S&P knows exactly what it is, and so should everyone else. It's the for-profit company which, while masquerading as an "agency," bartered its coveted AAA ratings for increased profits. The real question is why?

A law that would lash together forced cuts in public-employee wages seems feverish. But it does explain the historical oddity of Republicans pursuing this expansion of federal reach.

Where is the high-profile Obama speech making clear that the top priority for now is putting America back to work, and that deficit reduction will come when the economy is back on track?

The Financial Regulation bill that passed has many flaws, chief among them, says Arianna, that it doesn't prevent "too big to fail." Tony and Bob agree for different reasons that "the people" lose, in that the lobbyists will get to make the rules.

Obama did some arm twisting this week, resulting in BP's $20 billion escrow fund for victims of the Gulf Oil Spill disaster. Was he right to do it the way he did?

Is Sonia Sotomayor a judicial activist? A racist? Is empathy a good or bad thing in a judge? Should the court lead or follow society's direction?

Slipping into Socialism or Sliding into Protectionism?

The Senate GOP rejection of the House deal is top of the news. All believe that W's "kick the can down the road," taking part of the banks' TARP and applying it to the auto bailout is inevitable.

530,000 jobs lost - in November alone - as the Auto company execs change their tin ears and corporate jets to tin cups and a hybrid car ride to DC... is it policy making or a morality play?

Will there be a new New Deal, a massive rebuilding of jobs and infrastructure? Under Obama, will we see extensive government regulation that could stifle a recovery? We'll know on Tuesday.

This week, Matt, Bob, and Arianna discuss what the bail out plan includes and what it's missing (homeowner bail outs, according to Bob), while Tony isn't so sure a bail out is a productive solution.