A large chunk of America’s economy involves international trade – buying (importing) and selling (exporting) goods and services across national borders. International trade has clear benefits: Americans can purchase a wider range of goods, often cheaper than from domestic producers. Trade also creates new markets for American businesses, allowing them to sell more products, and increasing profits and employment. At the same time, by increasing competition, trade can force American companies out of business and workers out of jobs because of foreign competition. Faced with these benefits and costs, is free trade a good idea – and for whom?

Economic conditions matter. Inflation increases what we pay for everything from food to houses. When unemployment is high, some of us do not have a job. And low economic growth makes it harder to get promoted or gain a higher salary. The question is, how much can (and should) the government do to ensure a Goldilocks economy — one with low inflation, strong economic growth, and low unemployment?

Because the news media is the primary way Americans learn about politics and policy, we hold news media organizations to high standards of neutrality, ethics, and fairness. Do they live up to this standard?