Meaning: This quote by Howard Dean, a prominent American politician and former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, highlights the issue of prioritizing financial gains through speculative and non-productive means, such as "pushing paper around," over investing in ventures that create jobs and contribute to economic growth. Dean's remark underscores the detrimental impact of prioritizing short-term financial gains over long-term economic sustainability.

In the quote, Dean emphasizes the practice of "making money by pushing paper around," which refers to the excessive focus on financial activities that do not directly contribute to productive economic development. This could include activities such as speculative trading, financial engineering, or other forms of financial transactions that do not result in the creation of tangible value or job opportunities.

Furthermore, Dean argues that the focus should instead be on "making money by investing venture capital in various job-creating things," highlighting the importance of directing capital towards investments that have the potential to generate employment opportunities and foster economic growth. This perspective aligns with the idea that sustainable economic development is driven by investments in productive ventures, innovation, and job creation, rather than speculative financial activities.

By stating that "this is still going on today," Dean suggests that the issue he addresses is not merely a historical problem but continues to persist in contemporary economic systems. This observation underscores the enduring significance of the underlying issue and the need for systemic changes to prioritize productive investments over speculative financial activities.

Dean's assertion that prioritizing "pushing paper around" over investing in job-creating ventures makes it "much harder to recover" alludes to the potential negative consequences of such priorities. When capital and resources are disproportionately allocated to non-productive financial activities, it can hinder economic recovery and resilience. This imbalance can undermine the capacity of an economy to rebound from downturns, as resources that could have been channeled into productive ventures are instead tied up in speculative or non-value-creating activities.

In the broader context of economic policy and financial decision-making, Dean's quote underscores the importance of aligning financial incentives with long-term economic sustainability and job creation. It speaks to the need for policymakers, investors, and financial institutions to prioritize investments that contribute to real economic growth and the expansion of employment opportunities.

From a political standpoint, the quote reflects Dean's advocacy for policies that promote productive investment and job creation as a means to drive economic prosperity. It also serves as a critique of financial practices that prioritize short-term gains at the expense of long-term economic stability and societal well-being.

In summary, Howard Dean's quote draws attention to the tension between speculative financial activities and productive investment in job-creating ventures. It underscores the importance of prioritizing investments that contribute to economic growth and job creation, while cautioning against the adverse effects of excessive focus on non-productive financial activities. The quote serves as a reminder of the broader implications of financial decision-making and the potential consequences of prioritizing short-term gains over long-term economic sustainability.