George W. Bush

A gauge of consumers' financial insecurity that correlates with the outcome of presidential reelection races declined in March for the third straight month, signaling better odds for Barack Obama in November.

Pundits have lately focused on the growth and influence of super PACs -- and the power of the mega-rich men who fund them -- but the current business-sponsored presidential contest isn't unusual: Come along as we review the long and rich tradition of election-buying in American history.

With unemployment still high, late mortgage payments rising, and the number of Americans in poverty at record levels, it seems that Main Street is headed for a hard, cold holiday season. But, somewhat surprisingly, so too are the fat cats of Wall Street -- relatively speaking.

In 2001, Nicole B. Simpson was just another Morgan Stanley financial planner on the 73rd floor when the 9/11 attacks struck. She survived, but the emotional trauma left her old life in the wreckage. Eventually, though, she found a new purpose in helping others through traumas of their own.

America has always had a love/hate relationship with its wealthiest citizens, and the Great Recession has only made it worse. The trouble is, while everybody knows that "the rich" are the enemy, it's hard to determine where exactly the line lies between salt-of-the-earth members of the middle class and the bloated plutocrats.

President Barack Obama, who has disagreed with Republican Congress members on whether to extend George W. Bush-era tax cuts for wealthier Americans beyond this year, said Tuesday that he will work with U.S. senators on finding some sort of tax-policy agreement by the end of the year.

E-book sales continue to climb. But the popularity of digital titles is forcing publishers to ask some thorny questions about pricing, negotiations with writers and the future of the publishing industry.

The federal bailout program will end up costing taxpayers at least 85% less than expected, according to the Treasury Department, which estimates a bill of $30 billion to $50 billion. The Congressional Budget Office initially expected the program to cost $350 billion.

Next spring, the First Family will begin to receive solar electricity and solar-heated water from a new solar system that will be installed on the roof of the White House as part of the Obama administration's effort to showcase American solar technology.

House Democrats may help overrule President Barack Obama by voting to extend George W. Bush-era tax cuts on investment income beyond this year, the Associated Press reported.