Louis Rukeyser: Three Simple Rules When Discussing Economics

Bill Polley links to the New York Times obituary for the former host of Wall Street Week. Like Bill, I used to watch Lou’s show faithfully. NPR ran an old interview when Lou gave three pieces of sage of advice to those of us who might try to discuss economics to the general public:

Rule #1: Speak English.

Rule #2: Know what you are talking about.

Rule #3: Inject a little flair.

But before he gave us #3, he interrupted himself to note that virtually no pundit succeeds at #1 and #2 at the same time. As always, he did that with flair and humor. I remember often finding himself simultaneously disagreeing with what Mr. Rukeyser and laughing with joy at the delightful way he made his point.