Michelle ThompsonMore than 400 economists and former top U.S. officials are supporting Vice President Kamala Harris and her economic agenda, according to a document seen by CNN. This endorsement comes as Harris works to reduce former President Donald Trump’s lead on economic matters, a critical issue for voters in the upcoming election.
The endorsement mainly comes from left-leaning economists and officials from Democratic administrations, such as Brian Deese from the Biden administration, Obama-era figures Jason Furman, Bill Daley, and Penny Pritzker, and Clinton administration veterans Robert Reich and Alan Blinder. The document highlights a clear choice between “failed trickle-down economics” under Trump and Harris’ approach, which it argues focuses on equity, opportunity, and stability.
This week, both Harris and Trump are scheduled to give speeches outlining their economic plans, with Trump focusing on his tax policies in Georgia and Harris promoting her “opportunity economy” in Pennsylvania. A few signatories of the endorsement worked under Republican administrations, like Sean O’Keefe, who held roles under George W. Bush.
Well-known economists such as Justin Wolfers from the University of Michigan and Nobel laureate Claudia Goldin have also backed Harris, citing her commitment to building a strong, growth-oriented economy. The endorsement points to Harris’ achievements as vice president, including lowering costs, cutting taxes, and raising wages.
Earlier endorsements for Harris came from Democratic heavyweights such as Larry Summers and Robert Rubin, along with business figures like Mark Cuban and James Murdoch. Trump, on the other hand, has emphasized his pre-COVID economic success, winning support from business leaders such as Bill Ackman, Peter Thiel, and Elon Musk. However, some economists have expressed concerns that Trump’s policies could lead to inflation and harm both domestic and global economic stability.
Harris has been strengthening her connections with the business world, recently engaging with JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon. Despite close polling numbers, a recent straw poll of business leaders indicated that 80% expect Harris to win, even though only a third of them identify as Democrats.
