Johnson Prospers Among Those Who Know the Numbers

by Josh Guckert

In a survey of economists conducted by the National Association for Business Economics, Gary Johnson earned 15% of the vote. Fifty-five percent said that Hillary Clinton would be the best at managing the economy, while Donald Trump earned 14%, and 15% remained undecided.

The economists were particularly harsh on Trump’s immigration and trade plans. Eighty percent said the federal government should remove restrictions on high-skill immigration. Sixty-one percent said there should be increased immigration more generally. Forty-seven percent believed the U.S. should adopt the Trans-Pacific Partnership, while another thirty percent said the U.S. should seek more favorable terms.

It is possible that Johnson would do even better among the group if they were more familiar with his stances. He and running mate William Weld have made it clear that they are the “pro-trade” and “pro-immigration” ticket in the race. Though Clinton posits herself as pro-immigration, she has a muddled reputation in this area.

She sounded rather Trump-like earlier in the campaign when she said “I voted numerous times when I was a senator to spend money to build a barrier to try to prevent illegal immigrants from coming in. And I do think you have to control your borders.”

On free trade, Clinton has built a consistently poor record. In 2002, the Cato Institute gave her a 17% on free trade. She supports the Export-Import Bank, which is one of the worst examples of protectionism which exists.

These stances, compounded by Clinton’s pro-tax and pro-regulation beliefs, indicate a President which would stifle the American economy. Her opponent, Trump, offers little substance to combat her plans. Only Johnson promotes a consistent free-market approach to economics.

Nonetheless, the news of support of economists is a welcome one for the Johnson campaign. Hopefully, this support diffuses to the rest of the population as more learn about his policies.