The Nation: Nixon in the Pulpit: Economic Evangelism

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Away from Business. Mills does have ideas of his own that would gain the Democrats some credit from the economic program. He intends to shift some of the tax incentives to consumers and away from business—he is determined to get a tax bill through the House by Oct. 1, and wants one that will be acceptable to the Administration. By Sept. 30, if all goes well, Nixon will also have recommendations from his Cost of Living Council, so that he can decide by mid-October just what form the longer-range restraints will take.

Underlying the argument over whether business or individuals merit first consideration in any economic-revitalization effort is a hard political reality. The quickest way to give a lagging economy a sharp stimulus is to inject new capital into industry and business for modernization and expansion. The slower, but potentially more lasting avenue is to strengthen consumer demand by aiding individuals. As it happens, the traditional sympathies of both parties neatly coincide with their election urgencies. Nixon wants a fast recovery to ensure his reelection. The Democrats want prosperity too, but are in considerably less of a hurry.