It is nice to see that at least some former politicians get it.  Former President Clinton has now spoken out and requested Pres. Obama to speak more optimistically about the economy.  While we do not need to be pollyannish, there is no point in making the economy worse by talking it down.

One reason that Ronald Reagan was liked but such a large majority of the people is that he took a very optimistic view of the United States and its future.  Even people who may not have aligned for him politically, voted overwhelmingly for Reagan be cause he brought hope.

Obama should go back to his campaign theme.  Tell the American people why you are hopeful for the future, not that we are on the brink of collapse.  A large part of economics is psychosomatic.  If everyone believes the economy is dying - it will.  Likewise, if everyone believes that we are in for a soft landing, that is more likely to be the case.