Time for the annual update

In the end, there's not that much more to say.

The presidential nomination process is winding down toward a messy, muddled conclusion. Since the traditional media are totally unprepared for anything other than a neat little package, over on Super Tuesday, it's been interesting to watch what's happened since.
In the end, the typical media reports have focused on the personalities, not the ideas, plans, and intentions.

Ask yourself this question; on Jan. 23, 2009. [your choice for president] sits in the Oval Office for the first time. What is the first thing (s)he wants to get done? How much do they expect it to cost? And how are they going to pay for it?

Then, how are they going to "work with the other side of the aisle" to "get things done"? Obama and Clinton will both have majorities in the Senate and House, quite possibly filibuster-proof. If that really happens, they may not need to talk to the republicans... for the first couple of items on the to-do list. It'll be like 1993 all over again. And it will be very interesting to see if any lessons convey.

The funny thing about the whining about McCain not being conservative enough is that with a congress that can quite possibly override a veto, there's no chance for any legislation that truly appeals to 'core' conservatives. McCain might be able to retain the current tax rates that are due to expire, but that's about it.

In any case, the fundamental issue is that the current federal budget is $3 trillion of a $13 trillion economy. Do you feel you're getting value for your investment?