[LS]

Unfortunately for Bush-haters, the U.S. experienced its highest levels of economic growth during periods of its highest debt levels. Funny thing, people don't lend money to a loser---unless you're the UN. Repeatedly we've seen countries pouring money into the U.S. because we are the best investment around. Who you going to lend money to? Do you really trust China? Iran? How about S. Africa?

[kingu]

What I'd really like to see is how much investment Americans are doing overseas in these companies that we're importing from. With the huge amount of money people pour into the markets, I would almost believe that we're at a net surplus when all accounts are adjusted.

I've no idea how an accounting like that could be accomplished, but the data would certainly go a long way to understanding where America fits in the global economy. We might be paying ourselves for these imported goods.

[cardinal4]

Plus Bush's Achilles heel will not be a vibrant economy, it will be immigration..

[Non-Sequitur]

Do you really trust China?

You're asking the wrong people, since the U.S. isn't the one investing overseas or buying much of our own debt for that matter. A huge percentage of our debt is sold overseas so you have to ask Japan and Europe and India if they are comforable investing in China. What if they decide the answer is "Yes"?