We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Finance

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Obamanomics?

Jessica Ellis
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,968
Share

Obamanomics is a term used to described the economic policy of United States President Barack Obama. Similar terms have been employed to describe the fiscal policies of previous presidents, such as Reaganomics and Bushonomics. Though the term can be simple shorthand used to refer to an overall policy concept, Obamanomics is often used as a pejorative term by political opponents of President Obama.

What Obamanomics is or isn't is quite difficult to define. While the term can be used to describe the financial policies and changes to the American economy made by President Obama during his term in office, it rarely refers to specific policies and is often used as a general term that relates the Presidency of Obama to financial effects on the nation and the global community.

Many of President Obama's decisions in his first term of office involve financial concerns, and thus can be considered under the blanket of Obamanomics. Some of these decisions include changing income tax rates for certain tax brackets, altering student loan programs, creating health care legislation, and changing the process of how fines are assessed and made when dealing with pollution. These policies can be viewed as minor or major changes that may benefit or hurt the country, depending on an individual's personal and political point of view.

Though it is difficult to evaluate the point, plan, or effect of President Obama's fiscal policy out of context, the general guiding idea is often referred to as bottom-up economics. This means that cutting taxes, providing aid, and improving social services for the poor will help to raise the standard of living for many people. By providing services like student loans and job training, Obamanomics increases the education level, job opportunities and thus the buying power of the average citizen. This effect will in turn, according to theory, stimulate the economy by putting more money into the hands of a greater number of people.

Obamanomics differs extensively from many previous plans. In Reaganomics, for instance, the guiding principle was called the trickle-down effect, where by cutting taxes on wealthier people that own businesses and corporations, higher salaries, more jobs, and new companies could be created. This departure from previous plans has drawn serious criticism from many quarters, including from both Republicans and some Democrats. Many economists characterize Obamanomics as a moderate plan, which can quickly draw ire from the flanks of both parties.

It is important to consider the economic context in which a theory like Obamanomics is formed. When elected into office, President Obama took over a country enmeshed in two wars and deep in the fallout of a recession, real estate bust, and the collapse of several major banks. According to some experts, circumstance more than the policies or preferences of the President may be a greater influence on the developing system of fiscal policy.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Jessica Ellis
By Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis brings a unique perspective to her work as a writer for WiseGeek. While passionate about drama and film, Jessica enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics, creating content that is both informative and engaging for readers.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-obamanomics.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.