The head man at the World Bank calls for a new world financial order in this column which lists his ideas that would reform Bretton Woods II, including a return to some form of international gold standard.

If this blogger is right, and his labor statistics seem pretty compelling, then we will not get out of this period of high unemployment for many years. That will probably mean a new President in 2013.

Irish debt continues to be a problem for Europe. Greek election results don't make me feel any better, despite the spin put on them by the Prime Minister of the country.

Robert J. Samuelson explains why the Chinese continue to follow mercantilist policies, and why that bodes ill for any global, cooperative effort to return to growth and stability.

Victor Davis Hanson is still worried, despite the GOP victories. Those victories were deep and broad, according to Michael Barone.

Toby Harnden says President Obama will not be able to pivot to the center as Bill Clinton did after the 1994 mid-term election.

George Will says the President and the Democrats remain in denial.

Jay Cost explains why Nancy Pelosi can realistically remain as the Democratic leader in the House through an examination of the electoral base of her party.

Bill Kristol is perfectly happy to see Pelosi continue in her post, as it will allow the GOP to run against the Obama-Reid-Pelosi leadership team once again in 2012.

Many things can happen between now and November, 2012. But, if unemployment remains high, economic growth remains slow, and our debt and deficit position continues to deteriorate, it will be extremely difficult for President Obama to make the case for a second term. Candidates matter, of course, as we saw in Delaware and Nevada. The GOP will need a nominee who can make himself (or herself) acceptable to the independent voters of the country, as Reagan did in 1980, despite all the efforts of the press to label him as an extremist. Let the contest begin!