Today’s chamber reflects the growing influence of Suzanne Clark, who replaced Mr. Donohue as president in 2019, and chief policy officer Neil Bradley. In their choice between defending free enterprise and making nice on the cocktail circuit, the drinks are winning. The endorsements are best viewed as the chamber leadership’s bow to both political correctness and dubious strategy. The chamber’s website touts its diversity initiatives: “The U.S. Chamber Celebrates Women’s Equality Day.” “At Historic U.S. Chamber Headquarters, Temporary Art Installation Celebrates Black Lives Matter Voices.” Good luck finding a policy paper on, say, the economic cost of a higher gasoline tax (a levy the chamber supports these days). Externally, the chamber is falling for the old tried-and-failed belief that it can buy goodwill by making nice to swing-seat Democrats in the majority.

Source: Wall Street Journal September 03, 2020 23:03 UTC