Topic: Peter Orszag

All Content

On the Economy
Why commissions can't solve the economy's problems

Commissions, or expert panels, try to solve subjective problems objectively and amplify cynicism about the government
Tax VOX
Obama, where are your economists?

Politicians need a team of stellar economists for advice during campaign season, and Obama seems to have lost his
Debt-ceiling bill set to lose in the House. Why bother to vote?

The US House is to vote Tuesday on a bill that would raise the nation’s debt ceiling. But Republicans will oppose it in block, and many Democrats may cast 'no' ballots as well.
Obama's Medicare proposal: How would it work?

The GOP plan drawn up by Rep. Paul Ryan would in essence turn Medicare into a voucher program. On Wednesday, Obama outlined his vision, which takes part of the health-care reform law a step further.
From bureaucrat to businessman: Orszag's path reveals what really seals deals

Peter Orszag is an economic policy wonk who was director of the Office of Management and Budget. But Citigroup hired him less for his PhD or analytical dexterity than for his 'social capital.' It's a potent reminder that in business, as in politics, who you know (or who wants to know you) often counts more than that what you know.
A 'state of the union' fight ahead over US government spending

How furiously to cut government spending is likely to be a major point of departure between Obama, who gives the State of the Union address on Tuesday, and congressional Republicans.
Obama team plans for 2011 – and for 2012

Obama and his senior staff are hard at work on the size and shape of his White House team as they prepare for the 2012 elections. He hopes to spend more time outside of Washington.
ThinkMarkets
Voters’ best interest?

Who's best qualified to say what's in the 'voters' best interest'? The voters themselves, or commentators?
The Vote
Has Obama won the tax cut staredown of 2010?

Both the left and right are mad about the tax-cut bill. Does that mean President Obama will benefit from appearing to stand at the center of American politics?
Tax VOX
Estate tax deal: worst part of a bad tax compromise

Estate tax provision would exempt first $5 million and charge only 35 percent on the rest of wealthy estates.
GOP's Paul Ryan: White House officials 'don't talk to us'

Rep. Paul Ryan, soon to be House Budget Committee chairman, said he had no idea whether members of the White House were taking the national debt seriously, because he has little contact with them.
As Obama plans White House reshuffle, where are the new faces?

A major game of musical chairs appears to be in the works at the White House. But without an infusion of new blood, some wonder, will the reshuffle get Obama back on track?
Growthology
To avoid the double-dip, (1) lower taxes, (2) raise taxes. Huh?

Some economists propose lowering payroll taxes and then raising marginal rate taxes. Here's another perspective.
Does Pentagon trust Tom Donilon, new national security adviser?

Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he works well with new National Security Adviser Tom Donilon. But reports suggest there has been friction between Donilon and the Pentagon in the past.
Economist Mom
Obama’s economic team: Triage completed, it's time for tougher choices.

President Obama's economic team is leaving, and their replacements have not yet been announced. How did the outgoing team do?
Robert Reich
Who should get the tax cut? The rich, or everyone else?

Smart politics and good economics both suggest that the Democrats make this the central issue of the midterm elections.
Bush tax cuts 101: What changes could be in store for taxpayers?

If Congress does nothing, the Bush tax cuts expire at the end of this year. Here's a look at the options now being debated.
Did John Boehner blink on tax cuts for the rich?

House Republican leader John Boehner said he’d vote to extend tax cuts for middle-class Americans even if the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy were allowed to expire. Did he mean it, or was it a calculated move to get President Obama off his back?
Obama says he won't back down on 'trying to stimulate' economy

'Stimulus' has become a dirty word in the congressional midterm elections. But at a press conference Friday, President Obama pledged to continue efforts to stimulate jobs and growth.
Tax VOX
Tax cut smackdown: Obama vs. Boehner (and Orszag)

President Obama and House Minority Leader John Boehner both want to extend tax cuts for the middle class, but have squared off over cuts for the wealthy.
The New Economy
Christina Romer: Who will replace her as Obama's economic adviser?

Christina Romer is leaving as chair of the Council of Economic Advisers. Two front-runners have emerged to replace Christina Romer: Austan Goolsbee and Laura Tyson.
Christina Romer says her White House departure long planned

Christina Romer cast disagreements among key players on the White House economic team as a healthy part of reaching tough policy decisions. Christina Romer said she is leaving solely for family reasons.
US deficit heads toward record $1.47 trillion

Even with the slight improvement over earlier forecasts, the White House is predicting a record high deficit that some Republicans are already calling 'a stark reminder of the legacy of Obamanomics.'
Why Obama tapped Jacob Lew as new budget director

If confirmed, Jacob Lew will replace Peter Orszag, the highest-level Obama administration departure yet. Mr. Lew also served as budget director under President Clinton.
The New Economy
Peter Orszag: Departure illustrates US fiscal woes

Peter Orszag is said to be leaving after less than 18 months of wrestling with record deficits and a deep recession. Most White House budget directors last two years.