First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Sue Minn — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:33:01 GMT

Obama/Biden 08!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPev5sEdTjg

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Laverne Queen — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:35:50 GMT

How'd Ventura manage to get on Larry King? Larry usually is booked up with psychic kids or UFO hunters, Dennis Kucinich (who covers both psychics and UFO hunters) or some nutty Democrats (pretty much all the same if you think about it).

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Pat, Boston, MA — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:36:11 GMT

Isn’t it sad that it took the cover of the New Yorker to bring to light the coverage Barack Obama has received by the supposedly sophisticated 21st Century media?

So it’s okay for commentators to go on endlessly about Reverend Wright and the bitter comments and Michelle’s proud to be an American comment, of how people don’t “feel” Barack Obama is patriotic because he doesn’t wear a flag pin, yet when the New Yorker puts all this out there for everyone to see how ignorant and irresponsible their coverage has been, it’s wrong?

This is a sad, terrible cover. But it’s a true depiction of how the Senator has been treated.

I don’t think this country is attempting to stay in the 1950’s anymore. After looking at the New Yorker’s cover, I think the right wing could very well possibly be stuck in the 1870’s.

Remember those town folks in Rock Ridge in the movie Blazing Saddles when they saw who their new sheriff was? That’s what I thought of immediately when I saw this cover.

This is how unsophisticated the right wing actually is - both politicians and media alike.

Now that’s what I call progress.

“I think I killed more people than Cecil B. DeMille”. - The Waco Kid.

P.S. - Is GWB drawing down troops in Iraq because the situation has stabilized, or is he drawing down troops because we’ve been asked to leave? I’m confused.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Steve NewYork NY — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:36:49 GMT

THE NewYorker magazine cover just underscores how dumb people are.
Lets stick with the issues .

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

camie — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:37:02 GMT

the economic ins and outs is that mccain doesn't get the economy, he wants to delete social security which helps seniors survive this economic downturn, and he think all these economic problems are in our heads. mccain is a joke

Find out who vandalized car in florida with anti-obama statements back in June
http://sensico.wordpress.com/2008/07/13/meet-cort-rinaldi-vandalized-cars-in-fl-with-anti-obama-statements/
or http://sensico2.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-blogs.html

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Diana in Missouri — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:38:58 GMT

The economic message by McCain is a becoming a real winner. McCain is talking about solving a real problem. Obama is just pointing fingers and saying it's not his fault. The better poll numbers McCain is getting are showing that people are starting to come to McCains side.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Teresa Wilcox, NY NY — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:40:44 GMT

Here's a complication for Obama. Us middle aged blue collar women are voting for McCain.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Nashville_fan — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:41:12 GMT

"On energy, even if enviros and economists don't LIKE McCain's solutions, he appears to be offering them. Obama isn't yet. His energy proposals aren't tangible."

Come again? Maybe it's just not sexy enough for YOU, but it is quite tangible. Invest in RENEWABLE energy, raise EFFICIENCY, and no more energy PANDERING . . . a plan that might actually WORK and make a real change instead of kick the football down the road to the next generation - AGAIN.

Why is the media so predictable and tone deaf in this election?

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Clara Kansas City, MO — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:42:49 GMT

And Phil Gramm is buried, showing that the media truly has attention deficit disorder. They could not loope the 'bitter' comment often enough.

Teflon John wins another week with the media. Did anyone else think Carly Fiorina was tasteless yesterday on MTP? She just kept throwing out random, unrelated 'attacks'. "...even Barack has had to deal with his pastor of 20 years...(Barack) has voted to increase taxes 94 times {debunked on factcheck.org}...McCain has been crystal clear (okay this one just made me laugh because you can say a lot of things about McCain - but crystal clear does not come to mind)"

It was a very frustrating show. Claire could have been stronger; but at least she didn't make me cringe the way Carly did - PS. is there some potential for dyslexia with those names? PSS. It was odd that Carly showed up and then said - "I don't think people are paying attention to surrogates". Brokaw handled that masterfully. He is doing a good job; but I miss Tim.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Hardee HarHar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:43:16 GMT

