>FWIW it's already predicted in some healthcare circles that some of the stated intentions are unaffordable in the current financial straits, meaning Obama is going to have to go to the electorate and downscale expectations. Some will cast that as a sleazy politician going back on his word. Others will cast it as a decent man being honest with his fellow citizens rather than trying to weasel out of it. What seems very obvious is that his number one priority has to be to get America working and spending again. Everything else flows on from that. I don't know what it will cost in the end but presumably he and his team will ensure that regulations and equity to an equivalent or preferably greater value is extracted from the parties responsible for this mess.

To be fair, I think Obama made statements during his campaign or right after winning that not all of his campaign promises could be met due to the high cost of the bailout. I heard his statements but I don't recall exactly when it was. His statements came after the bailouts and IMHO, he was attempting to be honest with the public. Studies of his plan and McCain's were done while the bailout was being considered and it was estimated by experts who studies the plans that both candidates would have to adjust their policy plans due to the bailout costs.