stimulus plan

Why Politics Makes It Hard to Fix the Banks

Banks are not the enemy. Although many imperfections exist in our financial system, turning banks into a target or a tool for recovery will end poorly. Over time, things will work out in the absence of counterproductive, even if well-intentioned, meddling.

The State of the Union
Will Depend on Jobs

During his address Wednesday night, look for President Obama to focus on solutions for problem No. 1: The lack of jobs. Employment growth will determine not just the economy's fate, but also that of the Democratic majorities in Congress -- and possibly of Obama's presidency.