In an increasingly tense and highly contentious political environment, much of the public conversation focuses on the sharp differences between this year’s presidential candidates.

While identifying and evaluating the differences between the two candidates is vital, recognizing and analyzing their similarities, according to Dr. David Mitchell, professor of economics at Missouri State, is just as important.

“Their economic proposals can have a large impact on a voter’s wage growth and probability of finding a job,” said Mitchell. “These policies can help determine how easy a person’s economic future will be.”

Both Trump and Clinton have taken strong anti-trade stances during their campaigns for president of the United States — but anti-trade policies, according to Mitchell, have the potential to hurt more people than they will help.

For more information, contact Mitchell at 417-836-5551.