Iraq

Today Obama gave a major speech on his Iraq policy and overall strategy for dealing with the middle east and restoring America's prestige. Highlights include a reaffirmation of his commitment to getting our troops out of Iraq within 16 months of entering office, increasing our presence in Afghanistan, securing nuclear materials, and massive spending on alternative energy sources.

Medicare

The one bit of good news out of the Senate last week was when Senator Kennedy showed up to deliver the crucial vote on a new Medicare bill, putting it over the top and getting it passed. Yesterday, Bush vetoed the bill. Today, Congress overrode him. Hopefully they won't return to this issue in 4 months and repeal it, eliminating all progress.

The Economy

Today the Dow closed below 11,000 for the first time in 2 years. The Dow is also now in the same territory as it was when Bush first entered office. So on his watch, the markets have essentially made no forward progress while the dollar has tanked and the price of oil has increased fivefold. But it's ok, because Bush is an optimist.

-David Kleppinger, Morons.org Legislative Analyst