Overview

"A bestselling economist tells us what both politicians and economists must learn to fix America's failing economic policies American economic policy ranks as something between bad and disgraceful. As leading economist Alan S. Blinder argues, a crucial cultural divide separates economic and political civilizations. Economists and politicians often talk -- and act -- at cross purposes: politicians typically seek economists' ""advice"" only to support preconceived notions, not to learn what economists actually know or believe. Politicians naturally worry about keeping constituents happy and winning elections. Some are devoted to an ideology. Economists sometimes overlook the real human costs of what may seem to be the obviously best policy -- to a calculating machine. In Advice and Dissent, Blinder shows how both sides can shrink the yawning gap between good politics and good economics and encourage the hardheaded but softhearted policies our country so desperately needs."

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9780465094172

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Alan Blinder provides one of the best summaries of the divide between economics and politics. He should know because he has served both areas in the highest capacities. But Alan's greatest gift is that he is first and foremost a pragmatist who is sick and tired of the dysfunction in Washington. His recommendation to economists and politicians is my recommendation to Democrats and Republicans--grow up, work together and better understand that fairness and efficiency can both serve the interest of a better democracy. --Leon Panetta Alan Blinder's book is a thoughtful and witty exploration of what he calls the Lamppost Theory--the proposition that politicians who make economic policy rely on economic experts for support, not for illumination. As a leading academic, a veteran of the policy wars in Washington, and a witty prose stylist, Blinder is ideally placed to explain the policy process in all its messiness and to suggest some practical options for getting better results. --Ben Bernanke More than any other aspect of governance, economic policy is entangled with--note well: I do not say 'informed by'--scholarship. Alan Blinder has participated from both sides in the complicated relationship between academic theories and political practices. His reflections about this are as fresh as today's headlines, and as entertaining as they are illuminating. --George F. Will

More than any other aspect of governance, economic policy is entangled with--note well: I do not say 'informed by'--scholarship. Alan Blinder has participated from both sides in the complicated relationship between academic theories and political practices. His reflections about this are as fresh as today's headlines, and as entertaining as they are illuminating. --George F. Will Alan Blinder's book is a thoughtful and witty exploration of what he calls the Lamppost Theory--the proposition that politicians who make economic policy rely on economic experts for support, not for illumination. As a leading academic, a veteran of the policy wars in Washington, and a witty prose stylist, Blinder is ideally placed to explain the policy process in all its messiness and to suggest some practical options for getting better results. --Ben Bernanke,

Author Information

Alan S. Blinder is the Gordon S. Rentschler Memorial Professor of Economics and Public Affairs at Princeton University, a former member of Bill Clinton's Council of Economic Advisors, and a former vice-chair of the Federal Reserve. The bestselling author of After the Music Stopped, he lives in Princeton, New Jersey.

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