[Mavdog]

As you say ape, it is difficult for the average American to grasp GDP. They really look at their personal situation, and of course what they synthesize through the press. They look at their situation, if their friends are working, do they have enough $ for the little things that give them enjoyment, and that is the extent of their economic analysis.

If the job creation continues at an average growth of around 200,000 jobs/month, the economy will not be a negative for Bush in November. If the job creation slows to 100K or less, the economy will be an issue, and a negative one for Bush. In as much as I am not a big fan of Bush, it is not reasonable to lay the blame for an anemic economy solely at his feet. Likewise a boom is also not the President's work either; it's really due to some forces outside his control. Nevertheless, the public thinks that the pres can make or break an economic cycle and expect results.

The "misery index" worked well last time it was used, it's a damn good campaign tactic because it is a simple concept that the average American can grasp. To be effective tho there has to be an acceptance of the thought that times are indeed tough and that there truly are some who are in "misery". It's all about perception, it's not about reality...

The war will be a drag on Bush unless the situation changes quickly. The scenes of chaos, of the American forces facing civilians who don't give the image of a combatant, are all eroding the support of Americans for this campaign. I have been critical, and will continue to do so, of the missteps the WH has made in this war, and others are as well.

There is one big accomplishment of the war in Iraq, Bush has managed to get the Sunni and the Shia to work together...unfortunately it is working in unison against us,