Stimulus

There's no point trying to write my thoughts about the stimulus when you can read Paul Krugman's article.  He sums it up quite well.

On the economics side of it I agree with Krugman 100%:  The bill should have been bigger, been more focused on getting people to work through spending and less on tax cuts that everyone is simply going to save.

On the politics I am slightly more optimistic.  Obama really wanted a bipartisan bill.  He gave up way too much way too early and the Republicans made it clear they didn't want to play ball.  Fine.  The result is Obama's popularity is remaining in the upper 60% range.  Even if it fell 10 points it is historically very high.  

The story most Americans are hearing is "Obama is trying to reach out but the Republicans are jerks."  As that opinion solidifies it will pay dividends down the road.