There goes Obama again, whining about the wars. Barack is best suited for the Saturday radio address response to the Presidents message then he is to being President. The Democrats usually have some back bencher do the message, and Obama fits that describtion.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

kenn — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:45:16 GMT

Whoever wins they will bow before big boss and strip your rights away just look at obamma he is helping stomp on the 4th ameendment and now he has shown he works for the highest bidder.Way to go telecom industry.SPIN SPIN SPIN he isnt like the others,oh yeas he is ,wheres your Hilliary now and her racist husband Bill. Divide the party divide the races divide religions DIVIDE the generations divide the african americans He will be as great of a uniter as BUSH

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Nashville_fan — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:45:36 GMT

"His proposal for another rebate to American is a start, but why isn’t he selling that proposal more? In fact, you could say that about a lot of Obama's proposals -- he doesn't sell them with the same vigor McCain sells his."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Could it be because Senator Obama has to constantly defend himself from vicious and misleading media attacks on his every move, while Senator McCain is free to say that Social Security is a disgace with no reprecussions at all?

Yeah. That must be it.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

kenn — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:47:04 GMT

A suggestion if you dont like Obamma to be picked on watch MSNBZZZZ just like if you like Bush only watch FOX its as simple as your minds.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Big Bernie Fan — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:48:22 GMT

So, can we have a nice big feature story about Bernie Mac and his very good friend Barack H. Obama?

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Houston — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:50:27 GMT

On energy, even if enviros and economists don't LIKE McCain's solutions, he appears to be offering them. Obama isn't yet.
----------------------------------------
They don't like them because they WILL NOT WORK. Why can you not point that out? The McCain/Bush nonsense about drilling our way out of the current energy problems is pure pandering.

Contrary to the misinformation being spread by the FirstRead reporters, Obama _does_ have an energy proposals, although they might not have noticed because they were too busy obsessing over lapel pins.

Unfortunately, Obama's proposals aren't a quick fix for the energy crisis. But that's because there IS NO quick fix.

Even T. Boone Pickens, the wealthy oilman who helped to fund the Swift Boat Veterans in 2004 is running commercials saying that we can't "drill our way out" of the problem. Pickens is "stepping all over McCain's message" as you pundits would say, although you won't say it, since pointing out major problems with McCain's policies is not part of the corporate media agenda.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:51:07 GMT

The Fannie/Freddie stuff is a little scary - and I suspect neither candidate wants to stick his neck out until we get a better idea of what's happening.

My understanding of the situation yesterday - housing was bad, credit markets were bad, energy was bad... but after a mid to long stagnation we'd get back on track.

My understanding this morning - the government is asking permission (to itself) to buy stock because Fannie/Freddie will fail if we don't, might fail even if we do, and if they fail we most likely will have a depression as bad as 1929.

What candidate wants to comment on this?

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Charles Evertt, Chicago, IL — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:52:48 GMT

Jesse Jackson was a 'shiny metal object' story? Gee, when one of the most notable memebers of Obama's own district in Chicago comes out and says he'd like to cut Obama's n*ts off, I think that becomes a story. Obama district is full of nutty (pardon the pun) reverends, and that part of his background, as well as all the shady dealings Obama has had with that district, need to be brought out.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

jerry/corpus christi texas — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:53:16 GMT

Not a great week for Obama last week....

His plane has a problem while in the air.....
His kids make fun of him on TV........
Jessie Jackson wants to change him from a rooster to a hen.....

Of course Democrats have not been happy about the economy. They hate having to work for a living and are willing to pay extra taxes to be able to avoid work. I say to those democrats; if you are that miserable, please pay an extra $5000 in taxes to prop up your miserable lives!

I just finished the story in USA today about the oil drilling and the differences in Louisiana and California. If California doesn't want offshore drilling, let them continue to pay higher prices for their gasoiline (at least $10 a gallon), so the rest of the country can enjoy lower gas prices.

2.4 unemployment rate in southern Louisiana.....
Bet people in the North and Northeast would sell their houses for employment ratings like that. No wonder everyone is moving to texas and Louisiana.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Obama08, The Moon — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:53:53 GMT

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Monday, July 14, 2008 9:36 AM)

Go back to your OBAMA cave. Loser

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Democrat to independent — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:53:53 GMT

And why are middle class blue collar women voting for McCain? because they smell something rotten in the Obama camp, he can't seem to make up his mind...Hmmm... wonder what happens when he's in the White House and there is a countdown to total destruction, maybe he'll extend his decision on that too.. like he has Iraq. Maybe it will just "go away" Mr. Obama? While more of our children die in Iraq.. That's why you don't have our vote. I bet your children will never have to experience pain, death and destruction as our have.Sad..Sad..Sad..

