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See the original image at usatoday.com —

Next president confronts staggering to-do list - USATODAY.co

usatoday.com — The candidate who wins the White House on Nov. 4 will face the most calamitous economy for any new president since Franklin Roosevelt took over amid the Depression in 1933. He'll assume command of the biggest wartime deployment of U.S. troops since Richard Nixon was sworn in during the Vietnam War in 1969.

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  • beemer325, on 10/15/2008, -2/+22Surely it will require more than one term in office to clear up the huge financial mess?
    • aznpwnzor, on 10/16/2008, -0/+5BUSH FOR THIRD TERM!
      do i need a /sarcasm?
      • Lewie, on 10/16/2008, -1/+2Around here? Yes.
      • Duncster, on 10/16/2008, -0/+1BUSH FOR DICTATOR OF THE WORLD!
      • gwolf, on 10/16/2008, -1/+2The only thing scarier than a third term with Bush would be a first Term with Palin after McCain's head explodes from excessive anger mismanagement.
    • GarrettGrimsley, on 10/16/2008, -2/+5The "huge financial mess" doesn't need to be cleaned up by the government.
    • RogueGenius, on 10/16/2008, -0/+2Not necessarily. We are talking about the government of the most effective, money making nation in the history of the world. We just have to want to do it and be willing to accept the pain. Pick the man who appears to have the most honest and intelligent plan.
  • bitfreak, on 10/15/2008, -6/+18Neocon pre-emptive ideology, coupled with Reagan's trickle down economics, has taken us to, and over, the edge. We now find our selves at the bottom of a very deep hole indeed. we have major issues, foreign and domestic, that need to be fixed post haste. The new Administration will be very, very busy.

    It will interesting to see what groups keep their feet in the aisles, so to speak, to impede progress.
    • painted82, on 10/16/2008, -2/+1I hate neocons as much as the next guy, but I find it interesting that you ignore Greenspan's loose monetary policy during the Clinton years. Both parties are responsible, kick em both out!
  • IIDavidCoffinII, on 10/15/2008, -1/+6It will take the next 5 years at the very least.
  • healthinformer, on 10/15/2008, -3/+11Why anyone would actively seek a job like this leads me to question their level of judgment to start with. There is no one in either party that has a clue about what to do with this mess.
    • cowsgonemadd3, on 10/16/2008, -1/+3Dude thats dumb. Somebody has to try to fix this. What your saying is we should all go hide in our closets and hope it gets better just because we dont know. We have to try.....
  • oldenburg06, on 10/15/2008, -3/+4See what Christopher Buckley has said about the conservative government. How is it that the party of "fiscal responsibility" has put us into such national debt? McCain and Co. have no business trying to say that they will fix the economy. He has been part of the problem--for how long now?
    What did Bill Clinton do for the economy? What have Republicans done since?
    Case closed.
    • uppitydiggers, on 10/15/2008, -0/+13Conservative government?

      I don't know what you're definition of a conservative is, but when you're speaking about government over the last 70 years (at least), the word conservative has no business being used.

      There are many conservatives in this country, but they aren't working in the government, and they're definitely not leading the Republican party, that's for sure.
    • swilk, on 10/16/2008, -1/+0yup...the world works a little differently than america.
  • swilk, on 10/16/2008, -2/+2i could get it done.
  • m0zzie, on 10/16/2008, -0/+29TODO:
    1. Ctrl+Z x 8 years.
  • Jsoul87, on 10/16/2008, -1/+3Makes sense. You can't fix 8 years of destruction in under 8 years. But you can steer ideals, perceptions and motivations in the right direction.
  • gordonf238, on 10/16/2008, -5/+1Well, at least McCain's got a possible early ticket out (Oh, I'm just kidding folks, I wish him all the best but at his age and health, things just don't work so smoothly, regardless of how well you grease the gears).

    The bright side is, Sarah Palin would succeed him, which would inadvertently throw the country into mass chaos which even a topless spread of her couldn't alleviate (or could it?).

