THE ECONOMIST’S United States editor John Prideaux and Celeste Katz, Mic's senior political correspondent, look back at two strange, historic weeks of political party conventions in episode seven of our joint podcast, "Special Relationsip". Listen to it below. Or subscribe on iTunes, Google Play or wherever you go to get your podcasts.
A new episode will be published every two weeks.
SARAH SILVERMAN, who told the Bernie-or-Busters that they were “being ridiculous”. Senator Cory Booker’s optimism, rousing despite its multiple perorations and atmosphere of audition. Joe Biden’s roaring paean to America and its resilient middle class. Michael Bloomberg’s stinging billionaire-on-billionaire put-down (“I’m a New Yorker—and I know a con when I see one”). Barack Obama’s elegant elision of the virtues of self-government with the risks of Donald Trump’s authoritarianism, before an audience seemingly as enamoured of the current president as ever. On this last night of the Democratic National Convention, the Reverend William Barber, a civil-rights leader who set the hall alight. On the first night, Michelle Obama. Especially Michelle Obama.
There was lots of memorable oratory at this week’s convention in Philadelphia; intended to boost Hillary Clinton, these performances risked eclipsing her finale instead. It had been a slow reveal: absent on the first day, on the second Mrs Clinton spoke briefly by videolink after her formal nomination, which, in the end, her cantankerous rival, Senator Bernie Sanders,...Continue reading
Source: United States http://ift.tt/2amnc5x
ON THE face of things, eight months without a proper government have not hurt Spain. Between April and June, the economy’s quarterly growth was 0.7%, only marginally less than in the first quarter, and it added 271,400 jobs. Unemployment is down to 20% from a peak of 27% in 2013. That is partly because of the prospect of a booming tourist season, with many visitors flocking there after being scared away from the beaches of Egypt, Tunisia and Turkey. It is a tribute to the maturity of Spain’s institutions that the country has gone about its normal business—which, at this time of year, means going on holiday.
But Spain’s political deadlock, in which a stable two-party system gave way in an election last December to a fragmented parliament, comes with a rising cost. Business confidence is starting to flag, as is the pace of job creation. With the euro zone buffeted by Brexit, Spain’s economy is forecast to slow this winter. To boost productivity and cut long-term unemployment, it needs more reform. There are decisions to be taken, on everything from the budget to Catalan separatism—and it needs a government to take them.
After...Continue reading
Souce: Europe http://ift.tt/2ajOfkr