Podcast: Why Was Housing Not at the Forefront of the Presidential Debate?

Election 2024
Published

This post has been updated.

On the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez weigh in on this week’s presidential debate, including not only each candidate’s performance and what they discussed — but also what they didn’t discuss.

“I’m completely disappointed in the lack of a real policy discussion,” Tobin shared. “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’ mentions on housing included restating her goal to increase housing supply, and acknowledging the role of builders in that process, but she didn’t provide any specifics on how she plans to work 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 capitalize on any opportunity to discuss housing. The upcoming vice presidential debate on Oct. 1 may provide additional insights into what each campaign has planned for housing.

Tobin and Lopez discuss campaign strategies for the weeks ahead — including what to expect in swing states such as Nevada, where Lopez is currently as NAHB prepares for the 2025 International Builders’ Show, Feb. 25-27, which is now open for registration.

Listen to the full episode below, and subscribe to Housing Development through your favorite podcast provider or watch all the episodes on YouTube.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Awards

Oct 03, 2025

NAHB Awards Deadline Extended to Oct. 20

Interested applicants for NAHB’s prestigious award programs now have additional time to submit top projects and individuals for consideration. Don't miss your chance - apply by Monday, Oct. 20.

Sponsored Content

Oct 03, 2025

Fast Money, Fewer Headaches

Every week lost to underwriting is a week you’re not building, selling, or scaling. Delays push projects out of prime seasons, tighten cash flow, and leave crews idle. And when banks already move at their own pace, builders who aren’t prepared can get stuck at the back of the line.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Oct 03, 2025

Supply-Side Cost Pressures Drove Housing as Inflation Leader in 2024

Though the rate of inflation peaked in June 2022, consumer prices continued to increase throughout 2023 and 2024 as inflation drove further price growth, according to 2024 CPI review from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Economics

Oct 02, 2025

Square Foot Prices Moderate in 2024

Median square foot prices for new single-family detached (SFD) homes started in 2024 grew modestly, according to NAHB’s analysis of the latest Survey of Construction (SOC) data. For custom, or contractor-built, homes, the median price was $166 per square foot of floor space, up slightly from $162 in 2023.

Economics

Oct 02, 2025

17% of NAHB Builders Built Age-Restricted Housing in 2024

Only 17% of NAHB builder members build age-restricted housing for people age 55 or older, according to 2024 Member Census. This is up two percentage points from the previous year. However, this share has remained within a narrow band (15%-17%) since the question was added to the member census in 2009.