184 Comments
User's avatar
Chef R.T.'s avatar

To paraphrase a Great American: “The trouble with our economist friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.” - Ronald Reagan

Jeremy R's avatar

In the case of the mediocre, they Are ignorant! Why? Because they expect US to believe their BS .

Cheers BP7 and all the other Surber readers and Merry Christmas.

Grumpy Oldman's avatar

Obviously Jeremy, enough jacka$$e$ enjoy being LIED to everyday because the Senate and House are so evenly split. They keep voting fruits & vegetables into office to represent them.

Sadly, republicans aren’t immune to the stupidity.

Reddog's avatar

The jackasses all have one thing in common; they vote for the party that gives them the most stuff. They don’t care about trade or anything having to do with making a better America. They are fine with government taking care of everything in life so long as they don’t have to have their skin in the game. We will never do away with or change these people. They can all be characterized as “the takers”. Sadly, we are creating them faster than ever before.

Jeremy R's avatar

I sometimes wonder about whether people elect them or simply tolerate fraud sticking useful idiots in those spots. Look at what has been revealed about the fraud in Georgia. Tell me it's local and I won't believe it.

And yes I agree that the Republicans in Washington are just as bad, maybe worse than the communists.

Grumpy Oldman's avatar

No, there is nothing worse than being a jacka&$-communist democrat.

They build nothing, just destroy.

Shrugged's avatar

Most DO believe their BS, Jeremy.

This week, Rasmussen released a survey result that says 56% of Americans believe the economy got worse in 2025 . . . so a majority of Americans believe their BS! Did these idiots forget the rapid progression of inflation and pricing under Biden? Food, gasoline, eggs, healthcare and insurance premiums of all kinds? They believe 2025 was worse than the year(s) under Biden?

Un-f-ing-believable.

This is why we have unexplainable outcomes in elections (in addition to the fraud).

https://www.rasmussenreports.com/?utm_campaign=RR12242025DN&utm_source=criticalimpact&utm_medium=email

Reddog's avatar

Stop believing any polling. You can get any outcome you want by creating the questions the right way. We all tend to give more credibility to the polls that produce a score favorable to our thinking. Today polling is carefully designed marketing.

Shrugged's avatar

Not true, Reddog. I've done survey research for years and there are honest pollsters and, like mainstream media, there are a majority of liars who use the survey research design to "prove their leftist lies".

Don't get me wrong as you have good grounds to distrust pollsters, but just like there are trustworthy MAGA media sites, there are trustworthy polling sources.

Rasmussen and Baris are the two best. They are competitors but recently created a new consortium of honest pollsters. To be admitted to the group (of which there are only a few) all previous published research from that applicant is scrutinized for their accuracy, sampling, questions, analysis, and reporting accurate results.

Reddog's avatar

Well, we each have opinions regarding this issue. Not arguing here but you have more faith in polling than I do. I spent a short time in Military Intelligence (I know, an oxymoron) but it convinced me that power is all about controlling what people believe and see at the right time and I will likely never consider any polling results as meaningful. Have a great Christmas, We can still say that in America.

Jeremy R's avatar

Yup lots of uninformed ignoramuses roaming the world.

Kevin C.'s avatar

If you lined up all the economists in the world, they still wouldn’t agree on anything.

Robert Brusca's avatar

Or... that would be a good start

steph_gray's avatar

Kudos on the self-deprecating humor, always a winner.

Retirednottired's avatar

“Lined up…” you mean like against a wall?

Don Reed's avatar

As for Diane Swonk, Numbers Runner for the Counsel on Foreign Relations Casino...

Never trust anyone who doesn't understand why it's essential to wear a turtleneck before posing for one's "official" photograph:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diane_Swonk

To all, have a Merry Christmas. DAMN, we deserved this one, after The Reign of Soiled Diapers (2021-2024)!

N.Wallace's avatar

And 'Democrats'.

Wim de Vriend's avatar

I believe he said that about the Democrats.

Chef R.T.'s avatar

I think it was “liberals”.

steph_gray's avatar

Can't we have them all?

I can only imagine what Ronnie would be saying today...

Brian LeMay's avatar

As far as profound statements go , that could very well be number one 😉.

Steve Boggs's avatar

Economists predicted 10 out of the last 3 recessions. Dang, that’s better than the little boy who cried ‘Wolf’!

tj's avatar

I had to read it twice. Then I laughed and scared the cat. lol

tzed's avatar

The very same economists that would report glowing numbers on the economy under Biden only to have to revise them downward a month later each time.

