The Unsustainable US National Debt: A Looming Crisis Ignored by 2024 Presidential Candidates

The United States faces a significant economic challenge with its growing national debt, which currently stands at $35 trillion. While debt warnings have been issued for years, the current situation is unprecedented. Experts believe stabilizing the debt at its current level would require substantial measures, such as reducing annual deficits.

Both presidential candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, propose tax cuts and government programs that would further increase the national debt. Their plans fail to address the critical issue of Social Security and Medicare, which are paying out more than they receive. Experts suggest reforms to these programs, such as adjusting benefits for wealthier recipients and raising the eligibility age, are necessary to avoid a crisis.

Despite the urgency, neither candidate is willing to campaign on unpopular but necessary measures like reforming entitlement programs. This inaction is expected to exacerbate the debt problem, potentially leading to a crisis that forces drastic and costly solutions. The author criticizes this approach, arguing that addressing the issue proactively would be more effective and less expensive in the long run.