David Frum's Blog, page 171

Worst Debate Moments in the TV Era

This video isn't new, but in light of tomorrow's debate, enjoy some moments (Perry's aside) from a less scripted era.

Price Controls: Effective Political Poison

Sarah Kliff swats away David Brooks' suggestion that "Nobody knows how to reduce health care inflation."

Ruin Porn, Detroit Style

Detroit's woes are well known, and while artists like Camilo José Vergara take pictures that are wonderfully done, the sum total is really depressing.

Does Extreme Inequality Hurt Growth?

Jonathan Rauch discusses the evidence for an unsettling possibility: that the recent trend to extreme inequality in the U.S. economy may be crimping economic growth.

Here's How a Real Socialist Holds Power

Facing a vote on Sunday, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez will probably do whatever it takes to win election to another six-year term. From the Wall Street Journal :

Ohio: The Bain of Romney's Campaign

Molly Ball's article on Mitt Romney's pending Ohio fiasco is a must-read.

Iran's Economy is Collapsing

The BBC reports that the rial traded today at 37,500 to the dollar, down from 32,000 only 48 hours ago. The Iranian currency has now lost 80% of its value against the dollar since 2010.

Iraqi Oil Production Back on Track

Iraq's oil production in 2013 is expected to exceed 3.4 million barrels per day, a record - more than ever produced under Saddam Hussein, more than produced by Iran. Iraq is now the world's #3 oil exporter, behind Russia and Saudi Arabia.

How Can Romney Possibly be Losing?

The income of the typical American collapsed during the Great Recession. And in the two years of recovery since 2009, median income has … declined another 4.1%.

Ikea Accidentally Forgets to Include Women in its Saudi Catalogue

What's missing in this picture?