Pictured above: Paul Krugman, Progressive economist and Nobel Prize-winning author

For decades, Paul Krugman has been one of the country’s most influential progressive economists and public educators on issues involving inequality, wages, trade, healthcare, taxation, and economic policy. Through his writing, teaching, and public commentary, he has consistently argued that strong economies are built not only through markets and innovation, but through fairness, opportunity, and investments that help ordinary people thrive.

At a time when millions of Americans struggle with housing costs, healthcare expenses, debt, and economic insecurity, voices like Krugman’s help explain how public policy shapes everyday life. Economic systems are not laws of nature. They are choices made by governments, corporations, and voters – and those choices can either concentrate wealth at the top or expand opportunity for everyone.

Supporting Economic Freedom for All

Economic freedom means more than the freedom to accumulate wealth. It also means the freedom to afford healthcare, housing, education, childcare, retirement, and a decent quality of life without constant financial fear.

This project highlights progressive economic ideas and policies designed to strengthen the middle class, reduce inequality, protect workers, and create broader economic opportunity. We explore issues such as wages, labor rights, taxation, healthcare, housing affordability, monopolies, consumer protections, and government investment in public goods.

At Democracy First Campaign, we believe democracy is strongest when economic power is not concentrated in the hands of a small elite. A healthy economy should reward hard work, encourage innovation, and provide ordinary people with a fair chance to succeed.

Some will disagree on the best path forward. But meaningful democracy requires honest discussions about economic policy, corporate power, fairness, and the role government should play in protecting the public interest.

Economic freedom should not belong only to the wealthy. It should belong to everyone.

See how a few key economic ideas can sharpen your understanding of the decisions shaping our daily lives – take the quiz below to get started.