George is a LOSER, George is a LOSER, George is a LOSER

Do you remember delivering an insult when you were a kid? The insult was never very incisive but you compensated by repeating it over and over, typically in a sing-songy cadence. That is what I am reminded of after perusing the TOP function screen on my Bloomberg this morning. You can read all about the results of a (surprise) Bloomberg/LA Times poll that shows that Americans are not supportive of the President's handling of the economy in no less than 3 of the news 18 items. Just in case you missed the point, in another 3 items, you can read about the slide in GDP growth in the fourth quarter. You can take you pick among any of these to hear about what a loser the President is:
- "US Growth Slows to 1.1% Rate in Quarter, Half the Pace Forecast"
- "What Head of Steam? Economy Is Getting Worse Under Bush, American Say"
- "Bush's Support Is Weak as American Public Favors New Direction, Poll Finds"
- "European Stocks Rise to Highest in 4 1/2 Years..."
- "Treasuries Advance After US Economic Growth Slows..."
- "Americans Remain Divided...Poll Shows"

Al Hunt, ala Paul Krugman, is trying desperately to convince people that - despite historically high annual GDP growth, historically low unemployment, historically tame inflation, robust industrial production, etc. - our economy stinks because we don't have free healthcare.

I will have to pass on further take-down of this silly poll (and the silly Americans who think the economy is in bad shape, because I am sure there are a few), 'cause the market is open and gotta make some money, but read this great take-down of the silliness that is reporting on the economy.