    You decide!
  • somedudemanguy, on 10/16/2008, -0/+10There will still be boobs in the depression right?
    • BlatheringIdiot, on 10/16/2008, -0/+4yeah, there will be boobies, but they will sag.
  • holzp, on 10/16/2008, -1/+3Bite your tongues, Bush has not nuked anyone yet. If he really wants to screw the next guy it is just about the only thing he has left to do.
    • mst3kcrow, on 10/16/2008, -0/+1...or a follow through on something similar to Operation Northwoods.
    • BlatheringIdiot, on 10/16/2008, -0/+1Heeeey, Condoleeza- what's this red button do?...
  • JHB800, on 10/16/2008, -0/+11Alright, I've been thinking about this a lot, and I actually think this poses a very real, and deadly, problem for Obama and the Democrats. Think about it; when they're elected (and they will be, that much is clear unless something BIG happens between now and the election), they'll be expected to fix the problems and fix them quickly. We are an instant gratification society; voters will expect the democrats to be able to fix it overnight and undo the damage that Bush did.

    But they won't be able to.

    When people realize that most of what has been promised will be unachievable, and that the economic problems won't simply go away on inauguration day, confidence in Obama and the democratic congress will plummet. There will be a case of 'buyer's remorse' the likes of which the world has never seen.
    • rbohlig, on 10/16/2008, -1/+2which is why i pray that Obama gets elected and the republicans nominate a "true" conservative and an electable candidate in 2012. However i do think McCain did much better tonight and he made a strong argument.
      • foxbuntu, on 10/16/2008, -1/+1What was that?

        McCain: "And the fine will be Zero?!"
        Obama: "Zero."
        McCain: "See Joe, there will be a fine."
        McCain: **Stares at Obama like a Deer in the headlights**

        Oh that's what you meant...
      • rbohlig, on 10/16/2008, -0/+1first of all if you believe that Obama will not raise a single tax on anyone under 250,000 dollars you are ignorant, He is very eloquent and knows how to duck and dodge questions that he has no business answering.

        McCain's strongest point last night was he attached "socialism" quite well to Obama. His spreading the wealth comment and tax policy comments will make a lot of middle americans rethink their choice
    • XEusioN, on 10/16/2008, -0/+1I agree with your post...just having "HOPE" doesn't cut it. "CHANGE" is just empty rhetoric, and doesn't just happen during one guy's term.
    • jessehadden, on 10/16/2008, -1/+6Why would we even expect the Democrats to "fix" anything? They helped make this mess. Any Democrat who talks sense (Kucinich, Gravel) gets knifed in the back by their own party. As individuals, the Democrats in power stand to gain a lot by keeping things as they are; money flowing, connections intact. As politicians and members of a party, they have a vested interest in letting things get/stay bad, so long as they can paint themselves in the public eye as "the opposite of the Republicans."

      When you elect a Republican or a Democrat, you are electing a party, not an individual. Obama is the media's darling, playing the role of the Liberal Messiah... Does a Liberal Messiah flip-flop on FISA and sell us all out? Does a Liberal Messiah vote to continue a war that he knows is wrong, to appear "patriotic?"
      • JHB800, on 10/16/2008, -1/+1Normally I would agree. However, in this case, Obama and the democrats must do something to fix the problems or they'll fritter away any inroads they made with regular folks in this election cycle. I think (and hope) that they understand the serious predicament they're in. Unfortunately, though, I think they're so intent on winning this election that they've forgotten about the work that has to come after it.
      • runlikell, on 10/16/2008, -1/+0Obama is an individual who used a party to get the top. Must be a smart guy. Does that mean he's done some compromising? Of course. But it doesn't negate entirely who he really is. The president ultimately does what he want to. It is true that this often ends up working against the people because that usually translates to playing it safe with the special interests. Will Obama be that way? Definitely to some extent. But I think he'll do as much as he can get away with as any wise man would.
      • jessehadden, on 10/16/2008, -0/+2JHB800L: But *why* "must" Obama do any such thing? He has already been taught by his followers that he can betray them, lie to them, and sell out their interests -- even completely flip-flopping on a vital vote -- and there will be absolutely no consequences to him whatsoever.

