I was struck watching Boehner (yeah, we're on a last name basis) on Lehrer news hour say that Obama wants to move the country in a different direction, and the american people will get a chance to decide if that's the right move.  The thing is, that already happened: it's what brought the admninstration to power, that's why he won the election!  The critics can say what they like about Obama's administration, but one would be hard-pressed to say he hasn't tried to accomplish EXACTLY what he said he would.  Earth to Boehner - America already voted for that direction; your duty to your constituents is to try to find a way to make his direction consistant with your principles.  It is not to recommend that the President try things your way - we've been doing that since '96, and it was THAT record that got Obama and the democratic congress (just as importantly) elected this year and 2 years ago.  He also said that's what he came to washington to fight - big government, higher taxes, etc.  But while he was fighiting for more deregulation and lower corporate taxes

Also after reading the MIT scientists letter today I found it interesting that he had the opportunity to float his spun numbers but didn't this time when the conversation moved to the "energy tax".

Lastly, he worries about the debt that's being left to future generations.  I agree totally that the administration and Pelosi et.al. are shovelling nonsense when they claim they will cut the deficit in half (first you expand it to twice as big as usual and then cut THAT in half - very different than cutting to 1/2 the average of say the last 8 years), but my question is this: how does cutting taxes solve the demand problem, especially when you cut them primarily for the wealthy?  How many businesses would be looking to expand in this market just because they have an extra 50-100k lying around?  Almost none.  I am an independent contractor (real estate) - if the government cut my taxes 15% would I use that money to invest in a storefront when rents are falling?  No.  Would I hire employees when I have no idea what economic landscape will be in the next 6 months?  No. 

Anyway, I could go on and on but I'll leave it there for now...