Joe LaGreca's avatar

That happens whenever there's a DEM president. I wonder why that is.

Marlan Hoerer's avatar

Andy Rooney voice Joe ? lol

Cookie McCall's avatar

Just what I was thinking, Marlan

tzed's avatar

Funny how that happens. They’re so predictable.

Robert Brusca's avatar

Then why cant they predict???

tzed's avatar

Because they’re more about narrative than predictions.

Jeremy R's avatar

They model themselves after the TV reporters featured in the movie Airplane.

steph_gray's avatar

Same result - so few people listen to them anymore...

Great chuckle!

dancingtime's avatar

My still Democrat neighbor back in the woods believes the CNN economist.... you should see what Hakeem Jeffries has sent out about the economy to people stupid enough to take him seriously.

Robert Brusca's avatar

Hakim is not an economist. Many who make predictions are not economists. Many economists who make predictions also are partisans and THAT gets in the way of objectivity.. robert.

Brusca PhD, economist ( a real one) Merry Christmas one and all ( not a forecast)

dancingtime's avatar

Hakeem is not much of a representative of his constituents, either. People like him should learn to keep their mouths shut when they don’t know what they are talking about….but, they appeal to those with self-limited information resources.

dancingtime's avatar

To clarify, I did not say that Hakeem is an economist….CNN has one but I never watch it so his name eludes me. I was saying that Hakeem is putting his spin out to registered Democrats.

Shrugged's avatar

The economists have to set themselves up to be able to say "We told you so" when it finally happens, and it will happen. They never know the timing or the triggers. If they did, we'd all be millionaires.

Business and economies are cyclical and need to find balance in their own pathway.

Cookie McCall's avatar

just like the climate

Robert Brusca's avatar

Balance is what you do with a cocktail on a lawn chair.

Joe LaGreca's avatar

Especially hurricanes.

Don Reed's avatar

12/24/25: Swonk's mental discipline ---

"And so what we’re worried about is a SORT OF stagflationary KIND OF nature of these tariffs because..."

--- was forged at the University of Michigan, an institution that just blew millions of dollars on a head football coach who has been fired for doing exactly what the Michigan STATE head football coach had done before HE was fired.

She even sounds like the average doofus being interviewed in a locker room.

(My emphasis. "Sort of" and "kind of" do not belong --- as in, NEVER --- in hard, cold mathematical estimates.)

Brian LeMay's avatar

Seems to be a pattern in Michigan with head coaches , 🤔 why did Jim Harbaugh leave ? Maybe he got out instead of staying to face the piper .

Don Reed's avatar

12/24/25: That was the general drift, although at that time you could convict ANYONE of tempering or violating the rules if you looked hard enough. Same with Pete Carroll, when USC "got too hot" (Reggie Bush, "amateur"!) off to the Seahawks he went. And these crazy people pop up and complain that the athletes are now getting paid. Well, too damned bad. They earn it. The former obscene spectacle of head coaches making millions and players nothing!

Don Reed's avatar

12/25/25: I don't know if this will answer your question, but I do know it's written by someone who knows more about the subject than I do (!). Note that the article is very, very weirdly undated. I had to go to Wikipedia to find out when the immortal Brady Hoke was MI's HC.

Adorable Deplorable's avatar

Yeah, but let’s not be surprised if SCOTUS puts an end to all this good news by ruling against tariffs. Remember, the Chief Justice is a card carrying member of the Deep State and last thing he wants is to MAGA!

Suzie's avatar

During oral arguments on the case, it was Roberts who asked, (paraphrasing), “ wouldn’t ruling against the tariffs create chaos?”

That seemed to me to be a spark of hope that he’s at least leaning in the right direction. The questions from the other 5 conservative justices all seemed consistently favorable to the tariff regime. Pray much that the end result is a good one! 🙏

From the Beach...🌞🇧🇷🏖️🌊🐬🌎😎's avatar

We pray so, Suzie. Thank you for the reminder.

LuAnn's avatar

Roberts is a fair weather conservative. I don't trust him on anything.

Brian LeMay's avatar

Agree , he tests direction before committing . Chaos ? He's worried about his own well being .

Marlan Hoerer's avatar

He is not a conservative but a self preservationist with PDJT in office ,unafraid to speak his mind.

