Economy, Congress, and the First 100 Days

Gregory Ip and Perry Bacon reviewed the news of the week and looked ahead to the upcoming week. Mr. Ip talked about the week’s economic news, including indications that some sectors of the national economy may be improving, continuing distress within the domestic auto industry, and Obama Administration policy on establishing “stress tests” for the U.S. banking industry. Mr. Bacon discussed White House and Obama Administration issues, including congressional and political reaction to the release of Office of Legal Counsel interrogation memos last week, increased violence in Iraq, and concern over the spread of religious extremism in Pakistan. Mr. Ip and Mr. Bacon responded to telephone calls and electronic mail. close