I am not to familiar with Krugmans intellectual work or if it is legitimate research.
I do know that he is incredible political and partisan.
I wish the committee would stay away from contemporary partisan political people. I believe both Jimmy Carter and Al Gore were votes against Bush and the Right.
The committee needs to have winners that stand up over time. Many of the politics these newest winners fight for have not played out over time. Some may be proven to be on the wrong side of history.