Every election mantra is the same – “It is the economy stupid.” If people are better off they vote for the incumbents. It they are worse off, they vote them out. As Republicans get excited about defeating the incumbent President at the next elections, perhaps they should revisit history.
Every economist predicts a steady rise in the the US economy along with a steady, albeit slow, decrease in unemployment. By 2012, buying power and confidence will be up, most underwater property will be through the system, the Great Recession will be a thing of the past and the markets will have more than doubled since the month the President took office. He will take credit and the people will give it to him.
What he has to do between now and then is not screw up.
To the extent possible, leave healthcare and immigration as they are. Work nice with everyone on these.
Set expectations now that economically optimal unemployment is 5.5%, NOT 4.0%. Plenty of economists will back that up.
Invest in algae-based clean coal electrical technologies. They are not far away. We are the Middle East of coal and this will create jobs and free us from the problems in the Middle East. Solar and wind are intermittent and while cool, they are not sustainable.
Get out of all wars and do not get us into a new one.
Try to reduce the deficit, but as in Clinton’s time, the rising economy will raise more taxes and alot of this will fix itself.
Fix Social Security and Medicare next term. Set up a bi-partisan committee to report in 2013 on how to fix these.
All incumbents do well as the economy rises. Make friends. Be seen often with lots of Republicans trying to make policy together.
The Echo boom is upon us. They are the next voters, innovators and saviors of our economy. Speak to them often, with both incumbent Republicans and Democrats.
Ride the Tide, Mr. President, it will carry you into another 4 years.
Author of five novels available on Amazon, numerous articles and other commentary.