On the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez discussed this week’s presidential debate, focusing on both the candidates' performances and the topics that were omitted.
“I’m completely disappointed in the lack of a real policy discussion,” Tobin stated. “Certainly, going into this, we were fully expecting housing to at least be one of the main questions. Turns out that the moderators didn’t want to go down that road for some reason. So that was really, really frustrating.”
“It’s the topic that’s on everyone’s minds — most Americans’ minds,” he added. “Not only the economy, but housing in particular has taken a central focus in that, and it got a passing mention by Vice President Harris. But I really would have liked to hear what both candidates had to say about housing.”
Harris mentioned her goal to increase housing supply and acknowledged builders' roles in this process but did not provide specifics on how she plans to collaborate with the home building industry.
Lopez shared one of Harris’ mentions in a video clip:
“As it relates to my values, let me tell you: I grew up a middle-class kid, raised by a hardworking mother who worked and saved and was able to buy our first home when I was a teenager. The values I bring to the importance of homeownership … is a value I bring to my work to say we’re going to work with the private sector and home builders to increase by 3 million homes by the end of my first term.”
Former President Trump did not address housing during his remarks. The upcoming vice-presidential debate on Oct. 1 may offer additional insights into each campaign's housing plans.
Tobin and Lopez also discussed campaign strategies for swing states such as Nevada. Lopez is currently there as NAHB prepares for the 2025 International Builders’ Show from Feb. 25-27, which is now open for registration.
Listeners can access the full episode below and subscribe to Housing Development through their preferred podcast provider or watch all episodes on YouTube.