Growth Rate Revised, Downward


I don't think it's any surprise to anyone here that I've long argued the stimulus wasn't big enough or done in the right way. Too many tax cuts and not enough aid to States and Municipalities. The numbers are in--the numbers that count anyway--and the revised Q3GDP is lower:

GDP, a broad measure of economic output, rose at a 2.8 percent annual rate in the July to September period, the Commerce Department said, compared to the 3.5 percent growth rate first reported. The agency re-calculates the data as more complete information becomes available.

As Krugman and others have noted, the stimulus has proven to be not even close to large enough to close the output gap and we'll continue to see high unemployment in the mid-term, at the very least.

Job well done, Team Obama.


Sean Paul Kelley November 24, 2009 - 10:32am

This a good reminder that the winning team forgot who got them elected. The banks didn't nor did the ultra rich or the mega defense and security firms. But those are the constituencies with the most traction in the resources department.

But the people got the message in 2009:

50% to 60% of Obama voters faileld to show up in the off year governor contests in New Jersey and Virginia. Compare that to the 30% drop off of McCain voters in the same states. That determined the election outcome. More importantly to "team Obama," it gave them a less in what happens when you forget the people that got you to the White House.

Wonder if they'll wise up? Why vote if this is what we get?

Michael Collins November 24, 2009 - 2:14pm

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