>I truly do not envy whichever man is elected. We have so many problems right now, no one could solve all or even most of them quickly.
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>IMHO the key is to restore consumer confidence before the festive season. If retail can be made to hum as per usual at that time of year, the economy will be boosted, people will feel happier and there will be light at the end of the tunnel. If people continue to hunker down and not spend, which seems the most likely scenario today, there will be another cycle of collapse and closure. Circuit City's decision to close 20% of its stores will only be the start. These things feed on themselves and the cycle will get more difficult to break. I hope whoever wins is able to help restore hope and confidence to Mr and Mrs USA.

I had not heard that about Circuit City but am not surprised. They have been slipping steadily against their main rival, Best Buy. The last time i was in a CC it was almost depressing, there were so few customers.

It will be a a surprise if this is not a truly grim holiday shopping season. Many people are telling researchers they will spend less than usual, or even nothing this year.