Lately we've been hearing some strong words from the President about Wall Street crime. But when the cameras and lights aren't around, his Administration's been working feverishly to protect bankers from state law enforcement officials.

In the bloodbath that is modern American politics, the courtly Dems still want to fight by Marquis of Queensbury rules, while their opponents pummel them with knives and brass knuckles.

There's a new undercurrent in Washington debate, an unstated drive to undo the bipartisan consensus that's governed American policy for a century. The old belief that greater fortune brings greater responsibility is under attack.

Harry Reid got it right when he said that the GOP is "making love to Wall Street" -- and when politicians and bankers "make love," it's the public that gets screwed.

Obama can't keep using Tim Geithner or Larry Summers as spokespeople on the issue of financial reform. He has to sell it himself -- strongly, forcefully, and specifically.

The White House should use its voice and its influence to push for full transparency in financial reform so that we can watch the lobbying and backroom deals that usually happen behind closed doors.

Congress is on the brink of conducting an innovative exercise in open government -- one that will also ensure that we get the most effective financial reform possible.

Instead of having politicians do their horsetrading in private and leaving the public vote until the end, let's have a public show of hands on the vital economic issues of our time.

29 million unemployed Americans will receive less financial support in total than was given out in bonuses to about 165,000 Wall Street employees. If you don't feel like a sucker yet, you're probably not paying attention.

The party that's benefiting most from anti-bank "Tea Party" rage -- and is organizing it -- turns out to the party that is most willing to let the banks do whatever they want, regardless of the risks.