The Butcher the Baker and the Candlestick Maker

I woke up this morning thinking about how each profession would do under each administration

Here what I came up with:

The butcher, the baker, and the candlestick maker are classic figures of traditional craftsmanship and small business. Let’s imagine how these trades might fare in contrasting political climates under a Trump administration versus a Harris vice-presidency, focusing on aspects like economic policies, tax structure, and small business support.

1. The Butcher

The butcher represents an industry heavily reliant on agriculture, meat supply chains, and regulatory environments. Under Trump’s administration, which emphasized deregulation and reduced oversight in certain industries, butchers may have found fewer restrictions on meat processing and sales. However, this could come with concerns about food safety or quality, depending on which regulations were relaxed. Trump also promoted tax cuts, which might benefit butchers by reducing business expenses.

In a Harris-led administration, the butcher might see a renewed focus on food safety regulations and possibly more environmental oversight due to concerns about sustainable livestock farming. Harris’s support for green initiatives might lead to changes in supply chain practices, potentially driving up costs in the short term but possibly opening up opportunities for more eco-conscious or organic offerings. If there were more incentives for sustainable practices, a butcher focusing on local, environmentally friendly sources could thrive.

2. The Baker

Bakers face fluctuating ingredient prices, labor costs, and varying demand, particularly in a landscape where trends in health and diet are shifting. Under Trump’s policies, which tended toward corporate tax cuts and deregulation, bakers might have benefited from a generally low-tax environment, potentially freeing up resources for business investments or expansions. However, cuts in federal nutrition programs could impact bakers that rely on local contracts or cater to communities affected by economic hardships.

Under a Harris vice presidency, bakers might experience a stronger push for fair wage standards and healthcare support, affecting labor costs. Harris’s focus on social programs could provide more resources to lower-income communities, potentially benefiting bakeries in diverse neighborhoods. Additionally, initiatives supporting healthy eating could encourage bakers to explore health-conscious options, aligning with government recommendations and potentially gaining customer trust.

3. The Candlestick Maker

The candlestick maker, an artisan in a niche market, faces unique challenges. Under Trump, who promoted business tax reductions, a candlestick maker might find it easier to maintain profit margins. However, an administration more lenient on environmental standards might mean fewer opportunities or incentives to create eco-friendly products, which are becoming popular in the market.

With Harris, policies may lean toward sustainable business practices, promoting eco-friendly materials and perhaps incentivizing artisans who prioritize renewable resources. A candlestick maker focusing on natural, sustainable materials like soy or beeswax may benefit from eco-conscious consumers and possibly tax incentives aimed at sustainable small businesses.

Overall Perspective

For small businesses like butchers, bakers, and candlestick makers, success often depends on adapting to policies and market demands. While a Trump-led environment might focus on lower taxes and deregulation, offering financial breathing room, a Harris-led administration might prioritize social and environmental factors, encouraging innovation and sustainability. Each administration presents unique challenges and opportunities, making adaptability and customer alignment key for these traditional trades.