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Clara Kansas City, MO — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:57:24 GMT

Houston - Good post

I noticed the T.Boone Pickens ad this weekend, too. It actually seemed quite bipartisan - but I am cautious about him.

(That whole screw me twice thing...)

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Ron Indiana — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:57:33 GMT

So, will MSNBC and First read denounce and reject the New Yorker coverpage? You say other magazines may do something similar. I suggest that if people speak out that yellow page journalism is not acceptable, it will stop.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Nashville_fan — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:58:10 GMT

On Iraq and Afghanistan . . .

Isn't it interesting that Senator Obama was 100% right about both conflicts, and yet the media won't acknowledge it?

- He said we took our eyes off of Afghanistan/Pakistan when we went into Iraq - and now the casualties in Afghanistan have surpassed Iraq for 2 months in a row, with the latest tragic incident putting us closer to a third month.

-Senator Obama said that we needed a reasonable timetable in Iraq. Now the Iraqis agree. Looks like all that "cut and run" talk was more propaganda.

-He said we should negotiate with friends and enemies. North Korea's reactor was imploded because of diplomacy, not American bombs.

Add in his initial predictions about the Iraq, and it is clear that judgment trumps the wrong experience every time.

Give a little credit where its due news media - you certainly belabored this point alot during the primaries - don't get all silent now.

P.S. Tony Snow had class - I wish more polticians/analysts did. He will be missed.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

C.K. Steele Fort Lauderdale, FL — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:58:45 GMT

Here's a complication for you PUMAs out there. Cynthia McKinney just won the Green Party's nomination this weekend. For those of you who tout a lifetime of belonging to the Democratic Party and blame Clinton's loss on sexism there goes your option. The Greens align much better on the issues than McCain and the neocons. Of course this event doesn't matter much because over 90% of the so-called PUMAs are Republican trolls out to create mischief. So what is it going to be? Keep on truckin' for McCain who was diametrically opposed to your candidate or just a nice admittal of your GOP trollpass.

I'm still confused about the status of Mr. Gramm since the MSM did such a fine job of not asking follow-up questions. We all got the talking point that he will be deployed to an outlaw republic but, does he still work for McCain and is he still writing his economic policy? This has a similar stench to that supposed Mark Penn "firing" from the primaries. Speaking of being sent to outlaw republics...did anyone see Mark Sanford earn a seat right next to Gramm with his horrible performance? Now I see why McCain surrogates are terrible--it's much too hard to defend every side of an issue. I'm sure Carly Fiorina will be next up on the 'Belarus Express' if she continues on her present course.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Class Warrior, D.C. — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:58:52 GMT

I thoroughly agree with Obama's comments on the Surge. It cost too much in money and lives, and achieved too little with the so-called "governmet" of Iraq. The so-called "changing situation on the ground" the Repigs keep talking about really isn't much of a change at all.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

BJ, CA — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:58:57 GMT

New Yorker magazine...
What a bunch of perverts..
How's that for realist journalism...

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

NObama — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:59:33 GMT

place. Perhaps he should have known anything he said regarding the veep issue would be leaked, and we're guessing calling Bill Clinton a "complication"
-------------------------
And this is the guy who's supposed to have such great judgement? If he botches a phone call like this, what's he going to do when he goes on his globe-trotting trip to meet all the evil world leaders?

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

GOP: Gullible Old People — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:59:48 GMT

Your "Search for Idealogy" again tries to put forth the "McCain as maverick" meme that the MSM finds so attractive.

The Truth: McCain has voted the Bush party-line 97 percent of the time since he started running for president. Ooh, what a maverick!