        What has the Democratic party, and Obama in particular, learned from this experience?
    • Mujokan, on 10/16/2008, -1/+1Well, the alternative is leave it in the hands of the Republicans and run America into the ground. Like they say about getting old, it's better than the alternative.
    • LibrlH8R, on 10/24/2008, -0/+0when" Obama fails to act properly in this situation, All of you geniuses who voted for him will see him for what he really is...weak. Weak policies, Weak speaker, Weak man. I don’t want a bad economy as much as the next guy, but really people wake the F*** up and listen to Obama talk....don’t think about how he is different from Bush or the fact he is Black. Just listen....filter out the filibuster....He was preaching Socialism in the last debate. Is that what America is all about? Let Bob make millions and the rest of us reap the benefits of that??? If you want that then move to the USSR....wait...That failed too. Well, Good luck with Obama in office. From Obama’s own words you can easily infer (if you have a brain) that he and Joe Stalin...(communist leader of Russia during WW2..for those who are voting for Obama)....had the same speech before taking power in Russia. WAKE UP!!!!
  • Br3ach, on 10/16/2008, -2/+2It will probably take 20 years to get back to a pre-Bush era of economic strength and growth. Assuming Obama is elected (if he isnt I will lose any faith I had in the US political process isnt totally and completely corrupt) he will have a bigger mountain ahead that he can climb in one, or even two terms most likely. He can get things pointed to the right ideals that will eventually clean up the mess and keep it that way however.

    The next president will be more like a firefighter I would imagine, putting out the biggest blazes while the rest continues to burn down.
    • XEusioN, on 10/16/2008, -1/+1Oh yeah, if the Obamessiah loses the process is broken not the candidate. He IS infalliable after all...HAHAHAHA.
  • schnikies79, on 10/16/2008, -0/+2Our problems are a little bit bigger than something the president can fix.

    Even if they could, do you really think either of these guys are up to the task? Same poop, different pile.
  • bokimon, on 10/16/2008, -0/+1The next President must be strong with "The Force" to fix most of our problems. I'm just sayin' is all...
  • killtrocity, on 10/16/2008, -0/+1I too, have been afraid of this. We can only hope that Obama and the Democratic party can put a big enough dent in our problems that it is noticed. Maybe he will even run 2 terms.
  • Barackalypse, on 10/16/2008, -2/+10The solutions are stupidly simple:
    1. Bring home the troops
    2. Cut spending
    3. Cut taxes
    4. Start eliminating existing laws that negatively impact citizens liberty
    5. Veto everything Congress tries to do that doesn't involve numbers 1-4
    • DirtyVicar, on 10/16/2008, -0/+16. Subsidize more American Idol bread and circuses so voters won't fret about problems with #1 through #5.
    • newrebel, on 10/16/2008, -0/+0yur hired
    • mahadiga, on 10/16/2008, -2/+2My to do list:
      1. Stop all imports (for e.g. Chinese Products,Indian Services, Arab Oil)
      2. Spend (or Invest) all your cash
      3. Impose fine on people refusing to spend (or invest) their cash.
      • Mujokan, on 10/16/2008, -0/+11. Start a trade war with China and they'll nuke the US economy.
        2. What do you do with money besides spend it or save it? Not that many keep it in their mattresses.
  • JOEINDIAK, on 10/16/2008, -1/+2I am glad there a few sane people in the good ole US of A. The next Prez will be looked upon to FIX things for Joe the Plumber. But, I doubt our Corporate Democrats will help the next Democratic President to fix anything for Joe the Plumber.
  • nowdigthis, on 10/16/2008, -4/+1Re: Joe the Plumber: "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs." - Karl Obama ...er ur... Marx
  • MikeFallopian, on 10/16/2008, -0/+8Obama's got one hell of a balancing-act to pull off once he is elected. I really hope he's up to the task.
  • TinababyK, on 10/16/2008, -0/+2Who ever is going to be the next president , there is a tough time ahead for him. There is massive task , US is falling in depression one has to apply balanced approach to save US.
  • RogueGenius, on 10/16/2008, -1/+3Joe should ABSOLUTELY vote for McCain. The remaining 300 million of us... not so much. But Joe. Dude. That old man has your back.

