Guess the Shill

 

(Image: source)

CNBC.com features two interviews with well-known commentators that offer contrasting perspectives on what ails the U.S. economy:

"'Fear Factor' Biggest Threat to US Economy Now: Welch" (CNBC)

The two main threats to the U.S. economy are government overregulation and plain fear that has not dissipated since the financial crisis, former General Electric chairman and author Jack Welch said.

Much has been discussed regarding the lack of demand that is depressing hiring, housing and the entire slow-growth economy.

Welch said in a CNBC interview that the low demand is rooted in two areas: Regulation gone wild during the Obama administration, and worries "in the gut" that the economy would turn back into recession or even depression.

"Economy Hitting Stall Speed Because of Debt: El-Erian"

Policymakers have taken the wrong approach in dealing with the global economy's numerous problems, shuffling debt around while avoiding making difficult decisions, Pimco's Mohamed El-Erian said.

"We used all of the wrong bullets," the co-CEO for the largest bond fund in the world told CNBC. "We tried to throw money at the problem. The issue is not money, the issue is that what we have are structural impediments and structural challenges need structural solutions.

Five problems confront the U.S. economy, he said: Housing, unemployment, public finances, infrastructure and clogged credit markets.

"Until we get movement on those five things, we're at stall speed," he said.

Pop quiz: Can you tell which interviewee is the clueless shill and which one has something of value to say? Is this CNBC's version of fair and balanced?

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