On the one hand, Krugman says we really don’t know why mortality rates for middle-aged white men have been on the rise. On the other, it’s probably because of his political opponents.

We have a much more plausible explanation for this rise, and it isn’t because conservatives have been warning about bad economic times. Listen in!

Krugman Column

“Despair, American Style,” November 9, 2015

Related Krugman Item

“Cheese-Eating Job Creators”

Study Mentioned

“Rising Morbidity and Mortality in Midlife Among White non-Hispanic Americans in the 21st Century,” by Anne Case and Angus Deaton

Contra Column

“Military Suicide Rate and the Importance of Demographic Controls,” by Matt Bruenig

Charts Mentioned

Opioid Prescriptions Dispensed

Related Episode

Ep. 8 Does the Economy Perform Better Under Democrats?

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