A friend and I were discussing the news today, and we got into a minor skiff over economics. He boasted that whenever tax cuts are implemented, GDP rises. I pointed out that productivy has also risen dramatically while wages have remained flat.
But the real stickler is when I pointed out that under Dem presidents, the GDP typically rises, yet under GOP presidents, it typically falls.
He replied, kind of angrily, "of course, that is because when GOP presidents were in office, Democrats controlled Congress". He said that when GDP rose under Clinton, it was due to a GOP lead congress.
I'm taking 8 hrs of classes and work 45 hrs a week and don't have time to dig deep into this. Is there evidence to refute the claim that congress not the president, are responsible for GDP growth?
I know this isn't exactly a diary - so dKos mods, please delete or let me know & I'll hide/delete this myself.
Otherwise -- thanks for any tips/leads you can provide.