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

kenn — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:02:23 GMT

So where do the Obammawannabes sign up to go fight the taliban I thought they were against war just Iraq it turns out so lets sign up you chicken hawks on the left Madcow Obermann Shister and all the rest here on gilligans isle can join the neocons like mattews remember we are all neocons today he said it not me,Oriely and Rush,hannity Chyenney, that helped talk us into one war now the left can talk us into Afganistan ,same people fighting just someplace different How long are the deployments ? WAR IS WAR IS WAR lefties are against war ,probably the same bunch that supported Iraq at the beginning

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

NObama — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:02:54 GMT

Obama's playing a shell game. I believe he will get us out of Iraq come hell or high water rather than eat crow over it. It won't matter to him what's left behind. He's said he'd use the war money to rebuild the US. On TV yesterday, McCaskill said his plan is to use part of the money to do repairs, etc needed by the military and the rest would go to us. Well, folks, have you ever thought about HOW we will fund Obama's propsoed increased presence in Afghanistan? Hmmmmmm.....he'll just trade one war for another; there won't be any freed up funds. Fake, fraud.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Rick, NC — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:03:35 GMT

Why should mccain come up with solutions to a crisis that doesn't exist according to his right hand man phil gramm? it's all in your minds that there are some real economic issues and if there are issue more tax cuts for the wealthy will trickle down so stop your whining..

Barry Nobama is as bad with his robinhood plans of wealth redistribution

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

NObama — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:04:49 GMT

So, can we have a nice big feature story about Bernie Mac and his very good friend Barack H. Obama?
--------------
I heard something that indicated Bernie must have said something off-color or offensive but didn't hear it. What was said? Of course, shows Obama's judgement again. If you're ever watched Bernie's standup, you'd know Mary Poppins isn't going to be showing up to speak!

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Republicans for Cheap and Clean Energy — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:06:00 GMT

Democrats, when are you going to ever get the message? "We can't drill our way out of the problem" is just another bumber sticker slogan for you and your Green pals to throw out. We can build more nuke plants. We can build new refineries. We can drill in Alaska. We can produce oil from the shale in Colorado. We can drill off shore.

When the Democrats figure out how to power millions of homes with windmills, and factories with solar power, then please, by all means, give us a call.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

nuanced — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:07:27 GMT

I saw Tony Snow interviewed on the Daily Show. Somehow hearing someone cheerfully say how much he enjoyed putting out lies and distortions and destroying people's lives turned my stomach more than if he had grimly said it was a job and somebody had to do it.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

typical white person — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:08:14 GMT

It's a new week and we still do not want Obama.

No experience.
No solutions, only speeches.
No love of country.
No higher taxes.
No keeping his word.
No new kind of leader.

NOBAMA!

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

we r not ok — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:09:10 GMT

houston - we have a problem.

since pointing out major problems with McCain's policies is not part of the corporate media agenda.

corporate media has shown who owns it in the 24 hours.

The Iraqi/American agreement which just broke down is as big a story as you can hope for. Where is it?

msnbc has pulled the story - says the page has expired. It's nowhere. But what is out there?

Stories of planned withdrawals in Sept. Stories of the military praising Iraq for coming along so fast.

Not one of them mentions the failed negotiations.
Spin.

But you know what was creeping into the comments?
Talk of some 'slight' fear of an Iraqi military coup, since Maliki/Parliament is so weak.

And maybe needing to stay...to protect the Iraqi gov't from the Iraqi army. Beyond spin.

The story is moving to the back of the burner faster than can be imagined. That's real power.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

dl, exeter. nh — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:11:27 GMT

Biden is speaking on "behalf" of Obama at the Global engagement conference today.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

New Indi — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:13:15 GMT

The cover of The New Yorker is brilliant satire. If you don't get the joke it might be because you take yourself so seriously that you've lost your sense of humor.

And by the way, Bernie Maxck, while not my favorite, is a comic and for those who haven't been out much, sometimes comics can challenge our comfort zone. That means they are doing their job.

New Yorker is doing their job and what they have done for years....and I hope they continue doing it for many more.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:13:34 GMT

"Democrats, when are you going to ever get the message? "We can't drill our way out of the problem" is just another bumber sticker slogan..."

----

Um, you mean Democrats like T. Boone Pickens?

