AND NOW FOR THE REAL WORLD - AT 4:42 P.M. ET:  The economic numbers for the third quarter, when looked at with both eyes, aren't quite as encouraging as they first seemed.  From The New York Times:

The nascent economic recovery was weaker than expected in the third quarter, the government said Tuesday, held back by slow business construction and dwindling inventories.

The Commerce Department said the economy expanded at an annual rate of 2.2 percent from July through September, down from the original forecast of 3.5 percent, tempering some of the enthusiasm about the speed of economic renewal. The downward revision was well above average, but analysts still foresee stronger growth in the fourth quarter, as exports rise and an improved jobs market encourages consumer spending.

COMMENT:  Ten and a half months to the election.  The economy will still be the key issue.  Anemic numbers like this will not help the already beleaguered Democrats.  And, being high tax types, they'll probably make things worse.

December 22,  2009