We’re at a moment where support for free-market capitalism is slipping—and it’s not hard to see why. From both political parties, we’re hearing the same kinds of ideas: cap prices, punish profits, and have the government take a more active role in managing markets. 

Politicians are increasingly trying to pick outcomes, override prices, and direct capital. And history is clear: this doesn’t fix capitalism's weaknesses—it replaces markets with politics.

In today’s episode of This Week’s Economy, I break down why prices and profits matter—how they act as the heartbeat of the free market, sending signals, shaping decisions, and fueling the competition that improves our quality of life. 

You can also catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify, and visit my Substack newsletter for show notes and more information.

America is once again at a familiar crossroads: innovation is moving fast—and policymakers are rushing to catch up.
The latest example is the growing push for age-verification mandates on app stores and social media platforms. Framed as a way to protect children, these proposals are gaining traction across states.

But beneath the surface, the tradeoffs are significant.

In this episode of This Week’s Economy, we explore how these policies could create serious privacy risks, restrict free speech, and reduce competition—while failing to address the root causes of youth mental health challenges.

Rather than expanding government control, the better path is clear: empower parents with tools, information, and flexibility to guide their children in a digital world.

That approach strengthens families without undermining the principles of a free society.
🎧 Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/B5SFgE3pxS0
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​The latest economic data tells a concerning story.

From a weakening labor market and rising healthcare costs to slowing growth and increased uncertainty, the warning signs are becoming harder to ignore. These trends are not accidental. They are the result of policy choices that have expanded the government’s role, distorted incentives, and increased complexity across key sectors of the economy.

In this episode of This Week’s Economy, we examine how these forces are playing out across jobs, Medicare, regulation, trade, and tax policy—and why they all point to the same conclusion: policy matters, and bad policy carries real costs.

The critical question is whether leaders will course-correct before these challenges deepen.

👉 Watch or listen to the full episode and explore more analysis with show notes at vanceginn.substack.com.

Free-market capitalism remains the best system ever discovered for human flourishing. Yet political support for it is wavering — and that should alarm anyone who cares about prosperity and freedom.

A recent Gallup poll on Americans’ views of capitalism and socialism found that just 54% of Americans now view capitalism favorably — the lowest level Gallup has ever recorded.

The partisan breakdown is striking:

• Republicans remain strongly pro-capitalist, though support has softened.
• Independents now only narrowly favor capitalism.
• Among Democrats, fewer than half view capitalism positively, while nearly two-thirds view socialism favorably.

The data reveal a hard truth: those of us who defend free-market capitalism are unlikely to persuade most Democrats anytime soon. Many Democrats appreciate the outcomes of capitalism — jobs, innovation, rising living standards — yet reject the label itself, often associating it with inequality, corporate favoritism, or cronyism.
That means the task before us is bigger than winning a policy argument. It’s about reclaiming the moral case for capitalism.

In today’s episode of This Week’s Economy, I lay out that moral case, explore why criticisms of capitalism are gaining traction, and discuss how we can renew support for the system that has lifted more people out of poverty than any other in history. Tune in to the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify, and visit my website for more information about Ginn Economic Consulting and vanceginn.substack.com for show notes.

What’s on Americans’ minds? The latest primary election results offered a window into what voters are thinking about. In my home state of Texas, voters sent a clear signal by backing efforts to eliminate property taxes through spending reductions.

Across the country, Americans are asking for the same things: lower taxes, a more affordable future, and a strong economy that creates opportunities. But too often, policymakers try to tax their way out of spending problems or regulate innovation — choices that threaten the very prosperity people are asking for.

That’s why in This Week’s Economy, I’m breaking down how these issues are playing out in policy debates. From tariffs and taxes to government spending and regulation, these decisions directly shape whether American families can afford the future they’re working toward — and policymakers can’t afford to ignore them.

Let’s dive in! Catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify, and visit vanceginn.substack.com for show notes, and don't forget to subscribe.