Okay, we're probably going to disagree more than we agree, but perhaps we can have a good conversation, perhaps even because of that.
(1) Obama wanted to lead for all Americans. He just did, whether or not that was a mistake.
(2) Needed a movement on his left pushing for progressive goals and methods.
(3) Infrastructure projects were very popular politically early '09 (maybe sooner), even though per economist Paul Krugman you can't ramp these up quickly enough in macro terms, regarding GDP, employment, etc.
(4) You got to bail out the same banks which got us in this mess in the first place. Both Pres. Bush and Pres. Obama did this.
(5) But once the situation is stabilized, you've got to use Sherman antitrust or similar to break up the big boy banks in a lawful, organized manner.
(6) De-centralized community groups which address local issues, and also talk about the decline of middle-class jobs. Huge issue.
(7) and along the way, almost casually, talk about local infrastructure projects, compare their costs to similar projects elsewhere, and in this way, provide real oversight.
(8) still being very honest, worthwhile projects in their own right, but not going to provide near enough jobs.
(9) maybe, maybe hit upon the idea that what people really object to with the Affordable Care Act is that you're overlaying one more layer of complexity to an already complex system!
(10) maybe a straight up or down vote on extending Medicare to young citizens and permanent residents from 0 - 25 years of age. With emergency care plus for other persons in the country.
(11) maybe, maybe hitting upon the idea that what you need in economics is clearer feedback and rapid-cycle feedback, with the approach of medium step, feedback, medium step, feedback.