Don Reed's avatar

12/24/25: He's a James B. Comey who happens to bathe slightly more often.

Greg's avatar

Perhaps the Supreme Court should be a one year appointment from the people. We seemed to know as much about fairness and equity as they do. They're not so smart.

Wim de Vriend's avatar

Ugh, no. That would create the kind of instability you find south of the border.

Don Reed's avatar

12/24/25: And in reverse, in England.

tj's avatar

I really really hope you are wrong. But Roberts finds the hangnail to kill patient too many times.

I havent been in the right head space to read that new ruling on the NG. I figure it will raise my blood pressure and I just am not up to that. I have stuff I am behind on making for Christmas. I found the idea late but I think all the nieces, and female inlaws will enjoy the quilted totes. This is the only site I am hitting today.

Joe LaGreca's avatar

So much for a conservative majority on the SC. It's only 3 solid ones, 3 swingers, and 3 nitwits.

Valoree Dowell's avatar

Colorwork mittens for me. Merry Christmas!

tj's avatar

Merry Christmas!!

Sam Prentice's avatar

Unfortunately I'm afraid that is exactly what they are going to do. It would collapse our economy and immediately provoke a depression. And that is just what the Deep State is craving. Complete chaos and disorder that just begs for government to step in and save us from the diabolical orange madman. Those three leftwing ditzs will enjoy destroying Trump - who cares that the entire system also comes crashing down. Our female sage doesn't have a clue and will vote against the tariffs because she hates Trump for appointing her. Roberts will once again hold out until the end and after initially signaling support for tariffs will at the very last moment pull the rug out from under America and then go collect his grift allowance from the Deep State.

Marlan Hoerer's avatar

Even the Grinch doesnt want you to be right so let us hope for an unseen sense of country to strike SCOTUS.

PM's avatar

Call me crazy, but I believe the tariffs will stay. Bringing production back to America is the right thing to do.

tj's avatar

It is the right thing to do, hence my worry Roberts will screw it up.

Adorable Deplorable's avatar

Yeah, but he likes to feel he is part of the bimbo arm of SCOTUS and doesn’t like to disappoint them.

Robert Brusca's avatar

Yes...they want to ruin another Trump presidency.

Shrugged's avatar

I agree, Sam. When a real bullet fails, taking evasive action like destroying our economy and causing serious threats to society rises to the top of the list of options.

Between now and the mid terms is the timeline.

We can't forget that this can get real ugly real fast.

TeaPartyGal's avatar

Same comment as above, Be careful of visioning evil. It can build a bridge for it to happen.

Brian LeMay's avatar

Only one thing to do when it gets ugly ; WIN !

TeaPartyGal's avatar

Be careful of "visioning" evil. It can build a bridge for it to happen.

steph_gray's avatar

I can't like that, sorry, just hope you are wrong, but your prediction is unfortunately sound...

Adorable Deplorable's avatar

I hope I am wrong too. I PRAY that I am wrong. But as a student of history and knowledge of a pusillanimous Republican party I just don’t see this ending well.

Reddog's avatar

You can tell everything about Robert’s and his world view by looking at who nominated him.

Marlan Hoerer's avatar

I feel Roberts is a bit afraid of declaring against tariffs so look for a limp wrist ruling on this.

Robert Brusca's avatar

Trump coukd swerve...his Ukkraine policy id killing him... ok..dont like zelenkyy? Fine. But putin is no allie. He is a war criminal who cannot be trusted.

Reddog's avatar

Russian people would vote to be our ally in a minute if they could. They want a better life. But they will not rise up against their government or topple the oligarchs. They have no real idea what capitalism and freedom mean. So long as Russia is ruled by a tyrant, that will make the best of it. Sadly, these incredibly tough and hearty people cannot find it in them to rise up and overthrow their shackles because they have no real understanding of how life could be if they did. Too many decades of dictatorship.

Marlan Hoerer's avatar

My spidey sense says PDJT does not like but simply tolerates them as a part of doing the business of global capitalism

steph_gray's avatar

I'm pretty sure that PDJT despises Z, as all thinking people do, but, just sayin', that is far from the main reason he wants to end the Ukraine war.

There are the deaths. He hates them.

There is the drain on the American budget. He probably hates that equally but the deaths are first.

And yes, there is the #9 stopped war PDJT wants to add to his list. I don't mind that angle at all, because the outcome would be what America needs.

