As we move into the 21st century, the negative correlation between a strong economy and egalitarianism will grow stronger (globalization, technology). A thriving market no longer necessitates US employment and living wages. It's that simple. The issue of retarding economic growth through government spending may be an issue, but it's besides the point. There are larger issues at play. Even with small government, are we really expecting the market to grow the economic pie ad infinitum and provide the most for the most people for 1000 years? There's nothing a president can do. Redistribution may be a misguided knee-jerk reaction to an economy that doesn't work for the people, but it is far from the cause of the real issues of our world.