Jan 25, 2021

The presidential promise to “buy American”

President Joe Biden signs an executive order meant to channel the government's buying power into American products. Drew Angerer/Getty Images

On today's show: Why is so hard to keep that promise? Plus, the difference that extra $300 in federal unemployment benefits made.

Segments From this episode

"Buy American" is a common presidential promise. Why is it so hard to do?

by Kimberly Adams

Jan 25, 2021

President Biden signed an executive order to ensure that federal dollars purchase U.S.-made products — like the Trump administration and others before it.

President Joe Biden signs an executive order meant to channel the government's buying power into American products.

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

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COVID-19

Corporations pile on debt to survive pandemic

by Marielle Segarra

Jan 25, 2021

But eventually they'll need to make enough money to pay it back. Will changes in consumer behavior be permanent?

The pandemic has left corporations like AMC with no option but to go into debt in order to see another day.

Angela Weiss/Getty Images

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COVID & Unemployment

Extra $300 in federal jobless benefits is making a difference, but is it enough?

by Samantha Fields

Jan 25, 2021

“It's not as good as the $600, obviously, but it's better than nothing."

Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

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Boston Consulting CEO on the ties between business and politics

by Kai Ryssdal and Andie Corban

Jan 25, 2021

Rich Lesser said the business world is ready to find common ground with the Biden administration.

The New York Stock Exchange in New York City. "I think business leaders are all struggling with how prominent to be" at a time of stark political division in the United States, Rich Lesser says.

Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images

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COVID-19

The drivers of this economy: Long-haul trucking in the pandemic

by Kai Ryssdal and Alli Fam

Jan 25, 2021

Back in the spring, state transportation departments closed highway rest stops. And that put a strain on drivers.

Many independent truck drivers are starting to see lower rates and increased fuel costs, says Lewie Pugh, Executive Vice President of the Owner-Operator Independent Driver Association.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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Coke, Audi and Budweiser will sit out the Super Bowl

by Kristin Schwab

Jan 25, 2021

Between chaos in Washington and coronavirus anxiety, advertisers are worried about tone.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Teenage Birdsong Four Tet

Timeless (Instrumental) J Dilla

Coco Mango (FloFilz Remix) MF DOOM, FloFilz

Colours Hot Chip

Ego Beyoncé

Superposition Young the Giant

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Daisy Palacios Senior Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer

Sean McHenry Associate Producer

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