Wesbury keynoted the lunch program at the West Michigan Policy Forum in Grand Rapids on Thursday. A disciple of Milton Friedman, Wesbury's stage show echoes the themes of his 2009 book, "It's Not as Bad as You Think: Why Capitalism Trumps Fear and the Economy Will Thrive." Wesbury offers an upbeat assessment of the U.S. economy and shares his views on the "Black Swan Theory," and events that make us rethink conventional wisdom. He blames government behavior for the crash -- low interest rates allowed unqualified people to buy homes, then the government over-reacted with bailouts and stimulus. He says the over-reaction caused "economic hypochondria."

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