Reddog's avatar

I disagree on Robert’s. He is one of those people who either wants both parties to win or he looks at a potential judgement in terms of “impact”. That is not his job. It is either constitutional or not. Actually pretty easy job I believe.

Albert P. Sweeney's avatar

Experts. That all I hear now. The “experts” say this, the “experts” say that…

To me, expert is just a tagline for a DEI hire. It’s a marketing term now. Designed for the intentionally stupid, to steer them into the cattle cars.

The weather “expert” tells me to wear a jacket if it’s 30 degrees. The financial “experts” tell me that PDJT has destroyed the economy, as I enjoy the best wages of my life with $2.54 gas in my tank.

The health experts tell me all I need is “this” vaccine to be skinny, happy, less sad, less this more that.

The social “experts” tell me because I am white and have been working full time since I was 16, that I have gotten where I am in life through “privilege”.

There is an old saying that says…

“Those that can, do. Those that can’t teach.”

“Experts” cannot do either, however they can preen, prance and flap their gums!

Merry Christmas to all, looking forward to this evenings post Don!

Skinnydip's avatar

When I grow up (hah!) I want to be a TV weatherman. It what other profession can you be wrong 99.9% of the time and still have a great paying job?

Robert Brusca's avatar

An expert is a person who spends too much time thinking about only one thing and loses context.

Marlan Hoerer's avatar

Ever notice all of these experts sole job is playing an expert on the msm ??

Marilyn Brinley's avatar

Most experts act like they got their degree from a Cracker Jack box.

Reddog's avatar

Good job. Always wondered who decides a person is an expert. I think it’s based on who is willing to pay them for an opinion.

LuAnn's avatar

Experts are way overrated.

Greg's avatar

Still need to correct the moral, ethics, and crime problem in our politics and our country. I need to see hundreds of arrests of seditious creeps

tj's avatar

I do too. Although now even if the Jury convicts, they are still trying to weasel out of it like that Judge out of Wisconsin. Her lawyers are trying to get the verdict tossed.

Greg's avatar
Dec 24Edited

Start with the judges. They are corrupt and beyond repair.

Suzie's avatar

You actually have to start with Congress! They are the ones who have the Constitutional authority to rein in the entire district court system, including the rogue judges. What do you think the chances of them doing that are? Slim to none, I’d say.

Greg's avatar

While I agree that Congress needs an enema, the judges will nullify any judgement against their friends in Congress. Congress won't fix itself or hold judges accountable. Fix Judges first so we can actually have fair and impartial justice.

Suzie's avatar

Only possible via impeachment, which would take forever and never gain a majority vote in this Congress.

If Republicans win back both houses in 2026, WITH a stronger majority in both, (plus more MAGA-friendly members), we might stand a chance. But those are lofty hopes.

Greg's avatar

You're thinking within the boundaries. Keep playing by the rules and you will be crushed. We crossed the Rubicon long ago. We just refused to accept that we are at war with another ideology. Believe me, they know they are at war with us. And next time they have power, they will destroy us. The rules no longer apply.

Cookie McCall's avatar

let's ALL keep hoping and praying - from your lips to God's ears

Reddog's avatar

Probably correct. Long way to go to see real change in that regard.

Robert Brusca's avatar

Earth to sUsie, earth to susie... we.. WE THE PEOPLE- elect Congress. The problem is us... us.

Suzie's avatar

True, but it’s also a rigged game when we often only get to choose between bad or worse.

Reddog's avatar

Actually, it is more correct to say it is the people who do not vote who actually change election outcomes. Look at the margins over all. Very tight in places they shouldn’t be. Too many don’t vote and I am convinced there are far more righties than lefties out there.

Reddog's avatar

Not sure how many are activists but suspect it is a small number. There is a reason that so many of these anti-Trump cases continue to go to the same relatively few judges.

Douglas Baringer's avatar

Of course they are trying to get the verdict tossed, that is what defense lawyers do.

tj's avatar

My problem is that the Jury convicted her. There was a case recent where the Judge just said nope, Jury got it wrong and tossed the verdict even though there was evidence plenty that the Jury got it right.

The Judge should sentence then then let the appeals process work, not just toss a verdict because they disagree. If there are issues with the Jury instruction, the right place is the appeals court, NOT the trial Judge.

Joe LaGreca's avatar

The way it's going, I fear nada.

Shoveltusker's avatar

Merry Christmas Eve, invisible friends.

Looking fwd to the bonus post this evening, DS.