    I would like to hear the truth for a change. This is the truth:

    1) we are mortgaged to the hilt.

    2) we need pay off our debts.

    3) though Obama clearly has the more sensible plan, but it's not nearly enough to fix this in a timely manner. McCain's help the individual mortgages is a good idea, but would be expensive to administer. It shouldn't have been dismissed so quickly.

    I want to hear someone say: we've been put in a really mess by the last administration and fixing it is going to HURT. If you want your children to inherent a first world nation, you have to bear that pain and fix the problem. You and I are partly responsible for this mess because we elected the leaders we have. Now you have to pay the price for your past stupidity.

    I don't know how that will 'play' with the base, but the man who says that will seriously get my attention.
    • newrebel, on 10/16/2008, -0/+1the last administration had nothing to do with it. blame the house and the senate Bill, i'll ***** anything that squats to piss Clinton and Bush # 1.
    • Veriander, on 10/16/2008, -0/+1"But Joe. Dude. That old man has your back."

      I don't think we agree on politics, and even though I'm voting for John McCain, that was funny. Thanks for the laugh!
  • mst3kcrow, on 10/16/2008, -0/+3Restore the Bill of Rights and quit appointing SCOTUS Judges with party ties and no care for individual rights or how their decisions impact ordinary citizens; that would be a good ***** start. This should go over smoothly considering both voted for individual rights....oh wait!
  • nowdigthis, on 10/16/2008, -3/+1Don't dig Marx? OK, comrades. How about this one -- Do any of you Obama worshippers have daughters, nieces, female cousins, etc? Try this one for size: Source: Worldnetdaily - (Your master, Obama says,) "I think that if women are registered for service...I think it will help send a message to my daughters that they've got obligations to their great country as do boys."
    • runlikell, on 10/16/2008, -0/+0What's wrong with women in this country feeling obligated to do some service for it?
    • nowdigthis, on 10/16/2008, -0/+2Nothing at all; in fact it's very commendable. Army Specialist, 19-year-old Monica Lin Brown is only the 2nd woman since World War II to be awarded the Silver Medal for extreme gallantry under fire. She crawled through enemy fire to shield helpless, wounded fellow soldiers WITH HER OWN BODY. You can read many stories recounting her bravery from publications worldwide by googling her name. The point is (perhaps) that parents should know before voting exactly what the "military draft policies" of their candidate are. Make sense? Semper Fi and God bless. P.S. I'm a Vietnam-era Army veteran.
      • Mujokan, on 10/16/2008, -0/+1This is selective service, not the draft. And given how unlikely a draft is, it's symbolic.

        "And I think that if women are registered for service -- not necessarily in combat roles, and I don't agree with the draft -- I think it will help to send a message to my two daughters that they've got obligations to this great country as well as boys do."

