WBUR’s Anthony Brooks has a good piece on how the economy poses challenges to Kamala Harris, particularly inflation. Presidents have little power to combat inflation. So what can she do? I have an idea: the federal government giving a $1,000 check to every adult American making $150K or less a year, similar to what the feds did several times during the pandemic. It won’t offset inflation’s total ravages over the past few years, but people will be pumped to get a check. It’s a simple, direct way to help with the groceries.

Re arguments it’s fiscally irresponsible: It’s no more irresponsible than Donald Trump’s tax cuts for the rich or vows to eliminate taxes for restaurant workers. … Re arguments it might exacerbate, not offset, inflation: Tie it to spending cuts elsewhere in the fed budget. … Harris needs to act soon on this. Trump might steal the idea.

Update – And the checks might also spur consumer spending for an economy that desperately needs it.