The Irrational Voter
Much has been made of late of the irrational voter, a voter who demands of politicians government economic measures that actually are not in his/her long-term best interest. For example, a large number of voters want the government to shut down NAFTA, thinking this is in their economic best interest when in fact the evidence is pretty strong that for most of them, it is not.
What is a gung-ho but thoughtful politician to do? Do you listen to your experts, who council free trade, or do you pander to the masses? Do you stick by our trading allies, or do you begin your kindler-gentler foreign policy by unilaterally abrogating treaties with our neighbors.
Well, if you are the modern presidential candidate, you tell the masses what they want to hear, and then tell our allies you are just kidding.
Update: Cato brings us a great example from North Dakota