Kevin C.'s avatar

Yesterday is known as Christmas Adam … because Adam came before Eve. :-)

William Coulter's avatar

I kind of look at what folks are doing around the holidays as a gauge of what is going on.

Airplanes are packed. People are traveling. I work at Port Canaveral and the cruise ships are packed.

People are spending and 8 don’t think they would be doing that if they were worried about the economy.

Merry Christmas to all!!

Robert Brusca's avatar

Yrs.. i love it...nyt and co complain that rthe rch are driving growth... when was the last time poor people drove growth to 4%... just wondering.

James Mead's avatar

The NWS predicted a high of 21 here in the frozen tundra on Monday. It reached 8.

Forecasts whether economic or climate should be just called SWAGS (scientific Wild a$$ guesses)

Merry Christmas to everyone including Mr. S.

Marlan Hoerer's avatar

Experts and donuts ,dime a dozen and over hyped at that, It is truly amazing when you put PATRIOTS in the federal government versus political parasites who know no other host to leech on. That this administration made and is keeping promises threw the msm turds into the bowl and they fear the coming flush. PDJT wants America to have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and prosperous next 11-16 years.

Don Surber's avatar

A dime a dozen? Try 16.76 (with tax) for those donuts

Marlan Hoerer's avatar

Don, I am old and remember the donut holes at a nickel a pop so please forgive the CNBC screaming Jim analogy.

Tmitsss's avatar

Gasoline $2.34/gal. Turkey $0.97/lb

Valoree Dowell's avatar

But but but ignore those signs. It’s inflation! tariffs! high prices! food deserts! recessions!

Thank you all for these daily doses of fresh air. And confirmation that I am neither crazy nor alone.

Merry Christmas!

james garrett's avatar

"..... economists have predicted 10 of the last 3 recessions....."

Heh...:)

James Wills's avatar

Merry Christmas to all. Just when you wonder what will happen to us, you meet a fine family like the Surbers and those who read their cat's blog and think to yourself, We Just Might Make It™. What a nice Christmas present to find another codger who remembers, "Morning Morgantown!"

And as for the Legacy Media - the Washington Compost, the Failing New York Times, and especially the Formerly Credible Wall Street Journal, West-By-God-Virginia sends you a lump of metallurgical-grade coal for your stockings. Ho Ho, Hoes.

Sheila Barkofske's avatar

Yes & yes again! BTW, Merry Christmas! God don’t these people ever get tired of seeing the glass half empty & class centric “wealthier Americans kept spending.” You are so right, Don - this is what happens when you have real people in charge- not DEI/academics who think they know. Fire that woman from KMPG! Saw a clip from All in Podcast & David Sacks, who is part of Trump’s team was underscoring the positive was getting into a back & forth with the other guy who was trying to say that Trump was Ignoring a large part of the economy (the laid off government workers?) who were struggling & I kept thinking who are these people? I readily admit I am retired & live in the Midwest & I don’t have to feed, clothe, house a family, but I paid $2.47/ a gallon to fill my car- down 11 cents from the week before & went to Sam’s & the place was a zoo—filled with ‘not wealthy’ Americans. That’s all the stats I need. In all honesty, this stuff (BLS) is Greek to me, but the one stat that struck me was US growth compared to the rest of the world. Trump is setting a new definition for “great again”.

Dee's avatar

So many percentages & initials (GDP, KPMG, PBS, CNN, WSJ, CNBC.). It makes my head spin. All I know is that at age 80 I’m stronger than ever before. Yesterday I carried $150 worth of groceries from the car to the kitchen in ONE trip in ONE hand. I’m just a retired old fart with a high school diploma and don’t know much about growth and tariffs and all that stuff. I’ve learned that the important things are family, friends, and neighbors. Tomorrow we will celebrate the arrival of the Savior (Saviour if your Canadian, British, or Australian) of the universe. May we all celebrate that great blessing and love one another.

Jim Nelson's avatar

First of all, Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year to Don and all you Surberites across the Fruited Plain.

Since I am generally a cautious optimist, I picked 'Getting There' in the poll. The not-so-expert experts continue to talk down the Trump economy which exposes their bias and collective incompetence. Given the PDJT is virtually always right when it comes to real world issues, my optimism about America's future grows daily just as the Left's hate does for Trump and his administration.

Cookie McCall's avatar

I love our favorite President and his billionaire advisors and think they're leading us to a Golden Age in America. What a great time to be alive!