Opinion Today: Which economy is better?
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Opinion Today
March 18, 2026
Illustration by The New York Times

Notable

If you hate Trump’s economy, I have news for you. “We should probably be more honest about judging the economy and more explicitly admitting that our opinion is based on much more than interest rates or inflation or even our own economic circumstances.”

— Jason Furman, a contributing Opinion writer

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Obama’s Iran nuclear accord was working. “Ultimately, Mr. Obama’s nuclear deal rested on the theory that diplomacy could, over time, moderate a theocratic regime with enduring antagonism toward the United States and Israel and that regularly engaged in internal repression and external aggression.”

— Suzanne Maloney, author of “The Iranian Revolution at Forty”

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Cubans want a deal. Just not this one. “Cuba’s government is weak and desperate; President Trump does not need to concede the country’s political future for the brief triumph of a deal struck.”

— Maria de los Angeles Torres, a professor of Latin American and Latino studies at the University of Illinois, Chicago

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Spotlight

Jose Flores

Too Many Americans Are Stuck in Dead-End Part-Time Jobs

Two writers argue for a right to full-time work.

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ICYMI

Can these unlikely allies help people harmed by pollution? “Some of the scientists and doctors we talk to acknowledge that the anti-establishment forces fueling MAHA are not going away. They see value in understanding the movement’s origins and harnessing some of its energy, despite profound differences.”

— Brinda Adhikari and Tom W. Johnson, the hosts of the podcast “Why Should I Trust You?”

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Listen (or Watch)

Article Image

The Opinions

He’s Openly Antisemitic. Young Male Conservatives in Florida Love Him.

Michelle Goldberg on a dark political reality she found in Florida.

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33 MIN LISTEN

More in Opinion

A high school gym outfitted with voting booths sporting American flags.

Jamelle Bouie

The Last Thing Trump Wants to Do Is Save America

This Is what the president is fixated on right now?

By Jamelle Bouie

Between an Israeli and U.S. flag Prime Minister Netanyahu and President walk away, arms on each other’s back.

Bret Stephens

For Once, We Fight With an Equal Ally

Israel is the rare U.S. ally that pulls its weight, shares the risk and contributes to victory.

By Bret Stephens

Wearing a dark suit and dotted yellow tie, President Trump speaks with both index fingers extended. An American flag fills the background.

letters

Trump Bullied Allies. Now They’re Hard to Find.

Readers discuss developments in the Iran war, including strains with allies. Also: The high cost of opera, not just at the Met.

In Your Words

Re: “The Trump Administration Just Gave Live Nation the Gift of a Lifetime

Every part of our economy is run by monopolies. Corporate mergers have taken choice away from consumers, driving prices up, quality down, and limiting real innovation. — A comment by Lee B from Germantown, Md.

Read more comments on the story here and check out our Letters to the Editor.

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