        But if you did have such a disaster that you needed a draft, wouldn't it be worth having women on file? Doesn't mean you're going to send them into the infantry.
      • runlikell, on 10/16/2008, -0/+0Personally, I think McCain, who has already said "there are going to be more wars, I'm sorry to tell you" is the guy most likely to get us in a situation where a draft is necessary.
      • thealsir, on 10/17/2008, -0/+1What exactly are you saying? I mean I can't really see your point beyond "Obama will cause women to get drafted if a draft is instated!" I'm pretty sure that'd happen under McCain too.
  • rickeylynnbrown, on 10/16/2008, -10/+1A pilots perspective on Obama ,,,,,,,,,,DO I HAVE THIS STRAIGHT? HIS FATHER WAS A BLACK AFRICAN MUSLIM FROM KENYA. WE HAVE SEEN PICTURES OF HIS AFRICAN FAMILY. HIS MOTHER WAS A WHITE AMERICAN ATHEIST FROM KANSAS. WHERE ARE THE PICTURES OF HIS AMERICAN FAMILY? HIS FATHER DESERTED HIS MOTHER WHEN HE WAS ONLY TWO YEARS OLD AND WENTBACK TO AFRICA BY WAY OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY. HOW? WAS HIS FATHERWEALTHY? HIS MOTHER MARRIED AN INDONESIAN MUSLIM AND THEN MOVED TO JAKARTA WHEREHE WAS ENROLLED IN A MUSLIM SCHOOL. WHEN HE REACHED HIGH SCHOOL AGE HIS MOTHER SENT HIM TO HAWAII TO BE WITHHIS WHITE GRANDPARENTS AND HE WAS PUT INTO AN EXPENSIVE PRIVATE SCHOOL.HE LATER WENT TO HARVARD UNIVERSITY. HOW? WERE HIS GRANDPARENTS RICH? HE NOW LIVES IN A $1.4 MILLION HOUSE OBTAINED THROUGH A DEAL WITH AWEALTHY FUNDRAISER. HOW? WHERE DID HE GET THE MONEY? HE 'WORKED' AS A CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST IN CHICAGO. HE HAS NEVER HELD APRODUCTIVE JOB OR RECEIVED A PAY CHECK THAT WAS NOT GOVERNMENT-FUNDEDAND/OR TAYPAYER SUPPORTED. THE PRESIDENCY IS NOT A CIVIL RIGHTS POSITION, NOR IS IT SUBJECT TOAFFIRMATIVE ACTION SET ASIDES; ON-THE-JOB TRAINING WON'T CUT IT. HE ENTERED POLITICS AT THE STATE LEVEL AND THEN THE NATIONAL LEVEL WHEREHE HAS MINIMAL EXPERIENCE. HE IS PROUD OF HIS 'AFRICAN HERITAGE' (A FATHER WHO GOT A WHITE GIRLPREGNANT AND DESERTED HER). WHERE IS THE PRIDE IN HIS 'WHITE HERITAGE'? (A MOTHER WHO FLAUNTEDCONVENTION AND DID NOT BELIEVE IN GOD). SOME MIGHT THINK THERE WAS NOT MUCH TO BE PROUD OF EITHER WAY. HE BELONGS, AND HAS BELONGED FOR OVER 20 YEARS, TO AN 'AFRO-CENTRIC'CHURCH IN CHICAGO THAT HATES WHITES, HATES JEWS, AND BLAMES AMERICA FORALL THE WORLD'S PERCEIVED FAULTS. (INCLUDING CREATING THE AIDs VIRUS INORDER TO INFLICT IT ON AFRICANS). HE REPEATEDLY WHITEWASHES THE PASTOR, HIS CHURCH AND THE MEMBERS WHOCHEERED AFTER HEARING VITRIOLIC TIRADES AGAINST AMERICA . HE COULD NOT CONFRONT HIS PASTOR BUT HE WANTS US TO BELIEVE HE CANCONFRONT NORTH KOREA AND IRAN ? YEAH RIGHT ! ! DURING HIS VERY BRIEF TIME IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE HE HAS MANAGED TOAMASS THE NUMBER ONE ULTRA LEFT-WING LIBERAL VOTING RECORD OUT OF THEONE HUNDRED MEMBERS. HE HAS VOTED CONSISTENTLY FOR BIGGER GOVERNMENT AND HIGHER TAXES. HEHAS VOTED FOR BIG ENTITLEMENTS AND LEGISLATION THAT WOULD SEVERELYCURTAIL AMERICA 'S ABILITY TO FIGHT TERRORISM AND TO PROTECT OUR BORDERSAND OUR NATIONAL INTERESTS AROUND THE WORLD. BUT, HE IS A GOOD ORATOR. ISN'T THAT A COMFORT? YEAH, I THINK I SEE HOW WELL HE COULD UNITE THE COUNTRY. I THINK THE TRUTH IS THAT HE HOPES NO ONE WILL PUT THE PIECES TOGETHER. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO OUR NEW CHIEF PILOT. HEHAS NEVER FLOWN AN AIRPLANE, IN FACT HE HAS NEVER EVEN SAT IN THECOCKPIT, BUT HE SAYS HE HAS RIDDEN ON PLANES BEFORE. WE ARE SURE HE WILLGUIDE US SAFELY THROUGH THE STORMS WE MAY ENCOUNTER ON THIS FLIGHT. PEOPLE WHAT ARE YOU THINKING? HAVE YOU NEVER HEARD THE STORY ABOUT THEWOLF HIDING IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING SO HE CAN DESTROY THEM FROM WITHIN?THE HANDWRITING IS ON THE WALL. DO YOU NOT HAVE EYES TO SEE IT OR AREYOU GOING TO VOTE PARTY LINES OR VOTING JUST BECAUSE HE IS BLACK ANDFORGET THE POSSIBLE OUTCOME? THINK LONG AND HARD BEFORE YOU VOTE FOR THIS GUY! CONSIDER YOUR KIDS &GRANDKIDS. THEIR FUTURE IS IN OUR VOTING HANDS.
    • smacksaw, on 10/16/2008, -1/+2I would take seriously what you had to say if you appeared to be a person worthy of taking seriously.
    • ldmyers, on 10/16/2008, -1/+2Hey I'm glad your caps lock is working.
    • Veriander, on 10/16/2008, -2/+1You nailed that on the head. Obama is so charismatic, articulate, and smooth that most of his supporters are for him on that basis alone. Plus he tickles the itch to support a person of color.

