How can you look at the recent data and not be somewhat stunned at the resilience of the U.S. economy? I’m not sure I’m as bullish as Larry Kudlow, but the notion that we will not get job growth, a real wealth effect, and economic optimism by next year’s elections is just Krugmanian in perversity. When you combine it with the president’s superb speech today on bringing democracy to the Middle East, you begin to see a better picture of what Bush will look like next year: a JFK-style Democrat. (I’ll be commenting on the speech in detail later, when I get off my other deadlines.)
THE FULL INTERVIEW: The full Commonweal interview with Gregory Maguire is now up on their website.
The Dish 