As Mr. Pickens is learning, no one eats their own more than Republicans when dealing with another Republican who grows a conscience and relies on facts rather than party talking points.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

banko — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:13:43 GMT

John McCain is completely out of touch on economic issues.
McBullsh*t Busted Lying about Lying on Economic Incompetence
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/7/2/165221/4740/567/545564

Straight Talk On The Economy?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVVIw7oZEyk&eurl

McCain: "I Would Imagine That We Are" In A Recession
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rULwkZ7tqkg&eurl

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

jen — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:18:39 GMT

typical white person; sadly you are

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Just a thought — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:19:31 GMT

A thought to put the New Yorker controversy in perspective: had the New Yorker put a satirical cartoon reflecting the idiots who believe the Muslim rumors, there would be fireworks across the country.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

C.K. Steele Fort Lauderdale, FL — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:21:04 GMT

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention Mike Barnicle's moment of honesty this morning. He said, "This thing's over..." when Scarborough went into his daily 'Why is this thing close' rant. If anyone TiVoed it, it's worth the watch. The media truly misses the pizzazz of the Democratic Primary. I'm assuming they'll be going up soon with a 527 to put Hillary on the ticket.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Amy B Portland, ME — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:32:50 GMT

Oh Lord, already I'm already boycotting ABC News, This Week and CBS News, now I have to boycott the New Yorker. That's OK, their cartoons haven't been that funny the last few issues.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Rick,Ky — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:40:40 GMT

This Presidential Campaign is becoming clearer every day.John McNothing continues to get a Free Pass on anything & everything, while Barack (only because he's an African American running for the Highest office in the World)is continuously hammered over the mention of Every word that comes from Him or his campaign.We, as American's have known for sometime that Barack is head & shoulder's above Any candidate in this Election cycle. However the MSM continues thier way of trying to Influence our Political system, by Refusing to go after McNothing.

The MSM(in thier own way) want to control the Story as usual.However , this year, American voter's are ready for them. We are armed with little Tubes,& the resources to Defend Barack every step of the way.We are ready for the Nonsense that is sure to come around with Strong backing from the GOP(Gay Ole Party) controlled Media.

Not this Time, Not this Year!!!!!

52 yearold White male in Rural America.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Richard, Washington State — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:43:18 GMT

Has T. Boone Pickens said we don't or won't need oil to resolve our energy needs in the future. Drilling is not the whole solution, but it is part of it. All you have to do is some energy math and with alternatives, including hydroelectric currently supplying only 17% of our needs and even less a percentage of the world's needs, there is no energy resource that can be ignored.

Nuanced:

I knew that I wouldn't be disappointed.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Ira, Freehold, NJ — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:44:18 GMT

I think the war in Afghanistan will be the story of the week and possibly for the entire election cycle. The Taliban, reinforced to pre 9-11 levels, grouping along or near the Pakistani border, launched a coordinated attack on a U.S. base.

The attack was launched at 4:30 am when most on the base were asleep. It was dark so that air assets could not be called in until light or those able to see in the night were of limited use. It was a spectacular plan by the Taliban, well cordinated and well thought out. Something out of the special forces play book.

If we don't divert some forces, equipmen and money to this fight, we will be in a great deal of trouble.

Obama is right. We took our eye off the ball and this is the price we pay.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Mary M. — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:44:47 GMT

RE: New Yorker - build a bridge; get over it! So, it's okay to compare the current president to Hitler, but fall apart over a satirical point that totally blew by you? C'mon, I thought you libs were soooooo much smarter than the rest of us?

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

JIM WHITTAKER, Hemet, CA — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:46:07 GMT

Bill Clinton is nothing but a spoiled, snotty, whiny,
mama's boy, who always throws a hissy-fit when he
doesn't get his own way.

He cannot deal with the fact that his time at center
stage is over and done with, forever. Nobody is any
longer interested in anything he has to say, about anything.

The Clintons are like Herpes, they just won't go away!

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

jesse St.Paul Minnesota — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:47:50 GMT

Once again the bomber shows how out to lunch he really is.and with the help from the msm.you give thre gaffmaster a free pass on the social security is a disgrace.I wonder if he feels that way when his check arrives from s.s.,I read yesterday from the Beer Baron that money is tight in the McCain household (she is worth 100 million plus) I also see that she has built her son a drift car that he drives.I have to feel for them with all the expense involved in a race car like that.Just a thought on the Front page artical by the New Yorker,It was the most tasteless peice of fish wrapper I've seen.

First thoughts: Economic 'ins' and outs

Richard, Washington State — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:47:59 GMT

banko:

There isn't a presidential candidate that has a clue about the economy. Neither of them have any education or experience. We demand that they pretend they know. Their only choice is to look stupid and they usually succeed.

But some of us can pretend that one or the other does know something. It's called politics. In fact, the only place people sound more stupid discussing the economy is right here.

Politicians act at the whim of the economy, not the other way around.