      Obama measures each word before it leaves his mouth. He's one of the most guarded people I've ever seen. If he is elected, I'm convinced that Obama will lead the United States towards complete Socialism.
    • Mujokan, on 10/16/2008, -0/+1No.
  • smacksaw, on 10/16/2008, -0/+1Great headline, preneel...oh wait...
  • newrebel, on 10/16/2008, -3/+1I agree the next President must be strong minded and strong willed. Mr. McCain spent 5 years in a North Vietnamese POW camp being starved and beaten. When he was given the chance to come home he passed and instead stuck to his morales and his loyalty and stayed behind with the rest of his brave comrades. When he came back he was just as proud to be an American and proud of his country as he is today. This is something that has been overlooked by his campaign and the American voters especially Oblama/Biden supporters who refuse to see who the real American for President should be.
  • runlikell, on 10/16/2008, -1/+1The president can only do so much, but there is still a clear difference of choice in this election between someone who will probably push us far in the right direction and someone who probably won't. Obama is the best man for the job, period. But if he gets elected, there is still going to be an enormous amount of work to do down here at the grass roots level. The reality is, the need for grass roots organizing in this country (and on this planet) is one that won't be going away any time in the near future. So we should just accept that and continue to (or, for some, begin to) do our part. This is something that Obama has always been vocal and honest about.
  • Jude007, on 10/16/2008, -2/+1Just looking at the statistics Obama polled higher for his in ability to put through his promises due to the economy than McCain, but still they are voting for him, why? You know its all a pack of lies, any chance of a convenient excuse and he's not going to do any of it, the only thing you gonna get his him mesmerizing you with words, but still you vote for him. LOL. I is exactly the same as Bush, little or no substance, a man devoid of character or personality, spineless and shallow. In the end exactly like Bush, the wolves are going to eat him alive.
  • nowdigthis, on 10/16/2008, -0/+0If you're really interested in Obama's views on a military draft, simply google: obama military draft.
  • kellercj, on 10/16/2008, -0/+1What, nothing on education?
  • nowdigthis, on 10/18/2008, -0/+0thealsir: If Obama's elected, well-trained servicemen/women will leave the service in droves, once their enlistments are over. Remember, Obama disdains the military, has absolutely no military background of any kind; and, to make matters worse, he insulted all servicemen/women by refusing to visit wounded servicemen last July when he was in Berlin. He went to a gym workout instead (factcheck.org). I wouldn't ever choose voluntarily to serve under him and I think this will hold true for most present military personnel. This, obviously, will necessitate an immediate equally-shared, nonexempt military draft. (Also, google Congressman Charles Rangel/military draft). McCain has stated many times that there will be no draft if he's elected in November, because he fully agrees with the current voluntary service. Current military personnel admire and have complete trust in John McCain -- he is one of us, and always will be.
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