The liberalization occurring in recent centuries has lifted humanity to levels never imagined before the 15th century, even though the world’s population has exploded. Massively expanded trade and connected literate minds, bringing innovations to solve problems and improve our lives.

Yet the president of the United States is talking up “Bidenomics,” which is another way to say “industrial policy.” The nations taking the path of government directing their economies have not only failed to produce but have diminished the lives of their citizens. The USSR, Mao’s China, Cuba, and Venezuela attest to this policy’s utter failure. As it retreats from liberalizing, Xi’s China will join them shortly. 

The ancient Elite combination of government, church, and military, having the rest working for their benefit, is reflected in the modern Democratic Party. Government employees, with the clergy, morphed into academics and the priests of the Green Religion—the military run by political generals. Joining them are the crony capitalists currying government favors. 

One might hope Republicans have the desire for a government serving all citizens. A nation that maintains the legal framework safely, allowing innovation and trade. Policies that favor free markets and free trade, with a bureaucracy dedicated to getting things done rather than expanding their power. Cost-benefit analysis keeping expenditures in line. A foreign policy that curbs those still believing they can gain by taking things from others.

A look at the current crop of Republican presidential candidates presents a mixed picture. We know Donald Trump cut taxes and gained some ground on over-regulation. On the other hand, he gave us tariffs that still distort markets. His attempts to bring back manufacturing ended up with Lordstown-type failure.

Shutting down the economy and throwing money everywhere to compensate during Covid showed unwarranted deference to the bureaucrats. Fauci outlasting him tells all. The trouble is he needs a philosophy of governing. This lack leads to inconsistencies and contradictions.

Trump’s claim he would end the Ukraine war in 24 hours illustrates why nobody trusts him. This fear may also explain why few of his administration people stayed with him or now speak well of him.

In any case, Trump isn’t a free trader and stomped all over America’s economy during covid. 

Ron DeSantis showed a solid commitment to freedom and cost-benefit analysis during covid. Domestically he seems more than willing to stand up to the bureaucracies and crony capitalists. However, his characterization of the Ukraine war as “a territorial disagreement” is a head-scratcher. His similar to Trump’s stands on trade and “industrial policy isn’t encouraging.

As the embodiment of traditional Republican values, Mike Pence seems to lean in all the right directions, but where does he differ from Trump on trade?

Like Pence, former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley seems to be a free-trade free-market Republican. Still, her inducements to big business to come to South Carolina and her support for Disney in its dispute with DeSantis show a taste for crony capitalism. Her strong stand against Putin, an old-style taker, offers a better understanding of the world.  

Joining Haley in strong support for Ukraine is her fellow South Carolinian, Tim Scott. While he says all the right things, his lack of executive experience and nice-guy reputation makes one wonder how he’ll stand up to the bureaucracies. Reforming them will be one of the things defining the next president. Haley and DeSantis have shown their metal. Is Tim up to the job?

Vivek Ramaswamy is for free trade with those who can get us off dependence on China until we can do everything here. He tells us, “I want to onshore as much as I can to the United States—that’s not going to happen instantly, and we need a bridge to be able to get there.” It seems he favors AuTarky, the fallacy of total economic independence. On Ukraine, He says he would “not spend another dimeof American money on a war that does not affect our interests.” He’s not ready for prime time.

The rest of the field poll numbers are so tiny they might not even get on the debate stage. If any of them starts making some waves, I’ll look closer.

We know the formula for “More.” (The Series The Long Journey to More is on this site)The billions living better lives than ever before attest to what works. We know the Democrats are all in on “Industrial Policy,” so it’s up to the Republicans to stand up for progress. The candidate who understands what works and is willing to campaign on those principles will get my support. If you want “More” in the future, you’ll look for the same things.