Drift v. Mastery: finding a path forward in difficult times.

• Author: Gochnour, Natalie
• Position: Economic Insight - Column

The American intellectual Walter Lippmann warned in 1914 that the United States had entered a period of drift. He recognized rapidly changing forces in society and suggested the country should address tensions by creating more balance. Extremism brings drift, moderation brings mastery. There's something about his thesis that deserves attention today.

As I think about the 2016 presidential election, I'm in a state of denial, depression or desperation. I can't believe that at this important juncture in history we are left with three bad candidates. I realize that's a controversial statement if you are a supporter of one of the remaining candidates, but it reflects my sentiments. I'm just being honest.

Sen. Hillary Clinton represents the past, not the future. I respect her abilities, but I worry about her trustworthiness. She's not my idea of the person who can bind our nation together.

Sen. Bernie Sanders makes a lot of attractive promises like higher education and healthcare for all, but his math doesn't add up. Studies by the nonpartisan Urban Institute and Tax Policy Center conclude that to fund his proposals, the federal government would have to borrow $18 trillion, more than doubling the national debt. I admire the way he has galvanized a movement, but his economic policies just don't add up.

Which brings me to The Donald. I'm not going to sugarcoat my views. I think Donald Trump lacks the experience, values and temperament to be our commander in chief, end of story. He won't get my vote. He's not my guy as an expression of conscience. Words matter. Policies matter. He lacks the right stuff on both accounts.

So ... when it comes to the 2016 presidential elections, I'm in a world of hurt. And this hurt stretches beyond the body politic and into the marketplace.

Economic roots of political turmoil

Loosely defined, I'm an economic determinist. I think much of the travail occurring in the American political system has its roots in an economy that's not working for many Americans. Donald Trump is not a Republican or a Democrat. He's an opportunist and a populist. His success stems from the frustration, anger and even fear affecting so many Americans right now. Sanders has a similar story.

At a...